This document establishes a fall protection program for Ports America Terminal 7-D in Tacoma, Washington. It defines responsibilities for a program administrator, competent and qualified persons to oversee fall hazard assessments, training, procedures, equipment inspections, investigations and program evaluations. Specific procedures are outlined for when personnel need to work at heights, including inspections of fall arrest gear, briefings, tie-off points, communication methods and rescue procedures. Incident investigations, equipment checks, and annual program reviews are also addressed to continuously improve fall protection.

1. PORTS AMERICA Fall Protection Program for Terminal 7-D,
Tacoma, Washington
12/20/2013
PreparedBy: Dwayne Kipple
ApprovedBy:TomClay
SupervisedBy:DavidSharpe
1.0 Introduction –Fallsare a major cause of workplace injuries,workingonelevatedplatformssuchas
catwalks,containers,andcranesposesinherentrisks. Withoutproperfall protection,workingin
these areascouldresultinlife threateninginjuriesordeath. Inadditionattentionshouldbe paidto
whenusingladders. Laddersshouldbe usedinaccordance withboththe manufacturer’sinstruction
and the PacificCoastMarine SafetyCode,2008 revision. Thisdocumentwill establishprocedures
and requirementsforamanagedfall protectionprogram. Thisincludesduties,training,elimination
or control of fall hazardsbymitigationandrescue procedures. Itwill alsoprovideguidanceon
effectiveincidentinvestigationsandhow toauditandevaluate the program.
2.0 Purpose- The purpose istoprovide guidance anddirectionforeffectivelycontrollingfall hazards
withonsite fall protectionequipment,andensure personnel are able tosafelyandeffectively
conduct operationsatheightwhennecessary. Itwill alsoestablishprocedureson the quickandsafe
rescue of personnel thathave fallen. Establishingfirstresponderactionsandindividualrescue
responsibilitiesandactions.
3.0 Scope- Thisdocumentandproceduresapplytopersonnel whoworkatTerminal 7-Dwhere theyare
exposedtofall hazards.
4.0 Definitions
4.1 Program Administrator- Personincharge of the development,implementation,and
monitoringof the fall arrestandrescue program.
4.2 AuthorizedPerson- The primaryuserof fall protectionequipment.
4.3 CompetentPerson-A personwhoiscapable of identifyingexistingandpredictablehazards
inthe surroundingsoridentifyingworkingconditionswhichare hazardousordangerousto
employeesandwho hasauthorizationtotake promptcorrective measurestoeliminate
them.-OSHA 1926.32
4.3.1 An individual designatedbythe employertobe responsibleforthe immediate
supervision,implementation,andmonitoringof the employer’smanagedfall
protectionprogram.-ANSIZ359.0-2007
4.4 QualifiedPerson- A personwitharecognizeddegree orprofessional certificate andwith
extensive knowledge,training,andexperience inthe fall protectionandrescue fieldwhois
capable of designing,analyzing, evaluating,andspecifyingfallprotectionandrescue

2. PORTS AMERICA Fall Protection Program for Terminal 7-D,
Tacoma, Washington
systems. Alsoisa personwhobypossessionof arecognizeddegree,certificate,professional
standing,orextensiveknowledge,training, andexperience,hassuccessfullydemonstrated
theirabilitytoresolve,problemsrelatingtothe site specificworktobe done. –OSHA
1926.32(m) and ANSIZ359.0.
4.4.1 Outside consultantsmaybe usedif aqualifiedfall protectionengineerisnoton
staff.
4.5 CompetentRescue Personnel-A personthatplansfor,evaluates, anddevelopsrescue
procedures,verifythatall rescuersare adequatelytrained,thatrescue plansare inplace,
and that the properrescue equipmentisprovidedandprotectedfromdamage.- ANSI
Z359.0-2007
4.6 AuthorizedRescuer- A personwhouse rescue equipment. Be able toidentifyhazardsinthe
workplace where arescue couldoccur andinspectterminal rescue equipment.-ANSIZ359.0-
2007
4.7 Trainer- A personthat isknowledgeableinstandards,regulations,equipment,andsystems
for fall arrestand rescue andbe able to evaluate the knowledgeandskillsof those
personnel theytrain.
4.8 Fall Hazard- Asdefinedinthe PacificCoastMarine SafetyCode Rule 612 section(e);is
unguardededge thatis(8)eightfeetormore above the adjoiningedge. ApprovedFall
ArrestGear as definedinRule 612 section(i) andRule 1051 shall be wornwhengoingaloft
or within(3) three feetof anunguardededge.
5.0 Responsibilities
5.1 Employer(PortsAmerica)-
5.1.1 Developandimplementafall protectionpolicyandprogram.
5.1.2 Provide adequate fall-hazardanalysisandfall hazardabatementbefore
employeesare allowedto performwork-at-heightactivities.
5.1.3 Provide aCompetentPersontosupervise all workactivitiesperformedat
elevation.
5.1.4 Provide adequate trainingthroughgoverningagenciestoall employees
(management) involvedinthe fall protectionprocess.
5.1.5 Provide andverifythatcontinuousfall protectionisavailableandusedby
employeesforall workplace activities.
5.1.6 Provide promptandsafe rescue of employees.
5.2 Program Administrator- Enforce rules,regulations,andstandardsacrossthe entire site.
Developsamanagedfall arrestprogram, obtainingfundingforfall protectiontrainingand
equipment. AssignsdutiesandresponsibilitiestoQualifiedPersons,CompetentPersons,
and AuthorizedPersonswithinthe scope andauthoritygranted.

3. PORTS AMERICA Fall Protection Program for Terminal 7-D,
Tacoma, Washington
5.3 AuthorizedPerson- Thispersonisrequiredtoalertothersof potentiallyhazardous
conditionsandforthe properinspection,use,maintenance,andstorage of fall arrest
equipment.-ANSIZ359.0-2007
5.4 CompetentPerson-Immediate supervisorof the fall protectionprogram. Thisperson
conductsfall hazard surveys,identifyingpotential fall hazards, andstoppingorlimitingwork
until hazardsare addressed,supervisingselectionanduse of equipment. Verifiesthat
equipmentiscompliantandthatworkersare trained,participatinginaccidentandnearmiss
investigations. EnsuresAuthorizedpersons are conductingequipmentinspectionsand
removingdamagedequipmentfromservice. –ANSIZ359.0-2007.
5.5 QualifiedPerson- Servesasaninterface betweenthe workstructure andthe worker.
Analysisof hazards,currentproceduresandmakesrecommendationsfor whichprocedures
are correct forthe situation.
6.0 Training
6.1 Management: The minimumnumberof Managementpersonneloverseeingemployeeswho
couldpotentiallyenterafall protectionrequiredarea asrequiredbyOSHA ,shouldbe
trainedat an authorizedandlicensedfacilitytominimal level of Competentperson.
The Program Administratorshouldbe trainedtoa minimal level of QualifiedPerson.
Certificatesforthese personnel shouldbe available forreview.
6.2 LABOR: EmployeesunderUnionContractshouldhave traininginaccordance withPacific
Maritime Association(PMA) General SafetyTraining(GST) program. The personnel sentto
workand have the possibilityof goingaloftshouldbe trainedtothe Authorized Personlevel.
7.0 Procedures
7.1 An evaluationof the worktobe accomplishedmustinclude if personnel will needtogo
aloftto eitherdelash orworkbreakbulk. A competentpersonmustmake anassessment
and include itinthe Pre-ShiftSafetyBrief, includingthe Baysthatwouldneedmenaloft,
ensuringthe vessel hassecuredradardevices,andwhathazardscouldbe expected.
7.1.1 Additionallyanassessmentshall be made of the vessel’sFall HazardControl
Measures priorto startingworkon the vessel:
7.1.1.1 PreventiveMeasuressuchas Guard railingsandlifelinesmustbe in
positionandable topreventfalls. Shouldthese controlsnotbe inplace,
the area shouldbe markedandcordonedoff and vessel requestedto
make correctionsandrepairs.
7.1.1.2 If the radar isfoundto be energized,vesselcrew shouldbe contactedto
secure the radar for operations. Vessel isrequiredtonotifyif radarand
otheremissionequipmentrequirestestingforpropermitigationof
cargo operationconflicts.
7.1.2 If an issue arisesduringthe shiftrequiringpersonnel togoaloft,suchas a stuck
twistlockordebrisona containerthat couldbe hazardousto personnel below,a

4. PORTS AMERICA Fall Protection Program for Terminal 7-D,
Tacoma, Washington
CompetentPersonwill developaplanand Supervision will actasbelow fora planned
personaloft.
7.2 Priorto the start of the shift,all fall arrestgearmust be evaluatedforcompletenessand
condition. Damagedorincomplete gearmustbe removed.
7.2.1 On-site Managementshouldinaccordance withthe PortsAmericaFall Arrest
Rescue Procedureshave establishedthe Inside PointPerson(IPP) andthe
Outside PointPerson(OPP) andreviewedemergencyproceduresinapre-shift
safetytalk.Superintendent, LeadandDock Foremanshouldhave apre-shift
safetytalkwiththe Fall Protectionproceduresreviewedandcurrentworkingat
Heightsscenariodiscussedtoensure completeunderstandingandconcurrence
withprocedures.
7.2.2 Gear currentlyavailable isaDBISALA BodyHarnesswithshockabsorbing
lanyardand a ULTRA-LOK Wire Rope Self RetractingLife Line.Theseare located
inthe Marine Toweron the SecondFloorina lockedcabinet. Thiscabinet
shouldbe unlockedanequipmentchecked priortothatgang’spersonnel going
aloft.
7.3 Supervison incharge of personnel (competentperson) goingaloftmustcheckpersonnel in
the fall arrestgear to ensure thatit isproperlywornandthat the gear isin goodcondition.
A brief onthe activityrequiringworkingfromheightswill be given,includingtie off points to
be usedby personnel,thiscouldbe aspreaderbeamor otheracceptable tie anchorage
points. The Supervisionwillalsocheckthe nylonstrapthatconnectsthe D-Ringto the fall
actuator switchonthe spreaderbeamtoensure itsingoodcondition. A radiowill be sent
aloftwiththe personnel workingfromheighttoensure goodcommunication.
7.3.1 A brief onfall arrestrescue,includingself-rescue shallbe given. Supervision will
alsoensure thatthe Fall Arrestswitchinthe Crane isput inthe onpositionso
that the fall arrestlightilluminatesandputsthe hoistandtrolleyintoslowdown
mode. The Fall arrest selectorislocated inthe crane cab and shouldbe inthe
on positionwhenpersonnel are aloft. All personnel shouldnote the flashing
“blue”lightsonthe outside of the Crane Cab whenpersonnelare workingat
height. Portof Tacoma Crane Maintenance shouldensure all FallArrest
equipmentassociatedwiththe Crane isingoodworkingorder.
7.4 A qualified orcompetentperson shallreview all aloftworkforcorrectprocedural motions
and alsoensure the gearisin goodcondition. A qualified orcompetentperson,if available
will alsoact as safetyobserverduringthe evolutiontoensure safe workpractices,critique
individualperformancesandseekimprovementtothe site fall arrestprogram.
7.4.1 Communication: RadioChannels16or the appropriate GangCrane Channel.

5. PORTS AMERICA Fall Protection Program for Terminal 7-D,
Tacoma, Washington
7.4.1.1 Visual signalstothe crane operatorwhenappropriate.
7.5 All individualsinvolvedwithpersonnel goingaloftshouldknow the proceduresforfall arrest
rescue andthe proceduresforcalling911 and providingtimelycritical informationto
Emergencyresponders. Everyeffortshall be made toguardagainstSuspensionintolerance
and be alertto the signsand respondtocardiac arrest if emergencyresponse personnel are
not onsite. Please note the PortsAmericaFall Rescue Proceduresandensure propersteps
are takeninthe recoveryof the personwhohas fallen,includingmaintainingthe individual
ina sittingpositionafterrescue.
8.0 IncidentInvestigations
8.1 Witnessstatementsshouldbe takenbynon-involvedmanagementpersonnel when
available. The accidentscene shouldbe protectedasmuchas possible withoutendangering
personnel injuredbythe incident.
8.2 Evaluationshouldbe done immediatelyuponcompletionof rescue toidentifywhythe
incidenthappened,whatcontrolsweren’tinplace,andthe strengthsandweaknessesof the
Terminal 46 Fall arrest programand the EmergencyResponse program. Everystepand
misstepshouldbe documentedandreviewed. Improvementsaddedtoall policiesand
procedures.
8.3 OSHA and WISHA shouldhave areport,vettedbyPORTSAMERICA SAFETY of fatalitiesand
catastropheswithineighthours.
8.4 Equipmentshouldbe checked,replacedasneeded,andrestowed.
9.0 Program Evaluation
9.1 Program administratorshall review all fallarrestproceduresonanannual basistoensure
completenessof the programandthat all qualifiedandcompetentpersonnelare trainedto
the level required.
9.1.1 AssessingyourFall ProtectionProgram
If you can answeryesto eachof these three questions,thenyoucan
continue toanswerthe checklistbelow toassessyourfall protection
program
1. Do youhave a retrievable setof documents youcall a fall protection
program?
2. Do youhave a way of updatingthe program regularly?
3. Are the program guidelinesusedforaddressingeachoperationalfall
hazard.
A. PERFORMANCE:
Are fall hazardsroutinelysurveyed?

6. PORTS AMERICA Fall Protection Program for Terminal 7-D,
Tacoma, Washington
Are the fall hazardsdatabasedand cross referencedagainsthierarchyof fall
protectionsolutions?
B. INSTALLATION:
Are elevatedworkprojectsdrivenbyaccessandfall protectionmeasures?
Are anchorage pointsbriefedandshowntopersonnel?
C. TRAINING:
Doeseach worker(competent/qualified) gettrainedinsite-specificfall
protection?
Are recordsof such trainingkept,if sowhere andare theyavailable shoulda
investigationneedthose documents?
Are work practicesobserveddiscreetlytodetermine compliancewithstandards.
D. PROGRAMCOORDINATION:
Are you keepingyourfall protectionrulesupdatedwithnew standards
requirements?
Are your programleaderscertifiedasCompetentPersonsinFall Protection(can
youidentifysite hazards)?
Do youhave qualifiedQualifiedPersonscertifiedonsite oranavailable
EngineeringConsultanttoassistwithdifficultsituations?
Do youreward successful employeesorlaborshiftsfollowingaspotcheck using
a check listforappropriate fall protection?
9.2 Recommendationsforimprovementof proceduresandfall arrestgearshall be made inan
as needor discoveredbycompetentand qualifiedindividuals.
10.0 Fall ArrestRescue
10.1 Whenan emergencyoccurs:
If a suspendedworkercan’tperformself-rescue,call emergencyresponseteam(911)
FirstRespondersshouldclearpathto the victim, ensure rescue equipmentcangetto site.
Prohibitall nonessential personnel fromthe rescue scene.
Talkto the workerand try to determine the worker’scondition.

7. PORTS AMERICA Fall Protection Program for Terminal 7-D,
Tacoma, Washington
If workerisaccessible,providecomfortandcheckvital signs. If necessaryadministerCPRand
ConductFirstAid.
If the worker’sinjuriesare minor,proceedwithrescue. Onlytrainedrespondersshould
attempta technical rescue (trainedEmergencyResponders)
Remember911 respondersmaynotbe able to accomplishpromptrescues. Keepindividual
calm andkeepall partiesinformedof changingcircumstancesandconditions.
Remembertoensure achair isavailable toplace victiminasittingpositiontopreventpooled
bloodfromquicklyreachingheartandkidneys andcausingthe adverse effectsof Suspension
Trauma.
11.0 References:
11.1 INTRODUCTION TO FALL PROTECTION,J.NIGEL ELLIS, AmericanSocietyof SafetyEngineers-
4th
ed,2011.
11.2 ANSIZ359.0-2007
11.3 OSHA Regulations
11.4 PacificCoastMarine SafetyCode,2008 Revision.
11.5 DBI SALA User InstructionManual Full BodyHarness
11.6 DBI SALA User InstructionManual Self RetractingLifelinesModel Number3504433.