Unified Fall Protection Requirements for Construction Module 5

Unified Fall Protection Requirements for Construction – Module 5 (Part 2) Personal Fall Arrest Systems (Continued) September, 2020 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 1

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Lifelines A vertical line from a fixed anchorage or between two horizontal anchorages, independent of walking or working surfaces, to which a lanyard or device is secured. Lifeline as referred to in this text is one which is part of a fall protection system used as back -up safety for an elevated worker or as a restraint for workers on a flat or sloped surface. There are two types of lifelines: • Vertical (drop line) • Horizontal (catenary line) Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 2

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Vertical Lifeline A vertical lifeline (drop line) is secured to an upper anchorage. If you need to move horizontally over an extended distance, the vertical lifeline can be hazardous because it creates the potential for a swing fall. If you use a vertical lifeline and are not working directly below the tieoff anchor, you will swing back under the anchor during a fall. Swing falls are especially hazardous because you can hit an object or a lower level during the pendulum motion. Remember the following about swing falls: • Fall distance can actually increase during a swing fall • The impact force from a swing fall can be the same as it would be for a vertical fall with the same change of elevation. • During a swing fall, you can strike an object or lower level before the arrest system stops your fall. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 3

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Vertical Lifeline The design and performance requirements for vertical lifelines include the following: • Only one worker can be attached to any one vertical lifeline. • It must have a minimum breaking strength of 5, 000 pounds. • If using self-retracting lifeline that automatically limits free fall distance to 2 feet or less, it must have a minimum breaking strength of 3, 000 pounds. • If using self-retracting lifeline that automatically limits free fall distance to 6 feet or less, it must have a minimum breaking strength of 5, 000 pounds Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 4

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Horizontal Lifelines (catenary line) A rail, rope, wire, or synthetic cable that is installed in a horizontal plane between two anchorages and used for attachment of a worker's lanyard or lifeline device while moving horizontally; used to control dangerous pendulum like swing falls. It allows the worker to move horizontally across a surface and is used to control dangerous pendulum-like swing falls. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 5

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Horizontal Lifelines Horizontal lifelines and their anchors are subject to much greater loads and require much stronger anchors than vertical lifelines. If not anchored correctly, horizontal lifelines can fail at the anchor points because the forces exerted on the anchor points are multiplied as the line becomes more taut. For these reasons, horizontal lifelines must be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a *qualified person. Horizontal lifelines must have a tensile strength capable of supporting a fall impact load of at least 5, 000 pounds per worker using the lifeline which maintains a safety factor of at least two *A Qualified Person is one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 6

Horizontal Lifeline Forces Designing and installing horizontal lifeline anchors are critical activities. The reason is related to the geometry of the horizontal lifeline (anchored at each end) and its sag angle, which is the line's angle of deflection when subjected to a load. Reducing the sag angle to less than 30 degrees on a horizontal lifeline increases the forces imposed on the line during a worker fall. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 7

Horizontal Lifeline Forces For example, a horizontal lifeline with a 15 -degree sag angle will receive about twice the impact force as a horizontal lifeline with a 30 -degree sag angle. If you decrease the sag angle from 30 degrees to 5 degrees, the impact force increases by a factor of about six. Loosely inserting the horizontal lifeline through the eyes of anchors mounted midway between the end anchors will control sag in the line and provide the needed angle at the point of load. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 8

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Lifelines – General Rules Do not use lifelines and rope lanyards with knots. Knots can reduce the strength of a lifeline or a lanyard by 50 percent or more. Avoid using knots for tying off to an anchor; use a locking snap hook designed for that purpose. Protect all safety lines and lanyards from damage. Do not let safety lines and lanyards get damaged by cuts or abrasions, or by contact with fire, acids, or other corrosives. Do not tie off a line over or around rough or sharp surfaces; tying a rope lanyard or lifeline around an I-beam reduces the rope's strength by 70 percent due to the cutting action of the beam edges. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 9

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Anchors (or anchorage) An anchor provides a secure point of attachment for a lifeline, lanyard, or deceleration device. Adequately anchoring a fall protection system is one of the most difficult and critical parts of the fall protection installation process. When installing an anchorage system, follow the manufacturers' directions or engineering design specifications carefully to ensure that the system will meet the strength requirements in a fall arrest situation. Photos courtesy of DBI Sales Try to anticipate anchor locations before construction work begins. It is possible to design anchors into a building for use during construction as well as for building maintenance tasks (such as window cleaning) after construction is completed. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 10

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Anchors (or anchorage) Anchorage systems used for full body harness system: • Must be capable of supporting a minimum load of *5, 000 pounds per worker or must maintain a safety factor of at least two (twice the impact force of a worker free falling six feet) • If a deceleration device is used that limits free fall to 2 feet, the anchorage system must be capable of supporting a minimum load of 3, 000 pounds • if the deceleration device limits the free fall to 6 feet, the anchorage system must be able to support a load of 5000 pounds. * Note that all components of full body harness systems whose strength are not otherwise specified must be capable of supporting a minimum fall impact load of 5, 000 pounds (or a safety factor of a least 2) applied at the lanyard point of connection. Also, the system performance requirements - breaking strengths and minimum loads and are based on a total combined weight of 310 pounds for worker and tools. For a heavier worker, if the combined weight is over 310 pounds, sturdier equipment and possibly shorter fall distances may be required. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 11

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Understanding Personal Fall Arrest Systems In order to understand how personal fall protection systems work to protect you, you should understand the dynamics of falls and some terms. "Free fall" The act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. "Free fall distance” The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the employee's full body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. This distance excludes deceleration distance, and lifeline/lanyard elongation, but includes any deceleration device slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest forces occur. A fall arrest system must be rigged to limit the free fall distance to six feet. (Note: If certain conditions are met, free fall distance can be greater than six feet – WAC 880 -40020(3)(a)) Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 12

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Fall Distance A fall arrest system must be rigged to limit the free fall distance to six feet. Even after the fall arrest system activates, a worker will continue to fall. The total distance a worker falls includes the free fall distance, the deceleration distance (if the system includes a deceleration device), and the lifeline stretch from the force of the fall. For example, if the lifeline stretch and deceleration distance is 3. 5 feet, a worker wearing a personal fall arrest system could fall up to 9. 5 feet before stopping. If the distance to a lower level is only 10 feet, then the system must stop the fall more quickly. (Note: If certain conditions are met, free fall distance can be greater than six feet – WAC 880 -40020(3)(a)) Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 13

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Fall Distance Deceleration Distance is the additional vertical fall distance while the deceleration device activates The free fall distance is measured at the fall arrest attachment point on the employee's full body harness, from onset of the fall until just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. The free fall distance excludes deceleration Elongation is the stretching of the components due to the fall shock force load. distance and lifeline/lanyard elongation. It does include any deceleration device slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest forces occur *As free fall distance increases up to the maximum 6 feet, a deceleration device should be used in order to limit the arresting force imposed on the worker and minimize potential injuries (the DOSH limit is 1800 pounds). Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 14

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Fall Distance To minimize the total distance the worker falls, the tie-off attachment point to the lifeline or anchor should be at or above the connection point to the harness. Otherwise, additional free fall distance is added to the length of the lanyard or lifeline. For example, if the lanyard is attached to an anchor at the working surface, the total free fall distance will be the distance from the working level to the full body harness attachment point plus the lanyard length. Adjust the lanyard length so total free fall distance is six feet or less. Photos courtesy of DBI Sales Exception: Note that sometimes, the only location for anchor placement may be at the working surface level, and the free fall distance may be over 6 feet. Shock-absorbing lanyards specifically designed to withstand free fall distances over six feet are commercially available for such situations. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 15

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines The employer must also inspect fall protection systems and components regularly for wear or damage. These include not only personal fall protection systems, but also safety nets, warning lines, hardware, and all parts of fall protection systems you use. The employer must also train the workers to properly inspect and maintain fall protection systems. Do not forget to inspect other personal protective equipment you may use. Use these guidelines for inspecting your fall protection equipment before each use and for the regular inspection and maintenance care. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 16

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for the following signs of wear and damage: • Abrasions or cuts • Incompatible components • Broken Parts • Loose or deformed connectors and anchors • Burn Marks • Proper locking/releasing • Corrosion • Mildew or deterioration • Deformation • Stress cracks • Excessive wear • Rough or sharp edge • Frayed or kinked material Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 17

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for the following signs of wear and damage: (continued…) • Bending webbing into an inverted “U” will show: o Damaged fibers: cuts, tears, abrasions, frays o Deformations: stretching Damage from chemicals, acids, heat, corrosion, or mold Kinked material o o • Check D rings for: o o Cracks, breaks, rough or sharp Free movement Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 18

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for the following signs of wear and damage: (continued…) • Check tongue and buckle for distortions for: o Distorted or broken grommets o Additional punched holed (not allowed) • Check ropes for: o Abrasion, frays or internal damage o Free movement • Check connecting hardware and anchors for: o Proper locking/releasing o Loose or deformed connectors and anchors o Incompatibility Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 19

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for the following signs of wear and damage: (continued…) • If a personal fall arrest system is subjected to a fall, don’t use it again until a competent person determines that its safe. • Store your personal fall protection system in its own bag or other suitable container in a protected place where it cannot be damaged. If you have a soft -sided case or bag, do not place or store other materials on top of it. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 20

Personal Fall Arrest Systems Other Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines • If you use manila, plastic or synthetic rope for top rails or midrails of a guardrail system, inspect it frequently to make sure that it maintains its required strength. • If you use safety nets, inspect them at least once a week for wear and damage. Remove defective nets from service. • Inspect reusable components, such as rails and safety boots or bases for guardrail posts. • Any defective parts found must be removed from service until repaired or replaced. If their function or strength have been adversely affected, they must be discarded. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 21

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 1 Which of the following statements below are true: q If you need to move horizontally over an extended distance, the vertical lifeline can be hazardous because it creates the potential for a swing fall. q Fall distance can actually increase during a swing fall. q A horizontal lifeline allows the worker to move horizontally across a surface and is used to control dangerous pendulumlike swing falls. q All of the above Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 22

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 1 - Answer Which of the following statements below are true: q If you need to move horizontally over an extended distance, the vertical lifeline can be hazardous because it creates the potential for a swing fall. q Fall distance can actually increase during a swing fall. q A horizontal lifeline allows the worker to move horizontally across a surface and is used to control dangerous pendulumlike swing falls. q All of the above Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 23

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 2 Two or more workers can be attached to any one vertical lifeline as long as the lifeline is strong enough to hold their weight. q True q False Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 24

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 2 – Answer Two or more workers can be attached to any one vertical lifeline as long as the lifeline is strong enough to hold their weight. q True q False Only one worker can be attached to any one vertical lifeline. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 25

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 3 To minimize the total distance a worker falls, the tie-off attachment point to the lifeline or anchor should be located at or above the connection point to the harness whenever possible. q True q False Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 26

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 3 – Answer To minimize the total distance a worker falls, the tie-off attachment point to the lifeline or anchor should be located at or above the connection point to the harness whenever possible. q True q False Otherwise additional free fall distance is added to the length of the lanyard or lifeline. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 27

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 4 Free fall distance is measured from which two points? (refer to the diagram at right) q A to B q A to C A fall arrest system must be rigged to limit the free fall distance to: q 2 feet q 6 feet q 10 feet Free fall distance – A to B: The free fall distance is measured at the fall arrest attachment point on the employee’s body harness, from onset of the fall until just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 28

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 4 Free fall distance is measured from which two points? (refer to the diagram at right) q A to B q A to C A fall arrest system must be rigged to limit the free fall distance to: q 2 feet q 6 feet q 10 feet Free fall distance – A to B: The free fall distance is measured at the fall arrest attachment point on the employee’s body harness, from onset of the fall until just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 29

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 5 Use and maintenance of fall protection systems include the following: q Do not use lifelines and rope lanyards with knots. q Fall protection systems and components must be inspected regularly for wear or damage as well as before each use. q If a personal fall arrest system is subjected to a fall, don’t use it again until a competent person determines that it is safe. q Some signs of wear and damage include corrosion, frayed material, loose or deformed connectors, and mildew or deterioration. q All of the above Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 30

Fall Arrest Systems Quiz Question 5 - Answer Use and maintenance of fall protection systems include the following: q Do not use lifelines and rope lanyards with knots. q Fall protection systems and components must be inspected regularly for wear or damage as well as before each use. q If a personal fall arrest system is subjected to a fall, don’t use it again until a competent person determines that it is safe. q Some signs of wear and damage include corrosion, frayed material, loose or deformed connectors, and mildew or deterioration. q All of the above Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 31