FALL PROTECTION Field Guide and Inspection Log
What is Fall Protection? A series of reasonable steps taken to eliminate or control the injury effects of an unintentional fall while working at height or same level surface. 100,000+ injuries occur as a result of falls each year. Why is it important? Falls are the number one cause of fatalities in the construction industry.
Fall Protection FAQ Types of Fall Protection • Fall restraint: Worker’s center of gravity cannot fall over the unprotected edge in any direction. A – anchor = 2 x force exerted, or 3,000 lbs. B – body belt or full body harness = 3,000 lbs C - Lanyard/rope = 3,000 lbs RESTRAINT Anchorage Anchorage Connector Restraint Lanyard Full Body Harness • Personal fall arrest: Basic system with Lanyard A – 5,000 lbs anchorage per person.
The ABC’s and DE of Fall Protection Anchorage The secure point that your fall protection is connected to • Must be able to support at least 5,000 lbs.
The ABC’s and DE of Fall Protection Connecting Devices To connect a worker’s body harness to the anchor point Three Options: Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL) • Extends and retracts automatically during typical use, but a brake activates in the event of a fall • Reacts immediately to reduce fall distance • The shorter the fall, the less impact there is on the body • Allows more freedom of movement on jobsite • Available in web strapping or cable Self-Retracting Classifications Class A Maximum arresting di
Choosing the Right Components Calculating Fall Height Always calculate your fall distance before selecting your fall protection equipment Energy Absorbing Lanyard Length of Anchorage Connector Total Fall Distance (Free Fall + Deceleration) 1.8 m (6 ft.) Length of Lanyard Free Fall 3.4 m (11 ft.) 1.2 m (4 ft.) Deceleration Free Fall Distance Total Estimated Fall Distance 5.5 m (18 ft.) Working Level 0.3 m (1 ft.) Harness Stretch 1.5 m (5 ft.) To Worker’s Back D-Ring 0.6 m (2 ft.
Choosing and Fitting the Right Harness Harness Adjustment and Use Adjustment Harness closures and keepers ensure proper harness fit. which is of fundamental importance for safe use. Chest straps should fit across the middle of the sternum. not higher or lower. leg straps should be snug. Adjusting the leg straps too loosely will cause injuries in the case of a fall.
Inspection & Maintenance Inspections should be recorded in a centralized logbook that includes the serial number, date of purchase, dates of inspection, service work performed and authorized signatures. Werner does not specify a pre-determined shelf life for fall protection products. Product life expectancy will be determined by routine inspection, conducted before each use by the user and conducted at least semi-annually by a competent person per OSHA requirements.
THE WERNER PRODUCT PROMISE Must offer inspectability to indicate wear or damage prior to use Must be adjustable to accommodate most body frames to ensure comfort and productivity with or without tools Must perform safely in the event of a fall Must be able to be manipulated in a post-fall condition to eliminate pain, pressure points and improve ability to assist in a rescue Chest Strap Adjustment 8
DO’s and DONT’s of Ladder Climbing Smart ladder users are safe climbers Ladders are such common everyday tools that many workers take them for granted. As you read the safety guidelines, you may say: “I know that, that’s just plain common sense.” You can avoid a ladder injury if you think before you act and use ladders correctly. Your work will be easier and more productive, too. Ladder related injuries are preventable, if you think before you climb.
Fall Protection Standards Height where fall protection is required: General Industry 4 Feet Construction 6 Feet Scaffolding 10 Feet Steel Erection 15 Feet OSHA Federal Standard OSHA 1926.501 (b) – Unprotected Sides and Edges (1) Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
Inspection Log - Anchor Serial Number Date in Service Webbing Cable Stitching Hardware Mechanisms Labels Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass o
Inspection Log - Body Harness Serial Number Date in Service Impact Indicators Webbing Stitching Hardware Grommets Padding Labels Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or Fail Pass or F
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