Free Fall Distance

Fall Hazards

Tariq Najjar
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

FREEFALL DISTANCE:
The vertical drop from the
point of attachment before
the arresting equipment is
activated or before the
person reaches grade level.

THE OBJECTIVE:
18 FEET
To limit the free fall distance.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

ACCELERATION:
A mass will accelerate at 32
feet/second 2 during a free
fall, thereby exponentially
increasing the energy to be
absorbed during the fall
arrest. By limiting the free
fall distance injury can be
lessened. 18 FEET
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

DECELERATION DISTANCE:

OSHA: The additional vertical distance a falling

employee travels excluding lifeline elongation and free
fall distance before stopping from the point at which the
deceleration device begins to operate. It is measured as
the distance between the location of an employee’s body
belt or body harness attachment point at the moment of
activation (at the onset of fall arrest forces) of the
deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that
attachment point after the employee comes to a full stop.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

DECELERATION DISTANCE:

The distance from activation of

the fall arrest equipment to a
complete stop.

Includes: Elongation of lanyards

and lifelines.

Does not include: D-Ring slide

distance or self-retracting
lifeline or lanyard extension.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

TOTAL FALL DISTANCE

Free Fall Distance

+ Deceleration Distance
= Total Fall Distance
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

SHOCK OR ENERGY ABSORPTION:

The slowing down or braking which starts at the time

the fall arresting mechanism is activated (the
beginning of the deceleration distance), and ends
when the fall is completely arrested. It is during this
time that energy is dissipated. Shock absorption can
vary considerably, depending upon the type of fall
protection used.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

TYPES OF SHOCK OR ENERGY ABSORPTION:

 Deformation
 Friction
 Tearing of materials
 Breaking of stitches

NOTE: The greater the shock absorption, the less the

fall hazard.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

LANYARD:
A fall protection component consisting of a flexible line
of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a
connector at the end for connecting the body support
to a deceleration device, or anchorage point. Lanyards
may have a built-in shock absorbing device.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

SELF-RETRACTING LANYARD:

A device which contains a

drum-wound line or webbing
which may be slowly extracted
from or retracted into the drum SAFELINE

under slight tension during

normal movement of the user.
Once the fall begins, the
device automatically locks the
drum and arrests the fall. SELF-RETRACTING
LANYARD
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

ARRESTING FORCE:
The amount of force on a worker to a test weight
resulting from the fall protection system stopping the
fall. Usually expressed by the peak force experienced
during the fall arrest. The regulations state that
personal fall arrest systems shall, when stopping a fall:
 Limit maximum arresting on an employee to 900 pounds (4kN)
when used with a body belt
 Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds
(8kN) when used with a body harness.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

BODY SUPPORT:
A component comprised of a strap or straps suitably arranged
and assembled to support the human body during and after the
fall arrest. It generally includes an adjustable means for
attaching it to other components or sub-systems of the fall
protection system.
BODY HARNESS:
A system of straps which may be secured about the body in a
manner intended to distribute the fall arrest forces over at least
the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders with means for
attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest
system.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

ANCHORAGE:
A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or
deceleration devices and is independent of the means
of supporting or suspending the employee. Examples
include:

Beams
Girders
Columns
Floors
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

Anchorage, including single and double-

head anchors, must be capable of
supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2kN)
per attached employee, or be designed,
installed, and used under the supervision
of a qualified person as part of a complete
personal fall protection system which
maintains a safety factor of at least two.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

ANCHORAGE CONNECTOR:
An anchorage connector is a component or sub-system with
means specifically intended for coupling the fall arrest
system to an anchorage point. The devices may be installed
temporarily or permanently, and they may be moveable or
portable. Examples include:

Brackets
Rings
Collars
Davits
Trolleys
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

CONNECTING MEANS:
A D-ring device, carabiner, buckle, lanyard or other means
used to connect the body support system to the anchorage
point in such a way as to provide protected mobility for an
elevated work task.

Standard D-Ring
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

FALL ARRESTER:
A device, which travels on a lifeline, and will automatically
engage the lifeline and lock to arrest a fall of an individual.
A fall arrester usually employs the principle of internal
locking, cantilever locking, or both. A “Rope Grab” is an
example of a fall arrester.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

LIFELINES:
A lifeline is a component consisting of a flexible line for
connection to an anchorage or anchorage connector at one
end (vertical lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at
both ends (horizontal lifeline) and which serves as a means
for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest
system to the anchorage.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

LIFELINES:
 Cannot be made of natural fiber rope.
 Must be protected against damage by cuts or abrasions.
 When vertical lifelines are used, each employee must be
provided a separate lifeline.
 Lanyards and vertical lifelines must have a minimum breaking
strength of 5000 pounds (22.2kN).
 Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which do not limit free
fall distance to two feet (0.61m) or less, (ripstitch lanyards,
and tearing and deforming lanyards) must be capable of
sustaining a minimum tensile load of 5000 pounds (22.2kN)
applied to the device when the lifeline or lanyard is in the full
extended position.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

SNAPHOOKS:
A connector with a hook-shaped body and a normally closed
gate, which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an
object. When the gate is released, it automatically closes to
retain the object. There are single-locking and double-
locking snaphooks:

 Single-locking are not permitted and should never be

used.
 Double locking will prevent unintentional opening and
prevent a condition known as “Rollout”.
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

DOUBLE-LOCKING
SNAPHOOKS:

HOOKBODY HOOKNOSE

RELEASE GATE

EYE LOCK

HINGE
 FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued

COMPETENT PERSON:
A competent person is capable of identifying hazardous or
dangerous conditions in any personal fall arrest system or any
component thereof, as well as in their application and use with
related equipment.

QUALIFIED PERSON:
A qualified person means one with a recognized degree or
professional certificate and extensive knowledge and
experience in the subject field who is capable of design,
analysis, evaluation and inspections in the subject work,
project, or product.
 ELEMENTS OF A FALL

THREE ELEMENTS TO A FALL:

 Free Fall Distance

 Body Weight

 Shock Absorption
 ELEMENTS OF A FALL
Continued

Time Height
HOW (second) (feet)
LONG 0.5 4.0
1.0 16.0
DOES 1.5 36.0
IT 2.0 64.0
TAKE 2.5 100.0
3.0 144.0
TO 4.0 256.0
FALL? 6.0 576.0
10.0 1600.0
 ELEMENTS OF A FALL
Continued

BODY WEIGHT:
 The greater the body weight, the greater the energy to be
dissipated during shock absorption.
 Tools and equipment carried or attached to the worker
increase mass and the potential forces that must be
absorbed by the fall arrest system.

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

 Full body harnesses are generally not designed to

withstand a combined weight (worker plus equipment)
greater than 310 pounds (140kg).
 ELEMENTS OF A FALL
Continued

ARRESTING FORCE

Body Weight
X Free Fall Distance
= Arresting Force
 ELEMENTS OF A FALL
Continued

SHOCK ABSORPTION:
 Ends when the fall is completely arrested.
 May vary considerably depending upon the fall
protection equipment used. The greater the shock
absorption, the less forces the body is subjected to.
ARRESTING FORCE:
 The more arresting forces generated, the more shock
absorption needed. If the free fall distance and body
weight is kept to manageable amounts, the body is less
likely to absorb much, if any of the forces generated
during the fall.
 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF A FALL
Continued

FREE FALL DISTANCE:

 Be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall
more than six (6) feet nor contact any lower level. Free
fall includes a maximum D-Ring slide of six (6) inches.

DECELERATION DISTANCE:
 Equipment must bring an employee to a complete stop
and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee
travels to three and one-half (3-1/2) feet.
 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF A FALL
Continued

ARRESTING FORCE:
 When using a body belt the arresting force on an
employee must be limited to 900 pounds (4kN).

 When using a body harness the arresting force on an

employee must be limited to 1,800 pounds (1.8kN).

 Equipment must have sufficient strength to withstand

twice the potential impact energy of an employee free
falling a distance of six feet (1.8m), or the free fall
distance permitted by the system, whichever is less.
 COMPONENTS OF A FALL

BODY
HEIGHT

DECELERATION
DISTANCE (<3-1/2 ft)

FREE FALL
DISTANCE (<6ft)

SAFETY
FACTOR
 THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM

ANCHORAGE

CONNECTING BODY
MEANS SUPPORT

ALL COMPONENTS MUST BE COMPATIBLE WITH EACH OTHER

 THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM
Continued

ANCHORAGE CONSIDERATIONS:
 Anchorage should be a substantial point of attachment.
 Anchorage should be independent of the work surface.
 Anchorage points should be pre-approved and marked.
 Anchorage strength should be no less than 5,000 lbs.
 Factor-in sag and other clearance requirements.
 Provide for quick self-recovery, or rescue procedures.
 If possible, keep anchorage points over head to prevent
swing falls.
 THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM
Continued

CONNECTING MEANS SHOULD:

 Provide continuous and complete fall protection.
 Keep the free fall distance to a minimum.
 Maintain arresting forces below 600 pounds.
 Eliminate the creation of swing falls.
 Allow for ease of retrieval.
 Not create prolonged suspension if controlled descent is
feasible.
 THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM
Continued

BODY BELTS SHOULD NOT BE USED BECAUSE:

 Possibility of falling out of the belt.

 Vulnerable mid-section and internal injuries.
 Prolonged suspension can result in constriction of
internal organs, and suffocation.
 THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM
Continued

FULL BODY HARNESSES:

In most situations the body harness is preferable to the belt
because of its ability to spread arresting forces and to avoid
trauma to the neck. Harness design factors include:
 Absence of a waist belt.
 Seat strap distribution of forces over the buttocks.
 A sliding back D-Ring.
 Color coding of top and bottom straps.
 Light weight and soft webbing material.
 Harnesses allow greater arresting forces than body belts.
 The connecting means is kept behind the worker.
 The worker is left in a “heads up” position after a fall.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
4 FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:

 Positioning and Suspension Systems

 Rescue and Retrieval Systems
 Fall Arrest Systems
 Roof Systems
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued

POSITIONING AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS:

Often used in window washing and painting industries, they
are designed to lower and support a worker while allowing a
hands-free work environment. A back-up system should be
used in conjunction with the suspension system. Examples
include:

 Rebar chain assembly.

 Tree trimmer belt.
 Lineman’s body belt.
 Window washer’s belt.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued

RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:

Rescue and retrieval systems are
generally used in confined spaces,
and are often known as personal
retrieval systems. The system is
primarily used when workers must be
lowered into tanks, manholes, etc.,
and when retrieval may be required
should an emergency occur.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:

BACK-UP
TIE-OFF POINT
FALL PROTECTION

WINCH
SAFELINE

TRIPOD SAFELINE
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:
The tripod and winch (only) are acceptable when workers are
descending or ascending on a ladder or staircase providing the
following conditions are met:

 The ladder and steps are in good condition and travel is in a

straight continuos climb.
 The worker on the ladder wearing a full body harness with the
cable attached to the back D-Ring
 A trained and competent operator is controlling the winch.
 The operator maintains tension in the cable at all times.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:
The tripod and a self-retracting life line with retrieval capability
may also be used when descending or ascending on a ladder or
staircase providing the following conditions are met:

 The ladder and steps are in good condition and travel is in a

straight continuos climb.
 The worker on the ladder wearing a full body harness with the
cable attached to the back D-Ring
 A trained and competent operator is controlling the winch.
 The operator maintains tension in the cable at all times.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:
The tripod and a self-retracting life line with retrieval capability
may also be used when descending or ascending on a ladder or
staircase.

NOTE: The self-retracting lifeline with retrieval

capability should not be used for frequent or continual
hoisting or lowering of personnel or equipment. This
equipment should only be used for emergency rescue
of personnel.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued
RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND PERMIT SPACE ENTRY:

To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems

or methods must be used whenever an
authorized entrant enters a permit space,
unless the retrieval equipment would increase
the overall risk of entry or would not contribute
to the rescue of the entrant.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued
RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND PERMIT SPACE ENTRY:
Retrieval systems must meet the following requirements:
 Entrants must use a chest or full body harness.
 Lines must attached to the center of the back at shoulders or;
 Above the entrant’s head.
 Wristlets may be used in lieu of harness if:
1. It can be demonstrated that a harness is infeasible.
2. It can be demonstrated that a harness increases the hazard.
3. It can be demonstrated that wristlets are the safest means.
 The other end of the retrieval line must be attached to a
mechanical device or fixed point outside the space to facilitate
immediate rescue.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued
RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND PERMIT SPACE ENTRY:

To facilitate non-entry rescue, a mechanical

device must be available to retrieve personnel
from vertical type permit spaces more than 5
feet deep.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued

RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND PERMIT SPACE ENTRY:

The following guidelines will help determine if a retrieval system
presents more hazards than benefits:
 A permit space with obstructions or turns that could bind the
retrieval line, the entrant need not use a retrieval system.
 When an employee being rescued with the retrieval system
would be injured because of forceful contact with projection in
the space, the entrant need not be attached to a retrieval system.
 In a permit space, an entrant using an air supplied respirator need
not use a retrieval system if the retrieval line could become tangled
with the air line.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued

FALL ARREST SYSTEMS:

Designed to minimize ANCHORAGE

the forces generated
during a fall. Theses
systems are designed CONNECTING BODY
MEANS SUPPORT
to be passive, and will
only operate should a
fall occur.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued

ROOF SYSTEMS:
Roof systems permit the individual to work near the edge of
the structure or roof without exposing him or herself to the
actual edge of the roof. Generally this system operates as a
restraint. Roof safety systems should include the following:

 Inspections of the roof condition, structural integrity, etc.

 Designated safe work areas.
 Perimeter guarding for any new buildings and renovations.
 CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Continued

LIFELINE SYSTEMS:
 Vertical Lifeline: A vertical line that extends from an
independent anchorage point to which a lanyard or device
is attached.

 Horizontal Lifeline: A horizontal line that extends between

two horizontal anchorages to which a lanyard or device is
attached.

 The above two systems can function independently, or can

be integrated to provide two dimensional fall protection.
 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL
PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
SWING FALL HAZARDS:
A pendulum-like motion may result when an individual moves or
walks away from a fixed anchorage point and then falls.

 Swing falls can generate the same forces as falling through

the same distance vertically, but with the additional hazard
of striking an obstruction.

 Swing falls are of particular concern with retracting lifelines

because of the longer cable length and ability to move freely.
These falls can be controlled by maintaining the anchorage point
overhead, or by raising the height of the anchorage point to
minimize the arc and the force of the swing.
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL
PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

TRIP

FIXED
ANCHORAGE HORIZONTAL
POINT LIFELINE
 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL
PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
SNAPHOOK ROLL-OUT HAZARD:
Roll-out can occur when a single-locking snaphook is improperly
connected to an attachment point such as a small eyebolt, or to
another snaphook. Roll-out is also possible when a lanyard or
lifeline is wrapped around a structure and hooked back into itself.

SEQUENCE:
1. Force of the arrest rebounds through the lanyard or lifeline.
2. The snaphook is driven up and around the attachment.
3. The gate of the snaphook is depressed by the roll motion.
4. The snaphook pop loose or rolls out of the attachment point.
 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL
PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
EQUIPMENT INCOMPATIBILITY:
 Ideally, a personal fall protection system should be designed,
tested, and supplied as a complete system.
 Components may not be interchangeable.
 Ask the manufacturer if different equipment is compatible.
 Substitutions or change to personal fall protection systems
should be fully evaluated or tested to determine whether or not it
meets the standard, BEFORE THE MODIFIED SYSTEM IS PUT
INTO USE.
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL
PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued

ADDITIONAL HAZARDS:
 Heat
 Sharp and cutting edges
 Environmental conditions
 Corrosion and dirt
 FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE

TRAINING AND PROPER DESIGN IS CRITICAL:

It is important to remember that training is critical

when rescuing injured or sick workers involved in
falls. It is recommended that basic rescue techniques
be considered when designing or renovating a facility.
Proper design may allow less skill and training in
accomplishing rescues than those techniques used
by advanced rescue teams.
 FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE
Continued

DECENT DEVICES:

Decent devices may help in retrieving fall individuals from

above ground levels. These devices may be available at
the following locations:

 Overhead crane cabs

 Elevated platforms on towers and vessels
 Elevated workhouses
 FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE
Continued

DECENT DEVICES:

Automatic speed-limiting descent devices reduce the

need for trained rescue personnel because the
equipment controls the rate of descent of the fallen
individual(s)
Permanent or temporary chutes may also aid in rescue
procedures at elevated heights. Helicopters, ladders and
fire equipment may also be used during rescue
operations.
 INSPECTION AND CARE
OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

INSPECTION BEFORE USE:

Employees using the equipment need to inspect their

own equipment. Do not place your life unnecessarily
in anyone else hands!

Defective components must be removed from service

if their function or strength has been adversely
affected.
 INSPECTION AND CARE
OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued

IMPACT LOADING:

Equipment subjected to impact loading or an actual

fall must be immediately removed from service and
not used again unless inspected and determined by a
competent person to be undamaged and suitable for
reuse.
 INSPECTION AND CARE
OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued

IMPACT LOADING:
IMPORTANT: Some manufacturers will not
guarantee harnesses or lanyards will provide
adequate protection during a second fall.
Many of these manufacturers state on the
equipment to destroy the harness and lanyard
after a fall has been sustained.