OSHA recognizes falls as the number one work-related fatality in the construction industry, with almost 40% of injuries occurring due to an employee falling. A personal fall arrest system or PFAS is a common type of protection intended to protect a person from falling or to safely arrest a person falling, and it is one of the main components of a workplace fall protection safety program. Designed for use when other types of fall protection are not feasible at a specific location, a personal fall arrest system can keep a person from hitting a lower level or other objects in the event of a fall. Because it is an integral part of a fall protection program, it is critical to become familiar with the three main components of your PFAS, what each one does, and why a personal fall arrest system must be inspected for damage.
The Three Components of a Personal Fall Arrest System
Every personal fall arrest system is composed of three elements; a full body harness, a connector, and an anchorage point. Each of these components plays a critical role in preventing a fall. A PFAS can only be used under the supervision of a Competent Person, and it must:
- Limit the maximum force on a worker falling from heights to 1,800 pounds when used with a harness.
- Be rigged so that a worker can’t free fall more than 6 feet or come in contact with any lower level.
- Bring a worker to a complete stop and limit the maximum arresting distance to 4 feet.
- Have enough strength to withstand twice the potential impact of a worker free falling a distance of 6 feet or the free fall distance permitted by the system.
- It is crucial to remember that a personal fall arrest system must be inspected for damage before each use to maintain its integrity and service as a life-saving device.
- A personal fall arrest system must be taken out of service after a worker is subjected to a fall.
A personal fall arrest system consists of these three components to keep workers at heights safe and compliant while working on the job site. It is best to integrate fall protection within a structure at the time it is designed.
Introduction to Fall Protection Systems With Ellis Fall Safety Systems
At EFSS, our team can assist with fall protection systems to make your workplace safer. Our company of fall safety professionals is experienced in all facets of protection engineering, with a centralized focus on developing safety solutions that aid our clients in learning the best safety methods and preventative steps needed when working from heights. Whether you have questions like “What does a personal fall arrest system consist of” or are interested in having us evaluate your worksite for compliance and safety, you can contact us today at 302-571-8470. Order your copy of “Introduction to Fall Protection, 5th Edition” today. This invaluable resource will take you from the structure design stage to post-construction maintenance. Click to find out more!Order your copy of “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” today. This invaluable resource will take you from the structure design stage to post construction maintenance. Click to find out more!
