OSHA Information

All personal fall arrest systems must have anchorages that have static load strength of at least 3,600 pounds when certification exists. If no certification exists, static load strength of 5,000 pounds is required. Anchorages must not be attached to any structure used to support or suspend work platforms.

A qualified person shall design fall arrest systems. When designing a fall arrest system, consideration must be given but not limited to the following requirements

• Prevent contact with any lower level, equipment or other obstruction.
• Limit free fall to a maximum of 6 feet (1.8 meters)
  Some regulations limit free fall to 4 feet (1.2 meters)
• Limit arresting force to a maximum of 1,800 [pounds (8kN)
• Limit maximum deceleration distance to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters)
• Ensure that the angle at rest after a fall would be no greater than 30 degrees
• Limit potential for pendulum swings.
• Prior to use of this equipment, a rescue plan and the means to implement that plan, must be developed

Refer to ANSI A10.14-1991, ANSI Z359 standards. CSA Z259 standards and other federal, state and local regulations to ensure that your fall arrest system complies with applicable requirements.

ANSI A10.14-1991:1.1 Scope. This standard established performance criteria for the manufacture and use of body belts, harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, rope grabs and shock absorbers for construction and demolition. It does not include lineman's body belts and pole straps, window washer's belts or safety ladder belts.

ANSI Z359.1-1992(R1999):1.1 Scope - This standard establishes requirements for the performance, design, marketing, qualification and removal from service of connectors, full body harnesses, lanyards, energy absorbers, anchorage connectors, fall arrestors, vertical lifelines and self-retracting lanyards comprising personal fall arrest syatems for users within the capacity range of 130 to 310 pounds (59 to 140 kg.)