Page 22 - OHS, June 2021

PPE: FALL PROTECTION
Seven Tips for How to Choose and Use SRLs
Self-retracting lifelines are specififically designed to allow the wearer
to have hands-free fall protection. FBY ANNE OSBOURN
or many workers, working on top of an elevated surface or structure is a daily actuality or eventuality. It’s also some of the most hazardous work on the planet. In the 50 years since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has been
collecting and publishing occupational safety and health data for OSHA and policymakers to use to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for the American workforce, the rate of nonfatal injuries has continued to steadily decline.1 Unfortunately, this is not the case when it comes to falls from height.
Despite efforts to raise awareness of the inherent danger of at- height work and the continual training of workers on safety best practices, falls from elevation are still the leading cause of death for construction employees.2 According to the BLS, fatalities in the private construction industry are at their highest since 2007– with an increase of 5 percent to 1,061 fatalities in 2019.3
Such numbers bring awareness to the importance of selecting appropriate fall arrest solutions. With that in mind, here are seven tips for where, when and how self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) should be deployed for vertical fall arrest protection.
Understand the Hierarchy of Fall Protection
Safety advancement is already in the works, of course, with many employers taking their safety programs to the next level. Next- level safety planning should include an understanding of the hierarchy of fall protection. The following four-part hierarchy is a recommended starting point to determine which approach and fall protection system is best for the job and the worker.
Elimination. Obviously, this is the preferred solution to all fall hazards. Although elimination is not always possible, don’t overlook the fact that there is some control in identifying potential hazards and adjusting processes and procedures accordingly.
Passive Fall Protection. This involves the use of physical barriers, such as guardrails, around unprotected edges. The Occupational Hazard and Safety Administration (OSHA) recommends in 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(5) that guardrail systems be used to prevent falling objects that can pose a hazard to workers.4
Fall Restraint Systems. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) to restrict the worker’s range of access, fall restraint systems are erected in an attempt to prevent the worker from physically traveling to the fall hazard.
Fall Arrest Systems. These work to stop the fall within acceptable force and clearance margins, leaving the worker to be rescued, according to Safety Program procedures.
Recognize When and Where
to Use Self-Retracting Lifelines
Another example of advancing fall prevention and protection is the growing trend of replacing lanyards and rope grabs with self- retracting lifelines (SRLs) as the safety standard. Like those two fall protection methods, SRLs are intended to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities from falls.
SRLs, however, are different in many ways than lanyards and rope grabs. SRLs are fast-acting fall arresters that limit free-fall distance and decelerate distance and fall arrest forces. Some SRL designs even allow the user freedom of movement. In addition to all those safety benefits, when compared with lanyards and rope grabs, SRLs typically last longer, retract on movement, offer faster lock-on and are easier to store.
Know How SRLs Work to Arrest Falls
SRLs offer dependable fall protection and are specifically designed to allow the wearer to have hands-free fall protection. Here’s how they work:
■ A synthetic line or metallic cable is attached to the worker’s harness.
■ This cable automatically extends and retracts from a floor or overhead anchored (stationary unit) while the worker moves about the jobsite.
■ In the event of a sudden fall, the SRL locks on to the anchored unit, arresting the force of the fall.
■ An energy absorption system automatically kicks in to limit the impact of the force on the worker’s person.
Consider the Environment & Application
There are numerous situations where fall protection is necessary. It’s important to consider where it will be used (the environment) and what the worker will be doing while using it (the application). Environment and application are key to selecting the proper SRL.
For example, if the wearer is working in an environment with corrosive hazards, such as a coastal location or petrochemical
18 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2021
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