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Fall Protection Systems

Active and Passive Fall Protection That Works

For over 20 years, we've been in the business of helping employees return home safely after working at height. 

Flexible Lifeline Systems is a turnkey provider of fall protection. We design, manufacture, install, and inspect solutions that address OSHA/ANSI fall protection regulations and best practices. Our solutions and services save customers time and effort, lower total cost of ownership, and improve productivity. Our team of industry experts include fall safety specialists, engineers, and field service technicians. We have designed and installed more than 9,000 fall protection systems to date. We are experts at solving the toughest fall protection challenges.

WHY FLS FALL PROTECTION?

hazard assessment & structural analysis

hazard assessment & structural analysis

A proper fall protection solution requires an in-depth evaluation of the location of the fall hazard, specific maintenance operations performed, access points, and structural analysis. Our experts are unmatched in the industry in fall hazard assessment and fall protection systems implementation.

engineering & design

engineering & design

Our team of registered structural engineers, AutoCAD designers and field engineers utilize the hazard assessment and analysis to model fall protection systems that provide efficiency, maximum coverage, compliance and safety.

fabrication & production

fabrication & production

To maintain the highest level of quality, every system part and manufactured component is thoroughly inspected, processed and supplied in accordance with our ISO 9001:2015 program.

construction & installation

construction & installation

Our construction and field technicians have decades of experience installing fall protection systems in every possible application and environment enabling us to perform safely and efficiently and complete even the most complicated process in days versus weeks.

FALL PROTECTION SOLUTIONS

RIGID RAIL

RIGID RAIL

Enclosed rigid rail is a rack and trolley system that provides excellent linear fall arrest capability with minimal fall distances. Offered in several formats depending on the need and application including bridge formatflat tracktwin overhead.

CABLE BASED

CABLE BASED

Flexible Lifeline Systems cable-based solutions are 316 stainless steel cable and components that are designed to last for 20+ years. Overhead Lifeline solutions are economical and efficient for workers at height in aircraft hangars, in rail yards, truck bays, and in some industrial applications. Rooftop applications are generally multi-span lifeline or vertical lifelines.

PORTABLE

PORTABLE

Flexible Lifeline Systems offers a wide range of portable fall arrest solutions for unique work environments including Freestanding Stair and Ladder SystemsMobile Horizontal RailsSingle Point Anchors and even remote controlled, drivable and height adjustable solutions.

GUARDRAIL

GUARDRAIL

Our modular guardrail systems can be used for a variety of applications including rooftop safetywalkways, stairwells and open shaft fall protection. When used for roof edge protection, our railing systems include permanentportableparapet and metal roof solutions.

ACCESS SOLUTIONS

ACCESS SOLUTIONS

Providing safe access to work areas is usually the first step in protecting employees against fall hazards. FLS offers a comprehensive line of access solutions that include catwalkscrossoversaccess platformswork platforms, and more.

ANCHOR POINTS

ANCHOR POINTS

Tie off anchors are a cost effective industrial and building maintenance fall hazard solution. Anchor points can restrict users from reaching the fall hazard or provide fall-arrest if needed. Permanentportable and application specific tank storage solutions are available.  Our engineers will analysis and design systems to ensure proper use and installation.

SKYLIGHT/HATCH

SKYLIGHT/HATCH

Unprotected skylights and roof hatches pose a significant fall risk and is one of the most common cause of falling accident from roofs in general industry. Our skylight screenshatch kits and railing solutions provide compliant protection to eliminate these fall hazards found on almost every roof.

Fall Protection FAQs

What should a fall protection plan include?

Written fall protection procedures shall specify the fall protection equipment and systems used to protect authorized persons from each fall hazard and shall document the proper way to operate the specified fall protection equipment and systems, including installation, inspection, use, and dismantling.

What is the most inexpensive form of fall protection?

Trained FP expert can provide guidance to provide the most cost-effective and user-friendly system within a budget. Contrary to belief, no protection is the most expensive. There is often a tradeoff between the cost and effectiveness of a fall protection system. It is up to the employer to decide on the viability of any system.

What is clearance distance in fall protection?

Fall clearance is the minimum vertical distance needed between the worker’s feet and a lower level (this can be the ground level, but also a lower working platform for example) to prevent the worker from hitting the lower level in the event of a fall.

How is fall distance calculated?

Fall distance can be calculated by factoring the following lengths: anchorage height, free fall distance, harness stretch, height of the working platform, elongation distance of the arresting device, swing fall, safety factor, and other environmental factors.

How does a fall protection system work?

By decelerating the fall and reducing the loads on the worker during a fall through the process of absorbing energy created. The tradeoff is the difference of fall distance vs. forces imparted on the user.

Where should you anchor a personal fall protection system?

At a location where sufficient structural capacity (able to withstand 5000lbs or designed by a QP to a safety factor of 2) is available and sufficient fall clearance is available. It is always advisable for the anchorage points to be positioned at or above the d-ring of the harness to reduce loads and fall distance in the system. Consideration for swing falls also needs to be a factor for determining where an anchor should be located.

Can you mount a fall protection system to existing structure?

This depends on the capacity of existing steel. Most structures can support additional required loads. The final decision should be based on structural analysis in accordance with all applicable codes by a Professional Engineer who is also a Qualified Person.

How much weight can a harness support?

Typically, 310 lbs. Up to 420 lbs. are available but system must be designed to accommodate the additional load.

Who’s responsible for enforcing safety requirements?

Employers are responsible for knowing and enforcing the various health and safety requirements set forth by OSHA and training their employees to recognize hazards and provide stop work authority in the event of an unidentified hazard.

Who is responsible for fall protection?

Everyone shares a responsibility for fall protection. Employers are required to provide a workplace free from hazards. Employees and employers also responsible for identifying appropriate measure to eliminate/mitigate fall hazards.

Where is fall protection required?

Employers are responsible to determine the locations where fall protection is required. All work environments involving elevation or altitude must execute a fall safety program.

When is fall protection required?

OSHA requires fall protection beginning at a height of 4′ in general industry. In construction, fall protection is required above 6′. Protection must also be provided, regardless of the distance, any time work must be completed above hazardous equipment or machinery.

What height is fall protection required?

OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of 4′ in general industry workplaces, 5′ in shipyards, 6′ in the construction industry, and 8′ in longshoring operations.

Is working at height training required?

Yes, anyone who works at height is required to undertake training. Different levels of training and qualification are required depending on the task and level of responsibility.  These include authorized competent and qualified persons.

What are the 4 methods of fall protection?

There are five generally accepted categories of fall protection: fall elimination, fall prevention, fall arrest and administrative controls.

What are the ABCs of Fall Arrest?

Anchors, Body harness, Connecting device(s), and a Descent/rescue plan.

What is a personal fall arrest system?

A combination of fall protection equipment, components, and procedures designed to work together to prevent or protect against a fall impact.

What is the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest?

Fall restraint works to prevent the user from falling, typically by restricting the users movement into the fall hazard area. Fall arrest systems will allow the user to fall and then arrest their fall. Restraint is preferred due to injury possibly still occurring during a fall arrest. Hard hats w/ chin straps are recommended anytime someone is working at height to prevent from coming off during a fall.

What is the 6-foot rule?

The 6ft rule only exists in the construction industry and is the height at which fall protection is required. The rule for general industry is 4′.

What is personal fall protection equipment?

Equipment (including all components) used to protect from falling or to safely arrest an employee’s fall if one occurs. Examples of Personal Fall Protection include full body harnesses, lanyards personal SRL, and connecting devices such as carabiners.

What is passive fall protection?

Does not require user to do or wear anything for the system to be effective as well as no special training being required. An example would be guardrail.

What are examples of active fall protection systems?

A full system would include Anchor, deceleration device, body harness, and means of rescue. Examples include Lifeline Systems, Rigid Rail Systems, and Single Point Anchor systems.

What is the best method of fall protection?

The best method of fall protection is, naturally, elimination of the hazard. Passive fall protection such as guardrails are also preferred. However, when elimination or passive prevention is not an option, opting for the an active fall arrest or restraint solution that best integrates into the standard work procedures is recommended.

If I fall, how will I get rescued?

Reliance on the Fire Dept./Emergency Services is not a rescue plan. Rescue plans often include special equipment to lower or raise victim to a safe level or access equip. ANSI Z359.2 requires that employers have a rescue plan in place. One of the biggest concerns with fall rescue is extended suspension in the harness after a fall. Suspension trauma straps are quick and affordable piece of equipment to increase safe suspension time after all fall

What type of safety harness should I use?

An ANSI and OSHA-compliant full body harness that’s suited to your specific task and is fitted/comfortable to the user based on their size and weight. Ensure that the harness you choose has the correct d-ring attachment points for the fall protection system being used.

What are the risks of working at height?

Anytime a person is working at height and is not fully protected from falling there is a risk for falling. These risks can be significantly increased in situations such as fragile roofs, uneven work surfaces, work in close proximity to unprotected edges and unprotected skylights. Other factors such as the work environment, health and physical conditions, complacency and other safety hazards can also increase the risk of a fall occurring.

Can you work at height alone?

Yes, provided you have a lone worker policy. Extra consideration should be given to means of rescue in a lone worker situation. A communication plan, self-rescue equipment and preferably eliminating the potential for a fall to occur should all be evaluated.

What is the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest?

The main difference between arrest and restraint is a fall. Restraint prevents a fall, arrest prevents an impact. Restraint is preferred, injury can still occur during an arrest. Hard hats w/ chin strap to prevent from coming off during a fall.

What is a fall protection system?

A system designed to protect personnel from falling or in the event of a fall, to stop them without causing severe injury.

How do I choose the right fall protection solution?

A careful evaluation of the job task, space constraints and many other criteria are part of the considerations in choosing a portable fall protection solution. Keep in mind that a lot of the portable fall protection solutions are customizable to fit specific applications. Contact your territory manager for more information.

Tell Us About Your Fall Hazard