A fall arrest system is the cross-collaboration of systems designed to integrate several functions. The systems are there to stop a worker from falling more than a prescribed limit, and if they do, the system ensures that the worker receives the minimum possible injuries. Basic units in such systems are a designated anchor point, a body harness, and a connecting peripheral that can be a lanyard or a self-retracting lifeline. All the parts of an arresting system are independent, and hence, in order for the arresting system to perform optimally, all parts must be specified and maintained.
Most restraint systems have a less drastic effect on the body and the structure because they do not permit uncontrolled free fall. When arrest systems engage, they must also limit the exerted forces the worker’s body is subjected to. This is the reason why so many arrest configurations incorporate shock absorbers, they extend during the fall and thus reduce the energy and load on the body.
Height Calculations and Clearance
One of the more difficult tasks relates to calculating required clearance distances. It is not just a matter of putting on a harness and lanyard, the worker’s height also needs to be considered as well as the fall distance, lace stretch, shock absorber deployment and the lanyard. A height that seems that it would be more than enough, turns out it actually is not.
Any worker positioned on a platform which is three metres heigh will be positioned with a two metre lanyard and could very much be under the impression that they are safe. These ‘protective’ measures, however, do not take into account the possible elongation of the lanyard, the extension of the shock absorber, and the body length. In this unfortunate eventuality, one could easily say that one could need five metres or even more of space below them. To get in the setup in the first place so that one could be five metres above the ground is also an arresting altitude. On the outside, an arresting altitude appears safe but there is more than meets the eyes. Injuries mistimed with an arrest can be very much the same as an injury that an individual suffers when falling unprotected.
Training Beyond the Ticket
Training completion can lead to the completion of competence certificates in given fields which in itself carries value, however, protects and kits are more than just the value that a single day working of a course carries. The students must be able to understand the basic concepts behind the terminology for them to use it correctly. This includes being able to identify and question the worn or damaged components, which are prevalent due to the situational environmental factors that prevail.
Equally, an order could be given to question a setup that does not look ‘right’. Dramatically, there is a gap between theory and practice. Theory is where the inspecting in routine practice meets which is on the outside a finish of a harness but in side could be a possible outcome of UV light exposure which can compromise one’s integrity. Thus, when one teaches their students how to inspect their equipment and give them the power to not use what they deem questionable, it establishes a stronger safety culture than the culture we get from the procedures themselves.
Advance technology keeps creating things like smart harnesses that warn rescue personnel ready to dispatch as soon as a fall is detected, smaller and more effective shock absorbers, and materials that have lighter weights that still do not compromise strength. All of the things stated still have this in common; they need proper planning, equipment that is correct, the right training, and proper upkeep.