Blog Post #119 – Fall Protection – Section 26.1 of the Construction Regulation 213/91 – First in Series

As promised, I will spell out the main points for the Fall Protection requirements for the Construction Regulation 213/91. Section 26 of that regulation has 9 separate sub-sections which need to be properly identified and addressed.

The information is extensive so I have decided to have a 9 day feature series discussing each part in detail.

Section 26.1

1) A worker shall be adequately protected by a guardrail system that meets the requirements of subsection 26.3 (2) to (8) Note, * (you will have to wait until section 26.3 is discussed in greater detail)
2) Despite subsection (1), if it is not reasonably possible to install a guardrail system as the subsection requires, a worker shall be adequately protected by at least one of the following methods of fall protection:

1. A travel restraint that meets the requirements of section 26.4
2. A fall restricting system that meets the requirements of section 26.5.
3. A fall arrest system, other than a fall restricting system designed for use in wood pole climbing that meets the requirements of section 26.6.
4. A safety net that meets the requirements of section 26.8

3) The National Standards of Canada play a large part in the engineering of the products. Below are eight of the standards appropriate to the listed Fall Protection concerns:

1. CSA Z259.1 — 05: Body Belts and Saddles for Work Positioning and Travel Restraint
2. CSA Z259.2.1 — 98 (R2008) : Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines and Rails
3. CSA Z259.2.2 — 98 (R2004): Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall-Arrest Systems
4. CSA Z259.2.3 — 99 (R2004) : Descent Control Devices
5. CSA Z259.10 — 06 : Full Body Harnesses
6. CSA Z259.11 — 05: Energy Absorbers and Lanyards
7. CSA Z259.12 — 01 (R2006) : Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAs)
8. CSA Z259.14 — 01 (R2007) Fall Restrict Equipment for Wood Pole Climbing

4) Before any use of a fall arrest system or a safety net by a worker at a project, the worker’s employer shall develop written procedures for rescuing the worker after his or her fall has been arrested.

My opinion

The manufacturer needs to ensure that their ‘Fall Protection’ products meet the appropriate CSA standard to be able to sell their products in Canada. The employer needs to be certain that:

a) The equipment is there for the employee to be used in the appropriate situation;
b) Training is provided to cover competency under the OHSA;
c) They understand the appropriate CSA and how it affects their workplace;
d) They have a rescue plan already in place in the event of a fall by their employee;
e) Their equipment meets the appropriate standard; and
f) They know the suggested shelf life of the ‘Fall Protection’ equipment as defined by the product manufacturers.

The next installment of the ‘Fall Protection’ series will describe 26.2.

As a reminder, Falls are the leading cause of death in the ‘Construction’ sector. It is understandable to have the majority of the ‘Fall Protection’ legislation right here where it belongs.

Remember — In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Foundation Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.