Falling off a ladder might sound funny, but it’s really no laughing matter. If you work at heights, then fall protection systems are an essential part of maintaining safety and preventing accidents. In this article, we will introduce you to the basics of fall protection so that you can better understand how these life-saving measures can help keep you safe on the job site.
Guardrails: Keeping you on top and out of the drop! Guardrails are like your personal bodyguards, protecting you from falling off edges and walls. They are put up along any dangerous edges to keep workers from taking a tumble.
According to OSHA, the top rails should be about 42 inches high, with some wiggle room of plus or minus 3 inches. You’ll also need to add some extra support between the top and bottom edges, like mesh, screens, or midrails. Just make sure those midrails are right in the middle, and that screens and mesh extend all the way down.
Now, let’s talk strength. Guardrails need to be able to handle a force of at least 200 lbs, while the intermediate parts should hold at least 150 lbs and at least ¼ inch thick. And hey, let’s make sure they have a smooth surface too, so workers don’t get jabbed or snagged. Oh, and remember, no steel or plastic banding allowed!
If there is a hoisting area to get up onto the working surface, it must have a chain, gate or removable guardrail in place when it is not being used as a hoisting area. Like most things, guardrails must be inspected frequently!
Safety Net Systems: These won’t stop a fall, but they’ll be there to catch you if you slip up. The nets should be installed as close as possible to the working area, but never more than 30 feet below. And we want to make sure the drop area is clear, so you won’t bump into anything but the net. There should also be enough room underneath the net that you won’t hit the ground or any structures.
OSHA requires regular drop tests to make sure they’re in good working order. Once a week, they should be inspected for any signs of wear and tear. The border rope of the net needs to be strong, with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems: These systems are like your superhero sidekick, stopping you from falling and saving the day. They’re equipped with an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness and may include deceleration devices or self retracting lifelines. Check out our blog post on the ABCs of Personal Fall Arrest Systems if you want more details.
When it comes to personal fall arrest systems, we don’t want to go overboard. The maximum arresting force on a worker should be 1,800 lbs, and they can’t fall more than 6 ft or touch anything below. (2)The system should bring them to a complete stop and limit their distance of travel to 3.5 ft. (2) It needs to be strong enough to handle double the potential impact energy of a 6 ft fall, or whatever distance the system permits. (2) Learn more about Personal Fall Arrest Systems here.
And of course, inspected before each use.
TIP: safety belts and body belts are not allowed as personal fall arrest systems. (2)
So there you have it! Make sure your workers are trained up on fall protection, and let’s keep everyone safe and sound.
Learn how to determine if your worksite needs fall protection here.
- https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3146.pdf (p. 6)
