SBP-108 Dropped Object Prevention (3.04.24)
SBP-108 Dropped Object Prevention (3.04.24)
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Life Saving Rules Program describes a set of ten (10) safe work practices that, when properly
understood and followed, significantly reduce, or eliminate, the probability of serious
consequence. This Best Practice is part of the Life Saving Rules Program and Working at Heights
Standard.
2.0 Purpose
2.1 This Best Practice is designed to assist companies in the development, maintenance, and on-going
improvement of dropped objects prevention. Dropped objects are often more prevalent in relation
to construction activities as these sectors have more risk factors. However, the risk of dropped
objects exists in all facets of the industry. This document is an opportunity to establish a broader,
risk-based focus on the prevention and management of dropped objects and the serious incidents
that could result.
3.0 Scope
3.1 This Best Practice applies to all employees, including contractors and sub-contractors) at the Saint
John refinery (SJR), including Canaport Mispec Onshore & Offshore, and Canaport East Saint John.
3.2 This Best Practice is intended for use by, but not limited to:
• Operations
• Maintenance
• Turnaround and Project Groups
• Safety and Emergency Response
• Process Technical Services
• Contractors
5.0 Definitions
5.2 Tether
To fasten or restrain.
The dropped object calculator (excel version) available for download at https://dropsonline.org (DROPS)
provides an easy way to assess the potential consequence of personal injury from a falling object based on
its mass and the height of the drop. The calculator assumes the following:
• A blunt object is dropped
• Standard personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn
The height of the worker is included in the calculation; do not subtract the height of the individual.
6.2 Activities
7.1 Field level hazard assessments (FLAHs) identify site-specific hazards and ensure adequate controls
are in place. They are not designed to replace work planning and formal hazard assessment.
7.2 Protective mesh systems may be applied to reduce the potential for items to fall through guard
rails, stairwells, and other elevated platforms. According to DROPS, these meshes should be of
“suitable materials, incorporate appropriate securing features and be installed and maintained in
accordance with manufacturer's recommendations”.
7.3 Toe boards are a critical control on elevated work platforms, walkways, etc. and should always be
present. They prevent tools, materials, and other foreign objects from being kicked or pushed over
the edge
7.4 Tool tethers and attachment anchors are lanyards or other materials designed to secure tools.
Tethers must be rated to the load they are designed to restrain and, as such, the rating of the
tether and the length of the tether are interconnected.
7.5 Flagging is used in the refinery as a warning to personnel of hazards that exist in the work areas. All
workers using tools and equipment at heights where people have access below, shall consider if
flagging is required, as per HSI-119 Flagging Barricades and Warnings.
8.0 Procedures
8.3 Housekeeping
Good housekeeping prevents unnecessary objects from falling from heights.
• Only take necessary tools and equipment when working at heights.
• Remove trash and any materials or equipment no longer in use from the work platform as
soon as possible.
8.4 All tools must be kept safely stored when not in use. This may include the use of job boxes, where
available. To prevent dropped objects when working at heights, decks should be covered with an
appropriate material, as determined by an assessment of fire hazards (i.e. employee Safe Plan of
Action (SPA) development). Extra consideration should be given to keeping tools away from the
edges of platforms when not in use, or when this is not practicable, by adding plywood or steel
mesh along rails to prevent the risk of tools being knocked off the platforms. The use of tool bags
should also be considered a regular practice
8.5 Tools should neither be dropped nor thrown from place to place nor from person to person. The
prevention of dropped objects is of utmost importance. Use tool lanyards where the risk of
dropping objects from heights is present. When storing tools at heights, ensure they are kept in job
boxes, tool bags etc., secure from accidental dislodgement.
9.0 Prevention
9.1 As per NB Regs 91-191 219(2), 222, 253 (1) & 281, personnel, equipment, and processes shall be
protected from damage from falling objects. A system must be implemented where there is risk of
objects falling from heights. Effective measures must be implemented to contain tools and
equipment used at height. Items to be considered for prevention of falling objects:
• Minimize tools and materials stored at height.
• Contain tools and loose materials(s) in boxes and tool bags.
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping.
• Secure material stored at height to fixed objects when risk of high winds.
• Fitted kick plates / toe boards at work places at height, both fixed and temporary
platforms.
• Secure tools to personnel when being used.
• Net rails where there is a risk of objects falling through mid-rails.
• Blanket out grated platforms.
• Erect fixed barriers around danger drop zones.
• Erect hazard signage in danger drop zones.
• Grounds-man to control access to danger zone.
• Tools and other equipment with a potential to fall from personnel’s pockets must be
secured in a suitable tool or utility belt. Tools and material must not be carried in hand
when using fixed or scaffold access ladders.
10.0 Compliance
10.1 Best Practices are developed internally within Irving Oil and are based on proven work methods
that produce consistent desired results/outcomes. Employees are encouraged to adopt the best
practices recommended within this document. Deviations should be made only after careful
consideration, discussion and approval from your supervisor or manager.
10.2 Health and Safety Best Practice (SBP) are intended to be followed by all Irving Oil Employees,
Contractors, or other workforces that may be conducting work on site. This includes SJR, East Saint
John Terminals, and Canaport. Any deviation of this Best Practice would need an approved
Management of Change (MOC) signed off by Senior Management as per PSMI-308
11.1 A two-year review of this document shall be conducted by the Document Originator in compliance
with DM-203 Control and Management of Policies, Standards & Procedures.
This table contains a summary of approved changes to this controlled document before release. Record all revisions
made within the previous 2-year period.
Revision History