Fall protection equipment is designed to help protect you from serious injury or even death when working at height. The equipment helps keep you safe by providing a fall restraint system which prevents the user from falling more than six feet. The equipment should be used with a lanyard, harness and lifeline in order to provide an extra level of safety. This article will cover some of the things you should be aware of when buying fall arrest equipment, including the different types available, how to choose the right one for your needs and what to look for when purchasing.
Make sure that your equipment is compliant with the current standards:
You should always be up to date on the latest standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updates its regulations frequently, which means that it’s important to make sure that your fall safety equipment is compliant with the most recent standards. Doing so will keep you safe and sound, as well as keep your employer safe, the people around you safe, and everyone else in the general public who may be affected by your work environment.
What are the regulations in your area?
Before you buy any fall arrest equipment, it’s important to check the regulations in your area. It can make all the difference between a safe work environment and one that’s not so safe.
You may need more than just a rescue kit if you’re working on government jobs in which workers are required to wear harnesses at all times. The regulations surrounding this kind of equipment are often very specific, so be sure to do some research before making any purchases.
In addition to making sure that you have all the right gear, it’s also important that you know how much rope is needed for your job site (and where exactly on site). At some point during most projects there will be an anchor point where workers will need access or connection points for ropes or lanyards.
A proper inspection should be conducted:
As the name suggests, fall protection equipment is intended to keep you from falling when you’re at work. This means that it must be in good condition and properly installed.
Before you begin using your fall arrest gear, be sure to inspect it thoroughly. Make sure that all of the parts are in good condition, especially lanyards, carabiners and other attachments on your harnesses.
The fall arrest equipment should fit you properly:
Ensuring that the fall safety equipment is the right size for you is crucial. The equipment should not be too large or small for your body, and it should fit snugly without constricting any part of you. There are many ways to make sure that this happens:
- Measure yourself before buying any fall arrest gear. It will help ensure that the product fits properly when it arrives at your house and saves time later on if there are problems with sizing.
- Don’t assume that all sizes are created equal—some manufacturers use different sizing standards than others.
Ensure that all of your equipment is up to date and properly replaced as needed:
It’s important to make sure that all of your equipment is up to date and properly replaced as needed. It includes both the equipment you use daily (such as handcuffs and batons) as well as specialized items like body armour, helmets and riot shields. You should also ensure that any special tools or equipment needed for specific scenarios are present in your vehicle or on your persons when they’re needed.
You’ll need the right rescue kit:
A fall arrest kit should meet the current regulations and include a harness, lanyard and descender (also known as a braking device). A good harness is comfortable to wear, easy to adjust, durable and safe. It should have an elastic closure at the waist level to reduce shock loading in case of a fall so you don’t get injured. The lanyard should also be able to withstand high forces without breaking or stretching out of shape.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that fall arrest equipment is a serious matter. It’s your best bet to protect yourself from any hazards on the job site and help ensure that you’re ready to handle any situation that might arise. Not only will proper equipment keep you safe, but it can also go a long way in helping your company stay compliant with OSHA regulations and other laws regarding safety equipment for workers.