Fall Protection Friday: Cylinders on Elevated Platforms

This Weeks Toolbox Talk Attached Below!

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We’ve spent the week on secure cylinder handling and storage. Today, on Fall Protection Friday, we address the increased risk when using compressed gas cylinders on elevated work platforms, scaffolds, or roofs.

The safety rule is simple: The same security procedures used on the ground must be applied at height, and the cylinder must not interfere with fall protection.

1. Securing Cylinders on Elevated Workspaces

When a welding or cutting rig is needed at height (e.g., on a Mobile Elevated Work Platform or a scaffold platform), the cylinder poses both a physical falling object hazard and a leverage risk.

• Mandatory Securing: The cylinders must be secured to the scaffold structure, MEWP rails, or another structural component of the platform using chains or straps. Never lean a cylinder unsecured against a guardrail or simply rely on the weight of the cylinder to keep it stable.

• Protection from Dropping: If using a crane to hoist cylinders, use a certified cradle or basket. Ensure the cylinder is lowered gently and secured immediately upon landing on the elevated surface.

2. Preventing Trip and Fall Hazards

Cylinders are often connected by long, heavy hoses that can easily become a major trip hazard on a small scaffold or scissor lift platform.

• Route Hoses Safely: Hoses and cables must be routed in a way that prevents them from crossing the primary working area or interfering with access/egress points. Use hose wraps or cable protectors where needed.

• Keep Clear of PFAS: Ensure that cylinder hoses and regulators do not interfere with the movement or function of personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). The hose should not be routed in a way that could cause a worker to trip while they are connecting or disconnecting their lanyard.

3. Clear Egress

Always maintain a clear, unobstructed route off the platform or scaffold. Unsecured equipment, including cylinders, should never impede access to the ladder or exit point in an emergency.

Download Your Toolbox Talk Here!

Don't forget to sign your friends up for Full Brim Safety for your daily dose of construction safety tips!

-The Safety Man