Wearing the correct type of fall protection gear is extremely important for workers who carry out tasks at significant heights. There are many different types of situations that require this type of gear – and these situations occur in various locations and industries. Just as a few examples, fall protection gear is often necessary in construction, industrial, warehouse, and oil rig applications. The fall protection harness is an important feature to be included in an overall worker safety protection system.
Workers can lower and raise their positions efficiently through the use of these devices. These devices are also very useful for emergency situations when individuals must be rescued from danger.
The Fall Arrest or Protection System
The fall protection harnesses is used in fall protection and fall arrest systems and features a range of elements to secure the safety of workers. These elements include:
* Anchor points: These positions or points are attached to a fall arrest system. Roof anchors and cable chokers are some of the anchors used in these systems.
* Body wear support: This is a type of device worn on the body which distributes the load uniformly across the body and promotes the safety and comfort of the worker.
* Connectors: These devices help absorb the impact of the fall if it occurs through the connection of anchor points to the harness.
* Rescue devices for descents: If a fall occurs, these devices enable the quick travel of a pet rescuer to the individual who has fallen.
OSHA Safety Requirements and Fall Protection Systems
OSHA issues a range of requirements that companies are required to follow if they have individuals working at certain types of levels. Certain types of fall protection harness is required when work is being done in a particular industry and at specific minimum heights.
Fall protection devices are required at certain minimum heights, depending on the application involved. These industries and minimum heights include the following:
* Longshore applications – 8 feet
* Construction sites – 6 feet
* Shipyards – 5 feet
* General industry applications – 4 feet
When an employee is required to carry out any type of task above hazardous equipment and machinery, a fall protection harness may be required.
