Page 91 - OHS, September 2022

harness to the anchorage points. ThThey can include shock absorbing lanyards, self-retracting devices, personal fall limiters and rope grabs.
Broadly, connecting devices fall into two categories: those used for fall restraint and those used for fall arrest. Fall restraint devices prevent workers from reaching a hazard. Fall arrest devices allow workers to reach a hazard and help protect them if they fall. When it comes to the connection component, workers need to take into account the fall clearance distance and the work application. Around sharp edges, the lanyard should be exceptionally strong, durable and flexible. Workers grinding or welding at heights need to use non-flammable lanyards, for instance.
Ensuring Proper Maintenance of Protective Equipment
For PPE to be able to do its job as it was designed to, it is also important to inspect the gear before each use and to put it on properly. This means checking for burns, tears, fading and rusted buckles, to name a few.
Comprehensive maintenance does not stop at PPE. All connecting and self-retracting devices can also be subject to wear and damage over time. Even a small amount of damage can compromise the performance of the gear and potentially lead to severe injuries from a fall. Stringent maintenance and inspection regimens for all components of personal fall arrest systems are crucial in creating a safe work environment. Inspection practices
Fall Protection is All We Do
should include the process of bending the webbing of equipment over a pipe or other cylindrical rod from one end to the other. By slowly rotating the webbing, it is possible to check the entire circumference for cuts, snags, breaks or evidence of long-term degradation, such as swelling, discoloration, cracks, brittle surfaces and hardness. For a full checklist of how to inspect equipment to ensure safety, product inspection guides are available.2
Keeping Safety Top of Mind
For many industrial employees, working at height is a regular part of the job. By identifying workplace hazards early, using the correct equipment for the job and making sure all gear is well cared for and compliant with regulatory standards, workers can help stay protected.
Omar Vikin is the general manager of fall protection at Honeywell.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf
2. https://sps.honeywell.com/content/dam/honeywell-edam/sps/his/ en-us/campaigns/fall-protection-solutions/documents/sps-his-fall-product- inspection-guide.pdf
Your System, Our Liability
As your nationwide fall protection partner, we’re with you every step of the way. From installation to certification, we’ll engineer a safety solution that eliminates your liability, ensures OSHA compliance, and keeps your team safe.
Contact a Fall Protection Specialist to Learn More | (844) 471-2025 www.fallprotect.com
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SEPTEMBER 2022 | Occupational Health & Safety 87 10/29/21 11:06 AM
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