ABCD’s of fall protection

THE ABC OF FALL PROTECTION

The ABC of fall protection purpose is to explain what makes a complete fall protection system. When working at height you need a complete system to work safely. The equipment varies depending on the methods used and the type of work environment.

A
ANCHORAGE POINT
The anchorage point for the connecting line has to be a safe attachment able to take a load of at least 12 kN. Existing points can, for example, be found in I-beams, scaffolding or other fixed or structural points. These existing points may need to be supplemented with a mobile anchorage point/anchorage sling.

Permanent anchorage: Fixed anchorage points, horizontal wire systems or horizontal rail systems
Mobile anchorage: Anchorage slings made from webbing or wire

B
FULL BODY HARNESS
Used to hold and, in the event of a fall, safely catch the user before, during and after a fall.

Full body harness must be used for all fall protection situations

C
CONNECTING LINE
Used between the full harness and the anchorage point.

Fall arrest lanyard: Maximal length of 2 meters with shock absorber
Self retractable lanyard (SRL): With self-retractable line and integrated shock absorber
Fall arrest line: Fall protection with manual or automatic rope grab with shock absorbing function
Support lanyard: Only to be used as a restraint system. (In environments where there is a fall risk, the support lanyard must be used together with one of the above connecting devices.)

Once you’ve chosen a comfortable harness and your anchor point is secure, you just need one last thing before you’re ready to climb. Here’s where a shock absorbing lanyard or SRL comes in. Twin-leg lanyards provide 100% tie-off. SRL’s can limit your fall distance to a few inches. Again, there are a variety of connectors to choose from, made by many different manufacturers. See them all by clicking here.

D
DESCENT & RESCUE

Every job site needs to have proper rescue equipment and a proper rescue plan in place before anyone starts working. From rope access to confined space, there is specific gear needed to get to a fallen worker and get them to safety. A haul system helps raise them up, and a descent device will lower them down. Or maybe you could add trauma straps to your harness, so if you’re the one dangling you can relieve some of the pressure that gravity is placing on your parts.