Fall Protection Systems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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′.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.