Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Personal fall arrest systems are devices that stop a worker from falling too far. These systems consist of several elements, all of which must be held to the following standards in order for the systems to be effective:

• Connectors in the fall arrest system must be made of drop forged, pressed, or formed steel; or of a material with equivalent strength.
• The connectors must have a smooth, corrosion-resistant finish to avoid damage.
• Dee-rings and snaphooks must be proof-tested to withstand a load of 3,600 pounds without cracking, breaking, or deforming.
• Snaphooks should be able to lock to prevent accidental disengagement.
• If lifelines are used, they must be designed, installed, and used under direct supervision of a qualified person.
• Vertical lifelines should be able to withstand 5,000 pounds of force.
• Each vertical lifeline may be used by only one person at a time.
• The lifelines should be resistant to cuts and abrasions.
• The ropes and straps in the fall arrest system must be made of synthetic fibers.

Personal fall arrest systems must also adhere to the following:

• The anchorages used to connect fall arrest systems should not be connected to anything used to support or suspend platforms.
• Personal fall arrest systems should be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person.
• When used with a harness, they should not exert a stopping force on the user greater than 1,800 pounds.
• They should not allow the user to fall more than 6 feet, nor to contact a lower level (such as hit the ground).
• They should bring the user to a complete stop after decelerating for no more than 3.5 feet, and withstand twice the potential impact energy of a person free falling for 6 feet.
  • The values in the previous three points may increase if the combined weight of the user and his or her tools is more than 310 pounds.
• The attachment point of the harness should be either in the center of the user's back or above the user's head.
• Fall arrest systems must be inspected prior to each use.
• They must not be attached to guardrails or hoist systems, and may only be used for personnel, not for hoisting materials or equipment.
• Body belts may no longer be used in personal fall arrest systems, as they can cause abdominal injury when stopping a 6-foot free fall.

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