Fall Protection Systems

Why Personal Fall Protection?

• Synovos personnel sometimes work on

mezzanines, or in some cases, lifting
devices used to access storage locations
• Most deaths occur from falls < 10 feet
• Walking and working surfaces are not always
adequate
• OSHA – mandatory fall protection when
exposed above 6 feet
• It’s the law!!!!
Types of Fall Protection

• Passive--Non-dynamic, stationary, and does not

move, adapt, or change when in or out of use.
Passive systems don’t require the use of personal
protective equipment or active participation from
the worker. Typically, passive systems include
netting, handrails, and guardrails.
• Active—Dynamic and requires user participation.
Two types:
– Fall Restraints-lanyard prevents person from
going over a fall hazard
– Fall Arrest System-various types of lanyards
designed to prevent free-falling
Fall Restraints

• Body belt or harness

• Rigged for support on elevated surfaces
• Allows work with both hands free while leaning
• Not approved “Fall Arrest System”
• Set up so worker cannot fall further than 2 feet
• Anchorage must support twice potential impact load or
3,000 lbs.
• Equipment must meet requirements of fall arrest systems
• Must be inspected before each use
Personal Fall Arrest System
• Anchorage Point
• Connectors
• Body Harness
• Lanyard
• Deceleration Device
• Lifeline
• Limit maximum arresting force to 1,800 lbs.
with body harness
• Strength to withstand twice the energy of free
fall from 6 feet
• Rigged so user does not hit any lower level
• Maximum deceleration distance of 3.5 feet
Restraint Requirements

• Self-retracting Lifelines & Lanyards

– Must meet tensile strength requirements for free
fall
– Must pass all tearing and or deformity standards
• Ropes, Lanyards, and Body Harnesses
– Must be made of synthetic fibers
– Lanyards & vertical lifelines minimum break
strength of 5,000 lbs.
– Lifelines must be protected from cuts or abrasions
Restraint Requirements

• Lifelines
– Shall be designed, installed and used under
supervision of qualified person
– Vertical connectors on a horizontal lifeline must
lock in both directions
Anchorages

• Must be designed, installed and used under supervision of

qualified person
• Must support 5,000 lbs. per attached user or twice the
weight to be imposed on it
• Must be independent of any anchorage used for
suspended platform
• Snap hooks must be compatible with the
member they are connected to
Inspection of PFA Systems

• Must be inspected prior to each use

• Inspect for damage or any deterioration
• All defective components must be removed from
service
• Always inspect the equipment per the
manufacturers recommendation
Rules to Live By

• Don’t take height for granted

• Never trust that someone else inspected your
equipment
• Always verify anchorage points and personal
components
• When possible, use “passive” fall protection
• When in doubt, ASK!!!!!
Expectations

• Protection required for falls of 6ft or more

• 5000 lb. anchorage
• Overhead tie-offs are preferred
• Tie-off on mobile platforms at approved locations
or on basket rails
• Employees must inspect fall protection systems
prior to use.
Samples of Various
Personal Fall Arrest
Components
Construction Harnesses
Lanyard/Deceleration Device
Lanyards (cont.)
Retractable Lifeline
Roof Restraint
Shock Absorbing Lanyard
Static Line
Positioning Device
Fall Arrest System
Fall Protection
System
Examples