Fall Protection 101 for Working at Heights Is Fall Prevention the same as Fall Protection? Fall Prevention refers to a system that prevents or eliminates the hazard of a fall, such as a rooftop guardrail. Fall Prevention focuses on eliminating the fall risk altogether (this is also referred to as passive fall protection). Fall Protection refers to equipment used to mitigate or limit the effects of a fall from height. Fall protection doesn’t stop the fall; it is equipment used by employees to limit the distance and effects of a fall. These systems involve active participation by the worker, and thus considered active fall protection. Aren’t all personal Fall Protection systems the same? When a fall hazard cannot be eliminated through passive fall protection, it is important to understand how personal fall protection systems differ from one another. Fall Restraint or Travel Restraint Systems are intended to keep a worker from reaching a location where a free fall hazard exists, or to keep a worker within the confines of the basket of an aerial lift. In a lift, for example, the restraining “lanyard” should limit the movement of the employee within the basket. Fall Arrest Systems are intended to stop (arrest) a worker from striking a lower level. It consists of the Anchor Points, Body Harness and Connectors. Do you remember your ABCs of fall protection? Your fall arrest system may include the following: a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these options. Work Positioning Systems are used to hold a worker in place while allowing a hands-free work environment at elevated heights. The free fall must be limited to 2 feet or less. A fall arrest system should be used in conjunction with a work positioning system when the user is at an elevated height. When determining the most appropriate solution, it is important to consider who will be using the system, the type of work that needs to be accomplished at that site, and how many people will be involved with different jobs at elevation – this is otherwise known as a risk or hazard assessment. SAFETY
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