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🪜 SOP-MIN-005: Working at Heights

Rule zero: If you can fall, you are protected, and the anchor is checked before you clip on.

FieldDetail
Company / siteRidgeline Copper Operations (fictional sample company)
Document No.SOP-MIN-005
Revision1.0 (approved)
Effective2026-10-06
Next review due2027-10-06 (or after any incident or change)
Applies toAnyone working where a fall could cause injury: plant structures, conveyors, crusher platforms, haul truck decks, towers and roofs
OwnerSite Safety Manager
Approved byMine Manager and Site Safety Manager

1. Purpose

To prevent falls from height and falling objects by using the safest control available and making sure equipment and people are fit for the job.

2. Scope

All work at or above the height set by the site, and any work near an unprotected edge, opening or fragile surface.

3. Roles and responsibilities

RoleResponsibilities
SupervisorIssues the work-at-height permit, checks the controls and the rescue plan.
WorkerInspects their gear, uses it correctly, stops if conditions change.
Competent inspectorInspects harnesses, lanyards, anchors, ladders and scaffolds.
Rescue teamCan reach and bring down a suspended worker quickly.

4. Hazards and controls

HazardControl
Fall from edge or openingEliminate the work or use guardrails first; then restraint; then fall arrest
Fragile surfaceMark and cover, use walkways, do not walk on roof sheeting
Dropped tools and objectsTool lanyards, toe boards, exclusion zones below
Suspension traumaRescue plan, short fall paths, prompt rescue

5. Site-specific parameters

ParameterValue at Ridgeline Copper Mine
Height triggerFall protection required at 1.8 m (6 ft) or more, and at any edge above plant or machinery
EquipmentFull-body harness with shock-absorbing lanyard, anchor rated 22 kN, double lanyard for transfers
InspectionPre-use check by the worker; competent-person inspection every 6 months, colour-coded tag
Wind limitStop work at sustained wind of 40 km/h or gusts of 60 km/h
Typical workCrusher platforms, conveyor galleries, truck deck access, lighting towers, workshop cranes
RescueRope and descender kits at the concentrator and the Alpha Pit shelter; target under 10 minutes

6. Procedure

Plan

  1. Use the hierarchy: avoid the work at height, use a safe platform, then use fall restraint, then fall arrest.
  2. Complete the JHA and permit. Confirm anchor points are rated and the rescue plan is ready.

Inspect

  1. Inspect harness, lanyard, energy absorber, connectors and anchor before every use. Tag out anything damaged.
  2. Check ladders, scaffolds and platforms are tagged and fit for use.

Work

  1. Clip on before leaving a safe position and stay connected.
  2. Keep three points of contact on ladders and do not overreach.
  3. Barricade the area below and use tool lanyards.
  4. Stop work in high wind, lightning, ice or poor visibility.

Rescue and close

  1. If a worker falls and is suspended, start the rescue plan at once.
  2. Remove the barricades and return equipment to storage after use.

7. Stop-work triggers

Stop the job, make the area safe and call the supervisor if any of these happen:

  • Gear is damaged or out of inspection date
  • No safe anchor point
  • High wind, storm, ice or poor light
  • The work changes from what was planned

8. Emergency response

  1. Call the rescue team and keep the person moving or supported if safe.
  2. Treat any fall arrest as an incident; medical checks are required even if the person feels fine.
  3. Quarantine the equipment used for inspection.

9. Records

  • Permits and JHAs
  • Equipment inspection register
  • Training and rescue drill records

10. Related documents

  • Emergency response and evacuation (SOP-MIN-007)
  • Confined space entry (SOP-MIN-004)
  • Job hazard assessment (JHA) template
  • Incident reporting and investigation SOP (SOP-MIN-010)
  • Applicable regulations for your jurisdiction, for example MSHA 30 CFR Parts 56 and 57 in the United States

Controlled document. The current version lives in this library. Printed copies are uncontrolled: check the revision before you use one. Questions or improvements go to the document owner.

11. Revision history

RevDateAuthorChange
1.02026-10-06Site HSE departmentFirst issue, approved for use

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