Masonry Magazine June 1995 Page. 12
Controlled Access Zone
Overhand Bricklaying
Defined by a control line
Not less than 10' nor more than 15' back from unprotected edge
Only those performing overhand bricklaying and related activities allowed
Each control line flagged at 6' intervals
Minimum breaking strength of line to be 200#
Lines no less than 39" and no more than 50" from floor
Doesn't include hoisting areas which must have standard fall protection
Only portion of guardrail removed to accomplish one day's work
Reaching more than 10" below the level of the working surface requires conventional fall protection methods
personnel critical to construction of the wall are allowed. This includes electricians or other trades who must be present to integrate pipe and/or other building components into the wall while it's being built. A controlled access zone consists of the following: A zone where only enough guardrail is removed from the floor edge to accomplish one day's work; The zone (including all ends) is established by lines or other types of barriers that enclose the work area from the rest of the floor, positioned no more than 15 feet and no less than 10 feet back from the working edge; The lines are secured to up-rights (e.g., weighted base stanchions, columns, etc.) and flagged every 6 feet; The lines have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds; The lines are no less than 39" and no more than 50" above the floor: Only personnel actually performing overhand verhand work are allowed in the zone; Reaching more than ten inches below the walking and working surface requires that employees be tied off or protected by guardrails, nets, etc. Potential problems in the use of a controlled access zone are: Ensuring other trades, with whom the mason has no contractual relationship(s), and therefore little control, stay out of the zone. Requires coordination with G.C./C.M./Owner. Ensuring that when trades other than the masons are present, (to install electrical conduit, etc.), the work area doesn't become overly crowded.
OSHA Rules and Regulations are minimum standards. Strict compliance with OSHA won't guarantee you an injury-free worksite. While OSHA doesn't require conventional fall protection systems to be used by workers performing overhand work at unprotected floor edges, it makes sense to examine work area(s) before beginning work to determine if suitable anchorage points for the installation of a horizontal lifeline are available. While masons tenders must be mobile, personnel working on a wall do much of their work from a stationary position. If lifelines are up and out of the way and they don't pose a tripping hazard, workers can secure their lanyards to the line and be protected from falls.
PHILIP COLLERAN, an OSHA Compliance Officer for seventeen years, is now a private consultant specializing in construction safety and health issues. He's the author of numerous articles on workplace safety and health.
Fall Protection Plan
Prepared by a "qualified" person
Maintained at the site
State why conventional fall protection methods don't work
Discussion of "supplemental" measures to be taken, e.g. ladders, scaffolding
I.D. each location/operation where plan will be implemented
Establish a Controlled Access Zone
Implement Safety Monitoring System
Investigate any "near misses"
Implement changes as required
12 MASONRY-MAY/JUNE, 1995