Codes of Safe Practices

   

CONTROLLED ACCESS ZONE (Safety Monitoring System) 
A Controlled Access Zone is used for leading edge or fixed edge work where a minimum distance from the edge of 6 ft is used to protect employees not wearing fall arrest or fall restraint equipment.

NOTE: The Controlled Access Zone should be expanded during adverse condition, (e.g. slippery roof) or when working at an additional elevation within the "Safe Zone" (e.g. on a step ladder).

1.      Make sure the controlled access zone is defined by a control line or by any other means that restricts access, and make sure signs are posted to warn unauthorized employees to stay out of the controlled access zone.

2.      When control lines are used, make sure they are erected not less than 6 feet nor more than 25 feet from the unprotected or leading edge.

3.      Make sure control lines consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent materials clearly marked at not more than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility materials.

4.      Make sure each line is rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches from the working level/working area and its highest point is not more than 45 inches.

5.      Make sure each line has a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds.

6.      Make sure a competent person is designated to monitor the safety of other employees, and that this designated person complies with the following:

a.       Warn the employee when it appears that the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an unsafe manner;

  1. Stays within visual sighting distance of the employee or in direct communication with the employee being monitored
  2. Should not have other responsibilities which could take the monitor's attention from the monitoring function.

7.      Only authorized employees should be allowed in an area where an employee is being protected by a safety monitoring system.

8.      Each employee working in a controlled access zone will comply promptly with fall hazard warnings from the safety monitor.

9.      Make sure employees working within the "control zone" are using appropriate fall arrest or fall restraint equipment.