What is a personal fall arrest system? Personal fall arrest systems are a combination of three components designed to protect workers from injury in the event of a fall. The components are anchorage connectors, body wear, and connecting devices.
Anchorage Connectors
The “A” of a personal fall arrest system is the anchorage connector. An anchorage connector joins the connecting device to the anchorage point including cross-arm straps, beam anchors, D-bolts and hook anchors when a direct connection does not exist. It is important to select the proper anchorage/anchorage connector for ultimate safety. Anchorages and anchorage connectors must be easily accessible, capable of supporting 5,000 lbs. of force per worker, and they must be located high enough for a worker to avoid contact with a lower level should a fall occur.
Body Wear
The “B” of a personal fall arrest system is body wear. Body wear is the personal protective equipment worn by the worker, such a full-body harness. As of
January 1, 1998, the body belt is no longer recommended. Most regulations governing fall protection prohibit the use of body belts for fall protection due to the concentration of fall forces on the abdomen. Full-body harnesses distribute fall forces throughout the body, substantially reducing the potential for injury. In addition, the full-body harness keeps the worker suspended upright in the event of a fall and supported while awaiting rescue.
Connecting Devices
The “C” of a personal fall arrest system is connective devices. Connective devices are the critical link that joins the body wear to the anchorage connector including shock-absorbing lanyards, fall limiters, self-retracting lifelines, etc. A connecting device should be selected based on the work to be performed and the work environment. In addition, it is critical to consider potential fall distance when determining the type of connecting device to be used.
Individually, these three components will not provide protection from a fall. Used properly in conjunction with each other, however, they form a personal fall arrest system that becomes vitally important to safety on the jobsite and the overall fall protection program. Go get the components needed to assemble a personal fall arrest system and be safe.
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