Section 2.1 Safe Work Procedures Rope Access: Pre-job Hazard Assessment

The purpose of this procedure is to establish requirements for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards prior to the commencement of rope access operations.

Proper pre-job planning and hazard assessment are essential to ensuring the safety of workers, the public, equipment, and property.

Scope

This procedure applies to all employees, supervisors, subcontractors, and personnel involved in rope access operations performed on behalf of Vertex Building Maintenance.

Procedure

Pre-Job Planning

Prior to the commencement of rope access work, a pre-job hazard assessment will be completed by a competent person or designated supervisor.

The assessment shall consider:

• Scope of work
• Access and egress
• Rescue capability
• Weather and environmental conditions
• Public exposure
• Building or structural conditions
• Equipment requirements
• Communication methods
• Worker competency and staffing requirements

Work shall not begin until hazards have been identified and appropriate controls implemented.

Hazard Identification

Hazards may include, but are not limited to:

• Fall hazards
• Dropped object hazards
• Unsafe anchor locations
• Sharp edges or abrasive surfaces
• Electrical hazards
• Weather conditions
• Slippery surfaces
• Public access below work areas
• Structural deficiencies
• Restricted rescue access
• Fatigue or worker fitness concerns
• Vehicle or pedestrian traffic
• Hazardous materials or chemical exposure

Workers are expected to continuously monitor for changing conditions throughout operations.

Hazard Controls

Appropriate hazard controls will be implemented prior to work beginning.

Controls may include:

• Barricades and exclusion zones
• Tool tethering
• Edge protection
• Anchor verification
• Additional supervision
• Modified work methods
• PPE requirements
• Weather monitoring
• Rescue equipment staging
• Traffic or pedestrian control measures

Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled, work shall not proceed.

Rescue Planning

A site-specific rescue plan will be reviewed prior to the commencement of rope access work.

The rescue plan shall consider:

• Access to suspended workers
• Rescue equipment requirements
• Communication methods
• Emergency contact procedures
• Environmental conditions
• Availability of trained rescue personnel

Workers shall not rely solely on emergency services for rescue response.

Communication

All workers involved in rope access operations will participate in a pre-job briefing or toolbox talk prior to beginning work.

The briefing may include:

• Scope of work
• Identified hazards
• Rescue procedures
• Weather conditions
• Public protection measures
• Roles and responsibilities
• Emergency procedures.

Workers shall be provided the opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns.

Documentation

Hazard assessments and related documentation shall be completed and maintained in accordance with company procedures.

Documentation may include:

• Hazard assessment forms
• Rescue plans
• Equipment inspection records
• Toolbox talks
• Site-specific procedures

Stop Work Requirements

Work shall be stopped immediately where:

• Hazards are not adequately controlled
• Conditions change significantly
• Rescue capability becomes compromised
• Unsafe acts or conditions are identified
• Weather conditions become unsafe
• Equipment defects are identified.

Work may only resume once hazards have been reassessed and appropriate controls implemented.

Responsibilities

Supervisors

Supervisors are responsible for:

• Completing or reviewing hazard assessments
• Ensuring appropriate controls are implemented
• Verifying rescue capability
• Communicating hazards and procedures to workers
• Monitoring changing site conditions.

Workers

Workers are responsible for:

• Participating in hazard assessments and toolbox talks
• Following established controls and procedures
• Reporting hazards or unsafe conditions immediately
• Exercising stop work authority where required

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this procedure may result in disciplinary action, removal from site, or termination of employment or contract.