Where to use the Fall Protection System

The purpose of the Fall Protection System is to reduce the fall potential of personnel working at heights to less than two metres. The Fall Protection System has been designed for use principally inside a building during construction, where the fall bags will be enclosed by walls or partitions.

Checking fall bags

Each and every fall bag will be visually inspected to ensure that there is no damage to the outer casing. The clips will be inspected for damage to ensure that they are fully operational. Any build up of mortar or mud will be removed with a stick hand brush. The overall appearance of the fall bag will be assessed to check if the energy absorbent material has not been crushed.

Installation at ground floor

The concrete oversite should be cleared of all rubbish and sharp objects and swept out to provide a clear surface on which to install the fall bags. The fall bags will be clipped together to form one complete unit. As each fall bag is installed it will be pushed hard into the previous fall bag to ensure that a continuous mat is assembled. All clips except those on the perimeter will be used. Where the area of the floor to be covered by the final row of fall bags is smaller than the length or width of the bag, the fall bag will simply curve up the perimeter wall (this should direct a falling body onto the "Fall Protection System"). It is advisable to protect the perimeter of the Fall Protection System from falling mortar by means of strips of polythene, etc...

Checking installation

Once the fall bags are installed the "foot test" will be carried out. This is a simple way to check that the fall bags have been correctly installed, you will be unable to push your foot in-between the fall bags. If the foot test fails additional bags will be installed.

Installation at first floor joists

Once floor joists are fixed and brickwork has been completed to storey height, the fall bags will be used for protection on the next floor passing them up through the stairwell opening. Alternatively a forklift truck fitted with the special "bag" stillage can be used to offer up the bags to the operatives standing on the scaffold. The stillage will be raised so that each layer of the bags can be pulled on the scaffold over the handrail on to the scaffold platform.
At first floor it is recommended that the fall bags are laid on "weather deck" or similar weatherproof flooring, however this is not essential. Particular care should be taken at stairwells, which must be adequately boarded over to ensure that a firm base is in place for the fall bags. The fall bags will not span a stairwell without support. Use scaffold boards or similar, directly on the joists at right angels to the joists, to provide an adequate safe working platform for operatives to install the fall bags.

Installation in Multi-Storey Buildings

Dependant on the construction method, installation of the bags follows the same basic procedures as above and is applicable where fall potential is below 2.5 metres. If the fall protection exceeds 2.5 metres a further layer (or layers) of bags will be required. In addition to the standard size bag, a larger size bag is available where higher ceiling heights are encountered. In all cases the fall potential must be less than two metres, to comply with section 12 paragraph 4 of the Working at Height Regulation 2005. It is essential that a safe working platform is in place for the operatives passing the bags from one floor to another. The bags are extremely strong but like all equipment should be treated with care to ensure a long life.

Removal of safety bags

Safety bags will be removed on completion of joinery work on joists or roof trusses.

Caution

The Fall Protection System bags are very strong but should only be walked on where absolutely necessary. Continual walking on the fall bags will eventually compress the energy-absorbing fill and thus reduce the life expectancy of the bags. The inner fill material could burn if direct flame is applied, so we recommend storage of the bags in a secure location away from any fire source.

Installation supervision

Competent personnel, trained and certified by Fall Protection UK staff or their appointed agents, should only carry out the installation of the Fall Protection System. Once the installation is complete a designated person employed by the main contractor will approve it.

Reporting system

Where someone has fallen into the Fall Protection System the details of the fall should be reported to our office.

Requirements to comply with safety

Provide a clear and obstacle free working area. Ensure no unauthorised/unqualified personnel alter or remove the safety system. Ensure the safety system is not misused or abused by on site personnel, e.g.fall bags not to be used as a form of temporary staging.