Do you want to learn more about fall protection equipment and laws in Calgary? Our fall prevention specialists have put together this handy little guide to answer all your questions.
Slips, trips, and falls are among the 4 most common fatal accidents in the workplace. In the United States, more than 5,200 workplace accidents were identified. Canada is no exception, with nearly 900 accidents identified in 2016.
From these tragedies, the need for regulations and standards was born, including the standards of the CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety). What are these standards in Calgary, and what is the recommended equipment to ensure the safety of workers at height?
Discover everything there is to know about this topic thanks to the fall prevention specialists from Delta Prevention. Our experts have done the research for you and are pleased to enlighten you on the subject. Here are a few safety guidelines to follow as well as our recommendations for prevention equipment.
1. When is it necessary to install fall protection equipment in Calgary?
In Calgary, the rules of the CCOHS must be followed. The fall protection guidelines in Alberta are clear. Fall protection equipment must be installed when workers are exposed to a risk of falling from more than 3 metres (10 feet).
If you’re looking for high-quality fall protection equipment, don’t hesitate to ask our specialists for advice. We will help you find the necessary fall prevention devices to maximize the safety of your workers at height.
2. Fall protection equipment in Calgary: our recommendations for optimal safety at height
Freestanding guardrails
The first piece of recommended fall protection equipment will always be the freestanding guardrail system. This is the best collective safety device in the industry, because it protects all the people exposed to the same fall risk.
In addition, this system is fast and easy to install and risk-free for your roof. It is installed directly on the membrane, but doesn’t require any perforation. Delta Prevention also offers freestanding guardrails that are easy to set up according to your protection needs.
This equipment is the minimum to offer to protect workers at height and the most effective prevention device to date. We highly recommend it for optimal safety when working at height.
Extension ladder stabilizers
Although the edge of the roof is one of the main areas to protect, don’t overlook all the other elements of the roof. Many accidents occur each year on roof access ladders. That’s why we now recommend using an extension ladder stabilizer.
This device can be used to protect the teams on an extension ladder, mobile ladder, or portable ladder. However, it is not suitable for use with a fixed ladder.
The extension ladder stabilizer protects workers, preventing them from slipping outwards by expanding the base of the ladder and significantly reducing the risk of slipping sideways at the top.
By enhancing the stability of the ladder, you reduce the risks of falling when moving on the ladder. This device therefore offers additional protection to your teams who are working on the roof and who need to use the access ladder.
Fall protection equipment in Calgary: warning lines
Another safety guideline to keep in mind is marking. By placing easy-to-spot safety devices such as roof warning lines, you allow workers to quickly recognize at-risk areas.
These lines are also installed directly on the membrane without perforation. You can therefore easily set them up according to your needs.
Other guardrail systems
Are all your work areas well-protected? Fall protection isn’t just about the edge of the roof. Many other elements can cause accidents and injuries. In addition to the extension ladder stabilizer, there are other guardrails to improve worker safety when working at height.
You should therefore consider acquiring guardrails for skylights, ladders, and access hatches. The more your work area is protected, the more you reduce the risk of injuries or fatal accidents in your workplace.
A few additional safety guidelines
The safety guidelines of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety aren’t limited to using fall protection equipment in Calgary. In addition to the equipment and the 3-metre rule, it is recommended:
- To offer training that meets CCOHS standards in Alberta;
- To have a fall protection plan if workers are exposed to a risk of falling from more than 3 metres, and they are not protected by a guardrail.
Looking for fall protection equipment in Calgary? Contact the specialists from Delta Prevention today. We will help you find the equipment that will meet all your fall prevention needs.