An SGO Exclusive - Overview of Fall Protection Safety Systems

When individuals have been assigned the task of working in a high location where they could be in danger of falling, they will surely want to take every possible safety precaution. A fall protection harness will be essential for men who work in construction, welding, highway safety or the oil field industry. With a rigorously manufactured harness, companies can ensure that their workers follow all regulations related to fall protection safety.

Fall Protection Component Parts

Individuals who will be working on bridges, tall buildings or skyscrapers will be able to count on fall protection systems to ensure that they do not fall off the structure. These systems usually feature body harnesses, vertical lifelines, webbing, anchorages, horizontal lifelines and connectors. The lifelines are especially vital for men who are working several stories off the ground. Should they happen to stumble, the lifeline will become taut, which will immediately hold the person in place so that a fall does not occur.

Arrest System Specifics

Viable fall protection safety systems must always follow certain regulations. The systems will be set up so that no person can fall more than six feet. Harnesses will also prevent workers from contacting a lower level, which would potentially cause a blunt-force impact. The maximum arresting force itself should be held to 1,800 pounds or less. If the fall protection safety network is devised correctly, workers will be brought to a complete stop within just a few feet.

Other Regulations

If certain components of the fall protection safety network have already been subjected to impact, they should be inspected by specialists before being used again. The lifelines should never be attached to guardrail systems or other lightweight components. If employees have fallen and are swinging freely in the harness, they will of course need to be rescued as soon as physically possible. If any components have been found by professionals to be defective or damaged in any way, they should be removed and replaced by new parts that have been certified.

Benefits

The chief benefit of the fall protection safety system, of course, is to keep workers safe from any possible harm. Whether individuals are working on oil rigs, skyscrapers or bridges, they will need to follow a safety regimen that will protect them from injury. Companies can thus increase the efficiency of the labor while also ensuring that they stay away from liability issues going forward.