Personal Fall-Arrest Systems
Falls continue to be the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. Too often, workers take chances, don't follow fall-prevention policies and procedures, and put themselves at risk. Whether you measure the cost in terms of lives, pain, time, or money, we all pay a high price when someone falls. OSHA requires fall protection for construction workers who are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more*. A personal fall-arrest system is one way to protect workers who work at heights. Let's discuss the three key components of a personal fall-arrest system.
Anchorage and Anchorage Connector: The anchorage is commonly referred to as the tie-off point. Examples include beams, columns, roof davits, and substantial pipes and posts (vertical or horizontal). Anchorages must support 5,000 pounds of force for each worker attached, and must be high enough so that if a fall occurs, the worker doesn't touch a lower level. An anchorage connector is used to attach the connecting device to the anchorage. Examples include a cross-arm strap, a D-bolt, a hook anchor, and a beam anchor.
Connecting Device: The critical link that joins you to an anchorage point is a connecting device. Examples include shock-absorbing lanyards, fall limiters, rope grabs, and self-retracting lifelines. Connecting devices come equipped with self-closing, self-locking, snap hooks. These hooks take two motions to open and close In order to prevent you from accidentally rolling out and disconnecting from the anchorage point.
Before you select the type and length of the connecting device, it's critical to calculate the minimum potential fall distance. Typically, if the fall distance is less than 18½ feet, you must use a self-retracting lifeline or fall limiter. When the distance is over 18½ feet, you can use a shock-absorbing lanyard, a self-retracting lifeline, or a fall limiter. Make sure your lanyard is short enough to catch you in case you fall.
Full-body Harness: The third key component of the system is the one that you wear on your body. Body harnesses are designed to do three things: 1) keep you from hitting the ground, 2) minimize the impact forces of a fall on your body, and 3) allow you enough freedom of movement to perform your work. Full-body harnesses are the only form of body wear acceptable for fall arrest. Full-body harnesses come in all kinds of styles and sizes. Select yours based on the work that you will be doing, and the working environment. Then learn how to put it on correctly.
A fall-arrest system is like a chain: only as strong as its weakest link. Make sure all of the links are strong.
SAFETY REMINDER
Before using any fall-arrest equipment, make a thorough inspection. Look for frayed materials or loose anchorage points. Your life may depend on the quality of your PPE.
Feel Free to Contact Me with Questions or Concerns.
