Fall Arrest and Fall Protection

Fall protection training (often referred to as "Fall Arrest" in the industry) is a mandatory requirement for oil and gas workers in Alberta who operate at elevated heights typically 1.8 meters (6 feet) on most energy sites (exceeding the standard 3-meter OHS requirement) under the Alberta OHS Code and Energy Safety Canada (ESC) standards.​

Core Training Components
Standard oil and gas fall protection courses (ESC accredited) generally cover the following areas to ensure compliance and safety:

• Hazard Recognition: Identifying potential fall risks specific to energy sites, such as drilling rig derricks, open grating on pipe racks, aerial work platforms (AWPs), and slick surfaces caused by drilling mud or oil.​

• The Hierarchy of Controls: Prioritizing fall prevention (e.g., engineered guardrails on walkways) over fall arrest (e.g., harnesses).​

• Equipment Mastery: Proper selection, daily inspection, and correct donning (putting on) of Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS), including fire-resistant (FR) harnesses, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), and shock-absorbing lanyards.​

• Anchor Points: Understanding the structural requirements and safe selection of "tie-off" points, such as certified beam clamps or D-rings on structural steel and vessels.​

• Rescue Planning: Developing and executing emergency procedures to retrieve a suspended worker quickly, often involving high-angle rescue techniques, to avoid suspension trauma.​

Training Options & Requirements

• Certification Validity: Fall protection certifications (specifically the Energy Safety Canada Fall Protection ticket) are valid for 3 years.​

• Format:

  • Online/Theory: Covers regulations (OHS & CSA), fall dynamics, and clearance calculations. Note that for oil and gas site access, pure online courses are rarely accepted.​

  • On-Site/Practical: The industry standard is the ESC Fall Protection course (formerly OSSA Fall Protection). It mandates an in-person practical component where you must demonstrate hanging in a harness, inspecting gear, and performing a controlled weight transfer.