Question 1

How often must personal fall protection equipment be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Personal fall protection systems must be inspected before the first use during each workshift. According to OSHA's guidelines in Appendix C to Subpart I of Part 1910, this inspection is crucial to identify any damage or defects that could compromise the equipment's effectiveness, ensuring it meets the requirements of § 1910.140.

Question 2

What should I do if I find a cut, tear, or other damage on my fall protection harness?

Accepted Answer

You must immediately remove the harness from service if it has any damage. OSHA guidelines state that any component with a cut, tear, abrasion, mold, evidence of stretching, corrosion, distorted hooks, or other defects must be taken out of use. The damaged item should be tagged or marked as unusable, or destroyed to prevent accidental reuse, as detailed in Appendix C to Subpart I of Part 1910.

Question 3

What should be done with a fall arrest system after it has been subjected to a fall?

Accepted Answer

Any personal fall protection system or component that has been subjected to impact loading, such as in a fall, must be removed from service immediately. As outlined in Appendix C to Subpart I of Part 1910, it cannot be used again until a competent person inspects it and determines it is undamaged and safe for use.

Question 4

What topics must be included in training for employees using fall protection systems?

Accepted Answer

Employers must ensure employees are trained in the proper use of fall protection systems before they are allowed to use them. As required by § 1910.132 and detailed in Appendix C to Subpart I, training should cover: The limits of the fall protection system. Proper anchoring and tie off techniques. How to estimate free fall distance, including calculating elongation and deceleration distance. Methods of use specific to the equipment. Proper inspection and storage procedures.

Question 5

Is it acceptable to tie a knot in a lanyard or lifeline to adjust its length?

Accepted Answer

No, you should avoid tying a knot in a lanyard or lifeline as it can reduce the strength of the line by 50 percent or more. OSHA's guidance in Appendix C to Subpart I specifically warns against this practice. Instead, use a lanyard of the appropriate length or an adjustable one designed for that purpose to comply with strength requirements in § 1910.140.

Question 6

Can I mix and match fall protection components from different manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

While it is common practice to interchange components like lanyards and harnesses, employers must ensure that all parts are compatible. OSHA guidance in Appendix C to Subpart I of Part 1910 warns that not all components are interchangeable. Any substitution or change to a system should be fully evaluated or tested by a competent person to ensure it meets OSHA standards before being used. Always consult manufacturer specifications for compatibility.

Question 7

How do I calculate the total fall clearance needed when using a personal fall arrest system?

Accepted Answer

To calculate the total fall clearance, you must add several factors together to ensure a worker will not strike a lower level. According to guidance in Appendix C to Subpart I of Part 1910, your calculation should include: The length of the lanyard (e.g., 6 feet). The maximum deceleration distance of the energy absorber (typically 3.5 feet). The amount the harness will stretch. A safety factor (e.g., 2 feet). The total distance must be less than the distance to the nearest obstruction or lower level. The standard at § 1910.140(d)) requires that systems be rigged to prevent contact with a lower level.

Question 8

Can I use a rebar hook or a pole strap (positioning equipment) as part of my personal fall arrest system?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot use positioning components for fall arrest unless they are specifically designed to meet the strength and performance requirements for fall arrest systems. OSHA guidelines in Appendix C to Subpart I clarify that components intended for work positioning, such as pole straps and rebar hooks, are generally not suitable for arresting a fall and should not be interchanged with fall arrest equipment that meets the criteria in § 1910.140.

Question 9

Who is qualified to design and install a horizontal lifeline system?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal lifeline systems must be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person. This is emphasized in Appendix C to Subpart I of Part 1910 because factors like sag angle can dramatically increase the forces on the system during a fall, requiring expert analysis to ensure it meets the requirements of § 1910.140.

Question 10

What should I do if I have to tie off my fall protection system around a sharp edge, like an I-beam?

Accepted Answer

You should avoid tying off around sharp or rough surfaces whenever possible, as they can severely damage rope or webbing and reduce the system's strength. OSHA's non mandatory guidance in Appendix C to Subpart I recommends using an abrasion resistant strap, padding the edge effectively, or using a tie off apparatus like a steel cable sling. If these alternatives are not available, you must take steps to minimize the potential free fall distance.

Personal fall protection guidelines

Topics covered

Questions

How often must personal fall protection equipment be inspected?

What should I do if I find a cut, tear, or other damage on my fall protection harness?

What should be done with a fall arrest system after it has been subjected to a fall?

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