Fall Protection

General Fall Protection Requirements for Elevated Locations

Personal fall protection (approved safety harness and lanyard, no greater than 6 feet in length, securely anchored to a solid structure in a manner which will prevent a free fall exceeding 4 feet), must be worn when working more than 30” above the floor, ground, or other working area, and when standard guardrails and floor coverings or other equivalent protection is not available. This includes rooftops where employees approach within six feet of the roof’s edge, as well as elevated sets.

Personal Fall Protection Requirements for Elevated Aerial Devices

Employees who are working in elevated aerial devices, such as but not limited to man-lifts, must wear a full body harness equipped with a lanyard that is securely attached to the basket or tub of the aerial device. The lanyard may be no longer than 6 feet and must be secured at a point in the basket that would keep the distance of any fall at less than 4 feet.

Personal Fall Protection Requirements for Elevated Locations on Disney Studio Sound Stages

A UNIGRAB horizontal lifeline system is provided for workers on Disney stages.

Before performing tasks that require leaving catwalks, employees must contact their immediate supervisor. The supervisor will then contact the Studio Backlot Operations Department for approval.

Exception: Work may take place without contacting the Studio Backlot Operations Department if, after the employee has notified his/her supervisor, the supervisor determines that the employees wish-ing to leave the catwalk have received previously documented fall protection training, have the proper equipment, and have been trained to use the horizontal lifeline system installed on the stage.

Before connecting to the horizontal lifeline system:

  • ENSURE instructions for the system have been read and user training has been completed. Failure to do so could result in serious injury. Contact the Studio Safety Department or Studio Backlot Operations for assistance.
  • CONDUCT a visual inspection of the system. Ensure that all nylon shear bolts (pins) are in place and that there is no sag or deformity with the cable supports.
  • INSPECT the UNIGRAB attachment mechanism and specified carabiner.

The UNIGRAB device is to be used with a matched carabiner.

Do not substitute the carabiner.

ENSURE that the locking mechanism of the carabiner is properly closed before proceeding. If possible, have a second person check attachments.

Unigrab

System Requirements for using the lifeline system:

  1. Attachment to the system must only be made via a UNIGRAB connected to an approved self-retractable lifeline or lanyard. All persons utilizing fall protection systems must wear an ANSI approved full body harness. Body belts are prohibited for personal fall arrest.
  2.  The steel cables attached to the trusses above the perms are to be used for personal fall protection only. Attachment to the cables for any purpose other than personal fall arrest is prohibited. Examples of PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES include, but are not limited to:
    • Rigging on to the cables.
    • Connection of unapproved user equipment to the cables.
    • Attachment of production equipment such as lights, backings, cameras, etc. to the cables.
    • Use of the cables for hoisting activities.
    • Use of the cables for any other reason other than personal fall protection.
    • Removal, modification, or damage of the cables.
  3. If a fall occurs, call for an emergency response: 9-911. Disney Security 818-560-3220 and the Studio Safety Department must also be notified. All equipment subjected to a fall must be taken out of service and be red-tagged. Work cannot resume until the fall protection system is inspect-ed.
  4. Productions and Department Heads will be held responsible for any   damage to the horizontal lifeline system.
  5. The lifeline system is designed for a maximum of 4 workers per system, 2 persons per span. No more than 2 persons are permitted to be between structural and pass through supports.

Fall Protection Connections

Employees are not to engage in any work requiring fall protection unless and until they have passed the CSATF Safety Course D – Fall Protection. Failure to wear appropriate fall protection will subject you to discipline, up to and including termination. If you have any questions regarding the horizontal lifeline system, or any fall protection component, contact your supervisor or Studio Safety Department (818-560-1726).