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TOWER Fall Information 43 Making the difference Fall Information .......................................................................................................................... The Five Functional Categories 1 - Fall Arrest The legislation states that a fall arrest system be used when working at a height where a fall hazard exists. This system consists of: • Anchorage point/anchorage connector. • Bodywear – full body harness.* • Intermediate attachment with shock absorbing element. 2 - Work Positioning A positioning system is used to hold a worker in place allowing a hands free work environment at elevated heights. This typically consists of: • Anchorage point/anchorage connector. • Bodywear – harness or belt.** • Intermediate attachment – positioning lanyard and fall arrest system. 3 - Confined Space Primarily used when workers must enter tanks, manholes, etc and may require retrieval from above, should an emergency occur. This typically consists of: • Anchorage point: tripod, davit arm. • Bodywear – full body harness (2 or 3 anchorage points). • Intermediate attachment – retractable lifeline/retrieval unit. 4 - Rope Access When traditional access methods are not feasible, rope access systems will suspend the operator at the work site and provide for hands-free positioning. This system consists of: • Anchorage point/anchorage connector. • Bodywear – 2 or 3 point full body sit harness. • Intermediate attachment – static line with rope grab and static rope with ascenders and controlled descent devices. • Intermediate attachment – retractable lifeline/retrieval unit. 5 - Rescue Carried out within a minimum delay and without risk of a fall, rescue may involve self evacuation, or a more technical evacuation involving a fully trained and specialised team. • Anchorage point (e.g. quadpod)/anchorage connector. • Bodywear – 2 or 3 point full body harness and rescue sling, triangle or stretcher. • Intermediate attachment – evacuation unit, fall arrest device, pulley systems for hauling. Calculating Fall Clearance When using a shock-absorbing lanyard it is important to understand how to calculate the potential fall distance to avoid contact with the lower level. The calculation below gives the minimum fall clearance required between the anchorage point of the lanyard (at Fall Factor 2) and the lower level. Key • Twice the length of the worker (to allow for the length of the lanyard and the height of the worker). • + 1.75m deceleration distance (to allow for the elongation of the lanyard and the height of the worker). • + 1m safety margin. Example: Using a 2m lanyard in Fall Factor 2: 2 x 2m + 1.75m + 1m The total fall clearance = 6.75m Using a 1.5m lanyard in Fall Factor 2: 2 x 1.5m + 1.75m + 1m The total fall clearance = 5.75m The Swing Factor If the lifeline is not anchored vertically over the working place, the worker will swing laterally in the event of a fall and can injure himself by hitting either the ground below or an obstacle to the side of him. If it is not possible to use an anchorage point close to the work station, two anchorage points either side of the worker can be used to prevent any swing. Understanding fall factors to reduce the risks The maximum fall distance using a 2 metre shock-absorbing lanyard Factor 2 (below the feet). The worker will fall 5.75m(twice the length of the lanyard + the deployed shock absorber). Factor 1 (at shoulder level or above). The worker will fall a maximum of 3.75m (the length of the worker and the deployed shock absorber). Factor 0 (taut above head). The worker will fall a maximum of 1.75m (the length of the deployed shock-absorber, if deployed). 1 Point Harness Fire Protection Electric Protection 2 Point Harness Sitting Harness 3 Point Harness Breaking Strength