Fall Arrest System
What is a Fall Arrest System?
A fall arrest system is a comprehensive safety system designed to stop a worker’s fall from a working level after it has already begun. Unlike fall prevention systems that prevent access to fall hazards, fall arrest systems are activated only when a fall occurs, catching and stopping the worker before they hit a lower level or the ground.
According to OSHA guidelines, a personal fall arrest system consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body harness, and may include additional components like lifelines, lanyards, and deceleration devices. These components work together as an integrated system to arrest a fall and minimize injury to the worker.
Fall arrest systems are required in construction when workers are exposed to fall hazards at heights where other protective measures are not feasible. They serve as the last line of defense in fall protection, designed to limit the maximum arresting force on a worker’s body to 1,800 pounds.
Essential System Components
A complete fall arrest system includes several critical components that must work together:
- Full-body harness: Distributes fall forces across the worker’s body and provides attachment points for other components
- Anchorage point: A secure attachment point capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per worker attached
- Connecting devices: Lanyards, lifelines, or self-retracting devices that link the harness to the anchorage
- Deceleration devices: Components like shock absorbers that reduce the force transmitted to the worker during fall arrest
Each component must meet specific strength and performance standards, and the entire system must be compatible and properly configured for the specific work environment.
Construction Applications and Requirements
Fall arrest systems are commonly used in construction activities including:
- Roofing and structural steel work
- Bridge construction and maintenance
- High-rise building construction
- Tower and telecommunications work
- Industrial facility maintenance
The system must be inspected before each use by a competent worker, as required by construction regulations. Regular maintenance and proper storage are essential for system reliability.
Safety Considerations and Limitations
Fall arrest systems have important limitations that affect their use in construction. The system requires adequate clearance below the work area to prevent the worker from striking a lower level during the fall and arrest sequence. This clearance distance varies based on the type of connecting device and deceleration system used.
Workers must receive proper training on system use, inspection procedures, and rescue protocols. After any fall event, the entire system must be removed from service and inspected by a qualified person before returning to use. Some components, particularly energy-absorbing lanyards, may require replacement after arresting a single fall.
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