Training

Fall Arrest

 

Install, use and perform basic rescues from fall arrest systems and implement the fall protection plan

Unit Standard: 229995

NQF Level: 2

Credits : 3

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

Learners wishing to acquire the competencies in this standard will be people working at height where there is a risk of injury from a fall. Learners will be involved in performing tasks at height. Qualifying learners are able to take responsibility for inspection and installation of fall arrest systems and for implementing fall protection plans and rescues.

The qualifying learner is capable of:

Explaining the use of a range of fall arrest equipment and knowledge of applicable regulations.
Explaining and using basic rope knots. Installing and using fall arrest systems.

Inspecting and assembling fall arrest equipment and systems. Interpreting and implementing a fall protection plan. Performing basic fall arrest rescues to bring a casualty down to safety. In order for a successful learner of this standard to be able to function in a rope access operation, the learner must be medically fit and in possession of a medical certificate, declaring him/her free from a condition that may prevent him/her from working safely as specified in the range statement. (An example of the content of the medical certificate is available in SABS 0333:2 Annex A).

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners assessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence in:

Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.

Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to perform work at height where the learner will work under supervision.

In the context of this unit standards fall arrest refers to the principles needed to perform work at height safely. It applies to situations where work is performed at a height where there is risk of injury from a fall. In legislation the height is considered to be 3m above ground level.

 

Range statements that refer to assessment criteria

This unit standard is suitable for performing work at height under supervision.

Basic knots include double figure of eight, figure of eight on the bight and a figure stopper knot.

Compatibility of equipment of include but is not limited to size of anchor, sharp items, prevent damage, point loading, size of hook.

Connectors include but are not limited to maillons, locking karabiner, double action snap hook, pylon hook, double action scaffold hook.

Energy absorber includes fall arrest harness and work positioning system.

Fall arrest equipment include personal equipment, full body harness, deceleration devices, lifelines, helmet, work positioning system, lanyard and energy absorber, shock absorbing lanyard, retractable life-line. It excludes body belts.

Fall arrest system includes energy absorbing lanyard including 2 singles, v-type, double legged lanyard or double lanyard.

Fall prevention equipment includes personal equipment, body harness, body belt, lanyard, lifelines, physical equipment, including but not limited to guardrails, screens, barricades, anchorages.

Fall protection plan includes risk assessment, procedures to address risks, evaluation of fitness (physical and psychological), training, inspection testing and maintenance of fall arrest equipment.

Hardware includes connectors, maillons, locking karabiner, and double action hooks. Inspection criteria for hardware include checking hardware for damage, deformation and functioning.

Hazards include but are not limited to potential falls of persons, material, equipment, strong winds, fumes, electricity and so forth).

Lanyards include single legged lanyards, work-positioning lanyards.

Legislation governing the safety of work at height includes awareness of the existence of legislation and regulations.

Medically fit means learners should be free from any disability that may prevent them from working safely. These include but are not limited to heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fits and blackouts, fear of heights, giddiness or difficulty with balance, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug dependence, psychiatric illness, and diabetes. Physical and psychological fitness necessary to work at elevated positions.

PPE include but is not limited to helmets with a chinstrap, gloves, goggles, safety footwear, close-fitting overalls or items specified for the task. Inspection criteria for helmets include damage, intact chinstrap.

Risks while awaiting rescues can include suspension trauma, position, physical injury, injury from hot surfaces, electricity, fumes, water. Feet to be kept moving to prevent reduced flow of blood to the brain that can lead to unconsciousness or death.

Slings include but are not limited to certified tape slings, wire slings and rope slings.

Unassisted rescues without ropes include but is not limited to inertia reels, rope blocks, chain blocks, ladders, cherry pickers).

Software includes harness, work positioning harness, and absorbing lanyard. Inspection criteria for software include checking stitching, webbing, identification or labels, buckles, D-rings and connectors.