Table of Contents
Advertisement
Available languages
Available languages
2.2 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Equipment users must be fully trained in
and conversant with all regulatory
requirements, safety rules and
procedures applicable to the workplace
in which the fall protection equipment is
to be used. If in doubt, discuss your
concerns with your supervisor or safety
director.
These instructions are not a substitute
for a formal written climbing and fall
protection training program. Such
training should include:
1) information about local circumstances,
rules and regulations applicable to the
work situation,
2) a "hands-on" opportunity to learn how
to wear and attach equipment properly,
3) instruction about adequate anchor
points and the proper techniques for
connecting lanyards, droplines or
lifelines,
4) guidance and demonstration on how
to inspect and maintain the equipment,
5) awareness of potential fall hazards,
6) recovery of a fallen worker and
7) limitations and improper uses of
equipment.
2.3 DESCRIPTION OF A FALL
PROTECTION SYSTEM AND
ITS COMPONENTS
A fall protection system relies on the
proper choice and selection of three
components: 1) Anchorage Point,
2) Connecting Device, and 3) Full Body
Harness or Belt. (see figure 1)
2.3. 1 ANCHORAGE POINT
An anchorage point is a secure point of
attachment for lanyards, droplines,
lifelines, or deceleration (shock absorb-
ing) devices. It is to be independent of
the means of supporting or suspending
the worker and must be evaluated and
identified by a qualified person and
capable of supporting 2268 kg /
5000 lbs per worker served.
OSHA defines a qualified person as
one with a recognized degree or
professional certificate and/or exten-
sive knowledge and experience in the
subject field who is capable of design,
analysis, evaluation and specifications
in the subject work, project or product.
Select every anchorage point with care.
The anchorage point location, in
combination with the lanyard and
deceleration device length, should never
permit a free fall of more than that stated
in state or provincial regulations. Avoid
swing fall hazards by working directly
below a fixed anchorage point or by
using a horizontal lifeline. Fixed
anchorage points, vertical droplines, or
horizontal lifelines should be capable of
supporting 2268 kg / 5000 lbs per
worker. A dropline is a vertical line
secured to a fixed anchorage point. A
lifeline is a horizontal or vertical line fixed
to two anchorage points.
2.3.2 CONNECTING DEVICES
Connecting devices are lines which
connect a full body harness or belt to an
anchorage point, dropline, lifeline or
ladder climbing system. They may be
permanently fitted to a harness or belt,
or attached to a D-ring using approved
connecting hardware.
The connecting device is linked to the
anchorage point or dropline by a locking
snap hook or other approved connecting
hardware. Where a dropline is used, a
lanyard is attached to a fall arresting
device, such as a rope grab, which travels
on the dropline. Where a lifeline is used,
the lanyard is attached to an approved
device which moves freely along the line
between the anchor points.
2.3.3 BODY BELTS
Body Belts are used to restrain a worker
in a hazardous work position. A body
belt is a simple or compound strap with
means for securing it about the worker's
waist and for securing a lanyard to it. It
provides the security of being "tied off",
however, the arresting force on a falling
worker wearing only a body belt may not
exceed 900 lbs (4 kN).
NOTE
As of January 1, 1998, OSHA will no
longer permit the use of body belts as
fall arrest devices in the construction
industry. (U.S. only)
2.3.4 FULL BODY HARNESSES
A Full Body Harness incorporates leg
and shoulder straps secured about the
wearer in such a manner as to spread
the impact forces of a fall over the
buttocks, thighs, shoulders and chest,
and with provision for attaching a lanyard
to the back between chest and shoulder
level. The arresting force on a falling
5
E
N
G
L
I
S
H
Advertisement
Chapters
Table of Contents
