Constructors and other workers often need to climb on elevated surfaces. That is why they are at risk of experiencing fatal injuries. According to OSHA guidelines, these contractors should wear safety gear and install protection systems at the worksite. Businesses in the construction sector, aeronautical industry, and other fields use different fall protection systems. Let us talk more about those systems.
Personal Fall Arrest System:
PFAS is a system designed for workers to prevent them from being fallen from a working surface. It comprises a:
- Connector – The connection includes a deceleration device, lanyard, or lifeline.
- Anchorage – Temporary and permanent anchors are used for PFAS. However, make sure that anchorages can endure at least 5000 lbs per worker attached.
- Body harness- It will protect your employees when they work in a fall arrest or fall restraint mode. It causes an even distribution of forces throughout your body and suspends workers after a fall. There are also lanyards to provide comfort and safety. PFAS also comprises a horizontal lifeline for fall protection.
So, if your workers need to work on a sloped roof, scaffolding, or ladder, you can invest in PFAS for them.
Guardrails:
Installing a guardrail system is another way to protect your contractors from falling and getting severely injured. This passive fall protection system includes a top rail, mid rail, and other posts for holding it. However, if you want some extra protective layers, you can use balusters or mesh with your guardrail. The breaking strength of guardrails should be at least 200 lbs.
Midrails refer to the intermediate between the working surface and the toprail. It should withstand an outward or downward directional force of 150 lbs. Moreover, you must not use plastic or steel banding for mid or top rail.
While using a scaffolder or a ladder, it is mandatory to install the guardrails along the sides and open ends of the platform.
But, you should avoid using guardrails for scissor lifts, which are mobile scaffolds. Besides, guardrails are not the right choice for workers on aerial work platforms. In this case, workers have to put on a full-body harness.
Safety net systems:
The construction safety net comes with a mesh size of 85mm. Square mesh is better due to the less sag. Safety net systems are useful for workers who need to construct high-rise buildings. One advantage is that they are the most affordable and safest fall prevention systems. Horizontally installed nets have a continuous border rope.
You should install safety nets close to the surface where contractors are working (not more than 30 ft. below). Also, when you use the nets on the bridge, the fall area should have no obstruction. You should also drop-test the safety nets at the worksite. Safety nets minimize the fall distance and the risk of injury.
So, these are the main fall protection systems you can install at the job site. As an employer, you should be responsible for your worker’s safety. Your systems should meet the OSHA standards to avoid any legal issues.
