Temporary FP Systems

Although double-lanyard systems remain a seemingly obvious answer for moving horizontally on many present structures without the provision of horizontal lifelines, their use is cumbersome.  An interesting variant used in Japan employs a simpler system that includes a keybox attached to the worker’s belt.  One lanyard key is inserted and remains attached until a second lanyard key is inserted in another opening.  This action ejects the first lanyard key and allows unhindered transfer past obstructions or supports while ensuring continuous protection.

See “Introduction to Fall Protecton, 4th Edition” page 242.

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First Worker Up Fall Protection

Rigging a first-worker-up fall protection system generally follows a pre-determined sequence of steps:

  • To identify a suitable anchor point;
  • To attach a temporary anchorage connecting component, such as an anchor strap, using a remote connecting device;
  • To attach the connecting lanyard or self-retracting lanyard of the personal fall arrest system to the temporary anchorage connector;
  • To connect the lanyard or self-retracting lanyard to the body support harness; and
  • To verify that all conncections are secure before ascending.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 319.

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!

Fall Protection System Components

Both the employer and employee should realize that components of a fall protection system may not be interchangeable.  For instance, if a commodity-grade rope is used for a lifeline, the authorizing authority must be certain that is the correct diameter and has the test strength for use with a specific rope-grab device on a prolonged basis.

Components of a fall arrest system should note be substituted or changed unless fully evaluated and tested by a qualified person or the equipment manufacturer.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” pages 253-254.

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!

Incident Investigation

In the case of a fall or near-miss incident, the fall protection administrator should appoint a competent or qualified person to conduct an incident investigation.  The investigation will help determine if the fall protection program has established the appropriate control method for a given hazard, if the training is adequate, and what improvements are needed to ensure such an incident does not reoccur.

Systems of root-cause analysis help identify the underlying causes of incidents and are valuable for determining what corrective measure should be taken as a result of hte lessons learned. Many times, the result of an incident investigation is that worker error is identified as  the main contributing factor. When root-cause analysis is used, multiple underlying causes are usually uncovered.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 406.

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!

Fall Protection Systems

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!

Fall Arrest vs. Fall Restraint

Fall arrest is designed to catch a person once he or she falls, whereas restraint systems are designed to keep the free fall from occurring in the first place.  A restraint is intended to be a leash, reasonably preventing access to a fall-hazard zone.  In practice, this is extremely difficult, especially if the system is moved.  It is far better to treat it as a fall arrest system meeting fall arrest requirements.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 209.

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!

Wire Rope Systems

Wire-rope systems should be considered where accidental collisions with crane-suspended loads are foreseeable.  Bypass of intermediate supports, using the split-eyebolt concept, can be used in construction industry applications.  Automatic roll-by or slide-by devices can be used in general industry applications.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 242.

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!