Rope Strength

Rope Strength. Only approved, synthetic ropes should be used with rope grabs since natural fibers dry out or rot too quickly and because strength loss below 5,000 lbs. in any rope is not obvious.  As a guide, periodically pull-test end samples of lifelines, no matter what rope is used.

In the Philadelphia area, the author has found the strength of 1/2 inch nylon twisted ropes degrades by 50% in two years from handling and dirt, although the strength of 5/8 inch ropes degrades more slowly.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 235.

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Guardrails as Anchorage Points

Do not use guardrails as anchorage points for fall arrest equipment unless a structural engineer approves them for that specific purpose.  There must be an engineering drawing that indicates which specific locations are suitable as anchorage points; what equipment, by rating, may be used; and how that equipment is to be attached.  Anchorage points should be labeled as such.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 162.

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Signs

Signs placed next to fixed ladders, next to scaffold access points, and on suspended scaffolds can provide a continuous message to workers to use fall protection.  They function as a form of repeat training until the safety practice becomes second nature.  Signs are always secondary; except for emergency alerts, they should never be used as long-term, primary protection.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 102.

Order your copy of “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” today.  This invaluable resource will take you from the structure design stage to post construction maintenance. Click to find out more!

Dr. Ellis Presentation at ASSE 2013

Dr. J. Nigel Ellis was a guest speaker at the American Society of Safety Engineers Congress and Expo on June 26, 2013 in Las Vegas.  Dr. Ellis’ presentation was entitled, “Futuristic Fall Protection Now”.  The slides from this presentation are available here, Futuristic_Fall_Protection_Now.

Fall Arrest vs. Fall Restraint

Fall arrest is designed to catch a person once he or she falls, whereas restraint systems are designed to keep the free fall from occurring in the first place.  A restraint is intended to be a leash, reasonably preventing access to a fall-hazard zone.  In practice, this is extremely difficult, especially if the system is moved.  It is far better to treat it as a fall arrest system meeting fall arrest requirements.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 209.

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Ladder Rung Grip

Only ladder rungs meeting OSHA and ANSI standards should be held while climbing.  Because of the narrow climbing surface, the hands must grip securely to avoid a fall.  Only on horizontal bars are the hands reliable for holding the body weight for a brief time (sufficient for the feet to regain the rung).  However, a near-vertical bar cannot be held securely in any fall situation. Sloped rails have been shown to be appropriate up to a certain pitch.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 124.

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Lifelines

The two major types of lifeline systems, vertical and horizontal, can function independently or be integrated to provide two-dimensional fall protection.  Lifeline systems are for emergency use only. They are never an excuse for not providing proper access or work platforms. For example, if a lifeline system is typically held by workers to support their balance, it is no longer being used as a lifeline; it is being used for work positioning.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection,4th Edition” page 228.

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Debris Netting

OSHA’s Subpart M requires guardrail and toeboard systems on all open-sided floors, platforms, runways, wall openings, holes, roofs, excavations, and machinery areas.  Additionally, when equipment or materials are piled higher than the top edge of a standard toeboard, debris netting must be installed from the toprail to deck level to provide overhead protection for employees working below.

When properly installed from a required toprail (cable) and secured directly to deck level, some nets satisfy OSHA requirements for midrail and toeboard protection as well as overhead protection, as defined above. Once the net is cut, for example to allow a load to be delivered, it loses its design integrity unless an eight foot section can be woven into the existing netting.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 169.

Order your copy of “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” today.  This invaluable resource will take you from the structure design stage to post construction maintenance. Click to find out more!

Initial Training

The need for training cannot be overemphasized!  It is the first step toward increasing awareness and developing an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of available equipment. Initial training of the safety committee by a competent person is needed to ensure that the fall hazard analysis is properly performed. Then, supervisors or lead persons can be trained as competent persons, receiving instruction in fall protection principles, techniques and equipment performance.  The “training of the trainers” forms the basis of an in-house team that can provide live practice sessions.  Ongoing training is as critical as the initial overview. Periodic refresher instruction for competent person trainers and authorized persons, who are end-users of fall protection procedures and equipment, can serve to reinforce proper proper equipment use and care, as well as provide an opportunity to review new technology.

See “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” page 438.

Order your copy of “Introduction to Fall Protection, 4th Edition” today.  This invaluable resource will take you from the structure design stage to post construction maintenance. Click to find out more!