Rebuilding Notre Dame Safely

The fire is out. The visible and invisible damage has been done. We anguish over such loss of beauty and history. Now, even before the backhaul of debris and fallen timbers begins safety must become the lead player in the reconstruction of Notre Dame.

It’s time to reassess the existing Fall Protection Program (FPP) and incorporate the new risks that have been added as a result of the fire and damage to this historic fragile structure. The program should also partner with the scaffolding plan, Mobile Equipment Work Platform (MEWP / AWP) program, crane lift program and rope access program. This reconstruction will require new temporary and permanent fall protection anchorages. Anchorage mapping should be performed by a knowledgeable engineer. Permanent anchorages can be themed so that they will be available for inspection and use but not visible to visitors. Amusement parks and attractions have been doing this successfully for years.

The FPP should also control fall protection equipment selection, training and signage. Training and signage should be in languages familiar to the many workers who will be supporting this project. Mapping of the above and below ground structures should be accomplished to ensure mobile equipment can safely work within and outside of the structure without risk of collapse or tip over. These are just a few of my recommendations for Notre Dame’s fall protection program. ANSI Z359 and EU standards add additional clarity.

Not just Paris, not just France, but the whole world will be watching during the rebirth of Notre Dame. No lives were lost during the fighting of the structural fire or during the heroic rescue of precious religious artifacts within the Cathedral. A well developed and administrated Fall Protection Program will work to mitigate the chance of fall related injuries during the rebuilding process. “Our Lady of Paris” deserves our very best when it comes to safety.