A personal fall-restraint system prevents a worker from reaching areas where a fall could occur.
- The anchorage for a fall-restraint system must:
- Support at least 3,000 pounds, or
- Be designed and installed with a safety factor of at least two.
- If you are unsure how much an anchorage can support, have it evaluated by a qualified person.
Positioning Systems
Positioning systems (or work-positioning systems) allow workers to work with both hands free on vertical surfaces such as walls or concrete forms.
- A positioning system provides support and must stop a free fall within 2 feet.
- In contrast, a personal fall-arrest system (PFAS) does not provide support and must limit free-fall distance to 6 feet.
Components of Positioning Systems (ABC)
- Anchorage
- Must support at least twice the potential impact of a worker’s fall or 3,000 pounds, whichever is greater.
- Body Support
- A body belt is acceptable but must:
- Limit the arresting force to 900 pounds
- Be used only for body support
- A full-body harness is also acceptable and must limit the arrest force to 1,800 pounds
- Belts or harnesses must have side D-rings or a single front D-ring for positioning
- A body belt is acceptable but must:
- Connectors
- Must have a minimum strength of 5,000 pounds
- Snap hooks and D-rings must be proof-tested to a minimum load of 3,600 pounds without deforming or breaking