22 Mar Full Body Harnesses/Lifelines Discussion Points

Full Body Harnesses/Lifelines Discussion Points

Full Body Harnesses, a connector (for example, a self-retracting lanyard), lifelines and anchors are all part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (or PFAS). The days of having a safety belt and lanyard are over – just too many injuries and deaths to workers.

PFAS is generally required when working at ten (10) feet in the workplace. That is an OSHA requirement. Insert company policy. Falls account for over a quarter of all construction injuries. It seems that some workers don’t want to take the time to put their PFAS on, or worse, feel they don’t need the equipment. We are sure that every person who was injured or died from a fall would have gladly worn their PFAS if they had only known they were about to fall.

Guide for Discussion

• Inspect the equipment (harness, hardware, connector, and lifeline) before
• Never use equipment, which is not in good
• Use only rated equipment. Remember, the PFAS must withstand 5,000 pounds of dead load.
• Always secure lanyards to a suitable anchor, above your work area if
• Don’t modify to mix any of the safety
• Never allow acids, caustics or other corrosive materials to come into contact with any of the equipment.
• Store your equipment in a dry
• Replace damaged equipment; remove it from service as soon as possible as it is determined to be
• Use the equipment

Remember:    Don’t allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security. Always provide yourself with some fall insurance. Regularly wear your PFAS and keep it attached to a lifeline. The life you save may be yours.