Fall Protection - OSHA Information

 Texas America Safety Company
FALL PROTECTION – OSHA INFORMATION

OSHA mandates that all personal fall arrest systems must have anchorages that have static load strength of at least 3,600 pounds when certification exists. When no certification exists, the static load strength of 5,000 pounds is required. Anchorages can not be attached to any structure used to suspend or support work platforms.

When designing a fall arrest system, a qualified person should be designated. The following considerations must be given but not limited to the following:

  • Limit free fall to a maximum of 6 feet (1.8 meters); some regulations limit free fall to 4 feet (1.2 meters)
  • Prevent contact with lower levels, equipment, or other obstructions
  • Limit maximum deceleration distance to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters)
  • Limit arresting force to a maximum of 1,800 pounds (8kN)
  • Ensure that the angle after a fall would be no greater than 30 degrees
  • Limit potential for pendulum swinging

A rescue plan and the means to implement that plan, MUST be developed prior to use of fall protection equipment

ANSI A10.14-1991, ANSI Z359 standards provide more information. Refer to CSA Z259 standards and other federal, state and local regulations to ensure that the company's fall arrest system complies with applicable requirements.

ANSI Z359.1-1992 (R1999):1.1 Scope – establishes requirements for the design, performance, marketing, qualifications, and removal from service of connectors, lanyards, full-body harnesses, energy absorbers, fall arrestors, anchorage connectors, vertical lifelines, and self-retracting lanyards of personal fall arrest systems for users within the capacity range of 130 to 310 pounds (59 to 140 kg).

ANSI A10.14-1991:1.1 Scope – This standard establishes performance criteria for the manufacture and use of harnesses, lanyards, body belts, lifelines, rope grabs, and shock absorbers used in construction and demolition. Not included are lineman's body belts and pole straps, window washer's belts, or safety ladder belts.

CSA Z259.1-95 Safety Belts and Lanyards
CSA Z259.2.1-98 Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines and Rails
CSA Z259.2.2-98 Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall-Arrest Systems
CSA Z259.2.3-99 Decent Control Devices
CSA Z259.3-M1978   Lineman's Body Belt and Lineman's Safety Strap
CSA Z259.10-M90 Full Body Harnesses
CSA Z259.12-01 Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
CSA Z259.14-01 Fall Restrict Equipment for Wood Pole Climbing
Texas America Safety Company
  4400 Danhil Drive
  Brownwood, TX 76801
 
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