SON SON
Understanding Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint Standards and Why They Should Be Implemented
The ANSI/ASSP Z359 fall protection and fall restraint standards are created for all kinds of fall protection equipment and systems used in climbing, fall arrest, rescue and evacuation, fall protection and other fall hazards. These standards include training too, and how to detect and mitigate hazards to avoid injuries for those who work at height.
Importance of Using Fall Protection and Fall Restraint Standards
Businesses and organizations can be guided by the standards in the Z359 Fall Protection Code to meet a whole range of workplace fall protection and fall restraint requirements. Through the code, safety professionals can better understand such requirements and thus design an all-encompassing managed fall protection program, as well as active fall protection systems.
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Fall Arrest and How It Works
Fall arrest is a type of fall protection that calls for stopping a person safely from falling. There are two other forms of fall protection – fall guarding (keeps a fall hazard area inaccessible to people) and fall restraint (prevents falls of workers in a fall hazard area).
Fall arrest systems are vital in working conditions where workers have to be in elevated positions, which naturally pose a falling risk. These systems are necessary for those who are working from a minimum height of 6 feet. The distance between the working surface and the lower level is known as working height.
General (nets) and personal (lifelines) are the two key forms of fall arrest. The fall arrest system is used only when a fall has occurred. Based on OSHA standards, only retractable lifelines, or full-body harnesses with shock-absorbing lanyards are accepted as personal fall arrest systems. Full-body harnesses spread out arresting forces all over the workers’ body, while shock-absorbing lanyards minimize the total applied force.
Types of Fall Protection Systems
Depending on their purpose and the activities they are made for, OSHA proposes several types of fall safety equipment, like chest harnesses, rope, web and cable lanyards.
Finding the Right System for Your Team
Uncertain which of the above-mentioned systems would work perfectly for your team or whether the one you’re using or about to use is in line with OSHA requirements? Don’t think twice about consulting professionals who can supply all the necessary details and the fall arrest protection equipment itself that you need to ensure your workers’ safety. Begin your online search for a good workplace safety partner.