Unified Fall Protection

Requirements for Construction –

Module 5 (Part 2)
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (Continued)

December 2020
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 1
 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Lifelines
A vertical line from a fixed anchorage or between
two horizontal anchorages, independent of walking
or working surfaces, to which a lanyard or device is
secured. Lifeline as referred to in this text is one that
is part of a fall protection system used as back-up
safety for an elevated worker or as a restraint for
workers on a flat or sloped surface.

There are two types of lifelines:

• Vertical (drop line)

• Horizontal (catenary line)

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Vertical Lifeline
A vertical lifeline (drop line) is secured to an upper anchorage. If you
need to move horizontally over an extended distance, the vertical lifeline
can be hazardous because it creates the potential for a swing fall.

If you use a vertical lifeline and are not working directly below the tie-
off anchor, you will swing back under the anchor during a fall. Swing
falls are especially hazardous because you can hit an object or a
lower level during the pendulum motion. Remember the following
about swing falls:
• Fall distance can actually increase during a swing fall
• The impact force from a swing fall can be the same as it would be
for a vertical fall with the same change of elevation.
• During a swing fall, you can strike an object or lower level before
the arrest system stops your fall.

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Vertical Lifeline

The design and performance requirements for vertical lifelines include the
following:

• Only one worker can be attached to any one vertical lifeline.

• It must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.
• If using self-retracting lifeline that automatically limits free fall distance to 2
feet or less, it must have a minimum breaking strength of 3,000 pounds.
• If using self-retracting lifeline that automatically limits free fall distance to 6
feet or less, it must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Horizontal Lifelines (catenary line)

A rail, rope, wire, or synthetic cable that is

installed in a horizontal plane between two
anchorages and used for attachment of a
worker's lanyard or lifeline device while
moving horizontally; used to control
dangerous pendulum like swing falls.
It allows the worker to move horizontally
across a surface and is used to control
dangerous pendulum-like swing falls.

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Horizontal Lifelines
Horizontal lifelines and their anchors are subject to much greater loads and require much
stronger anchors than vertical lifelines. If not anchored correctly, horizontal lifelines can fail at the
anchor points because the forces exerted on the anchor points are multiplied as the line becomes
more taut.

For these reasons, horizontal lifelines must be designed, installed, and used under the
supervision of a *qualified person.

Horizontal lifelines must have a tensile strength capable of supporting a fall impact load of at least
5,000 pounds per worker using the lifeline which maintains a safety factor of at least two

*A Qualified Person is one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional

standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated
his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

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 Horizontal Lifeline Forces
Designing and installing horizontal lifeline anchors are critical activities. The reason
is related to the geometry of the horizontal lifeline (anchored at each end) and its
sag angle, which is the line's angle of deflection when subjected to a
load. Reducing the sag angle to less than 30 degrees on a horizontal lifeline
increases the forces imposed on the line during a worker fall.

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 Horizontal Lifeline Forces
For example, a horizontal lifeline with a 15-degree sag angle will receive about
twice the impact force as a horizontal lifeline with a 30-degree sag angle. If you
decrease the sag angle from 30 degrees to 5 degrees, the impact force increases
by a factor of about six. Loosely inserting the horizontal lifeline through the eyes
of anchors mounted midway between the end anchors will control sag in the line
and provide the needed angle at the point of load.

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Lifelines – General Rules
Do not use lifelines and rope lanyards with knots. Knots can reduce the strength of a
lifeline or a lanyard by 50 percent or more. Avoid using knots for tying off to an
anchor; use a locking snap hook designed for that purpose.
Protect all safety lines and lanyards from damage. Do not let safety lines and
lanyards get damaged by cuts or abrasions, or by contact with fire, acids, or other
corrosives. Do not tie off a line over or around rough or sharp surfaces; tying a rope
lanyard or lifeline around an I-beam reduces the rope's strength by 70 percent due to
the cutting action of the beam edges.

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Anchors (or anchorage)
An anchor provides a secure point of attachment for a lifeline,
lanyard, or deceleration device. Adequately anchoring a fall
protection system is one of the most difficult and critical parts of the
fall protection installation process.
When installing an anchorage system, follow the manufacturers'
directions or engineering design specifications carefully to ensure Photos courtesy of DBI Sales

that the system will meet the strength requirements in a fall arrest
situation.
Try to anticipate anchor locations before construction work begins. It
is possible to design anchors into a building for use during
construction as well as for building maintenance tasks (such as
window cleaning) after construction is completed.
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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Anchors (or anchorage)
Anchorage systems used for full body harness system:
• Must be capable of supporting a minimum load of *5,000 pounds per
worker or must maintain a safety factor of at least two (twice the impact
force of a worker free falling six feet)
• If a deceleration device is used that limits free fall to 2 feet, the
anchorage system must be capable of supporting a minimum load of
3,000 pounds
• if the deceleration device limits the free fall to 6 feet, the anchorage
system must be able to support a load of 5000 pounds.
* Note that all components of full body harness systems whose strength are not otherwise specified must be capable of
supporting a minimum fall impact load of 5,000 pounds (or a safety factor of a least 2) applied at the lanyard point of
connection. Also, the system performance requirements - breaking strengths and minimum loads and are based on a total
combined weight of 310 pounds for worker and tools. For a heavier worker, if the combined weight is over 310 pounds,
sturdier equipment and possibly shorter fall distances may be required.

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Understanding Personal Fall Arrest Systems
In order to understand how personal fall protection systems work to protect you, you should
understand the dynamics of falls and some terms.
"Free fall" The act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to
arrest the fall.
"Free fall distance” The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the
employee's full body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to
apply force to arrest the fall. This distance excludes deceleration distance, and
lifeline/lanyard elongation, but includes any deceleration device slide distance or self-
retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest forces occur.
A fall arrest system must be rigged to limit the free fall distance to six feet.
(Note: If certain conditions are met, free fall distance can be greater than six feet – WAC 880-40020(3)
(a))

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Fall Distance
A fall arrest system must be rigged to limit the free fall distance to six feet.
Even after the fall arrest system activates, a worker will continue to fall. The total
distance a worker falls includes the free fall distance, the deceleration distance (if
the system includes a deceleration device), and the lifeline stretch from the force
of the fall.
For example, if the lifeline stretch and deceleration distance is 3.5 feet, a worker
wearing a personal fall arrest system could fall up to 9.5 feet before stopping. If
the distance to a lower level is only 10 feet, then the system must stop the fall
more quickly.

(Note: If certain conditions are met, free fall distance can be greater than six feet – WAC 880-40020(3)(a))

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Fall Distance
Deceleration Distance
is the additional vertical The free fall distance is measured at the fall
fall distance while the arrest attachment point on the employee's full
deceleration device body harness, from onset of the fall until just
activates before the system begins to apply force to arrest
the fall.
The free fall distance excludes deceleration
distance and lifeline/lanyard elongation. It does
Elongation is the
include any deceleration device slide distance
stretching of the
components due to the or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension
fall shock force load. before they operate and fall arrest forces occur

*As free fall distance increases up to the maximum 6 feet, a deceleration device should be used in order to limit
the arresting force imposed on the worker and minimize potential injuries (the DOSH limit is 1800 pounds).

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Fall Distance
To minimize the total distance the worker falls, the tie-off attachment
point to the lifeline or anchor should be at or above the connection
point to the harness.

Otherwise, additional free fall distance is added to the length of

the lanyard or lifeline. For example, if the lanyard is attached to
an anchor at the working surface, the total free fall distance will be
the distance from the working level to the full body harness
attachment point plus the lanyard length. Adjust the lanyard
Photos courtesy of DBI Sales
length so total free fall distance is six feet or less.

Exception: Note that sometimes, the only location for anchor placement may be at the working surface level, and the free fall
distance may be over 6 feet. Shock-absorbing lanyards specifically designed to withstand free fall distances over six feet
are commercially available for such situations.
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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines

The employer must also inspect fall protection systems and components
regularly for wear or damage. These include not only personal fall protection
systems, but also safety nets, warning lines, hardware, and all parts of fall
protection systems you use.
The employer must also train the workers to properly inspect and maintain
fall protection systems. Do not forget to inspect other personal protective
equipment you may use.
Use these guidelines for inspecting your fall protection equipment before
each use and for the regular inspection and maintenance care.

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines

Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for the
following signs of wear and damage:
• Abrasions or cuts • Incompatible components
• Broken Parts • Loose or deformed connectors and anchors
• Burn Marks • Proper locking/releasing
• Corrosion • Mildew or deterioration
• Deformation • Stress cracks
• Excessive wear • Rough or sharp edge
• Frayed or kinked material

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines
Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for
the following signs of wear and damage: (continued…)

• Bending webbing into an inverted “U” will show:

• Damaged fibers: cuts, tears, abrasions, frays
• Deformations: stretching
• Damage from chemicals, acids, heat,
corrosion, or mold
• Kinked material
• Check D rings for:
• Cracks, breaks, rough or sharp Free
movement

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines
Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for
the following signs of wear and damage: (continued…)

• Check tongue and buckle for distortions for:

• Distorted or broken grommets
• Additional punched holed (not allowed)
• Check ropes for:
• Abrasion, frays or internal damage
• Free movement
• Check connecting hardware and anchors for:
• Proper locking/releasing
• Loose or deformed connectors and anchors
• Incompatibility
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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines
Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for
the following signs of wear and damage: (continued…)

• If a personal fall arrest system is subjected to a fall,

don’t use it again until a competent person
determines that its safe.
• Store your personal fall protection system in its own
bag or other suitable container in a protected place
where it cannot be damaged. If you have a soft-
sided case or bag, do not place or store other
materials on top of it.

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 Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Other Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines

• If you use manila, plastic or synthetic rope for top rails or midrails of a
guardrail system, inspect it frequently to make sure that it maintains its
required strength.
• If you use safety nets, inspect them at least once a week for wear and
damage. Remove defective nets from service.
• Inspect reusable components, such as rails and safety boots or bases for
guardrail posts.
• Any defective parts found must be removed from service until repaired or
replaced. If their function or strength have been adversely affected, they
must be discarded.

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 1

Which of the following statements below are true:

 If you need to move horizontally over an extended distance,

the vertical lifeline can be hazardous because it creates the
potential for a swing fall.
 Fall distance can actually increase during a swing fall.
 A horizontal lifeline allows the worker to move horizontally
across a surface and is used to control dangerous pendulum-
like swing falls.
 All of the above

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 1 - Answer

Which of the following statements below are true:

 If you need to move horizontally over an extended distance,

the vertical lifeline can be hazardous because it creates the
potential for a swing fall.
 Fall distance can actually increase during a swing fall.
 A horizontal lifeline allows the worker to move horizontally
across a surface and is used to control dangerous pendulum-
like swing falls.
 All of the above

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 2

Two or more workers can be attached to any one

vertical lifeline as long as the lifeline is strong enough
to hold their weight.

 True

 False

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 2 – Answer

Two or more workers can be attached to any one

vertical lifeline as long as the lifeline is strong enough
to hold their weight.

 True

 False

Only one worker can be attached to any one vertical lifeline.

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 3

To minimize the total distance a worker falls, the tie-off

attachment point to the lifeline or anchor should be
located at or above the connection point to the
harness whenever possible.

 True

 False

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 3 – Answer

To minimize the total distance a worker falls, the tie-off

attachment point to the lifeline or anchor should be
located at or above the connection point to the
harness whenever possible.

 True

 False

Otherwise additional free fall distance is added to

the length of the lanyard or lifeline.

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 4
Free fall distance is measured from which two points?
(refer to the diagram at right)
 A to B  A to C

A fall arrest system must be rigged to

limit the free fall distance to:
 2 feet  6 feet  10 feet

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 4
Free fall distance is measured from which two points?
(refer to the diagram at right)
 A to B  A to C

A fall arrest system must be rigged to

limit the free fall distance to:
 2 feet  6 feet  10 feet

Free fall distance – A to B: The free fall distance is

measured at the fall arrest attachment point on the
employee’s body harness, from onset of the fall until just
before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall.

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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 5
Use and maintenance of fall protection systems include the following:

 Do not use lifelines and rope lanyards with knots.

 Fall protection systems and components must be inspected
regularly for wear or damage as well as before each use.
 If a personal fall arrest system is subjected to a fall, don’t use
it again until a competent person determines that it is safe.
 Some signs of wear and damage include corrosion, frayed
material, loose or deformed connectors, and mildew or
deterioration.
 All of the above
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 Fall Arrest Systems Quiz
Question 5 - Answer
Use and maintenance of fall protection systems include the following:

 Do not use lifelines and rope lanyards with knots.

 Fall protection systems and components must be inspected
regularly for wear or damage as well as before each use.
 If a personal fall arrest system is subjected to a fall, don’t use
it again until a competent person determines that it is safe.
 Some signs of wear and damage include corrosion, frayed
material, loose or deformed connectors, and mildew or
deterioration.
 All of the above
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