The Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) can be made up of an almost unlimited variety of solutions, but to simplify, every Personal Fall Arrest System has the following four components: Anchorage, Bodywear, Connector and Deceleration device
Your anchor can be as simple as a cross arm strap wrapped around a steel beam, or it can be an engineered solution specific to your hazard that is unlike any anchor anywhere else. Regardless of how simple or complex your anchorage, it must provide the same protection. Detailed in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1915.159(a)(9) “anchorages shall be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.24 Kn) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows:
Your bodywear will be a full body harness (body belts became unacceptable January 1, 1998). Be sure to choose your body harness for your specific job, environment, and that you have the correct size and it is adjusted to your body before working at heights.
The connector(s) have this criteria according to OSHA 1915.159(a)(1), “Connectors shall be made of drop forged, pressed, or formed steel or shall be made of materials with equivalent strength.
Your PFAS will have several connectors including; D rings, snaphooks, carabiners and lifeline connection points.
The deceleration device is the piece of fall protection equipment that arrests fall forces to a level tolerable by the human body. Whether it is a single leg lanyard with a sewn shock pack or the latest self-retracting lifeline with patented technology, the deceleration device is required by OSHA to “limit the maximum arresting force on a falling employee to 1,800 pounds (8 Kn) when used with a body harness; 1915.159(b)(6)(ii)
All of these components make up the Personal Fall Arrest System. The components of the system must also work together to achieve OSHA standard 1915.159(b)(7), “Personal fall arrest systems shall be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.83 m) nor contact any lower level”.
When determining the free fall distance for an employee to avoid contact with a lower level, your fall hazards may require use of lifelines and other components that limit free fall distance. This is normally achieved by utilizing a self-retracting lifeline that is rated for shorter stopping distances by the manufacturer.
A PFAS is only effective for a well trained employee with up to date inspections. OSHA standard 1915.159(c)(5) states, “Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components shall be removed from service.” Standard 1915.159(d) explains, “Training. Before using personal fall arrest equipment, each affected employee shall be trained to understand the application limits of the equipment and proper hook-up, anchoring, and tie-off techniques. Affected employees shall also be trained so that they can demonstrate the proper use, inspection, and storage of their equipment.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A fall arrest system is designed to stop a fall that is already occurring, minimizing the impact and injury to the worker. In contrast, a fall restraint system prevents the fall from happening in the first place by restricting the worker’s movement to areas where falls cannot occur.
The anchorage point is a critical component of a PFAS. It must be capable of supporting the prescribed minimum tensile strength to ensure it can withstand the forces exerted during a fall. Selection under the supervision of a qualified person is essential for ensuring safety.
A shock-absorbing lanyard is a type of deceleration device that extends and absorbs energy during a fall, thereby reducing the impact forces on the body. It is crucial for limiting the maximum deceleration distance and arresting force experienced by the worker.
An anchorage connector is a device that connects the PFAS to the anchorage point. It must have sufficient strength and be compatible with the anchorage point and the rest of the system to ensure a secure and effective connection.
A self-retracting lifeline (SRL) automatically adjusts its length in response to the movements of the worker, allowing for ease of movement. In the event of a fall, the SRL quickly locks to arrest the fall, often providing a shorter deceleration distance than a traditional lanyard.
The free fall distance is the vertical distance a worker falls before the fall arrest system begins to slow their descent. Minimizing this distance is crucial for reducing the force exerted on the worker and the system during a fall.
A rescue plan is essential for promptly and safely retrieving a worker who has fallen and is suspended in a harness. It helps prevent further injury or health complications, such as suspension trauma.
A safety harness must distribute fall arrest forces across the body, particularly the thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders. It should be adjustable to fit the wearer properly and equipped with appropriate attachment points for the work being performed.
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