THE ABC OF FALL PROTECTION

08 10 2020

Here we delve a little more into what the fall protection ABC is and what to think about.

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.)

For more information and practical training, we recommend our Fall Protection Basic Course.

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