Back Country Horsemen of Washington

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Rigging Operations

Objective: Overview of JHA for Back Country Horsemen of Washington for rigging operations using griphoists, come-a-longs, coffin jacks, and power winches for Tailgate Safety Briefing.

Reference: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service – FSH 6709, 11 and 12

Communication: Conduct a tailgate briefing session at the beginning of each project. Review scope of project work. Review proper rigging hardware and equipment usage. Review with the workers the worksite specific Emergency Evacuation Procedures (EEP). Review communication plan tailored to the scope of the project. Complete land management agency’s administrative process in accordance with their required provisions. Complete land management agency’s required communication process in accordance with required provisions.

Personnel Protection: Consider one’s physical capabilities for doing the job one is asked to do. Have experienced workers do the job one is asked to do. Be prepared for the work project with proper clothing, rain gear, and adequate food and water. Use Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) – eye protection, foot protection, gloves and hardhat - as required by Health & Safety Code 22.48h. Have a first aid kit for the workforce. No one works alone; always have two people working together.

Equipment: Follow manufacture’s safety, operation, and maintenance recommendations for all rigging hardware and equipment used in the rigging operation. Do not exceed manufacture’s load rating for all load bearing rigging hardware and equipment. Inspect rigging hardware and equipment before beginning project. Check for frayed or kinked cables and secure attachments.

Worksite: A worksite hazard assessment shall be conducted prior to all rigging operations and reassessed as the project progresses. Survey the worksite, check for overhead hazards; never work under overhead hazards. Clear area where working and pay attention to your footing – slippery or loose rocks. Determine and communicate escape route. Manage tools and materials at work site to keep trailway clear. Post “Crew Working” signs. Keep a guard for trail traffic and stop work to allow trail users to move through the work site. Anchors

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must be strong enough to safely withstand the force required to move loads. Anchors set for hoists and winches should be set at a convenient height to provide safe and effective operation. Properly calculate loads prior to use of rigging. Estimate load weight and size prior to tension on rigging cables.

Worksite Safety: Trail Work Leader will assure that adequate training is provided, and will monitor workers for safe practices. Talk over best way to move the object. Communicate and reassess plan as needed during move. Supervisor is the only person authorized to move a guy-line. Make sure workers are out of the bight of the line area whenever tension is applied to the cables; in case a cable snaps. Only have enough workers in the area that are needed to do the job. Space workforce so the activities of one will not create a hazard for another. Workers that are not essential for the project must keep outside a safety circle. Do not conduct rigging operations in the dark or under hazardous weather condition.

Trail Work Leaders and crew members are responsible for participating in a Tailgate Safety Briefing before each worksite project and acknowledge participation in the discussion of this JHA and other applicable JHAs. They are also responsible for completing the land management agency’s administrative process in accordance with their required provisions.

BCHW Safety Committee

January 2015