Elk River products are manufactured by skilled craftsmen using the best technology and equipment available. Each item is inspected at various stages of manufacture and upon completion to ensure the highest quality and reliability.

       The ideal method of fall prevention would be to eliminate all fall hazards from the workplace. However, this is seldom possible. Since many fall hazards cannot be eliminated, it is important to identify potential hazards before beginning a project. Whenever the possibility for a fall exists, a fall protection system must be used to ensure the safety of the workers.

       Personal fall protection equipment is divided into two broad categories: Fall Prevention (FP) equipment and Fall Arrest (FA) equipment. Workers must be provided with personal protection equipment appropriate to the application for which it is to be used. The term "personal" is used because the individual wearer is an integral part of the system and must be thoroughly trained in the proper use of the personal protection equipment.

       While personal fall protection systems are the primary focus of our efforts at Elk River, many of our products may also be used in Positioning (PO), Suspension (SU) or Retrieval (RT) applications.

       Fall Prevention (FP) may be accomplished either by eliminating the fall hazard or by using a tether system. The concept of a tether system is to prevent the worker from reaching a point where a fall can occur. The fall prevention system must be designed with extreme care because all possible hazards must be considered (An example of multiple fall hazards would be roof work where at least two edges present fall hazards) Many Elk River products may be used as part of a tether system and these are indicated by the Fall Prevention (FP) symbol.

       Fall Arrest (FA) is the least desirable method of fall protection, but it can quickly become the only available option. Despite all efforts to eliminate hazards and prevent falls, workplace falls continue to occur. To save lives and minimize injuries, we must be prepared with both the proper equipment and adequate training. A personal Fall Arrest (FA) system is required when working at heights of more than six feet. Products rated for fall arrest are identified by the Fall Arrest (FA) symbol.

       Positioning (PO) products are designed to hold a worker in a safe working position while allowing free use of both hands. If the work is more than six feet above the surface a personal fall protection system designed for Fall Arrest (FA) may also be required. Products that may be used for positioning applications are indicated by the Positioning (PO) symbol.

       Suspension (SU) products are designed to suspend the worker to allow him to perform such work tasks as window washing, exterior building maintenance, emergency rescue and bridge work. Products suitable for suspension are highlighted by the Suspension (SU) symbol. (NOTE: Most Suspension (SU) situations will also require a Fall Arrest (FA) system.)

       Retrieval (RT) products are designed to permit the worker to enter an otherwise unreachable area, such as a confined space or to assist in rescuing an injured or trapped person, Where these hazards exist. OSHA requires that both a rescue plan and a confined space plan be in place before work begins. Products suitable for confined space and/or retrieval are marked by the Retrieval (RT) symbol.

       Ladder Climbing (LC) harnesses are equipped with a front D-ring that provides an attachment point to be used with either a rail or cable climbing system. Rail or cable climbing systems are found on fixed ladders, communication towers, electrical distribution towers, poles and other structures. Harnesses that may be used with a climbing system are indicated by the Ladder Climbing (LC) symbol.

       Personal Fall Protection Equipment: Whether used for Fall Prevention (FP), Fall Arrest (FA), Positioning (PO), Suspension (SU), or Retrieval (RT) all fall protection systems consist of several essential components including an anchorage point, a connecting device and appropriate body wear such as a full body harness, waist belt or tree saddle.

       Harnesses: The basic component of any personal fall protection is a full body harness designed to permit the wearer freedom of movement as well as providing sufficient strength to arrest the most severe fall safely. Technology now allows us to design and manufacture a full body harness that is extremely strong, yet so lightweight, comfortable and easy to adjust that the wearer is barely aware of the unit. However, since many users prefer a more familiar design, Elk River offers a complete line of full body harnesses, which continue to include the standard models as well as the latest innovations.

       Anchorage: Anchorage is defined by OSHA as "a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices," and OSHA Subpart M, 1926.501(15) states that "anchorages used for attachment of fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed and used as follows: (i) as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two; and (ii) under the supervision of a qualified person."

       Connecting Device: Between the harness and the anchorage, a connecting device is required. Elk River offers a variety of quality connecting devices including several variations of Zorber shock-absorbing lanyards. Selection of the proper connecting device is determined by the specific job site and job requirements.

       Designing a Fall Protection System: The following general accepted elements of fall arrest must be considered in designing a fall protection system:

1. A rescue plan should be in place prior to beginning any work where a fall hazard exists. The rescue plan must be well thought out, and all individuals involved must thoroughly understand the rescue plan.
2. If a fall hazard exists, the worker should wear a full body harness that distributes the arresting force of a fall arrest over the buttocks, hips and shoulders
3. For Fall Arrest (FA) applications, the attachment point of the connecting device to the harness should bi in the center of the back between the shoulder blades.
4. The potential free-fall distance should be as short as possible and must be calculated to prevent with the nearest surface or obstacle below. (OSHA mandates limiting free-fall distance to six feet or less.)
5. The shock load or arresting force of a fall arrest should be less than 1,800 pounds.
6. After a fall arrest, the fallen worker should be held securely by his fall arrest system in as upright a position as possible while awaiting rescue. This will not only make him more comfortable and minimize further injury, but will also facilitate the rescue efforts.