Harnessing

FREE

Personal Fall Arrest System

**BODY SUPPORT ** Components that are worn on or around the torso are called body supports or bodywear. The two most common body supports are body belts and full body harnesses.

**BODY BELT ** Body Belts are used for positioning and fall prevention. Like a belt, they are worn around the waist. D-rings can be added to the hips and or middle of the back for additional support.

Full Body Harness The body support device that equally distributes the fall arrest pressures and forces across shoulders, thighs, and pelvis is a full body harness.

Means of Connection energy-absorbing lanyard ## fall limiter ## self-retracting lanyard ## rope grab ## retrieval system

Selection

Personal Fall Protection Equipments General Fall Arrest ## Work Positioning ## Restraint ## Suspension / Personnel Riding System ## Retrieval / Rescue ## Evacuation / Controlled Descent Systems ## Ladder Climbing Permanent Fixed Ladders – Flexible Line Fall Arrest System ## Ladder Climbing Permanent Fixed Ladders – Rigid Rail Fall Arrest Systems ## Ladder Climbing Temporary, Portable Ladders – Rope Grab Systems

Fall Arrest When working at an elevated level (6 ft for construction) fall arrest system must be used.

Work Positioning To hold a worker in place, and enable the worker to maximize hands at an elevated height, a work positioning system must be used.

Restraint In workplaces where a free fall hazard exists, a restraint system can prevent the worker from reaching the location with this hazard.

Suspension / Personnel Riding Systems For lowering and supporting a worker vertically in a hands-free work environment.

Retrieval / Rescue The retrieval system is mainly used in confined locations, such as entering tanks, manholes, etc.

Evacuation / Controlled Descent Systems

Planning the Use

Identify and evaluate the hazards at the worksite.

Plan your work systems. Take note of your possible paths and movements, and identify all possible factors that can affect your safety.

Assess and address the identified hazards based on what was planned and its implementations.

**You must select the proper: ** COMPONENTS ### MATERIALS ### ANCHORAGE AND ANCHORAGE CONNECTOR ## That matches the work system, workplace hazards, and its environment.

Warnings All instructions, warnings, or any precautionary measures must be read before the use of the equipment.

Training You must be trained before using the equipment.

Rescue Planning There must be an established rescue plan to minimize the time between the occurrence of an incident and the medical attention it requires.

System Components Ensure the compatibility amongst the components and materials to be used.

Sharp Edges Take precautionary measures and include in your plan the methods of protecting yourself from unavoidable sharp edges.

Materials, equipments, and all necessary movements shall be identified and accounted for when planning.

When there are two or more workers, ensure that there will be no tangling nor crossing of connecting subsystems.

Do not clamp nor make a knot on the connecting devices, this might hinder the equipment from functioning properly.

CLEAR SPACE IN FALL PATH Ensure that there is enough clearance for potential fall paths ## Clearance depends on the type of connecting device and location of anchorage ## Consult the manufacturer about the required minimal clearance

Inspection

Inspection of Fall Protection Equipment Visually inspect the equipment before each use. ## A qualified person must regularly inspect the equipment thoroughly at least every 6 months. ## Equipment that is severely used must be inspected more often. ## It is always best to consult and follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection.

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Storage

**Nylon or Polyester **

Using a dampened sponge on plain water, remove all the dirt on the surface.

Dip the sponge in the water with mild soap or detergent.

Using the sponge, remove the remaining dirt on the equipment, and then wipe it with a clean cloth.