DS:8 PERSONAL FALL ARREST AND FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

 

PERSONAL FALL ARREST AND FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

Understanding the distinction between fall arrest systems and fall restraint systems is crucial, especially in industries such as construction where employees frequently work at heights. These safety mechanisms help prevent workplace accidents and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Fall Restraint Systems

A fall restraint system consists of equipment designed to prevent a worker from reaching a fall hazard, such as the edge of a roof or an elevated working surface. The most common example of a fall restraint system is a standard guardrail. Additionally, a tie-off system can be used to restrict a worker’s movement and prevent them from stepping into a hazardous area.

Fall Arrest Systems

As per the Workplace Safety & Health standard, a personal fall arrest system is designed to stop a worker from falling from an elevated position. This system includes an anchor point, connectors, a body belt or harness, and may also incorporate a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a combination of these components.

The system must be capable of withstanding the immense forces generated during a fall. Without protective measures, a person can free fall 4 feet in half a second and 16 feet in just one second. Proper system design minimizes the impact of a fall, reducing the risk of severe injury.

Five Key Requirements for Fall Arrest Systems

1. Body Belts Restriction: As of December 31, 1997, body belts may no longer be used as fall arrest devices. When used prior to this date, they had to limit maximum arresting force to 900 pounds. Full-body harnesses, which are now required, allow a maximum arresting force of 1,800 pounds. In some states, such as Washington, body belts are completely prohibited for fall arrest purposes.
2. Fall Distance Limitation: The system must be designed so that a worker does not experience a free fall of more than six feet or come into contact with a lower level. Additionally, once the fall arrest system activates, the deceleration component must bring the worker to a complete stop within an additional 3.5 feet.
3. Anchorage Strength: The anchor point must support at least 5,000 pounds per worker. Standard guardrails are typically not adequate anchor points as they are not designed to withstand the significant impact forces associated with a fall.
4. D-Ring Attachment Placement: The D-ring attachment on a full-body harness must be positioned at the center of the worker’s back, near shoulder level, ensuring optimal safety and force distribution in the event of a fall.
5. Inspection and Maintenance: Fall arrest system components must be inspected for wear, damage, and deterioration before each use. Any components that have been subjected to the impact of a fall must be immediately removed from service.

Components of a Personal Fall Arrest System

A personal fall arrest system comprises three key components:

1. Anchorage/Anchorage Connector
2. Body Wear
3. Connecting Device

Anchorage and Anchorage Connectors

• An anchorage, commonly referred to as a tie-off point, may include structures such as I-beams, scaffolding, lifelines, or rebar.
• The anchorage connector is the component that attaches the worker’s system to the anchorage. Examples include cross-arm straps, beam anchors, D-bolts, and hook anchors.
• Anchor points must support at least 5,000 pounds per worker.
• The anchorage must be positioned high enough to prevent a worker from making contact with a lower level in the event of a fall.
• Proper positioning of the anchorage connector helps to mitigate the risk of a “swing fall.”

Body Wear

• The only acceptable form of body wear for fall arrest is a full-body harness.
• Harnesses must be chosen based on the nature of the work and the environmental conditions.
• Side and front D-rings on harnesses should only be used for positioning, not for fall arrest.

Connecting Device

• The connecting device links the worker’s body wear to the anchorage or anchorage connector. Common examples include shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, fall limiters, and rope grabs.
• The fall distance must be assessed to determine the appropriate connecting device:
• For falls under 18.5 feet (5.6 meters), a self-retracting lifeline or fall limiter is required.
• For falls exceeding 18.5 feet (5.6 meters), a shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline/fall limiter should be used.
• Connecting devices must be selected based on the type of work and environmental conditions.
• Shock-absorbing lanyards can expand up to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) when arresting a fall. They must always be attached to the back D-ring of the harness.
• Tying knots in web lanyards should be avoided as knots can reduce the lanyard’s strength by up to 50%.

Both fall arrest and fall restraint systems play important roles in workplace safety, particularly in industries where employees work at elevated heights. Understanding the differences between these systems, along with adhering to regulatory standards and best practices, ensures a safer work environment and significantly reduces the risk of fall-related injuries and fatalities. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of fall protection systems are critical for worker safety, making compliance with Workplace Safety & Health guidelines and industry best practices a top priority.

Please Note:

The content in this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific compliance questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.

Post by Indian Safety Association

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