Working at height
Full body harness, Safety lanyards, Lifelines
Corporate Health & Safety 2011
Summary
•
•
•
•
Introduction
Main causes of accidents
Individual protection
Questions
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Introduction
February 2010
Fatality
Work: removal snow works on the roof of the Rail Finishing Bay
The worker falls from the roof 20 m high
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Introduction
May 2010
Fatality
Work: install an additional drain pump
on the concrete roof (slab) of the pumping station
The worker falls from the roof 6.2 m high
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Introduction
September 2010
Fatality
Work: replacement of asbestos cement plates by metal plates
The worker falls from the roof 17 m high
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Main causes of accidents
Not using the lanyard
Not wearing full body harness
Not using a controlled
anchorage point
Not adjusting the harness
Not checking
the fall clearance
Not working
with rescue plan
and safety watch
Not checking
the arrest force
Not controlling
of the harness' state
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What Happens in a Fall with a 1.8 m (6 ft) lanyard?
Time
Physical Response
Free-Fall Distance
Velocity
0.1 sec
Unaware
5.1 cm (2 in)
1.0 m/s (3.3 ft/s)
0.2 sec
Aware
20.3 cm (8 in)
2.13 m/s (7 ft/s)
0.5 sec
Start to Move
1.22 m (4 ft)
4.88 m/s (16 ft/s)
0.61 sec
Slight Movement
1.83 m (6 ft)
5.97 m/s (19.6 ft/s)
0.7 sec
Impact
2.41 m (7.9 ft)
7.01 m/s (23 ft/s)
0.9 sec
Rebound
3.96 m (13 ft)
8.84 m/s (29 ft/s)
1.0 sec
Suspend
4.9 m (16 ft)
9.75 m/s (32 ft/s)
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Distance Fallen resp. Velocity vs. Time
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History of falls
•
•
•
•
•
In industry, falls from heights : major cause of fatal or disabling accidents last 20 years.
In 95% of falls there is no second chance.
80% of fall accidents occur at distances less than 6 meters.
80% of people who fall at a height equal to or greater than 3.5 meters dies.
Many accidents happen because a person is only working at height for a few moments.
ArcelorMittal – Only steel Industry (Own Employees and Contractors)
Crushed
Fall
Asphysia
Burns
Electrocution
explosion
50
40
30
20
10
0
2008
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2009
2010
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2011
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ArcelorMittal Regulations
• Group Companies will, as a minimum, follow the prevailing local regulations for
elevated work where there is a risk of falling. Where this ArcelorMittal standard is more
demanding, then it will apply.
• In any case, fall prevention or protection shall be used for elevated work above 1.8
meters (6 feet). However, for any task where the risk assessment highlights a danger
of falling, proper actions have to be taken, even if the distance, one can fall, is less
than 1,8 m.
• A person will be subjected to Fall Protection if s/he is secured
with an approved full body harness, shock absorbing lanyard
(where the potential to fall is greater than 4 meters (13.3 feet)
or short restraining lanyards (where the potential to fall is less
than 4 meters), self-locking snap hooks (or carabineer type
rings) and secure anchorage points (or life-line).
• Safety belts are not adequate fall protection mechanisms and
do not comply with ArcelorMittal standard.
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Fall Hazard Analysis
• Before finding a solution – the Hazard must be evaluated.
• Use Hazard or Risk Prediction -- What are the conditions and behaviors to
consider?
– How will we get to the work area?
– What are the hazards below the work area (hazard in case of falling, obstacles or
electrical rails below working area, …)?
– How high is the work area?
– Are there holes or openings below or around the work area?
– Is the surface on which people are to walk is stable and strong enough ?
– Are there slip or trip hazards around the work area?
– How difficult is it to rescue someone if the fall (wearing or not an harness)?
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Hazard or Risk Prediction
Example:
•
•
•
•
How will we get to the work area?
What are the hazards below the work area?
How high is the work area?
Are there holes or openings below or around the
work area?
• Is the surface on which people are to walk is stable
and strong enough ?
• Are there slip or trip hazards around the work
area?
• How difficult is it to rescue someone if the fall?
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Solution Choices
• Use the Hierarchy of Control
– Elimination
– Substitution
– Engineering
– Administrative
– Collective Protective Equipment
– Personal Protective Equipment
• Each choice has its place and time
• Before making the choice(s), Evaluate the Problem
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Table of content
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
Full Body Safety Harness
Fall Protection Categories
Fall Protection Systems
Lanyards
Calculating Fall Clearance Distance and force
Life lines
Nets
Anchorage points
Harness (and Body Belt) Inspection
Lanyard Inspection
Self-Retracting Lifeline Inspection
Harness and Lanyard Cleaning
Utilization of a translation wagon in horizontal lifelines
Wearing a Full-Body Harness
14.1) Donning a Harness
14.2) Wearing a Full-Body Harness
14.3) Proper Harness Fit
14.4) Donning a Pullover Front D-Ring Harness
14.5) Buckle Connection Instructions
14.6) Buckle Connection Instructions
14.7) Buckle Connection Instructions
14.8) Proper Use of D-Rings
15) Rescue Plan
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1) Full Body Safety Harness
FULL BODY HARNESS MODELS are available in many models
with various options depending on their intended use:
B:
A:
DESCENT CONTROL HARNESS:
Has frontal attachment points for
use with descent control devices.
CONFINED ENTRY / RETRIEVAL HARNESS:
Has one attachment point located on each
shoulder strap to facilitate upright retrieval
from confined spaces or frontal attachment.
D:
LADDER CLIMBING HARNESS:
Has frontal attachment point for
connection to permanent ladder
safety systems.
E:
WORK POSITIONING HARNESS:
Positioning D- rings are located on the hips
for use with pole straps or work positioning
lanyards to allow hands-free operation.
(These may include integral waist belts
attached to the harness.)
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MULTI-PURPOSE HARNESS:
This may include extra attachment points to
allow work in a variety of situations. The dorsal
D-ring must always be used for fall arrest. The
belt and pad provide additional back support,
positioning rings and tool carrying options.
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2) Fall Protection Categories
All fall protection products fit into four functional categories.
1. Fall Arrest; 2. Positioning; 3. Suspension; 4. Retrieval.
1) Fall Arrest
A fall arrest system is required if any risk exists that a worker may fall from an elevated position, as a general
rule, the fall arrest system have to be used anytime a working height of six feet or more is reached without
collective protection. Working height is the distance from the walking/working surface to a floor or lower level.
A fall arrest system will only come into service should a fall occur. A full-body harness with a shock-absorbing
lanyard or a retractable lifeline is the only product recommended. A full-body harness distributes the forces
throughout the body, and the shock-absorbing lanyard decreases the total fall arresting forces (dissipating
energy during fall or shock).
2) Positioning
This system holds the worker in place while keeping his/her hands free to work. Whenever the worker leans
back, the system is activated. However, the personal positioning system is not specifically designed for fall
arrest purposes.
3) Suspension
This equipment lowers and supports the worker while allowing a hands-free work environment, and is widely
used in window washing and painting industries. This suspension system components are not designed to
arrest a free fall, a backup fall arrest system should be used in conjunction with the suspension system.
4) Retrieval
Preplanning for retrieval in the event of a fall has to be taken into consideration when developing a proactive
fall management program.
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3) Fall Protection Systems
Listed below are different types of fall safety equipment and their recommended usage.
Rope Lanyard
Offers some elastic properties for all arrest; used for restraint purpose.
Web Lanyard
Ideal for restraint purposes where fall hazards are less than 2 feet ( 0.61m)
Cable Positioning Designed for corrosive or excess heat environments and must be used in
Lanyards
conjunction with shock absorbing devices.
Shock Absorbers When used, the fall arresting force will be greatly reduced if a fall occurs.
Rope Grabs
A deceleration device which travels on a lifeline, used to safely ascend or
descend ladders or sloped surfaces and automatically, by friction, engages the
lifeline and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee.
Retractable
Gives fall protection and mobility to the user when working at height or in areas
Lifeline Systems where there is a danger of falling.
Safety Nets
Can be used to decrease the fall exposure when working without temporary
floors and scaffolds. AM Standard: Collective protection, such as nets
underneath the roof, are to be used at all times (unless a proper risk analysis
clearly leads to the conclusion that would not be needed for the task at hand).
Rail Systems
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When climbing a ladder, rail systems can be used on any fixed ladder as well
as curved surfaces as a reliable method of fall prevention
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4) Lanyards:
Shock absorbing lanyard and short restraining lanyards
Twin Forked
Elasticated Lanyard
Nylon shock
absorbing lanyard
Polyester restraining
lanyard
Webbing fall arrest
block
Double Nylon shock
absorbing lanyard
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4) Lanyards:
Shock absorbing lanyard and short restraining lanyards
• Energy Absorbing Lanyard
– Energy absorber shock pack
– Double locking snap hooks, or
locking carabiner
– Use minimum length for the work
to be done – no longer than 1.8 m
(6 feet)
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5) Calculating Fall Clearance Distance
Illustration: 6ft.(1.8m) Shock-Absorbing Lanyard with D-Bolt Anchorage Connector
• It is important to understand how to
calculate potential fall clearance to avoid
contact with a lower level.
• The following diagrams demonstrate
sample calculations using a shockabsorbing lanyard and self retracting
lifeline.
• When actually calculating fall clearance
distance, the authorized person/user must
Illustration: Self-Retracting Lifeline with D-Bolt Anchorage Connector
consider all variables, including but not
limited to:
• the height of the worker
• the length of the lanyard
• the maximum arrest distance of the
self-retracting lifeline,
• the position of the person (standing
or crouched)
• the anchorage connector used,
• and then make necessary adjustments to
the calculations.
• Always refer to the instruction manual of the connecting device being used for more specific information
and warnings regarding calculating fall clearance distance
Length of Anchorage Connector
Length of Lanyard
Deceleration / Free Fall Distance
(.3m) Harness Stretch
Fall Arrest Distance
Height of Worker
To Worker’s Back D-Ring
Safety Factor
Bottom of Retractable
Maximum Free Fall Distance
Height of Worker
Maximum Deceleration Distance
Maximum Arrest Distance
(per ANSI)
(.3m) Harness Stretch
To Worker’s Back D-Ring
Safety Factor
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5) Calculating Fall Clearance Distance
• Don’t forget to take into account the pendulum zone
(in red on the drawing)
• SWING FALLS: Swing falls occur when the
anchorage point is not directly above the point where
a fall occurs. The force of striking an object in a
swing fall may cause serious injury or death.
Minimize swing falls by working as close to the
anchorage point as possible. Do not permit a swing
fall if injury could occur. Swing falls will significantly
increase the clearance required when a self
retracting lifeline or other variable length connecting
subsystem is used.
• ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Use of this
equipment in areas with environmental hazards may
require additional precautions to prevent injury to the
user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may
include, but are not limited to: heat, chemicals,
corrosive environments, high voltage power lines,
gases, moving machinery, and sharp edges.
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Anchorage point
Attachement
point
Safety Factor
Dangerous obstacle
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5) Calculating Force
• Maximum Arresting Force
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–
–
–
Force on the body caused by stopping a fall
Maximum is 8 kN (1,800 lbf) by USA law
Maximum is 6 kN (1,350 lbf) by European
law
Minimum force causing body damage =
12kN (2,700 lbf)
• All PPE is designed for a maximum free
fall distance of 1.8M (6 ft) and a maximum
arresting force of 8 kN (1,800 lbf, USA
limit) or 6 kN (European limit).
YOUR GOAL:
– Minimize the Free Fall Distance and
minimize the Maximum Arresting
Force
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6) Life-lines: Ladder Climbing Device
• Ladder Climbing Device -– Used with Fixed Ladders
– Used with a full body harness
– Minimal length lanyard connected in front
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6) Life-lines: Vertical Lifeline
• Vertical Lifelines
• Rope Grabs
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• Requires a Qualified Person for
engineering or anchorage certification
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6) Life-lines: Horizontal Lifeline
• Horizontal Lifelines
– Requires a Qualified Person for engineering
or anchorage certification
All work and visits on a roof (including cleaning) require fall protection. If a lifeline is
required, the lifeline must be engineered, tested and installed by competent persons.
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7) Nets
• Nets
– Frequently used with both horizontal and vertical lifelines
– Permit to secure the area below the working area (debris or tools containment, …)
– For all kind of construction applications and repairs (Roof work, maintenance, …)
• AM Standard: Collective protection, such as nets underneath the roof, are to be used
at all times (unless a proper risk analysis clearly leads to the conclusion that would
not be needed for the task at hand).
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8) Anchorage points
• Characteristics
– Meets the strength requirement
– Identified
– Available for routine work
– Easy to use
• Who specifies the anchorage point? Must be a qualified person
• Reviewed and certified by a qualified engineer
• Can use both temporary and permanent anchorage points
• Ensure that the anchorage point is high enough (i.e. above the person to reduce fall
height) for the PPE selected
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8) Anchorage points
• What if I don’t have an identified anchorage point?
– Use a horizontal building structural beam (> 30 cm (12
inches) deep and distance between supports < 7.5 m (25
ft))
• What if I don’t know what force my anchorage point will
hold?
– Minimize the arresting force
• Engineers need time to do their work – pre-planning is key!
Equipment
Requirements: MAF=Maximum Arresting Force
Self-Retracting Lanyard
13.3 KN (3000 lbf) or 2 X MAF
Energy Absorbing Lanyard
22.2KN (5000 lbf) or 2 X MAF
Vertical Lifeline
22.2KN (5000 lbf) or 2 X MAF
Horizontal Lifeline
Minimum of 22.2KN (5000 lbf) for each worker
and maintain a safety factor of 2 X MAF
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9) Harness (and Body Belt) Inspection
To inspect your harness or body belt, perform the following procedures.
1) Webbing
Grasp the webbing with your hands 6 inches (152mm) to 8 inches (203mm) apart. Bend the
webbing in an inverted “U” as shown. The surface tension resulting makes damaged fibers
or cuts easier to detect. Follow this procedure the entire length of the webbing, inspecting
both sides of each strap. Look for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts, burns
and chemical damage.
2) D-Rings/Back Pads
Check D-rings for distortion, cracks, breaks, and rough or sharp
edges. The D-ring should pivot freely. D-ring back pads should
also be inspected for damage.
3) Attachment of Buckles
Inspect for any unusual wear, frayed or cut fibers, or broken stitching of the
buckle or D-ring attachments.
4) Tongue/Grommets
The tongue receives heavy wear from repeated buckling and unbuckling. Inspect for
loose, distorted or broken grommets. Webbing should not have additional punched
holes.
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9) Harness (and Body Belt) Inspection
To inspect your harness or body belt, perform the following procedures.
5) Tongue Buckles
Buckle tongues should be free of distortion in shape and motion. They should
overlap the buckle frame and move freely back and forth in their socket. Roller
should turn freely on frame. Check for distortion or sharp edges.
6) Friction and Mating Buckles
Inspect the buckle for distortion. The outer bars and center bars must be
straight. Pay special attention to corners and attachment points at the center
bar.
7) Quick-Connect Buckles
Inspect the buckle for distortion. The outer bars and center bars must be straight. Make
sure dual-tab release mechanism is free of debris and engages properly.
AFTER FALL
8) Harness Fall Arrest Indicators
Inspect fall arrest indicators (located on the back D-ring pad) for signs of activation.
Remove from service if broken or stretched between any of the 4 pairs of arrows.
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10) Lanyard Inspection
When inspecting lanyards, begin at one end and work to the opposite end, slowly
rotating the lanyard so that the entire circumference is checked. Additionally, follow the
procedures below.
1) Hardware
A) Snaps: Inspect closely for hook and eye distortions, cracks, corrosion, or pitted surfaces.
The keeper (latch) should seat into the nose without binding and should not be distorted or
obstructed. The keeper spring should exert sufficient force to firmly close the keeper. Keeper
locks must prevent the keeper from opening when the keeper closes.
B) Thimbles: The thimble must be firmly seated in the eye of the splice, and the
splice should have no loose or cut strands. The edges of the thimble must be free
of sharp edges, distortion, or cracks.
2) Wire Rope Lanyard
While rotating the wire rope lanyard, watch for cuts, frayed areas, or unusual wearing
patterns on the wire. Broken strands will separate from the body of the lanyard.
3) Web Lanyard
While bending webbing over a pipe or mandrel, observe each side of the webbed lanyard.
This will reveal any cuts or breaks. Swelling, discoloration, cracks and charring are
obvious signs of chemical or heat damage. Observe closely for any breaks in stitching.
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10) Lanyard Inspection
When inspecting lanyards, begin at one end and work to the opposite end, slowly
rotating the lanyard so that the entire circumference is checked. Additionally, follow the
procedures below.
4) Rope Lanyard
Rotate the rope lanyard while inspecting from end-to-end for any
fuzzy, worn, broken or cut fibers. Weakened areas from extreme
loads will appear as a noticeable change in original diameter. The
rope diameter should be uniform throughout, following a short
break-in period.
5) Shock Absorber Pack
The outer portion of the pack should be examined for burn holes and tears.
Stitching on areas where the pack is sewn to D-rings, belts or lanyards should be
examined for loose strands, rips and deterioration.
6) Shock-Absorbing Lanyard
Shock-absorbing lanyards should be examined as a web lanyard
(described in item 3 above). However, also look for the warning flag or
signs of deployment. If the flag has been activated, remove this shockabsorbing lanyard from service.
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11) Self-Retracting Lifeline Inspection
1) Check Housing
Before every use, inspect the unit’s housing for loose fasteners and bent, cracked,
distorted, worn, malfunctioning or damaged parts.
2) Lifeline
Test the lifeline retraction and tension by pulling out several feet of the lifeline and allow it
to retract back into the unit. Always maintain a light tension on the lifeline as it retracts.
The lifeline should pull out freely and retract all the way back into the unit. Do not use the
unit if the lifeline does not retract. The lifeline must be checked regularly for signs of
damage. Inspect for cuts, burns, corrosion, kinks, frays or worn areas. Inspect any
sewing (web lifelines) for loose, broken or damaged stitching
3) Braking Mechanism
The braking mechanism must be tested by grasping the lifeline above the impact indicator and
applying a sharp steady pull downward which will engage the brakes. There should be no
slippage of the lifeline while the brakes are engaged, once tension is released, the brakes will
disengage and the unit will return to the retractable mode. Do not use the unit if the brakes do not
engage.
Check the hardware as directed in 1A under Lanyard Inspection. The snap hook load indicator is
located in the swivel of the snap hook. The swivel eye will elongate and expose a red area when
subjected to fall arresting forces. Do not use the unit if the load impact indicator has been
activated.
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12) Harness and Lanyard Cleaning
Basic care of all safety equipment will prolong the durable life of the unit and
will contribute toward the performance of its vital safety function. Proper
storage and maintenance after use are as important as cleansing the
equipment of dirt, corrosives or contaminants. Storage areas should be
clean, dry and free of exposure to fumes or corrosive elements.
1) Nylon or Polyester
Remove all surface dirt with a sponge dampened in plain water. Squeeze the sponge dry.
Dip the sponge in a mild solution of water and commercial soap or detergent. Work up a
thick lather with a vigorous back and forth motion; then wipe with a clean cloth. Hang freely
to dry, but away from excessive heat.
2) Housing
Periodically clean the unit using a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Towel dry.
3) Drying
Equipment should dry thoroughly without close exposure to heat,
steam or long periods of sunlight.
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13) Utilization of a translation wagon in horizontal lifelines
Safety lifeline with a special guiding system for lanyards.
The use of 2 lanyards is not needed when passing the fixing
point onto the structure
With the attached system you need no supplementary guiding line
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13) Utilization of a translation wagon in horizontal lifelines
Double Safety lifelines with a special guiding system for lanyards.
The use of 2 lanyards is not needed when passing the fixing point
onto the structure
With the attached system you need 2 lines,
 one supporting line and
 one system guiding line
restraint
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13) Utilization of simple horizontal
lifelines
The use of 2 or a double lanyard is needed
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14) Wearing a Full-Body Harness
14.1) Donning a Harness
Full-body harnesses are the only form of body wear to be used for fall protection/fall arrest. It is very
important to have a proper fitting harness throughout the entire course of a work shift. Do not allow
your harness to become loose or slack. The following procedure will describe how to properly “don”
(put on) a harness. The location of the chest, leg and sub-pelvic straps are critical to the optimal
performance of a full-body harness in a fall arrest. (Refer to Proper Harness Fit section.)
1
2
Hold harness
by back D-ring.
Shake harness to
allow all straps to
fall in place
4
3
Slip straps over
shoulders so
D-ring is located
in middle of
back between
shoulder blades.
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If chest, waist and/
or leg straps are
buckled, release
straps and
unbuckle at this
time.
Pull leg strap between
legs and connect to
opposite end.
Repeat with second leg
strap. Connect waist strap,
if present. Waist strap
should be tight but
not binding.
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14.2) Wearing a Full-Body Harness
5
Connect chest
strap and position
in mid-chest area
6” (152mm) to 8”
(203mm) below
the trachea but
not below the
sternum. Tighten
to keep shoulder
straps taut.
7
8
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After all straps
have been
buckled, tighten
all webbing so
that harness fits
snug but allows
full range of
movement. Pass
excess strap
through loop
keepers.
To remove harness, reverse procedure.
It is to recommends hanging the harness by back D-ring to
help it keep its shape when not in use and provide the worker
with a starting point when next attempting to don the harness.
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14.3) Proper Harness Fit
It is extremely important that your harness fits and is properly adjusted. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death, and proper connection of both types of straps is essential to fall safety. After
donning a harness, make sure to check:
CHEST STRAP: Should be positioned in the middle of your chest [6” (152mm) to 8” (203mm) below the
trachea but not below the sternum]. If the chest strap is positioned too high, the strap may move upwards
during a fall arrest causing you to run the risk of strangulation. If the chest strap is too low or not connected
at all, you could fall out of your harness during a fall.
LEG STRAPS: Proper adjustment of the leg straps is critical for safety.
Leg straps should be snug, but not snug to the point that they obstruct
normal blood circulation in the legs. Failure to wear leg straps will not
secure your body within the harness during a fall and could lead to serious
injury or death.
SUB-PELVIC STRAP: Provides support in the event of a fall, and also
provides support when used for positioning. In a seated position, the sub-pelvic
strap should comfortably provide a “seat” for the buttocks. In the
event of a fall, simply lift up your legs to transfer weight to the sub-pelvic strap.
Sub-Pelvic Non-Stretch Safety Harness Full Body Size is ideal for workers who must be suspended, raised or lowered
to perform their jobs in confined spaces such as tanks, manholes, and pipes. Sub-Pelvic strap provides superior support
in the buttocks area while relieving pressure from the shoulders and legs. In the event of a fall, the harness provides
maximum force distribution, and the sub-pelvic strap adds comfort.
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14.4) Donning a Pullover Front D-Ring Harness
1. Disconnect the leg strap buckles if they are connected.
2. Hold the harness by the back D-ring. Turn the harness so the front D-ring
is facing you and the Miller strap is away from you.
3. Grasp shoulder straps directly below the front D-ring with both hands.
Place your head through the center of the harness between the front and
back D-rings.
4. Spin the harness 180 degrees so that the front D-ring is positioned in the
front.
5. Slide one strap down over each arm so that the front D-ring rests in the
mid-chest area and shoulder straps run vertically over the chest.
6. Pull leg strap between legs and connect to opposite end. Repeat with
second leg strap. Adjust leg straps until snug.
7. Make adjustments to position the front D-ring properly by feeding webbing
through the friction buckles. Adjust shoulder straps until snug. Pass excess
strap through loop keepers.
8. To remove: Reverse procedure. Hang harness by back D-ring.
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14.5) Buckle Connection Instructions
SLOTTED MATING BUCKLE
1
Ensure straps are not
twisted. The loose end of
webbing is for adjustment
and must always
be located on the outside
(away from the user).
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Pass the buckle with the
center bar under the square
link. Turn the center bar
buckle so that the edges
line up with the slots in the
square link. Pull the center
bar buckle completely
through the square link and
allow it to fall into place on
top of the square link.
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Pull loose end of strap to
tighten adjustment of the
harness. Then slide rigid
keeper (on chest strap
only) up to buckle to reduce
web sliding in buckle. Tuck
excess webbing into elastic
keepers.
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14.6) Buckle Connection Instructions
QUICK-CONNECT BUCKLE
1
Ensure straps are not
twisted. The loose end of
webbing is for adjustment
and must always be
located on the outside
(away from the user).
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Push both halves of the
buckle together until you hear
a click. Tug on both halves
of the buckle to make sure
it is firmly connected. Pull
loose end of strap to tighten
adjustment of the harness.
Then slide rigid keeper (on
chest strap only) up to buckle
to reduce web sliding in
buckle. Tuck excess webbing
into elastic keepers.
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To disconnect, push
forward on both release
levers, then pull buckle
apart.
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14.7) Buckle Connection Instructions
TONGUE BUCKLE
1
Insert the loose strap
of webbing through the
tongue buckle from the
underside.
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2
Pull the strap through
until snug, placing the
buckle tongue through the
appropriate grommet.
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Tuck excess webbing into
elastic keepers.
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14.8) Proper Use of D-Rings
Back D-rings
are for fall arrest
or retrieval only
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Front D-rings
are for positioning.
Note front D-ring
exception below.
Side D-rings
are for positioning only.
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Shoulder D-rings
Are for retrieval only.
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15) Rescue Plan
•
Work Scenarios vs. Rescue Scenarios
– Different planning
– Different equipment
– Different skills
• Do you plan for rescue at your facility?
• Each time PPE is used, there must be a rescue plan!
– You must be able to rescue someone in a minimum amount of time
(<10 minutes).
• Since irreparable damage may occur to the body in the first
10 minutes and statistics show that 50 % of the persons will
have died if not rescued after 15 minutes, assure that a
proper rescue solution is in place is of the utmost
importance, since every minute counts.
– Identify the Normal Conditions and Allowances.
– Define the plan during the Hazard Identification
and Risk Assessment, defining proper mitigation
actions.
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15) Rescue Plan: Harness Suspension Trauma
• The Relief Step Safety Device alleviates the effects of orthostatic intolerance, also known as Harness
Suspension Trauma. If a fall occurs, a person becomes suspended in a harness and remains both vertical
and sedentary for a period of time, causing blood to “pool” in the veins of the legs. Subsequently, blood is
restricted to the brain and other major organs that may initially result in unconsciousness. If not rescued
promptly, serious injury or death may occur. The Relief Step is designed to provide a short-term solution
for alleviating suspension trauma.
– When used, the Relief Step Safety Device provides support and enhances blood circulation until
rescue – permitting the ability to move and flex leg muscles
– Small and lightweight; the Relief Step Safety Device attaches to any brand full-body harness
– Utilizing two (2) Relief Steps (one for each leg/foot) assures greater comfort until rescue is completed
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Questions (1/2)
1. When working at heights: as from which height do I have to use fall prevention
of protection?
• A. 4.0 m
• B. 1.8 m
• C. 2.5 m
• D. When risk assessment indicates the risk of falling
2. When I work in a man-lift or ‘basket’: when must I be extra secured with proper
Fall Protection Equipment?
• A. If the basket is moving.
• B. At all times.
• C. Never.
3. If I work at heights and if I cannot use collective protective equipment (such as
a scaffold for example), what are the minimum requirements for fall protection?
• A. A safety belt and a lanyard.
• B. A full body harness and a lanyard.
• C. Any of the above.
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Question (2/2)
4. If I work at heights and if I use collective protective equipment (as a scaffold for
example), what are the minimum requirements for work platforms and
scaffolding?
• A. Complete floors, guardrails, toe boards and safe access and egress.
• B. As determined by the maintenance inspector.
• C. As determined by a competent scaffold erector.
5. I have to use a shock absorbing lanyard where the potential to fall is greater
than:
• A. 4 m
• B. 7 m
• C. 10 m
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