This ERTP Health & Safety course is designed for EPA's OSC's, Inspectors, and/or individuals who have the potential to encounter fall hazards as a part of their job duties in the field.  

This multi-day health & safety course provides Fall Protection training that relates to “High Climbs” for EPA employees who oversee site work and/or make field visits.  This course expands on both Physical Hazards Awareness and Planning and Preparation for Field Activities where Fall Protection safety is required as identified in 29 CFR 1926 – Subpart M, EPA Order 1440.2, Emergency Responder Health & Safety Manual (ERHSM), and at the OSHA link, here. A "Fall Protection Competent Person" identifies a person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

On the last day of the course participation in field exercises may vary depending on comfortability with heights.  Exercises may include, but are not limited to:

• climbing a tall structure with personal fall arrest system equipment (PFAS) for a 24-60 foot tank
• putting on a climbing harness
• practicing rescue procedures: with harness, lanyard, and tripod. Swing freely in the air, hanging from the tripod, in a simulation of what would happen, (if for instance the ladder rung was compromised while climbing up or down a tall structure)

After completing this refresher course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the definitions of fall prevention, fall restraint, and fall arrest
• Understand the requirements of fall protection and when Fall Protection is required
• Recognize the hazards associated with fall protection
• Understand Fall Protection methods and the Order of Fall Protection Competency
• Know how to inspect and wear personal fall arrest system equipment (PFAS)
• Know the requirements for anchorage points and how to tie off to them
• Understand how to plan for, and tailor, Fall Protection applicable to site conditions and rescue planning
• Understand OSHA requirements of fixed ladders
• Know by the end of the training how to:
  • climb safely
  • recognize fall hazards
  • assess the risk of falling, and
  • recognize when a structure is too unsafe to ascend

At the end of the course, a short exam will occur.  Full participation for all dates and times scheduled for the course is required to earn the Fall Protection Competent Person Training certificate of completion.

For general information about this ERTP course, contact: 

Shelly Norland, (702) 784-8004, norland.shelly@epa.gov

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Previous Events (click to view/hide)

Class will be held in two locations, Event Details   May 9, 2023 - May 10, 2023