NIOSH PtD Publication Touts Embedded Fall Prevention Features
The new Workplace design solutions document cites steel embeds for guardrail support, embedded roof anchor points, and straps embedded in concrete.
A new Workplace design solutions publication from NIOSH encourages building owners and operators to take steps during retrofits, renovations, or new construction that will prevent falls from heights. The document four-page document touts the cost advantages of permanent features, citing studies published in 1997 and 2013.
The document cites steel embeds for guardrail support, embedded roof anchor points, and straps embedded in concrete. It was prepared by E.A. McKenzie, Jr., of NIOSH's Division of Safety Research; Matt Gillen of the Office of the Director; and Susan Afanuh of the Education and Information Division.
The recommendations for building owners and operators include performing a safety design review that considers fall hazards over the life cycle of the facility, consult with certified professional engineers to install new features or retrofits, having a competent person inspect fall arrest systems before and during installation, and, for new construction, to have an architect or structural engineer prepare a drawing showing the location of fall protection anchor points and their capacities.
Marjory Anderson, CSP, a safety engineer for the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and Kevin Wilcox, PE, CSP, a fall protection consultant with LJB Inc., explained in an November 2011 OH&S article how their organizations worked together to update the installed fall protection systems on the U.S. Capitol campus.