The DROPS Calculator provides a common benchmark in the classification of the potential consequences of a dropped object. One of a number of similar tools, the DROPS Calculator is endorsed by the DROPS Workgroup. While other ‘calculators’ exist, they all follow the same principle – plotting the mass of a dropped object against the distance it falls to determine its possible consequences.
This BETA web DROPS Calculator is derived from the DROPS Online Excel Calculator which can be found here
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Considerations when using this DROPS Calculator
- With light objects (<0.1 kg) a key influencing factor is the effect of an object punching the skin and damaging tissue/organic functions.
- The calculator assumes a blunt object so is not compatible with broken glass, metal shards etc.
- The wearing of standard PPE, eg hard hat, safety boots and eye protection, is assumed in the calculator.
- Do not subtract the height of an individual, measure fall distance to solid deck / ground level.
- DROPS Calculator and other similar tools are guides only providing cursory indication of possible outcome – they are not an accurate prediction. In reality, even a small object falling from height can be lethal.”
Joules and the 40 Joule Rule
“The Joule is a unit of energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through one metre.
In terms of dropped objects, it is recognised that any blunt object achieving 40 Joules or more in fall energy is likely to result in a Recordable incident or worse on impact with an unprotected human body (eg no PPE). For example, 200g Machine Bolt falling 27m = 53Joules (0.2[kg] x 27[m] x 9.8[g] = 53J). Note: [g] Gravitational Acceleration 9.8066m/s²”
One of the primary functions of the DROPS Calculator is to provide a common benchmark in the classification of the potential consequences of a dropped object. It allows for a uniform reporting tool to be used across industries to help identify potential hazards and implement preventative measures. However, it is important to note that the calculator assumes a blunt object, so it may not be compatible with objects that are sharp or have other specific characteristics. For example, a sharp object like a screwdriver may penetrate skin or damage tissue in a way that a blunt object would not. Similarly, a light material like a piece of cardboard may not have enough mass to cause serious injury even if it falls a significant distance. Therefore, when using the calculator, it is important to take into consideration the specific characteristics of the object being dropped. If the object is sharp or has other characteristics that may affect the outcome, the calculated results should be used as a general guide and further assessment should be conducted to determine the actual potential consequences. In summary, while the DROPS Calculator serves as a valuable uniform reporting tool, object-specific characteristics still need to be considered to ensure accurate risk assessments and effective preventative measures.
Environmental factors, such as wind or air resistance, can affect the outcome of dropped objects to some extent. The calculator assumes a simple model that does not account for these factors, so its predictions may be less accurate when external forces come into play.
Wind can alter the trajectory of a falling object, causing it to deviate from a straight downward path. This may result in the object landing at a different location or falling at a different speed than expected. Additionally, air resistance can slow down the fall of an object, particularly if it has a large surface area relative to its mass. This can decrease the impact energy of the object upon hitting the ground or a person.
To account for these factors, one could use more advanced computational models that incorporate environmental conditions or perform tests and experiments to gather real-world data. However, the DROPS Calculator is intended as a general guide to help assess the potential consequences of a dropped object and should not be relied upon for precise predictions. In reality, even a small object falling from height can be lethal, and it is essential to prioritize safety measures to prevent dropped object incidents.
The DROPS Calculator is primarily designed to estimate the potential consequences of a dropped object impacting an unprotected human body. However, it can still provide some insights into the potential damage to equipment or machinery, although the accuracy of the predictions may be limited.
When using the calculator to assess potential damage to equipment or machinery, keep in mind that the impact energy (measured in Joules) may help you gauge the severity of the potential damage. The higher the impact energy, the more severe the potential damage to equipment or machinery could be. However, the specific nature of the damage will depend on various factors, such as the design, material, and structure of the equipment or machinery.
It is essential to note that the Dropped Object Calculator does not take into account the unique properties of equipment or machinery, such as the resilience of materials, the presence of protective coverings, or the ability to absorb impact. To obtain a more accurate assessment of potential damage to equipment or machinery, it may be necessary to perform additional calculations or consult with experts in the relevant field.
In summary, while the Dropped Object Calculator can provide a general indication of potential damage to equipment or machinery from a dropped object, it is not specifically designed for this purpose and should not be solely relied upon for accurate predictions.
The DROPS Calculator is designed to provide a general indication of the potential consequences of a dropped object, based on its mass and the distance it falls. While it can help to estimate the risk associated with a dropped object, the accuracy of its predictions may be limited due to several factors.
Some limitations of the DROPS Calculator include:
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Assumption of a blunt object: The calculator assumes that the object is blunt and does not take into account sharp or pointed objects like broken glass or metal shards, which can cause more severe injuries even at lower impact energies.
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Environmental factors: The calculator does not consider factors such as wind, air resistance, or the presence of obstacles that could alter the object's trajectory or reduce its impact energy.
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Object shape and surface area: The calculator does not account for the object's shape or surface area, which can influence the impact energy and the resulting damage.
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Protective measures: The calculator assumes the use of standard PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), but it does not consider other protective measures or equipment that might be in place.
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Impact on equipment or machinery: The calculator is primarily designed to estimate the potential consequences for an unprotected human body, not for damage to equipment or machinery.
Despite these limitations, the DROPS Calculator serves as a useful tool for raising awareness of the potential hazards associated with dropped objects and guiding the implementation of safety measures to minimize the risk. However, it should not be relied upon as an accurate predictor of the actual outcome of a dropped object incident. In practice, even a small object falling from height can be lethal, and it is essential to prioritize safety precautions to prevent such incidents.
If you don't know the exact height of the drop, you can use some methods to estimate the fall distance for the Dropped Object Calculator:
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Direct measurement: If possible, use a measuring tape or laser distance measurer to determine the height from where the object could potentially be dropped to the ground or solid deck.
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Scaling from a known reference: If you have access to a blueprint, schematic, or photograph with known dimensions, you can scale the fall distance using the known reference points. This method may require some mathematical calculations or the use of specialized software.
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Visual estimation: If direct measurement or scaling is not feasible, you can make a visual estimation of the height. Keep in mind that visual estimations can be less accurate and are subject to human error. To improve the accuracy of visual estimation, consider using a known object of a specific size (e.g., a standard door height) as a reference for comparison.
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Use conservative estimates: If you are uncertain about the height, it is better to use a conservative estimate (i.e., assume a greater height) to err on the side of caution. This approach will help ensure that you are accounting for the worst-case scenario when assessing the potential consequences of a dropped object.
Remember that the DROPS Calculator is intended as a guide to help assess the potential consequences of a dropped object and should not be relied upon for precise predictions. In practice, even a small object falling from height can be lethal, so it is crucial to prioritize safety measures and precautions to prevent dropped object incidents.
Yes, you can use the DROPS Calculator to help develop safety protocols for working at height. The calculator can assist you in identifying potential hazards and understanding the potential consequences of dropped objects. By taking into account the mass of an object and the distance it falls, the calculator estimates the possible impact energy and consequences, guiding you to implement appropriate safety measures.
To develop safety protocols using the DROPS Calculator, consider the following steps:
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Identify potential hazards: Assess the worksite to identify objects that could potentially be dropped from height, such as tools, equipment, or materials. Make a list of these objects and their respective masses.
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Determine fall distances: Measure or estimate the height from which each object could be dropped, considering the different working heights at your worksite.
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Calculate impact energy: Use the DROPS Calculator to estimate the impact energy for each object based on its mass and fall distance.
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Assess risks: Evaluate the risks associated with each dropped object, considering factors such as the likelihood of the object falling, the probability of it striking a person, and the potential consequences of an impact.
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Implement safety measures: Develop safety protocols to minimize the risks associated with dropped objects, such as:
a. Secure tools and equipment using tool lanyards or tethering systems. b. Install safety nets, toe boards, or guardrails to prevent objects from falling. c. Establish restricted areas or exclusion zones beneath areas where work is being performed at height. d. Ensure workers wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety boots, and eye protection. e. Provide training and awareness programs to educate workers on the hazards and safety measures associated with working at height.
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Monitor and review: Regularly review and update your safety protocols, taking into account any changes in work processes, equipment, or environmental conditions. Conduct periodic inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety measures.
Remember that the DROPS Calculator is intended as a guide and should not be relied upon for precise predictions. In practice, even a small object falling from height can be lethal, so it is crucial to prioritize safety measures and precautions to prevent dropped object incidents.
