Positioning Device Systems

OSHA defines a positioning device system as a body belt or body harness system rigged to allow a worker to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall, and work with both hands free while leaning.

Body belt or body harness systems are to be set up so that a worker can free fall no farther than two feet.

Body belts or harnesses must be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of a worker's fall or 3,000 pounds, whichever is greater.

A body belt cannot be used to arrest a fall but is allowed as part of a positioning system. A positioning system keeps your body in a position where you are not able to fall. For all situations where you could actually fall, you need to wear a full-body harness.

To learn more about Fall Protection visit our Construction Fall Protection Online Training web page.