The
best way to address fall protection issues is to take a Systems
Approach when evaluating your work environment. Virtually every
fall protection problem can be solved by considering the basic components
of a Personal Fall Arrest System. |
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Body
Supports
With rare exception, a worker's body support
always includes a full body harness. Belts and boatswain’s
chairs can be used for positioning and suspension respectively,
but are generally not acceptable for vertical fall arrest. When
selecting a full body harness you should consider variables such
as the number and placement of D-rings required to complete your
work. The back D-ring is almost always the fall protection attachment
point. Hip D-rings are used for positioning or restraint, but not
for fall protection. Shoulder D-rings are used in conjunction with
a yoke and spreader bar to lift and lower workers in special situations
(such as when an SCBA is worn during a task. Chest D-rings are used
lifting, lowering, suspension, and rescue. Chest D-rings are only
allowed to be used for fall arrest when using a ladder safety system.
Other issues may involve comfort (shoulder and back pads are available),
the need for tool belts and style of leg strap. |
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Connecting
Components
This refers to what type of shock absorbing
lanyard is used to connect the worker to his anchorage point. The
most common examples of these items are: shock absorbing lanyards,
self retracting lifelines, rope and cable grabs. Federal OSHA requires
that the maximum arrest force allowed for a worker wearing a full
body harness is 1,800 lbs. With the exception of our "Force
2" foot level tie off lanyard, DBI/SALA manufactures its products
to comply with ANSI Z359.1. This is a voluntary standard that limits
the allowable maximum arrest force to 900 lbs or less. The main
selection issue for a connecting component is that it must provide
continuous protection to a worker who is at risk of falling. Self
retracting lifelines and vertical rope grab systems enable workers
to span a large vertical range of motion. Twin Lanyards allow workers
to move from one anchor point to another in any direction. Horizontal
lifelines give the worker an extended of motion on the same horizontal
plane. |
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Anchor
Connectors/Anchorage
The anchor connector is the device you use
to connect your personal fall arrest system to the structure or
anchorage. Uncertified anchorages must have a minimum static strength
rating of 5,000 lbs per worker. OSHA?standards permit "certified"
or "engineered" anchorage strengths of two times the system's
maximum arrest force per worker. End users are advised to seek professional
engineering services when a certified anchorage is required. The
major selection issues for anchor connectors are strength compatibility
with both the structure and personal fall arrest system range of
motion requirements and environmental elements that may damage certain
materials. Examples of anchor connectors include: Anchor straps,
I-beam clamps, roof anchors, trolleys, and anchor plates. |
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Work
Positioning
Work positioning systems will hold and sustain
the user at a work location and limit free falls to less than two
feet. If a fall hazard exists then the user is required to use fall
arrest components in addition to his positioning system. Rebar tying
and concrete wall-form work are typical applications. A workseat
can also be added for additional support. A carabiner or snap hook
connector is used to fasten to the anchorage, generally rebar or
a support structure. |
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Suspension
Use a suspension system to support and hold
you without any possibility of a free fall while you are being raised
or lowered. Boatswain's chair jobs, such as painting or window washing,
are common examples. |
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Fall
Arrest
Fall arrest systems are typically used to
protect workers when they are six feet or more above the ground.
For maximum safety, all of our fall arrest systems are designed
to limit the maximum arresting forces to 900 lbs. or less—half
of the OSHA standard of 1,800 pounds. Typical fall arrest applications
include steel erection, suspended-platform activities, and elevated
maintenance work. Products include: fully body harness for body
support, a connecting component such as a shock absorbing lanyard,
self-retracting lifeline, or rope grab, an anchorage connector such
as a carabiner, tie-off adapter, trolley or beam clamp and a solid
anchorage, such as an I-beam or another type of support structure. |
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Restraint
Restraint systems prevent you from reaching
an area where a free fall could occur. Leading edge roof work typically
calls for a restraint system. A proper restraint system includes:
a rope or web lanyard connecting component. For secure anchorage,
restraint systems use an anchorage connector such as an anchorage
plate with a D-ring or a support structure that connects to the
lanyard with a carabiner or snap hook. |
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Rescue
Rescue systems are designed to raise or lower
you to safety in an emergency without any possibility of a free
fall. Rescue systems are typically used in confined space work,
such as underground utility projects or tank maintenance. Rescue
systems include a full body harness and/or a rescue cradle connected
to a winch, self-retracting lifeline, rescue positioning device.
That is then connected directly to an anchorage I-beam, to the ground
or to an anchorage connector such as a tripod, davit arm, carabiner
or tie-off adapter. |
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Body
Belts
Use body belts for inspection work, construction
and demolition, maintenance, oil production, and any other activities
where one needs to be restrained from a leading edge or where there
is to add a body belt to most harnesses for added back support and
versatility. Remember, NEVER use body belts in situations where
there is any chance of a free fall! |
Note:
Federal law requires the use of a separate harness and lifeline
with suspension supports. Reference OSHA standards.) To comply with
federal law, the full body harness must include a back D-ring for
connection with an independent lifeline and must incorporate a fall
arrest subsystem that will limit the maximum free fall to six feet
or less and limit the maximum arresting force to 1,800 lbs. or less.
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Copyright
© 2003 DBI/SALA. All rights reserved. This information is
provided “as is” and is not to be considered a warranty
of product performance or as an authoritative informational page.
Due to the diverse field conditions and other variables which
can affect a product’s performance, Flame Tamers disclaims
all warranties (expressed and implied) as to any product’s
performance or any information provided.
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