NWS Safety Manual (PDF) - NEXRAD Radar Operations Center ...

NWSM 50-1115 SEPTEMBER 14, 2011Work Positioning Assembly. A system designed for work positioning. Typically consists of apositioning lanyard connected to positioning D-rings of a harness.Y Lanyard. (100% Tie-Off). Two-legged lanyard with an integral shock absorber, which allowsworker to be tied off to one anchorage point all the time even when moving from one location toanother. Each leg is terminated by a connector (snap-hook or carabiner) and a center connector(usually snap-hook) attaches to a back (dorsal) D-ring of a worker’s harness.1.3 Procedure1.3.1 General. Fall protection systems (e.g., guardrails, railings, safety nets, personal restraintand fall arrest systems, positioning systems, temporary scaffolding) are required under thefollowing conditions:a. When potential fall distance is six feet or more (e.g., radar pedestals, towers, rivergauges, unguarded roofs on Upper Air Buildings).b. When potential fall distance is 6 feet or less under particularly hazardouscircumstances (e.g., working over objects or equipment imposing an impalementhazard).NOTE: Fall protection equipment is not required for the HVAC fixed ladder inside WFObuildings. Personnel climbing the HVAC fixed ladder should still exercisecaution and abide by the rules in section 14.3.6, paragraphs l and m.1.3.2 Fall Protection Safe Work Practices.A Fall Protection Program Leader (Competent Climber) shall be designated at each field stationto administer fall protection program as required by this procedure. An effective fall protectionprogram starts with preplanning which includes identifying locations, equipment, techniques, thepeople, and emergency response. All locations with work areas above six feet (towers, rivergages) shall be assessed for fall hazards including environmental hazards such as ice, rain, etc.Fall hazards can be controlled by using appropriate fall protection solutions. The hierarchy ofFall Protection should be applied to any fall hazards in order to identify the best solution for aspecific situation. In order of best to worst these solutions are:• Hazard Elimination (engineering controls)• Traditional Fall Protection (guardrails, covers, barriers)• Fall restraint (roof restraint systems)• Fall Arrest System (towers, vertical structures)• Work procedures (used in construction industry and shall not be used at NWSfacilities).a. Prior to conducting work on towers, river gauges or similar structures,coordination with the local emergency response organization(s) should beconducted to determine the ability of the organization(s) to respond to theemergency and provide a rescue within 30 minutes.1−4