A fall protection system, also known as fall arrest, is a system that looks into stopping an individual from falling. There are some fall arrests or fall protection forms like fall restraint and fall guarding. The process involves fall protection systems (including working at height) and stopping a person from falling, stopping an individual's access to an area of a fall hazard, or preventing anyone from falling while working in a fall hazard-prone area.
Fall Protection Systems- Its Importance
We are aware that any injuries or falls at the workplace might cost businesses thousands or even millions in the mode of legal expenses or medical expenses. At the same time, this leads to a loss in productivity which is also a loss. Also, at the same time, fall-related issues can sometimes damage the reputation of your business.
The best part is all of this can be taken care of with proper fall protection systems (including working at height). And this preparation is just not limited to having adequate equipment like self-retracting lifelines, harnesses, guardrails, or others. Instead, it means having a proper plan that includes safety training, awareness, and reporting. Workers working at structure heights above 10 feet use effective tools and equipments to provide safety.
Fall Protection Systems And Their Specifics
Several fall protection systems and their specifics are used for different types of activities. Then, the equipment is chosen depending on the purpose or requirement. The different types are:
Chest Harnesses: This type is used in work areas with minimal scope of a fall hazard. And this type does not include vertical free fall or retrieval of individuals from tanks, narrow spaces, or bins.
Body Belts: People working in an ultimate hazardous area can avoid fall risks with body belts. Body belts are for positioning and holding a person when working at risky edges or vertical heights. Full-Body Harnesses: This type of fall protection system can arrest an individual for the most dangerous falls. Fall protection systems (including working at height) like this are one of the most preferred for any type of fall.
Shock Absorbers: Shock absorbers are very useful for reducing the fall arresting forces as well as fall injury risks.
Suspension Belts- For workers or individuals who, on regular intervals required to adjust their positions vertically or are required to perform several activities while hanging, suspension belts are the best fall protection system for them.
Retractable Lifelines - this type of fall protection system has the capability to ensure mobility and fall protection in areas of high fall hazards.
Rope Lanyards: This type of fall protection system is used for its elastic properties. This helps to restrain falls.
Rope Grabs- This type of system is also termed a deceleration device travelling on the lifelines. This also allows descent and safe ascension of an individual and locking of the lifeline in a time of a fall.
Safety Nets: Safety nets are the most preferred protection system for areas with no temporary scaffolds or floors. And also, the fall height is more than 25 feet.
Web Lanyards: This type of fall protection system is the most preferred system where the fall hazards are below 2 feet.
Rails: This type is best used on curved surfaces or fixed ladders to prevent fall.
Cable Lanyards: The cable lanyards are the best fall protection system in hot or corrosive environments. But while using this system, it should be taken into account that there is the safety backup of a shock-absorbing system.
At the end of this article, we have understood what fall protection systems are. We have also got a basic idea of the various fall protection systems available for different purposes. But it is always wise to consult a professional before choosing the fall protection system for you.