Page 26 - OHS, June 2021

PPE: FALL PROTECTION
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.
site, then risks, such as accelerated corrosion for metal parts or potential degradation for plastics and composites, must be considered. The SRL manufacturer should be able to help with specification options.
Application, too, plays a crucial part in determining the proper SRL for the job. For example, working with solar panels on a rooftop or servicing an aircraft wing obviously requires care in order to prevent the equipment from damaging products and surfaces. A self-retracting lifeline constructed of synthetic webbing will do a better job of minimizing the risk of such damage. On the other hand, the presence of sharp edges that could sever a synthetic fabric line will require an SRL constructed of materials specific to leading edge applications. Similarly, a construction site may have abrasive concrete dust that will degrade synthetic lines, so it, too, will require a robust solution. Fortunately, there are SRL options for both—and more.
Determine the Type of Anchor
In order to arrest a fall, an SRL must be anchored to a strong and stable point. Understanding the anchor point is critical to making an appropriate product choice. Things to consider include: type of anchor, location of the anchor, distance between the anchor and the working point, distance of the anchor from the edge/fall hazard and the distance of fall clearance (allowing enough space for a fall to happen in the safest way possible.
Here are the two most common types of anchors, along with their key benefits:
Overhead Anchor. This is the standard way to attach an SRL. The SRL attaches to a carabiner or point above the workspace. This approach is traditionally used when there’s been an investment in infrastructure. Key Benefit: There’s less distance to fall in the event of a slip or trip.
Foot-level Anchor. In this popular approach, the anchor is positioned at foot-or deck-level with the SRL attached to it. It should be noted that with this type of anchor, the SRL will be at a
90-degree angle to the fall should there be a slip or trip. On many jobsites, the edge of the work area, such as a rooftftop or other structure, can be sharp. ThTherefore, it’s essential to understand that if a foot-level anchor is used, your SRL may need to be rated for leading edge work. Key Benefit: This type of anchor is easy to use because there’s no need to lift anything overhead.
Consider How to Maximize Both Safety & Value
SRLs are also inherently versatile and may be used across a wide range of industries, as well as in horizontal, overhead, and leading- edge applications. From vertical access via pylons, turbines, water towers and confined spaces, to loading and maintenance bays, assembly lines, silos, rooftops—and the building and construction industry in general—SRLs help take the guesswork out of equipment selection.
Since fall clearance, which is the minimum vertical distance required between a worker’s feet and a lower level, can vary at different points on the working area, it’s wise to consider using a self-retracting lifeline over another type of fall protection device. That’s because an SRL can accommodate variances while it remains under tension, automatically adjusting the line.
Understand How Quality Design Enhances
Lifetime Performance and Reduces Cost
Ultimately, the design of an SRL directly impacts safety and service-life cost. Human life is priceless, and employers have a duty of care to reduce the risks faced by their workers. While all products are certified to the same standard, there’s another crucial consideration: All products are not created equal.
Entry-level, economy-priced PPE is far less likely to offer the same performance and durability as high-quality, premium- engineered solutions. Reduced upfront costs can lead to a false economy of savings, whereas investing in the best equipment at the start can yield lifetime savings that result in lower total cost of ownership and better return on investment (ROI).
For example, equipment that is inherently designed to be serviceable in the field and minimize repair times can dramatically reduce costly delays and downtime. Smart retraction dampening technology, for example, can reduce cable retraction speed significantly. This not only increases safety, it limits damage to the product and surroundings. Again, this minimizes downtime and further maximizes product lifespan.
Anne Osbourn is the Marketing Manager for the Construction Segment in North America at Mine Safety Appliance. With more than 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.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-9/nearly-50-years-of- occupational-safety-and-health-data.htm
2. https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down
3. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf
4. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3146.pdf
22 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2021
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