Page 70 - OHS, June 2020

PPE: FALL PROTECTION
...a dropped object could be anything from hand tools to small parts to instruments.
of containers covered by the standard. First there are small bags, meant to be attached to a worker’s tool belt or harness waist pad. Second are larger bags that would be hoisted up to the worksite and may be attached to scaffolding, a lift or other stationary anchors.
Choose the Right Product
for Your Workers
Now that we are familiar with the prod- ucts covered by ANSI/ISEA 121-2018, it is important to figure out how to choose the right equipment for the job. By asking these few simple questions, safety manag- ers can identify the right product to keep your workers safe.
What tools do your workers need to carry? This helps you identify two key characteristics to the hazard. First, you need to know what type of tether attach- ment that you will need. If your tool han- dle has a hole at the end of the tool, then consider a carabiner or hitch loop. If not, you will need a tether that has a permanent attachment method. On the other hand, a container is needed if your worker has to hold many small items.
The second thing to note about your workers tool is the weight. Each tool tether is designed and tested for a specific test weigh range, so it’s important to select a tether rat- ed for the tools your worker is using.
What anchor will your worker use?
On the other end of the tether, we need to know how your worker will anchor it. If your worker is wearing a harness or tool belt with proper attachment points, you should select a tether with a hitch loop or carabiner. If your worker doesn’t have ac- cess to a built-in attachment point, then consider a wrist strap instead. If your work- er cannot anchor to their person, then con- sider utilizing a stationary anchor such as scaffolding or the railing of a lift.
What range of motion does your worker need? Tool tethers come in differ- ent lengths. You want to be sure to select a length that allows your workers to do their job. The safest tool tether is one that your worker will use!
Anne Osbourn is the Marketing Manager for the Construction Segment in North America at Mine Safety Appliance. With over eight years of marketing and product development experience, Anne joined MSA in 2015 and has worked as a product line manager in both Respiratory and Fall Protection roles for the industrial market.
Tool Tethers
First, there is the Anchor Attachment (A). This is the secure attachment point to the anchorage. For a tool tether, an anchor could be your workers wrist, loops on a har- ness waist pad or even the railing of a lift.
Second is the Tool Attachment (B). Similar to the anchor attachment, the tool attachment provides the secure at- tachment point to the tool in your work- er’s hand. There are a variety of different
options depending on the tool.
Finally, there is the Tether (C). The
tether connects your tool to the anchorage and is designed to support tools of a spe- cific weight.
Containers
The second product category covers all containers. Containers are used to prevent smaller objects like nuts and bolts from be- ing dropped. There are two main categories
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