Anchors and Body Support and Connectors, Oh My!

Fall protection equipment is not one-size-fits-all, nor is it one-product-fits-all-applications. In the construction industry, for example, equipment may need to change when anchorage points change as work progresses. This aspect can make equipment selection a challenge.

Realizing how each component of a personal fall arrest system fits into the ABCDs of fall protection, as well as the varieties of equipment that are available in each of those areas, can help safety directors specify equipment appropriate for the task. What follows is a review of the ABCDs of fall protection, and a discussion on how equipment can differ for each, using construction, utilities and confined spaces as examples.

THE ABCDS OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

The basic components of every personal fall arrest system fall into one of the following categories:

• A for anchorage: A secure, structural point of attachment for the fall arrest system. The anchorage connector provides a means of attaching the personal fall arrest system to the anchorage. Anchorage connectors can include beam, concrete and roof anchors; tie-back lanyards; horizontal lifeline systems; ladder safety systems; and freestanding systems, among others.

• B for body support: A full-body harness that provides a connection point on the worker for the personal fall arrest system.

• ANCHORAGE CONNECTOR

  C for connector: A device used to link the body support component of the system to the anchorage connector. Connectors can include self-retracting lifelines, shock-absorbing lanyards, winches, wall-form assemblies and rebar assemblies.

• D for descent/rescue: A device used to rescue a worker post-fall arrest. This can include typical job site equipment such as lifts and ladders, or equipment designed specifically for rescue, such as pre-engineered self- or assisted-rescue devices.

Each industry uses different equipment for each element of the system, and within the industry, different applications will require different equipment. What makes equipment selection differ for each application is the presence/location of the anchorage — is it overhead, at foot level or somewhere in between; fall clearance — how much space is there between the level at which work will be performed and the ground/next lowest level; mobility — how much the worker needs to move around the job site; and miscellaneous considerations such as the type of work being performed.

In regards to miscellaneous considerations, a good example in the construction industry is welding. Hot work requires specialized equipment that is resistant to heat and flame. In the utilities industry, a special consideration would be the potential for exposure to arc flashes, which would require equipment that meets ASTM F887-05, Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment. Finally, when working in confined spaces, entry and retrieval from tight spaces with limited or unusual openings requires specialized equipment.

The construction industry has the most options for anchorage connectors due to the variety of applications. Fortunately, the anchorage usually makes it apparent what type of anchorage connector should be used. When working on a steel I-beam, such as in bridge work or steel erection, a fixed or sliding beam anchor can be used. A tie-back lanyard, which serves as both anchorage connector and connector, also may be appropriate. For work on a concrete bridge, building or ramp, a concrete anchor can be used.

A variety of roof anchors are available for commercial and residential roofing. These can be permanent or temporary, disposable or reusable, and rated for one or multiple users. On the commercial side, anchor types vary based on roofing material. An anchor that is designed for the specific type of roof — standing seam, membrane, built-up, corrugated metal, wood sheathing, etc. — should be used. Freestanding systems, such as counterweight systems, are non-penetrating anchorage points for use on flat roofs and other structures. They are pre-engineered and require virtually no installation time.

Horizontal lifelines can be used in most construction applications, including bridge work, commercial roofing, steel erection and concrete/leading edge work. Horizontal lifelines can be permanent, such as on commercial roofs, or temporary. They are used in situations where there is no appropriate overhead anchorage and a great deal of mobility is needed. Temporary horizontal lifeline stanchions can be clamped to steel I-beams, concrete rebar and shear stud and concrete loop rebar, or secured into the concrete itself.