Published on: July 14, 2013
Today’s fall protection equipment has extra safety measures to ensure the fall arrest security of your employees when they need to complete tasks on elevated equipment such as trucks, elevated structures and aircraft.
Manufacturers can custom design fall protection equipment for any application, and it is available in a variety of heights. Furthermore, the safety equipment comes in different wheel styles, and can even be engineered it to fit on a truck for easy transportation to different work sites.
Mobile Fall Protection Equipment
Equipment options include mobile access stairs, platforms and rail systems. If you invest in a mobile stair system, you will have a unit that gives you complete stairway access to elevated labor spaces. The system will also provide you with steady footing as you climb to and from a raised work area.
Be sure to review the benefits of fall protection equipment that has a platform as the feature allows you to work in raised workspaces safely. The equipment includes several masts for safety connectors along with a ladder port attachment section. When you select a platform, you will have a piece of equipment that moves easily on pneumatic wheels. Furthermore, the equipment is available in varying heights and wheel styles.
Fall protection equipment manufacturers also construct a variety of horizontal rail units. For instance, you can buy items that have trolley systems as well as wheels, which will allow you to roll the unit up to your work area. You can also buy freestanding supports that feature anchor points to attach different fall restraint harnesses.
Work Tasks that Require Fall Protection Equipment
Many jobs require maintenance workers to work in elevated places. For instance, building construction frequently involves elevated tasks because the upper sections and roof areas are high above the ground. If you work in the semi-truck transport industry, then you may need a fall protection unit to load or unload the vehicle. Other jobs that feature elevated working conditions include cable installation and tree trimming as well as window washing and roofing.
Proper Fall Protection Equipment Training
Be sure to have your supervisors and workers complete fall arrest training before they begin working on the equipment. The training offers comprehensive courses that are custom designed for your working conditions. Furthermore, courses include training for each building maintenance system, proper calibration and airplane maintenance. You can contact a training company that designs programs nationally. In addition, the training company can put together the learning materials as well as provide the training site and instructors.
Fall Protection System Inspection
Before you or and employee uses fall protection equipment, be sure to complete a fall protection system inspection of all equipment. During the review, you should visually assess your equipment for excessive wear and tear. Also, look for areas that may malfunction along with damaged parts. All of your fall protection equipment should be inspected and recertified regularly. In fact, a professional company will need to complete an inspection of your equipment at least once a year.
A professional inspector will examine and reset each equipment section’s line tension. He or she will also assess the equipment’s hardware including the bolts, screws and shackles. During an inspection, the examiner will review the equipment for signs of wear and oil all of your gear’s moving parts. In addition, your fall protection equipment’s self-retracting lifelines will be recertified. Your inspector will also look for rust or corrosion as well as dirt and debris. After the examination, you can feel confident when you use your equipment because the assessor will check the unit’s structural elements and look for loose sections.
The Benefits of Fall Protection Equipment and Training
Fall protection equipment will provide safety for you and your employees when they work in elevated spaces. Also, with the proper training, you can make sure that everyone on your team uses the equipment accurately.