Safety Talk ST015 - Fall Arresters

Sheet 1 - Components of a fall arresting system and its devices

The fall arresting system is not just a rope and a harness. There are many
components, including:
the belt or harness;

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the belay attachment;

shock absorbing lanyards;

retracting lanyard and recoil or rewind device (inertia reels);

equipment slings;

attachment brackets;

rope grab devices;

auto-stop descenders;

anti-fall devices;

ladder cable systems;

life lines or static lines;

winches;

roof anchors;

ropes; and

karabiners and other hardware.

Safety Talk ST015 - Fall Arresters

Sheet 2 - What to do if the system has been used to arrest a fall

IF A FALL ARRESTING
SYSTEM AND DEVICES
HAVE BEEN USED TO
ARREST A FALL, ALL
ITEMS MUST BE
WITHDRAWN FROM
SERVICE AND BE
INSPECTED BY A

QUALIFIED PERSON.
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Safety Talk ST015 - Fall Arresters

Sheet 3 - Factors and situations that could cause a fall

Factors that could cause a fall include:

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moving from one surface to another at heights;

uncovered holes and openings;

open ledges not barricaded;

uneven surfaces;

moving surfaces;

poor lighting;

unsuitable foot wear;

slippery surfaces;

wind, rain and ice;

being struck by falling objects;

incorrectly using a ladder; and

incorrectly using fall arresting equipment.

Safety Talk ST015 - Fall Arresters

Sheet 4 - Factors to consider when choosing fall arresting equipment

These factors include:

the height you will be working at;

if you will be in a confined space;

the length of time you will need to perform the task;

the flexibility of movement required to perform the task;

the proximity of the task to the anchor points; and

the number of people required to perform the task.

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Safety Talk ST015 - Fall Arresters

Sheet 5 - Harness types

There are many types of belt and harnesses available.

It is strongly recommended that a full body harness is used as this

provides better support in the event of a fall.
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Safety Talk ST015 - Fall Arresters

Sheet 6 - Equipment inspection

There a four basic components that require inspection.

Mechanical
Devices

Harness and
Connectors

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Flexible Anchorage
Lines

Rigid Anchorage
Lines

Safety Talk ST015 - Fall Arresters

Sheet 7 - Record keeping

The record card and history sheet should have the following information:

the name and address of the manufacturer or

supplier;

the manufacturers batch or serial number;

the year of manufacture;

what belts and harnesses are suitable in different

kinds of weather (complying with AS 1891);

details of the recommended connectors for safety

belts or safety harnesses, including the maximum
length of the connector to be used;

details as to which line is to be used with the device;

where applicable, a statement that the device meets

the requirements of AS 1891.3 for use in potentially
flammable or corrosive atmospheres;

the date of purchase;

the date first used; and

the dates of services and tests.

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Safety Talk ST015 - Fall Arresters

Sheet 8 - Fitting and wearing fall arresting equipment

Some of the rules to follow include:
visually

check the harness to

ensure all components are fitted
(e.g. cross tabs or standard
attachments);

fit

the harness and tighten the

straps and waist belt so they are
firm, but comfortable;

make

sure none of the straps are

twisted and that they lay flat against
your body;

the

harness attachment for a full

body unit should sit between your
shoulder blades; and
that your movements are not
restricted.

check

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