Fall Protection Awareness

“Safety Target”
 PowerPoint Information
A collection of information from manufacturers, OSHA,
MSHA, and widely accepted industry practices is
included in this PowerPoint as supplemental miner
training materials. Contents are not MSHA standards or
regulation and the power point is provided to assist mine
operators by providing information of best practices in
the interest of greater miner protections. The information
is intended to be advisory in nature, informational in
content, and is intended to assist mine operators in
identifying hazards and mitigation associated with fall
prevention and fall protection. Mining industry trainers
may elect to use the information to promote fall
protection safety awareness and for developing fall
protection programs in the mining industry.
 Developing a Successful Fall
Protection Program
5 Basic Elements

1. Understanding Regulations and Standards

2. Hazard Identification
3. Pre-Planning & Written Fall Protection Plan
4. Product Selection
5. Training
 Developing a Fall Protection
Program
1. Understanding Regulations and
Standards
• Understanding these requirements is key to
ensuring a safe working environment.
(MSHA/OSHA/ANSI)

• Understand all Federal, State, and Local

regulations pertaining to fall protection before
selecting and using the equipment.
 Developing a Fall Protection
Program
2. Hazard Identification
A well-conceived fall protection program
begins with identification of all fall hazards in
the workplace.
In mining operations, personal fall protection
equipment is required any time there is a
danger of falling. This includes working in
bins, tanks or other dangerous areas where a
second person shall tend a lifeline while
miners work in these areas.
 Developing a Fall Protection
Program
Where a fall hazard exists, there are
two acceptable options:
(1) eliminate the hazard, or
(2) provide protection against it.
Ideally, it is best to totally eliminate the
hazard. If not possible other measures
such as the wearing of personal fall
protection equipment (PPE) are required.
 Developing a Fall Protection
Program
3. Pre-Planning & Written Fall Protection
Plan
A written program should be developed
specifying how to deal with each identified
hazard. The plan should state:
• what fall protection measures are to be used

• how they are to be used

• who is responsible for overall supervision and training.

 Developing a Fall Protection
Program
4. Product Selection

• The employer must know the types of fall protection

products that are available, and decide which would be
most suitable for the workplace.
• Because all work environments differ, it is impossible
for the manufacturer to determine exactly which fall
protection products will provide maximum protection for
each job.
• By understanding how fall protection products operate
and knowing the differences in product functions, the
employer can select products that are best suited for its
workers
 Developing a Fall Protection Program
5. Training
To maintain a safe work environment, it is
essential that persons are properly trained to:

• Recognize potential fall hazards

• Evaluate the risk posed by each hazard
• Control the hazard with preventive or protective
measures
• Determine which products to use in specific work
environments
• Demonstrate proper anchoring procedures, etc.
• Learn inspection and maintenance procedures
• Properly wear fall protection equipment including size,
fit and adjustment
 Personal Fall Arrest System

A Personal Fall Arrest System is

comprised of three (3) key
components:
• anchorage connector;
• body wear;
• and connecting device.
 Understand Your Fall Arrest System
A Personal Fall Arrest System is comprised of three (3) key components –
anchorage connector; body wear; and connecting device.

Remember: A, B, & C
A = Anchorage/Anchorage Connector
B = Body Wear
C = Connecting Device

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 A = Anchorage/Anchorage
Connector
Anchorage: Commonly referred to as a
tie-off point (Ex: I-beam, rebar,
scaffolding, lifeline, etc.)
• Must be high enough for a worker to avoid
contact with a lower level should a fall occur.
• Anchorages must be capable of supporting
5,000 pounds (22kN) of force per worker.
• Careful consideration should be given to
selecting a proper anchorage for ultimate
safety.
• The anchorage should be easily accessible.
 The Importance of Anchorages
Carefully planned and selected anchorages are
crucial. Should a fall occur, the worker will be
suspended from the anchorage, their life
depending on its strength. An anchorage, for
example, could be an I-beam, while a cross-arm
strap, or choker, wrapped around this beam and
permitting attachment is the anchorage
connector.
• Anchorage Connectors are designed as the intermediary
device for securing a connecting device to an
anchorage.
• The anchorage connector should be positioned to avoid
a “swing fall.”
 • Examples of Permanent
Anchorage Connectors

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 • Examples of Temporary Anchorage
Connectors

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 Temporary Horizontal Lifeline
Systems

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 Leading Edge Anchorage
Connector

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 Beam Anchorages

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 B = Body Wear
Body Wear: The personal protective equipment worn by the
worker (Ex: full-body harness)
• Only form of body wear acceptable for fall arrest is the full-body harness.
• Should be selected based on work to be performed and the work environment.
• Side and front D-rings are for positioning only.
Incorrect Harness Fit

Premium Harness

Chest strap positioned incorrectly. Should be located at mid-

chest to keep shoulder straps snug. Leg straps are too loose.
“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”
 Incorrect Harness Fit
Chest strap positioned too high and too
loose. Leg straps are positioned
improperly.

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 Correct Harness Fit
• Chest and Leg Straps Offer a Snug Fit

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 C = Connecting Devices

While focus is given to anchorage connectors and

body wear (full-body harnesses) components, the
connecting device (a shock-absorbing lanyard or
self-retracting lifeline) between these two
components actually bears the greatest fall forces
during a fall.

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 C = Connecting Devices
• Shock-Absorbing Lanyard or Self-Retracting
Lifeline? Think About It! - Always know your
fall distance and select proper equipment to
meet the fall clearance.

• Remember... UNDER 18 1/2 ft. (5.6m)

- always use a Self-Retracting Lifeline.
OVER 18 1/2 ft. (5.6m)
- a Shock-Absorbing Lanyard or Self-Retracting
Lifeline can be used.
 Calculating Fall Clearance
Select the Proper Fall Protection Equipment
Shock-Absorbing Lanyard or Self-Retracting Lifeline?
• Always know your fall distance and select proper equipment to meet the fall
clearance.
Illustration: 6 ft. (1.8m) Shock-Absorbing Lanyard with D-Bolt Anchorage Connector

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

Lanyards – the Critical Link in Fall
Protection
The lanyard is a connecting device, a
flexible line to secure a full-body harness
or body belt, where permitted, to a point of
anchorage. There are two basic
categories of lanyards: non-shock-
absorbing and shock-absorbing. The
more common and safer type is the
shock-absorbing lanyard.
• Shock-absorbing lanyards extend deceleration
distance during a fall, significantly reducing fall
arresting forces by 65 to 80 percent, below the
threshold of injury (as specified by OSHA & ANSI).
• One type of lanyard includes a special shock-
absorbing inner core material surrounded by a
heavy-duty tubular outer jacket that doubles as a
back-up web lanyard.
• In accordance with OSHA regulations, lanyards
are required to have self-closing, self-locking
snap hooks to reduce the possibility of
unintentional disengagement, or “rollout”.
“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”
 Shock-Absorbing Lanyards - Before and After Deployment

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 HAZARD ALERT!
• NEVER!!! – Tie-Back (choke off) with a
standard/conventional lanyard.
Conventional lanyards can not be tied-back for 3
reasons:
1. Lanyard strength is weakened by at least 30%. (i.e.
similar concept of reduced strength in rigging due
to sling load angle used to lift materials or
equipment)
2. Conventional Lanyards can be damaged, frayed, or
cut when dragged over beams or other structure.
3. Conventional Snap Hook Gates could open or
break since they are designed for 350 # of force.
4. Solution: Use specially designed lanyards with
heavy-duty webbing for more abrasion resistance
and 5,000 # snap hook gates. OR Use conventional
anchorage connection devices such as a cross-
arm strap.
 Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL)
Also a Connecting Device

• Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) (fall limiter,

personal fall limiter, yo-yo, seatbelt, etc.)
are viable alternative connecting devices
to shock-absorbing lanyards.
 Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL)
Also a Connecting Device
• While traditional six-foot (1.8m) shock absorbing lanyards
allow for up to 6 ft. (1.8m) of free-fall distance prior to
activating, and another 3-1/2 ft. (1.1m) of deceleration
distance prior to arresting a fall, self-retracting lifelines
require less than 2 ft. (609mm) to arrest free falls.
• With shorter activation distance and shorter overall
arresting distance, self-retracting lifelines reduce the risk of
hitting the ground or any obstructions at a lower level.
• In addition, they allow for easier rescue in the event of a
fall.
• Available with working capacities ranging from 9 ft. (2.7m)
to 175 ft. (54m), self-retracting lifelines should always be
used when fall clearance is less than 18-1/2 ft. (5.6m).
 Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL)
• FALL LIMITERS Lightweight, web
retractables that require less fall
clearance, offer greater mobility
and prevent tripping hazards

• SELF-RETRACTING LIFELINES
(SRLs) Durable and dependable
heavy-duty retractables available
with webbing or cable

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 Fall Arrest System Swing Fall Hazard
• (Shock-Absorbing Lanyards or Self-Retracting Lifelines)
If involved in a fall while using a shock-absorbing lanyard or
self-retracting lifeline, and with an anchorage point that is
not positioned directly overhead, a swing fall or pendulum
effect will occur. Striking an object while swinging can lead
to serious injury.
• Since self-retracting lifelines allow for greater horizontal and
vertical mobility than standard six foot shock-absorbing
lanyards, extra care should be taken to reduce swing falls.
• Whether using shock-absorbing lanyards or self-
retracting lifelines, it is very important to position your
anchorage point directly overhead whenever possible to
minimize swing falls.
 Remember... UNDER 18 1/2 ft. (5.6m)
always use a Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL).

OVER 18 1/2 ft. (5.6m)

a Shock-Absorbing Lanyard or Self-Retracting
Lifeline can be used.

“Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection”

 When stopping a fall, a personal fall arrest
system must:
• Limit maximum fall arresting force on an employee
to 1,800 pounds (8kN) when used with a full-body
harness;

• Limit free fall distance to less than 6 feet (1.8m), and

be rigged in such a way as to prevent contact with a
lower level;

• Bring the employee to a complete stop while limiting

maximum deceleration distance to 3-1/2 feet (1.1m);
and

• Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the

potential energy of a worker free falling from a
distance of 6 feet (1.8m) (or the free fall distance
permitted by the system, whichever is less).
 Fall Protection Equipment
Selection Considerations
To select the appropriate lanyard for a specific
application, consider the following factors:
• The type of work being performed and the
specific conditions of the work environment,
including the presence of moisture, dirt, oil,
grease, acids and electrical hazards, as well as
the ambient temperature. For example, steel
cable lanyards are particularly strong, heat
resistant and durable; however, they are not
suitable for use around high-voltage sources
because they readily conduct electricity.
 Fall Protection Equipment
Selection Considerations
• Potential fall distance. This distance is
greater than most people think, consider:
the length of the lanyard, the length
that the shock absorber will elongate
during deceleration, the height of the
worker, plus a safety factor.
 Fall Protection Equipment
Selection Considerations
• The compatibility of system
components. A personal fall arrest
system should be designed and tested as
a complete system. Components
produced by different manufacturers
may not be interchangeable.
 Fall Protection Equipment Selection
Considerations
• Selection criteria also should include a scrutiny of
product quality.
• For example, OSHA regulations call for limiting fall forces
on an individual wearing a full-body harness to 1,800
pounds (8kN).
• Likewise, ANSI Z359 standards for equipment
manufacturers suggest that non-shock-absorbing lanyards
limit fall forces to 1,800 pounds (8kN), an infeasible
option with commercially available lanyard materials,
and 900 pounds (4kN) for shock-absorbing lanyards.
• Most reputable lanyard manufacturers design to the
900-pound (4kN) standard, and state this on the label
of the lanyard. While OSHA regulations are the law and
are enforced by a federal agency, ANSI standards are self-
enforced by individual manufacturers – there is no
enforcement body, and no inspectors. Thus, the buyer
cannot take stated performance per ANSI guidelines for
granted.
 General Fall Protection
Considerations
• Warnings – Always read all instructions and
warnings contained on the product and
packaging before using any fall protection
equipment.
• Inspection – All fall protection equipment must
be inspected prior to each use.
• Rescue Planning – Minimizing the time
between a fall occurrence and medical attention
of the worker is vitally important. A thorough
rescue program should be established prior to
using fall protection equipment.
 Additional General Fall Protection
Considerations
• System Components – Only components that
are fully compatible with one another should be
used. Fall arrest systems are designed and
tested as complete systems and should be used
in this way.
• Product/System Details/Questions – Always
contact a reputable manufacturer.
• What to Do After a Fall – After a fall occurs, all
components of the fall arrest system should be
removed from service.
 Additional Fall Protection Equipment Information Can Be
Obtained From the Following Web Sites:

http://www.millerfallprotection.com/
http://www.carbis.net/
http://www.railguard.net/
http://www.saferack.com/
http://www.msanorthamerica.com/catalog/catalog506.html
http://www.northernsafety.com/personal_safety/fall_protection.cfm
http://www.dbi-sala-safety.com/dbi-sala-harness.html
http://www.fallprotectionsystems.com/
http://www.buildsafe.org/hazalerts/hazharnesses.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/eLCOSH/docs/d0400/d000494/d000494.html
http://www.capitalsafety.com/default.aspx?tabid=1