Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Protection
What is Fall Protection Gear?
Fall protection isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about keeping your crew safe and making sure everyone goes home at the end of the day. Falls are one of the most common workplace hazards, and they can happen to anyone, no matter how experienced.
When we talk about fall protection, we’re talking about a system of tools and strategies designed to stop a fall before it happens or minimize the harm if it does. This includes everything from a full body harness and anchor points to lifelines and guardrail systems. But here’s the thing: even the best gear can’t do its job if it’s not used correctly. That’s why understanding the basics and staying committed to safety is key.
Fall Protection 101
When it comes to fall protection, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You can break fall protection into four key components: anchorages, body wear, connectors, and devices.
Anchorages:
Anchorages are the fixed points where your lifelines or lanyards are secured. Whether it’s a permanent anchor bolted into steel or a mobile anchor point like our mobile fall protection carts, you need something strong enough to handle the load. The OSHA requirements for anchorages—they need to support at least 5,000 pounds per person.
Body Wear:
The harness is what keeps your crew secure and distributes the force of a fall to reduce injury. A good harness doesn’t just meet safety standards—it fits well and is comfortable enough to wear all day. At Malta Dynamics, we offer harnesses designed for real-world conditions.
Connectors:
Connectors are the connection between your body wear and anchor point, and they play a critical role in reducing the impact of a fall. For example, shock-absorbing lanyards can limit the force on a worker during a fall, while self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) offer flexibility and ease of movement while keeping the connection tight.
Deceleration Devices: Adding Layers of Protection
Devices like rope grabs, lanyards, and SRLs add an extra layer of functionality to your fall protection system. For example, a self-retracting lifeline adjusts as you move, minimizing slack and reducing the risk of a fall. Mobile fall systems, like our award-winning XSERIES Mobile Grabbers, provide a flexible and reliable solution for crews who need to move between jobsites.
Active vs Passive Fall Protection
Fall protection systems come in two main categories: active and passive. Understanding the difference—and knowing when to use each—is critical to creating a safer worksite.
Active Fall Protection
Active fall protection systems require the worker to actively engage with the equipment to stay safe. This includes systems like harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines (SRLs). These solutions are ideal when you’re working in areas without guardrails or safety nets and need mobility while staying secure. Active systems are flexible and portable, making them perfect for tasks like roofing, scaffolding, and steel erection.
Examples of Active Fall Protection:
- Harnesses: Full-body harnesses distribute the force of a fall and keep the worker upright.
- Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs): Allow freedom of movement while maintaining a secure connection to an anchor point.
- Shock-Absorbing Lanyards: Reduce the impact of a fall by slowing the descent.
Passive Fall Protection
Passive fall protection doesn’t require the worker to do anything—it’s built into the jobsite. These systems are more about preventing a fall from happening in the first place. They’re often used in environments where workers are stationary or where the risks of a fall can be eliminated entirely. For example, installing guardrails around the edge of a roof creates a safe environment for everyone without the need for personal fall arrest systems.
Examples of Passive Fall Protection:
- Guardrails: Installed around open edges or elevated platforms.
- Safety Nets: Positioned below work areas to catch workers or debris.
- Barriers: Temporary fencing or panels to block off dangerous areas.
Choosing the Right System In many cases, the best approach is a combination of both active and passive systems. For instance, guardrails (passive) might be installed around the perimeter of a jobsite, while workers closer to the edge use harnesses and SRLs (active).
Industries that use Fall Protection
Fall protection isn’t optional in many industries—it’s essential. Whether you’re working at extreme heights, in confined spaces, or on uneven surfaces, the right safety systems keep crews secure and jobs running smoothly.
Construction Work and Roofing: From installing roofs to framing buildings, workers rely on harnesses, lanyards, and guardrails to stay safe.
Warehousing and Distribution: Elevated platforms and loading docks require fall protection measures to prevent accidents during routine operations.
Oil & Gas: Harsh environments and complex equipment setups call for rugged, reliable fall protection systems.
Window Washing and Tower Work: Working at extreme heights demands advanced systems like self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) and anchor points.
Steel and Mining: These industries require solutions that handle tough conditions, including mobile fall systems and durable harnesses.
The Important Governing Bodies
Here’s a breakdown of the key organizations shaping fall protection regulations:
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
OSHA sets the baseline for workplace safety in the U.S., including detailed fall protection requirements. They mandate specific heights at which fall protection is required:
- Construction: 6 feet
- General Industry: 4 feet
- Shipyards: 5 feet
- Longshoring: 8 feet
- Scaffolding: 10 feet
OSHA also requires employers to provide appropriate equipment, training, and inspections to prevent accidents. Non-compliance can lead to fines and, more importantly, serious injuries.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
While OSHA sets the legal requirements, ANSI provides best practices for fall protection equipment. Their standards ensure gear like harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points are rigorously tested for safety and reliability.
ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association)
ISEA advocates for high safety standards across industries and promotes innovation in personal protective equipment.
CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
For jobsites in Canada, the CSA sets the standard for fall protection equipment and practices. If your work takes you across borders, it’s important to ensure your gear complies with CSA guidelines.
Setting Up Fall Arrest Systems
Choosing the right fall arrest system is only half the battle—setting it up properly is what ensures your crew’s safety on the job. Here’s how to get started:
- Assess Your Worksite
Every jobsite is different, so the first step is evaluating your specific fall hazards. Identify areas where workers are exposed to height risks, such as unprotected edges, elevated platforms, or confined space entry. This helps determine the type of system and equipment you need.
- Choose the Right Components
A complete fall arrest system typically includes anchorages, body wear (harnesses), connectors (lanyards or self-retracting lifelines), and devices like rope grabs.
- Consider Mobile Fall Systems
For sites that require frequent repositioning, mobile fall protection systems are game-changers. Our mobile carts, for example, provide a secure anchorage point that moves with your crew, offering flexibility without sacrificing safety. These systems are ideal for construction sites, roofing, and other dynamic environments.
- Install and Inspect
Proper installation is critical. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for anchorage points and connectors to ensure everything is set up correctly. Annual inspections of all components are equally important. Look for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion that could compromise safety.
- Train Your Crew
Even the best fall arrest system won’t protect your team if they don’t know how to use it. Fall protection training is essential to ensure workers understand how to wear harnesses, connect to anchor points, and inspect their equipment. Malta Dynamics offers hands-on and online training programs to keep your crew prepared and confident.
When should you replace fall protection?
Fall protection gear is critical for safety, so knowing when to replace it is essential. Here are key times to replace your equipment:
- After a Fall: Any gear involved in a fall must be removed from service immediately, even if it looks undamaged.
- Visible Damage: Replace gear with frayed webbing, broken hardware, rust, or malfunctioning parts.
- Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Follow the recommended lifespan, typically around 5 years, unless stated otherwise.
- Failed Inspections: If equipment fails an inspection, it’s time for a replacement.
- Improper Storage: Gear exposed to excessive heat, chemicals, or UV light should be replaced if its condition is uncertain.
Pro Tip: Keep records of inspections and replacement schedules to stay compliant and ensure safety.
Protect Your Team With Confidence
At the end of the day, fall protection is about trust—trust in your team, trust in your gear, and trust in the systems you have in place. Whether you’re outfitting your crew with harnesses, setting up mobile fall systems, or investing in safety training, every step you take builds a safer jobsite. At Malta Dynamics, we’re proud to provide the tools, systems, and expertise you need to keep your team secure.