| Fall Arrest
Systems A fall arrest system is an
assembly of components and subsystems, including the necessary connectors,
used to arrest the user in a fall from a working height and suspend the
user until rescue can be effected. A fall arrest system must always
include a full body harness (such as the Rose Pullover harness) and
connecting means between the harness and an anchorage or anchorage
connector. Such
connecting means may consist of a lanyard, energy (shock) absorber, fall
arrester (rope grab), lifeline, self-retracting lanyard or qualified
combinations of these.
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Suspension Systems
The suspension configuration permits workers to sit and work safely while
elevated. Unlike the fall arrest configuration, the suspension
configuration distributes the worker’s weight on areas of the body capable
of bearing that weight for extended periods.
A suspension system is designed to raise or lower and support a worker at
an elevated work station. The connecting points of the system, such as
shoulder or seat-strap D-rings, are NOT designed to properly distribute
the impact forces that result in arresting a free fall. A suspension
system alone cannot be relied upon to provide proper fall arrest
protection; the worker must be properly attached to an independent fall
arrest system if a free fall is a possibility.
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Restraint Systems
A restraint system is an assembly of components and
subsystems, including the necessary connectors, used to: (a) stabilize and
partially support the user at an elevated work location and allow free use
of both hands. This type of restraint system is referred to as a work
positioning system or, simply, a positioning system. (b) restrict the
user’s motion so as to prevent reaching a location where a fall hazard
exists. This type of restraint system is referred to as a travel
restriction system.
A positioning system includes the user’s harness and connecting means
between the harness and an anchorage or anchorage connector. Such
connecting means usually consists of a positioning lanyard which is
connected to both hip D-rings of the harness and wraps around or connects
to an anchorage or anchorage connector. A positioning system must always
be backed up by a fall arrest system. A travel restriction system consists
of the user’s harness and a fixed length or adjustable length lanyard
connected between any one of the harness D-rings and an anchorage or
anchorage connector.
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Personnel-Riding Systems
A personnel-riding system provides a quick means of lifting or pulling the
wearer out of a working environment. The system supports full body weight
for a short period of time, but should not be used for suspension.
Vertical retrieval systems, which may incorporate a harness having two
shoulder D-rings, are used frequently in confined spaces such as storage
tanks or manholes which may pose potentially dangerous conditions. A
retrieval system by itself, however, may not provide all the protection as
worker requires. Fall arrest and/or restraint systems may also be
required.
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Approvals & Standards
There are numerous OSHA regulations and ANSI standards
that apply to fall protection and confined space entry. The employer must
understand these regulations and standards when selecting the appropriate
fall protection and confined space entry/retrieval equipment.
OSHA Regulations Under Title
29 of the Code of Federal Regulations
OSHA’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards
for General Industry
Subpart D, Walking/Working Surfaces
- Fixed Ladders, Ladder Safety Devices 1910.27 (d)
(5)
- Safety Requirements for Scaffolding, Boatswain’s
Chairs 1910.28 (j) (4)
Subpart I, Personal Fall Arrest Systems proposed
Subpart F, Powered Platforms and Building Maintenance 1910.66
Subpart J, Permit – Required Confined Space 1910.146
Subpart R, Special Industries
- Agricultural Operations 1910.267
- Telecommunications 1910.268
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission and
Distribution 1910.269
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OSHA’s Safety and Health
Regulations for Construction
Subpart E, Personal Protective Equipment
- Safety Belts, Lifelines and Lanyards 1926.104
- Safety Nets 1926.105
Subpart L, Scaffolding
- Boatswain’s Chairs 1926.451 (1)
Subpart M, Fall Protection
- Scope, Application and Definitions 1926.500
- Duty to Have Fall Protection 1926.501
- Fall Protection Systems Criteria and Practices
1926.502
- Training Requirements 1926.503
Subpart R, Steel Erection
OSHA’s Safety and Health
Regulations for Marine Terminals & Longshoring
ANSI Standards
Construction and Demolition Operations:
- Requirements for Safety Belts, Harnesses,
Lanyards & Lifelines for Construction and Demolition A10.14 – 1991
- Ladders – Fixed – Safety Requirements A14.3 –
1992
- Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces Z117.1 –
1989
- Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest
Systems Subsystems and Components Z359.1 –
1992
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