What is the rule to know if you need to use fall protection equipment in Toronto? Are these devices mandatory? Generally speaking, when there is a risk of falling from more than 3 metres, protective equipment is required.
Each year, falls from heights are responsible for many injuries and even deaths in Ontario. Collective and personal protective equipment has been designed to eliminate the risk of falling and to keep workers safe. However, there are other safety guidelines for creating a safe workplace.
To ensure worker safety during work at height, Delta Prevention presents you the main safety guidelines to follow in Toronto.
When is it necessary to install fall protection equipment in Toronto?
The city of Toronto follows the same safety guidelines for fall protection in Ontario. When workers are exposed to a risk of falling from more than 3 metres (10 feet), it is mandatory to use appropriate protective equipment.
Using a freestanding guardrail system is recommended if an employee is exposed to a risk of falling from 2.4 metres (8 feet) or more. For all work on a roof in Toronto, it is therefore necessary to use the appropriate safety devices.
Fall protection equipment in Toronto: our suggestions for collective and personal protective equipment
1. The freestanding guardrail
When it comes to fall prevention, the freestanding guardrail system is the best collective safety device. These systems can be installed on roofs with or without parapets and directly on the membrane, without perforation.
In addition to being fast and easy to install, Delta Prevention offers versatile and customizable systems. You can therefore easily set them up according to your roof and your protection needs.
To this day, guardrails are the most effective safety devices for preventing falls from heights, and the minimum to offer to protect employees working at height.
2. The extension ladder stabilizer
Did you know that the vast majority of accidents at height occur on access ladders? Indeed, a lack of stability or a moment of inattention are responsible for many falls. The extension ladder stabilizer is therefore a fall prevention device that deserves to be known. This device offers workers additional protection while moving on an access ladder.
3. Warning lines
Marking off dangerous areas is a great way to prevent falls. By identifying them with warning lines, you offer workers the possibility to quickly recognize at-risk areas.
In addition, much like freestanding guardrails, these lines can be installed without perforation directly on the membrane.
4. Other guardrail systems
The edge of the roof isn’t the only place where falls happen. The other elements that make up a roof also contain their share of risks.
We therefore recommend using guardrails for skylights, ladders, and access hatches for optimal fall protection.
Fall protection equipment in Toronto: 3 other guidelines to follow
Using the right fall protection equipment in Toronto goes without saying, but there are also other ways to prevent falls. To maintain a safe working environment during work at height, here is what employers can offer:
- Training for working at heights in Ontario;
- A fall protection program;
- A written fall protection plan that complies with fall prevention laws in Toronto.
Do you need more information about fall protection equipment in Toronto? Contact our fall prevention specialists today. Our experts will take the time to guide you through the different equipment, and they will be pleased to answer all your questions.