Construction workers (electrictians, welders, fitters, carpenters, etc.) routinly work 6' above the floor (and much higher).  A common secenior is a pipefitter and welder will have to walk/crawl/scoot throughout an elevated pipe or utility rack near the building ceiling to install new pipe and make field welds.  Workers are properly tied-off when they are at their specfic work location but may need to unattach breify as they make their way around in the piperack.  My question is; does OSHA require 100% fall protection at all times?  Should they be using double lanyards insuring at least one lanyard is attached before unattaching the second to move?  A ratline would be the best solution but the facility is not going to put one in their rack for work of a short duration.  Suggestions?

With regard to an employee working while on an elevated pipe rack, please be advised that such a situation to be in compliance with OSHA fall protection regulations if 1) the employee is protected at all times by an adequate fall arrest system (body belt/harness and lanyard), 2) a safe means of access and egress is provided, and 3) the work can be performed with reasonable ease without a platform.

then it would be acceptable provided 100% fall protection is maintained and proper access and egress are maintained.

another issue is anytime that you have to access something and transfer from, around or climb over a competent person should evaluate the scenario and 100% tie off should be maintained to eliminate the chance of a fall.

 

dave

 

Our company recently purchased a device called a Wishbone.  I found their website, http://www.wishbonesafety.com, if you want more info.  We are using it for transfering from helicopters to fixed platforms and towers.  It allows for 100% fall safety and complies with OSHA standards.