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GUIDELINE

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1. Notably good practices guidelines greatly contribute to improving health and safety at work This guideline provides indications on the minimum content of risk assessment document on the selection use maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment PPE against falls from a height and fall arrest systems 1 The indications in this guideline were drafted in compliance with current laws and regulation on the prevention of accidents and hygiene at work ltalian National Institute for Health and Safety at Work Director General Dr Umberto Sacerdote TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PREFACE FOREVVORD page 1 OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE 2 STANDARD REFERENCES gt 2 1 Laws gt 2 2 European standards gt 3 DEFINITIONS gt 4 RISK ASSESSMENT FOR FALLS FROM A HEIGHT 4 1 Risk analysis for falls from a height gt 4 1 1 Types of risks gt 4 2 Risk exposure 4 3 Minimising risks gt 4 4 Emergency plan gt 5 CLASSIFICATION 6 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEMS SUBSYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AGAINST FALLS FROM A HEIGHT gt Fall arrest systems 6 2 Body harness gt 6 3 Lanyards and energy absorbers gt 6 4 Connectors 6 5 Work positioning and or restraint lanyards and belts gt Za GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FALL ARREST SYSTEMS gt 7 1 Types of falls gt 7 2 General selection criteria gt 7 2 1 Protection level priority gt 7 2 2 General requirements in t
2. 1 Brace primary strap 2 Dicky secondary strap 3 Seat strap primary strap 4 Thigh protector primary strap 5 Back support for work positioning belt 6 Adjustment 7 Attachment item for fall arresters 8 Buckle 9 Side attachment item to connect positioning or restraint lanyard Not suitable against falls Fig 12 Body harness with waist belt 27 Brace primary strap Secondary strap Thigh protectors primary strap Buckle Seat strap primary strap Back attachment for fall arresters Sternal attachment for fall arresters Dicky secondary strap NO oe ON Fig 13 Body harness with no waist belt 28 Fig 14 Body harness with integrated work Fig 15 Body harness with integrated work positioning belt positioning belt and sternal attachment Fig 16 Body harness with integrated work positioning belt and back attachment 29 Fig 17 Adjustable lanyard with builtin Fig 18 Adjustable lanyard without energy 30 energy absorber absorber 6 3 Lanyards and energy absorbers Lanyards are elements connecting a body harness and an anchor point both fixed or movable on rigid or flexible rails Lanyards can be made of a synthetic fiber rope a metal rope a strap or chain An assembly Fig 17 comprising a lanyard Fig 18 and an energy absorber Fig 19 is used to limit to 6 kN the force on the attachment of a body harness in a fall arrest The maximum length of a fa
3. No 466 Regulation on the acknowledgement of the efficacy of an individual system to be used in the assembly and dismantling of metal scaffoldings the permissible free fall distance is the minimum possible distance that can be applied in a specific work condition 7 2 5 3 Anchor point In order to minimise the free fall distance the anchor point must be located above the attachment point on the body harness and the lanyard should as short as possible depending on the kind of task to be performed Anchor points located below the attachment on the body harness may result in too great free fall distances 49 50 8 SELECTION OF FALL ARREST SYSTEMS 8 1 Selection of fall arresters The typical applications of fall arresters are shown in figures 3 4 7 8 and 11 8 1 1 Selection criteria e Forall types a b C d e f g a worker can work at different heights and move up and down with an automatically operated device the majority of devices to activate the locking mechanism require a certain amount of initial acceleration of worker while falling therefore some devices may not be suitable when fall occurs along a slope or on solid stuff made of small particles e g sand gravel etc where the velocity of fall does not activate the locking mechanism fall arrest distance and distance from underneath obstacles if any should be assessed compatibility of anchorage with the fall arrest system should be
4. ensured the compatibility of the different components of the fall arrester should be checked directions for use and limitations of use specified by the manufacturer should be read and considered a rescue procedure should be established before use so that rescue can be completed before the health of worker is affected due to the suspended position after fall see paragraph 4 3 e For guided type fall arresters including a flexible or rigid anchor line this device is not suitable to be used with an anchor line with an inclination from the horizontal plane lower than the minimum specified by the manufacturer usually not lower than 45 and required to activate the device e For retractable type fall arresters a b c this device is not suitable to be used when user is to assume an inclination of the lanyard greater than the maximum value specified by the manufacturer and required to activate the device usually 30 Fig 34 this device is not suitable to be used on a slope with an inclination from the horizontal plan lower than the minimum value specified by the manufacturer and required to activate the device usually 60 if the manufacturer has specified that the device may be anchored on an horizontal surface or on a vertical surface Fig 35 the user should check that in the event of fall beyond an edge the device must operate effectively activating the locking mechanism with
5. height may be extended to 4000 mm under conditions established by the Ministerial Decree 22 May 1992 No 466 Regulation on the effectiveness of a personal protective equipment for workers whose duly is to erect and dismantle metal scaffolding For example the maximum arrest distance with 4 meter free fall and a fall arrest system comprising a body harness and a lanyard with integrated energy absorber cannot exceed 5 75 meters see for example the system shown in Fig 30 a Limited free fall means the act of falling before the personal fall arrest system begins to apply force it is equal to or less than 600 mm in a vertical direction and on a slope where It is not possible to walk without a handrail For example the maximum arrest distance with a free fall equal to 0 6 meters and a fall arrest system comprising a body harness and a fall arrester on a rigid vertical line cannot exceed meter Restraint fall means a fall where the person falling is restraint by the joined action of a suitable position of anchorage length of the lanyard and fall restraint system For this type of fall the maximum arrest distance under whatsoever condition cannot be greater than 600 mm both in a vertical direction and on a slope where it is possible to walk without the need of a handrail 35 d Completely prevented fall situation in which the risk of falling from a height is completely prevented using a restraint system tha
6. 9 6 Safe use of tie anchorages Below is a list of some general requirements for the usage of the tie anchorages Fig 37 located around a structure 1 The strength of the structure should be compliant with the requirements in table 2 2 The anchor rope sides starting from the security rope and wrapping the structure should form an angle of less than 120 3 Proper protections should be installed around the structure at the contact areas with the anchor ropes in order to avoid abrasions cuts excessive local strains 4 Avoid anchor rope slipping around the structure 5 For attachment elements to the security rope and anchor rope requirements set in the sections 5 and 6 of paragraph 9 4 2 should be met 10 INSPECTION 10 1 Type of inspection Table 4 summarizes the general inspection requirements after a fall arrest and before reoperating Type of inspection Application Mode efore atter use ersonal equipment included body harnesses lanyards 2 Before aft p equipment included body h lanyard 13 2 1 inspection energy absorbers lanyards with builtin energy performed absorbers retractable type fall arresters guided type fall arrester on flexible and rigid anchor lines inspection fall arrester external check only 3 5 1 performed by competent body harnesses lanyards energy absorbers lanyards with 3 4 personnel built in energy absorbers and related
7. Lanyard Body harness 6 2 Body ha Body harnesses are meant to support the body and contribute to arrest falls Body harnesses figures 12 and 13 may comprises belts accessories buckles or other elemen person while fa The primary straps of a body harness are meant to the body or exert pressure on it while fallin correctly used the body harness should perfectly fit the user by adjusting the specific means manual A bod loosen rness ling and after g and after fa provided by y harness per ts suitably arranged o or fitted to support the whole body of a f fall arrest arrest All other straps are secondary straps If the manufacturer and described in the user ectly fits the user when straps do not move or The attachment item or items of the fall arrester can be positioned in such a way that while using the body harness they are in front of the chest sternal attachment above the centre of gravity or on the shoulder or on the back of the user back attachment The body harness can be integrated into garments Even if the body harness is part of a garment it should still be possible to perform a visual inspection of the harness A fixed or removable extension of the back attachment to be used only with compatible components and systems can be used to facilitate connecting the other components of the fall arrest system Figures 14 15 and 16 show other examples of body harness
8. VES VES VES VES and maintenance and related results Tab Z Logbook data 13 STORAGE AND HANDLING Storage and handling conditions should ensure that no part of the fall arrest system e is subject e is subject to unexpected stresses to excessive heat moisture comes in to contact with sharp edges comes in to contact with corrosives that may cause damages If necessary before storing equipment dry them using air at ambient temperature 77 78 The following people have co operated in drafting this document Michele Candreva Luigi Cortis Enrico Gori Michele _ Tritto Francesco Gilberti Stefano Cesari Luca Ciborio Stefano Galimberti Virginio Galimberti Ministry of Labour and Social Policy a aac SPES A N C E ASSOCIC Representative of industry Representative of industry Representative of industry Representative of industry
9. always less than the total arrest distance 2 Values shown in 4 a 4 b and 4 c are only suggestions and are the output of calculations under testing conditions in specific normative references 5 Height of user The height from feet of the attachment point on the body harness of the worker must always be considered On the whole a minimum distance of 1 5 is assumed to be suitable 6 Lateral displacement from the anchor point When the anchor point is displaced with reference to the expected fall position the following must be taken into account a if the worker is using a lanyard such as the one shown in Fig 30 a and d an additional distance will not be required b if the worker is using a fall arrester such as the one shown in Fig 31 a ower starting position should be taken into account to consider maximum lateral distance from the anchor point lateral misalignment of the anchor point pendulum effect A5 a fall arrester with flexible anchor line 1 height of the starting position of the fall arrester before fall 2 height of the position lowest of the fall arrester to calculate clear space after fall Fig 31 Effect of lateral misalignment in relation to the anchor point b retractable type fall arrester 46 7 2 5 Free fall distance Fall arrest systems with lanyards equipped with energy absorbers allows a free fall up to 4 m for maximum free fall distance allowed
10. anchor point or a framework by surrounding It and thus becoming a support It is not a component designed to arrest falls Restraint belt component surrounding the body comprising elements that arranged and fitted with a restraint lanyard can limit the horizontal travel of user avoiding assuming positions that may entail the risk of falling from a height while working It is not a component designed to arrest falls Subsystem group of elements and or components that are a unique part of a system from a vendor and supplied with package markings and information from the manufacturer 15 4 RISK ASSESSMENT FOR FALLS FROM A HEIGHT This guide provides indications to be used when drafting the risk assessment document and the ensuing identification of prevention and protection measures and of personal protective equipment as established by Legislative decree 626 94 as amended and legislative decree 494 96 as amended 4 1 Risk analysis for falls from a height While carrying out work at height where workers are exposed to great hazards for their health and safety in particular the hazard of falls from a height and where the difference in height exceeds current law requirement collective protection measures should be adopted guard rails decks safety nets etc Any residual risk should be eliminated or minimised using positioning or fall arrest PPE 4 1 1 Types of risks When working at a height there are risks of fa
11. equipment annual inspection e permanently secured anchorages aed performed by e fall arresters complete revision 3 5 1 competent e flexible and rigid anchor lines including built in components 20 personnel and mobile attachment devices First use or all fall arresters or fall arrest system components CAE reoperating inspection Inspection performed all components subjected to stresses due to a fall arrest 13 24 Tab 4 Summary of the inspection requirements 10 2 General inspections applied to fall arrest systems For all components check the presence and readability of the marking 10 2 1 Fall arrest system inspection performed by workers User should inspect following the directions provided by manufacturers through visual check equipment before and after use paying attention to every single component e g body harnesses lanyards restraint ropes energy absorbers connectors In addition worker shou access is allowed Worker should immedia the inspection of every P d inspect the internal part of equipment whenever th t ely report any fault or inconvenience detected during PE included in the fall arrest system 71 72 10 2 2 Periodical inspection The periodical inspection should be performed following schedule and modes indicated in table 4 and in any case according to the directions provided by manufacturers 10 2 3 First use or reoperating inspection In addition to the conventio
12. falls or a component of a fall t arrest system The body harness may include belts accessories buckles or other elements specifically arranged and assembled to restraint the body of an individual while falling and after fall arrest Work at height any work exposing workers to the risk of a fall from a height greater than 2 metres from a stable surface Legislative decree 235 2003 art 4 Flexible anchor line specific connecting element for a subsystem with fall arrest A flexi ble anchor line can be made of a synthetic fiber rope or a metal rope and is designed to be attached to an overhead anchor point Rigid anchor line specific connecting element for a subsystem with fall arrest A rigid anchor line can be made of a rail or metal rope and itis attached to a frame so that lateral movements of the line are limited Snap hook a type of hook Attachment detachment point point along the anchor line where a guided type fall arrest can be attached or detached Fall arrest system personal protective equipment including a body harness and a connecting subsystem to arrest falls Work positioning rope a component around the body comprising elements that are arranged and fitted with a work positioning lanyard It can support the user at a height so that he she can work with free hands It is not a component designed to arrest falls Work positioning lanyard component used to connect a belt fo an
13. fixed or adjustable A work positioning belt can be used as restraint belt Likewise a positioning lanyard can be used as restraint lanyard Restraint and or work positioning lanyards used with a restrint belt and limiting the horizontal movement of the worker from the anchor point so that he she may not re itioning and or restraint belts are usually made of a band for the a back and two connecting elements to connect a work positioning ach a position from where he she may fall from a height should be used when movement is expected to take place over a horizontal surface or a slope with horizontal angle not exceeding 15 For restraint and or positioning lanyards that can be adjusted the maximum possible length should never allow worker to reach a position from where he she may fall from a height under any working condition Work pos itioning and or restraint lanyards and belts cannot be used as components of a fall arrest system 33 34 7 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FALL ARREST SYSTEMS After having performed risk analysis the employer selects and purchase PPEs PPEs should have the CE marking The CE marking on PPEs certifies on the manufacturer side that the product complies with the basic safety requirements established by the Legislative Decree 475 92 as amended The employer should check that the PPE is supplied with an information notice dratted and compulsorily issued by the man
14. legislative Decree 475 92 as amended as well as to the EC certification procedures in compliance with Art 5 of the Decree itself as applied to all the components of the fall arrest system 9 2 Safe use of fall arresters Below is a list of some general recommendations provided in order to safely use the fall arres 1 Figures 3 an ter indicated in d 4 when the device is used to climb for example poles 1 stile fixed metal ladders and trestles using body harness equipped with sternal attachment point for the restraint lanyard the length of the lanyard should be th 300 mm e one indicated by the device s manufacturer usually up to 2 Figures 3 an on a flexible d 7 when the device is used on rigid inox steel cable lines or anchor line their ends should be equipped with an end lock Below is a list of some general recommendations provided in order to safely use the fall arres ter indicated in Fig 8 1 This type of device when not in use should be left in retracted position in order to avoi d the rope exposure to dirt and corrosion and to avoid leaving the spring under tension 2 The device should not be used when lying on its side to ensure the proper recall mechanism operation Below it is repo 4 rted a general recommendation in order to safely use the fall arrester shown in Fig 11 1 This type of device should be used without exposing the energy absorber to dirt or c
15. length of the lanyard should be taken into account adding the extended length of the energy absorber The length of the connector should be added as well Al A 15m min 5 lm min i a Single anchor point with lanyard energy absorber 7 idi ea 5 lm min Fig 30 Example of how to define the minimum clear free fall space e a b Retractable device 42 1 Starting distance 2 Stretching of the energy absorber maximum 1 75 meters 3 Length of the lanyard L 4 Height of the body harness connection from the foot of person 1 5 meters l 5 Residual clear space minimum 1 0 meter 6 Arrow of the anchor line 7 Stretching of the retractable device maximum 1 4 meters 8 Travel of the device along the flexible vertical anchor line maximum 1 0 meter 9 Travel of the device along the flexible vertical anchor line 8 1m max HC maximum H 2 L 10 Arrest distance H maximum 1 0 meter 11 Lowest starting distance for lateral displacement of the anchor point A lim trem If for b c and e an energy absorber is used its stretching under dynamic load as specified by the manufacturer should be added to the length of the lanyard Add any significant stretching or strain of the anchor line under dynamic load as specified by the manufacturer 4 1 4m min 3 im min c Fall arrester with
16. of tie anchorages INSPECTION Type of inspection General inspections applied to fall arrest systems Fall arrest system inspection performed by workers Periodical inspection First use or reoperating inspection Inspection of a fall arrest system after a fall arrest or if faulty Body harnesses lanyards and attachments elements inspection Fall arrester inspection Flexible and rigid anchor line inspection Inspection of anchor points MAINTENANCE LOG OF INSPECTION OF ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE STORAGE AND HANDLING FOREWORD When work at a height cannot be carried out safely and under appropriate ergonomic conditions from a suitable surface the work equipment most suitable to ensure and maintain safe working conditions must be selected Collective protection measures must be given priority over personal protection measures If above measures alone are not enough to avoid or minimise the risks to safety and health at work with reference to the amount of residual risk that cannot be eliminated the use of personal protective equipment becomes compulsory PPE To select a suitable personal protective equipment it is necessary to define beforehand the type and amount of residual risks that cannot be eliminated from the workplace with specific attention given to the following items severity and probability of risk types of possible hazards for workers working conditions Since there are no personal
17. sh a the lowest point o rom its anchor point must be considered bearing in e position all be the device on the anchor line when the user is located on the usual working level Fig 30 c el b the lowest point of 1 he device on the body harness of the worker when he is on the usual working level Fig 30 a b d If more accurate estimates are lacking and in specific conditions the position will be assumed to be on the same level of feet Note Whenever possible an anchor point located higher than the attachment point on the body harness should be used to decrease as much as possible free fall distance 4 Vertical displacement or stretching of the fall arrester Where there is stretching or vertical displacement of the fall arrester the following must be taken into account a fall arrest system with vertical flexible anchor line maximum displacement 1 0 m unless different directions certified by the manufacturer b fall arrest system with vertical anchor line total maximum arrest distance 1 0 meter c fall arrest system with retractable type fall arrester maximum travel 1 4 meters unless different directions certified by the manufacturer d fall arrest system with lanyard and energy absorber maximum stretching of the energy absorber 1 75 meters unless different directions certified by the manufacturer Note 1 Any stretching or displacement of the fall arrester is
18. situation a retractable type fall arrester should be used Clear available space Both along the surface and under the edge there should be no obstacles that could reduce the clear space available for the fall 59 60 e Fall beyond the edge Check that the area has no sharp corners that could obstruct or cut the anyard or cause personal injury e Free swinging space No side obstacles should be present along the clear free fall space if pendulum effect may occur If it is not possible to solve the above problems it is essential to use a gangway with guard rail 9 1 2 Misaligned anchorage and falls beyond the edge with sharp corners Falls beyond an edge with sharp corners can determine strains on the lanyards at the contact area as soon as they hit the edge Since such situation can determine a loss of effectiveness of the fall arrest system and in extreme cases the lanyard breaking anchorages and horizontal lines should be properly located Problems in case of misaligned anchorage at a certain distance from the potential fall point are likely to occur Fig 38 e Incase of edge with sharp corners a high friction factor between edge and restraint rope can be reached reducing the sensitivity of the braking device and thus not allowing its operation the bending stress of the rope at the contact point with the edge could be high enough to cause the rope to break e Incase of relatively sharp edge the restrai
19. GUIDELINE On the selection use and maintenance of personal protective equipment against falls FROM A HEIGHT y FALL ARREST SYSTEMS GUIDELINE On the selection use and maintenance of personal protective equipment against falls from a height FALL ARREST SYSTEMS Fogli d Informazione ISPESL ISPESL Department of Documentation Information and training Information Functional Unit Via Alessandria 220 E 00198 Rome tel O6 44280305 e mail redazione ispesl it www ispesl it INTRODUCTION Work at a height may expose workers to particularly severe risks to their health and safety notably to the risks of falls from a height and other serious occupational accidents which account for a large proportion of all accidents especially of fatal accidents Improving safety hygiene and health at the workplace is a basic goal to be achieved through European Directives and national current laws This guideline aims at contributing effectively to improving safety at work by giving employers and all the people involved with safety tasks suggestions on the minimum content of the risk assessment document and on criteria to select and use Personal Protective Equipment PPE against falls from a height These PPEs in compliance with Art 41 of Legislative Decree 626 94 as amended should be used when risks cannot be eliminated or reasonably minimised adopting technical prevention measures collective protection devices mea
20. L ARREST SYSTEM WITH RETRACTABLE FALL ARRESTER 1 FA INCLUD LL ARREST SYSTEM WITH GUIDED TYPE FALL ARRESTER NGARIGID ANCHOR LINE 2 FA LLARREST SYSTEM WITH GUIDED TYPE FALL ARRESTER INCLUDING A FLEXIBLE ANCHOR LINE 4 FALL ARREST SYSTEM WITH ENERGY ABSORBER Fig 2 Classification of personal protective equipment 20 6 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEMS SUBSYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT _ AGAINST FALLS FROM A HEIGHT i 6 1 Fall arrest systems Fall arrest systems can be classified as below 1 Fall arrest system with guided type fall arrester including a rigid anchor line This system figures 3 and 4 comprises a body harness and a subsystem with a rigid anchor line seltlocking guided type fall arrester including a flexible anchor line and a connector or a lanyard with a connector on one end An energy dissipator can be placed between the fall arrester and the anchor line or an energy absorber can be integrated in the lanyard or in the anchor line The guided type fall arrester figures 5 and 6 travels along the anchor line with the operator and no manual adjustment is required when ascending and in some instances even when descending and in case of falls it selflocks on the anchor line A rigid anchor line can be made of a rail or metal rope and it is attached to a rame so that lateral m
21. O 270 EEC 9O 394 EEC 90 679 EEC 93 88 EEC 95 63 EC 97 42 EC 98 274 7EC 99 38 EC 2001 45 EC 99 92 EC on how to improve safety and health of workers at work Legislative Decree 14 August 1996 No 494 as amended Adoption of Directive 92 57 EEC legislative Decree 2 January 1997 No 10 Adoption of Directives 93 68 EEC 93 95 EEC and 96 58 EEC on Personal Protective Equipment 2 2 European standards EN 341 EN 353 1 EN 333 2 EN 354 EN 358 EN 355 EN 360 EN 363 EN 364 EN 365 EN 795 Personal protective eq Descender devices Personal protective eq Guided type fall arresters in Personal protective eq Guided type fall arresters in Personal protective eq Lanyards Personal protective eq prevention of falls from a height Belts and restraint and work posit Personal protective eq Energy absorbers Personal protective eq Retractable type fall arresters Personal protective eq Full body harnesses Personal protective eq Connectors Personal protective equ Fall arrest systems Personal protective eq Test methods Personal protective equ General requirements for instru Protection against falls from a height ipm ipm ipm CIU clu ipm ipm ipm ipm ipm ipm ipm ipm Requirements and testing ent ent en
22. amage due to contact with heat corrosives or solvents e deterioration due to rotting mildew or ultraviolet exposure Connectors e distortion of hook or latch e cracks or forging folds impediments to the free movement of the latch over its full travel e broken weak or misplaced latch springs D rings e strains e wearing e excessive play between ring s straps and base Buckles and distortion or other physical damages adjusters e bent tongues Sewing e broken cut or worn threads Ropes e cuts e abrasion or fraying worn and broken threads open wobblers loosenings damage due to contact with heat corrosives or solvents deterioration due to ultraviolet light or mildew Tab 5 Body harnesses inspection checklist 10 4 Fall arrester inspection In addition to what stated in section 10 2 1 devices as in par 6 1 and anchor lines should be inspected by competent personnel following schedules and directions provided by manufacturers and should be put out of service in case of faults VWWhenever possible they may be sent back to manufacturer for repair 73 According to the directions provided by manufacturers the following procedures should be performed a complete and annual inspection disassembling and assembling included by competent personnel and according to the directions provided by manufacturers and in any case after a fall arrest During every inspections attention should be paid to mechanical
23. cturer s directions for use Dirt should be always removed and after cleaning equipment should be dried using air at ambient temperature e Synthetic fabric Usual cleaning for synthetic fabric and water and a mild detergent If necessary a more accurate cleaning should be performed Manufacturer s directions for use should be followed e Flexible lines and rigid permanent anchor lines should be maintained by skilled personnel following times and directions provided by manufacturers and at least once a year if regularly used or before using it again if not used for an extended period of time Anchor lines with faulty or worn elements should be put out of service 12 LOG OF INSPECTIONS OF ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE Every fall arrest system should have its own maintenance card where actions and their results should be recorded as shown in table 7 The maintenance card should be available of users Arrest fall systems eee covered in Arrest fall systems Mobile Body paragraph 6 1 covered in ltem energy attachment Harness a sections paragraph 6 1 peer 1 and 2 including sections 3 and 4 anchor lines peas ana aadi s YES YES YES YES YES of vendor supplier Manufacturer lot number or VES VES VES VES VES serial number Year of manufacture YES YES YES YES YES Purchase date YES YES YES YES YES Date of first use YES YES YES YES YES Date and details of inspection VES
24. d for lateral movements ascending movements for the activity being considered A Limitation of the fall distance and clear distance both vertically as well as horizontally 5 Characteristics of systems and components of fall arrester and of anchor points When selecting systems and components of fall arrester and of anchor points with reference to safety the following should be taken into account e ergonomics wearability adjustments sensory features e restrainttree movement suitable length of lanyards e association of systems with type of action e availability and suitability of anchor points see 8 4 6 Consequences of a possibile fall In case of falls the following injury sources should be avoided e impact with the ground e impact with obstructions below the working level such as supporting structures e body harness as a result of the fall arrest e g excessive pressure of the harness on the body or strangulation due to straps e impact with components of the fall arrest system When there is the risk of falling from a height free limited or restraint fall workers should use a body harness with the related fall arrest system In no case the fall arrest system should release on the worker a strength greater than 6 0 kN 39 Fig 29 Pendulum effect 40 7 effect of dangerous activities or When performing dangerous tasks unfavourable environmental conditions or in case of un
25. devices perform an accurate cleaning of every single component check the forging folds handling and the locking devices Check for signs of corrosion 4 flexible anchor lines check the state of lines with particular attention to wearing cuts tensioning corrosion terminals rigidity dirt rigid guides check that the rigid guides are free of dirt visible signs of corrosions and that the connections are properly secured Table 6 lists the checks to be performed on single components Component Condition fault to be checked Fall arrester body e Cuts e Abrasions and fraying Ropes and straps Loosenings with anchor lines included e Damage due to contact with heat corrosives or solvents e Excessive dirt or grease impregnation e Anchorages 1 rings physical damages or wear 2 body physical damages of the connecting elements to the 3 indicators signals of _ labels body strain corrosion n hindering the free handling of the rope loss of screws nuts or similar elements all arrest activation presence and readability Locking mechanism Excessive wear Efficiency of the security lock No handle rope s freedom of run or losses of tension during the rewinding Snap hook locking actions Tab 6 Fall arresters inspection checklist 74 10 5 Flexible and rigid anchor line inspection Flexible lines and rigid anchor lines sho
26. e dates in which the system has been put out of service e a waring indicating that the system should be used only as connection line for the fall arrester 9 4 Safe use of body harnesses lanyards and attachment items Only body harnesses should be used in case of potential falls The connection component of the fall arrest system should be exclusively connected to the sternal attachment front or the dorsal attachment back of the body harness The positioning belts should never be used whenever any fall could occur that is a free fall a limited free fall or a restraint fall 65 66 9 4 1 Combinations of lanyards and body harnesses Below is a list of some general recommendatio use lanyard body harness matching ns provided in order to safely 1 The body harness should be worn as to fit the worker using its adjustment h systems Check that the adjustment and locki ng buckles are properly fitted 2 The lanyard should be exclusively connected to the body harness on the attachments provided by manufacturers in order to support the fall arrest he lanyard should be used to minimise fall distance in case of falls 4 The lanyard characteristics should ensure a clear free fall space as in paragraph 7 2 4 Some situations may require the use of an additional lanyard in order to simultaneously connect to the anchor line while the primary lanyard can be used to overcome intermedia
27. e type of work they are divided into e hook connectors used with fixed anchorages wall eyebolt or steel horizontal flexible anchor lines e oval connectors snaphooks used to directly connect with horizontal flexible anchor ropes e plier connectors used when there are structures with no anchor points ready to connect to oval connectors or hooks Oval connectors with locknut closure are suitable for tasks work where hooking unhooking are less frequent whereas selHblocking devices are more suitable when hooking unhooking are more frequent 8 4 Selection of anchorages The selection and position of anchorage depend on the type of task work and structures where anchorage will be located If structures are not suitable for anchorages other protection systems should be adopted after risk assessment Tables 2 and 3 show a summary of types of anchorages with related requirements for further information see EN 795 1996 Al 2000 standard The strength of structure onto which anchorage is secured is specified in the user manual of the manufacturer of the anchorage Class purpose Minimum strength of anchorage and structures in testing conditions laboratory Fixed system A A Structure anchorages designed to be secured onto vertical horizontal or sloped surfaces such as columns walls lintels A2 Structure anchorages designed to be secured onto sloped roofs eB Temporary portable anc
28. ed e have suitable characteris ics length with without an energy absorber type of connector etc for the kind of task work to be carried out and for the fall arrester being used A lanyard and energy dissipator assembly is used to limit to 6 KN the force on the attachment of a bod y harness while arresting a fall The energy dissipator can be neglected if e the material of the la gt gt he fall arrest system case of fall arrest nyard meets the requirement of the 6 kN limit to which it is connected can limit the force to 6 kN in e fall distance is so short that arrest force cannot reach 6 kN If the lanyard can be exposed to free flame heat cut or abrasion a metal rope ora chain should be used In case of abrasion or cut the lanyard can be protected using suitable protection sleeves 55 56 8 3 5 Connectors Connectors should be selected taking into account e size and type of anchorage to be used e frequency of hooking and un hooking frequency of movements of the worker Connectors should not have sharp or coarse edges that could cut wear or otherwise damage ropes or straps or injure the user To minimise the chances that hooks and snaphooks can be accidentally opened they should feature automatic closure with manual or automatic locking Connectors can be opened only by performing at least two manual voluntary consecutive actions Depending on th
29. est system comprising a body harness connected to guided type fall arrester including a flexible anchor line 23 Flexible anchor lines are secured to overhead anchor points line and should be equipped with a stop or designed in such a way that a stop can be fitted in to avoid that the guided type fall arrester is accidentally detached from the anchor line Guided type fall arrester cannot be driven only by inertia If the guided type fall arrester is equipped with a manual locking system the lower end of the flexible anchor line is secured for example by a lower end attached to a weight Flexible metal anchor ropes are always fitted with a lower secured end or a weight Lanyards can be made of a synthetic fiber rope a metal rope a strap or chain The fall arrester should be equipped with a connector or a connector on one end of the lanyard If the fall arrester is only equipped with one connector it can be permanently secured to the fall arrester or can be detachable For fall arresters fitted with a lanyard one end of the lanyard should be permanently connected to the device while the other end should have a connector The manufacturer should specify the length Li of the lanyard in the information provided with the product The length of the lanyard including the connector and the energy dissipator should not exceed 1 0 m 3 Retractable type fall arrester secured to a fixed anchor point This sy
30. ester or can be detachable For fall arresters fitted with a lanyard one end of the lanyard should be permanently connected to the device while the other end should have a connector Manufacturer should specify the maximum length of the lanyard in the information provided with the product If the guided type fall arrester is equipped with an opening device the latter must be designed to be attached and detached by performing at least two manual voluntary consecutive actions See he a Lae Se T S Fig 5 Fall arrester on Tee rigid Fig 6 Fall arrester on rigid rail rail with steel rope 2 Fall arrest system with guided type fall arrester including a flexible anchor line This system Fig 7 comprises a body harness and a subsystem made of a flexible anchor line self locking guided type fall arrester including a flexible anchor line and a connector or a lanyard with a connector on one end An energy dissipator can be placed between the fall arrester and the anchor line or an energy absorber can be integrated guided type fall arrester in the lanyard or in the anchor line A flexible anchor line can be made of a synthetic fiber rope or a metal rope and is designed to be attached to an overhead anchor point Anchor point Body harness Energy dissipator Lanyard Guided type fall arrester Flexible anchor line Stop securing weight or endpoint secured below N amp OORWN gt Fig 7 Example of fall arr
31. expected trajectory of the body while falling should be such as to avoid hey should guarantee that at the end of braking user is in a correct position The end position of the user should be such as to allow the user either to reach a safe place on his her own or to wait for rescue with no further risks see paragraph 4 2 and 4 oh In the information notice the manufacturer should specify useful data on required characteristics of safe anchor point as well as the minimun clearance for safe fall under the fall arrest system how to wear the body restraint device body harness and how to connect 4 it to the connecting system 7 1 Types of falls Before purchasing a fall arrest system risks should have been assessed beforehand and how to eliminate or minimise them as shown in the flow chart in Fig 1 PPEs should be considered only after having assessed that collective protection measures cannot be usea The following definitions for types of falls are used a b Free fall means the act of falling before the personal fall arrest system begins to apply force it is greater than 600 mm in vertical direction and on a slope where it is not possible to walk without a handrail The maximum free fall displacement allowed is limited to 1500 mm with the exception of workers employed in the assembly and dismantling of metal scaffolding who use suitable fall arresters for which displacement
32. favourable environmental conditions such as those implying risks listed in paragraph 4 1 1 under e and f in selecting fall arrest systems the e implementation of suitable worki following should be taken into account ng procedures e arrangement of suitable protection elements or systems e use of special equipment related to risks mentioned above If special equipment is to be used order to make an appropriate select 7 2 3 Pendulum effect contact the supplier of such equipment in ion When there is a risk of falling close to the extremity of flexible anchor line it may occur that the mobile anchor device travels along the flexible line towards the centre of the line dragging the worker with it The worker will then be subject to the so called pendulum effect Fig 29 The impact of this effect will be related to the degree of friction between the mobile device and the anchor line to the distance between anchor points of the line and to the type of rope If the worker is in danger of hitting obstructions while the pendulum effect is ongoing a different layout for the anchor line should be provided for e g a 4 further anchor point above the obstacle or an alternate system e g a rigid guide 7 2 4 Clear free fall space In a fall arrest system an important element to be assessed is the clear free fall space under the arrest system required to allow falling with
33. flexible anchor line 2 1 75m eres 4 1 4 minj 5 lim man d Horizontal anchor line with lanyard Fig 30 Example of how to define the energy absorber minimum clear free fall space 43 Ewan gt ONAN 10 11 Starting distance Stretching of the energy absorber maximum 1 75 m Length of the lanyard L Height of the body harness connection from the foot of person 1 5 m Residual clear space minimum 1 0 m Arrow of the anchor line Stretching of the retractable device maximum 1 4 meters Travel of the device along the flexible vertical anchor line maximum 1 0 meter Travel of the device along the flexible vertical anchor line HC maximum H 2 L Arrest distance H maximum 1 0 meter Lowest starting distance for lateral displacement of the anchor point If for b c and e an energy absorber is used its stretching under dynamic load as specified by the manufacturer should be added to the length of the lanyard Add any significant stretching or strain of the anchor line under dynamic load as specified by the manufacturer e Fall arrester on rigid anchor line ID H 1m mi 0 Sm min t m minl Fig 30 Example of how to define the minimum clear free fall space 3 Starting position of the fall arrester When establishing the starting position of the fall arrester the vertical distance of the device mind its least favourab The starting position
34. from fatal risks or serious and permanent injuries As to PPEs against falls from a height a PPE includes not only the part of the equipment to be worn by the worker but the entire fall arrest system with every item and accessory connection to be secured to a safe anchor point 10 1 OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE This guide that is not binding aims at providing indications to identify and use personal protective equipment against falls from a height named fall arrest systems that u system that can be connected to a safe anchor point The necessary space minimum clearance for safe fall required below the worker sually comprise a device to support the body and a connecting rs requirements of the safe anchor point and of the minimum free n he proper way to wear the device to support the body and to connect the connecting system to the safe anchor point should be provided by the manufac fall arrest system in the information notice 4 urer of the The content of this guide thus does not imply that comparing suggestions given with the actual working conditions and the protection requiremen ry s of each specific working environment is not needed This guideline does not apply to positioning equipment and descent equipment Below is a non comprehensive list of work where fall arrest systems are used e work on po e work on gu e work on roofs 4 es and
35. harnesses to prevent falls Body harnesses should be used every time there is the risk of falls from a height namely free fall limited fall or restraint fall When selecting a suitable body harness the following should be taken into account e easy to wear and ta ke out e if attachments are suitable for the kind of task activity sternal and or back possibility to adjust components so tha they fit to the body Every time the type of task work requires it sternal attachment suitably located on the body harness should be used for example for workers who have to carry tools and garments t harnesses with a sternal 8 3 2 Restraint and or instruments on their back or who should wear special o protect against cold weather or moist In these cases body attachment should be used positioning belt Restraint belts should be used as devices for horizontal restraint They should not be used if there is the risk of free fall limited free fall or restraint fall 8 3 3 Restraint and or Restraint and or positi of free fall limited free positioning lanyard oning lanyards should not be used if there is the risk fall and restraint fall 8 3 4 Lanyard energy dissipator A lanyard is an item connecting either fixed or mobile al n he body harness with a suitable anchor point ong rigid or flexible guides A properly selected lanyard should e be easily assembled and adjust
36. he selection of fall arrest system against falls gt 7 2 3 Pendulum effect gt 7 2 4 Clear free fall space gt 7 2 4 1 Calculation and estimate of factors gt 7 2 5 Free fall distance gt 7 2 5 1 Calculating the free fall distance gt 7 2 5 2 Acceptable free fall distance gt 7 2 5 3 Anchor point gt 8 SELECTION OF FALL ARREST SYSTEMS gt 8 1 Selection of fall arresters gt 8 1 1 Selection criteria gt O NNNOOO OQUN ON 8 2 8 2 1 8 3 8 3 1 8 3 2 8 3 3 8 3 4 8 3 5 8 4 8 4 1 8 4 2 o 30 30 0 BR wh gt 9 3 9 4 9 4 1 9 4 2 9 5 9 5 9 6 0 1 0 2 0 2 1 0 2 2 0 2 3 0 2 4 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 6 Selection of horizontal anchor lines Selection criteria Selection of body harnesses belts lanyards and accessories Body harnesses Restraint and or positioning belt Restraint and or positioning lanyard Lanyard energy dissipator Connectors Selection of anchorages Single point anchorage with fixed system Tie anchorages USE OF FALL ARREST SYSTEMS Operation and specific situations Activities on less easy walking surfaces Misaligned anchorage and falls beyond the edge with sharp corners Pendulum effect Fall protection on mobile platforms Safe use of fall arresters Safe use anchor lines Sate use of body harnesses lanyards and attachment items Combinations of lanyards and body harnesses Connectors Sate use of anchorages Pendulum effect Sate use
37. horages 10 kN 10 kN 10 kN Mobile system e C Anchorages using horizontal flexible anchor lines Horizontal flexible anchor line means a line diverting from the line of horizon not more than 15 Max number of users allowed see manufacturer s directions e D anchor devices using horizontal rigid anchorage rails Max number of users allowed see manufacturer s directions One and a half time the force allowed by the manufacturer 10 kN 1 kN foreach additional person Tab 2 Strength requirements of anchorages for fall arresters Class type Requirements Dead end e E Dead end anchorage to be used on horizontal surfaces Horizontal surface means a surface diverting from the horizon line not more than 5 Do not use in case of possible ice Distance from the roof edge not greater than 2500 mm Tab 3 Strength requirements for dead en d anchorages 57 OABKRwWDN 58 Anchor structure Edge protection Tie anchorage Safety rope Angle not exceeding 120 8 4 1 Single point anchorage with fixed system Some requirements and recommendations are listed below The anchorage and the hosting structure should meet the requirements and minimum strength listed in tables 2 and 3 Structure strength assessment should be carried out by competent personnel The anchorage required strength depending on the type of fa
38. ht can be classified as below Fig 2 e Personal equipment to position and restraint workers in position and to prevent falling from a height Work restraint systems are designed to support linesmen and other workers who work at a height on poles and other structures so that they can work with both hands free Restraint systems are used to prevent falls from a height because they do not allow workers to reach areas where there is th risk of falling from a height These systems are not designed to arrest falls e Personal protective equipment against falls from a height Fall arrest Equipment comprising a body harness an energy absorber and a connecting system for an anchor point they are designed to arrest falls Such equipment should be anchored onto a fixed point e Personal protective equipment against falls from a height Descender devices These devices are used in emergency rescue and evacuation of individuals a person may operate it or with another person to descend at reduced speed from a higher to a lower level 19 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO PROTECT AND PREVENT FALLS FROM A HEIGHT l PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR WORK POSITIONING AND PREVENTION OF FALLS FROM A HEIGHT POSITIONING SYSTEMS WORK PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AGAINST FALLS FROM A HEIGHT FALL ARRESTER DESCENDER DEVICES 3 FAL
39. intermediate anchorages of the guides do not let the mobile obile anchor points or by a connecting device that uses two mobile anchor points Fig 36 1 Flexible anchor line 2 Double attachment device 3 Fixed anchorage onto wall YY Fig 36 Attachment device with two mobile anchor points 53 8 3 Selection of body harnesses belts lanyards and accessories Table 1 lists fall arrester and work positioning devices and components specifying their main application and the type of falls for which they should be used Fall arresters and work positioning devices and components DEVICE MAIN APPLICATION APPLICABLE DEVICE COMPONENT TYPE OF FALL FREE LIMITED RESTRAINT FALL FREE FALL FALL Restraint and positioning Item of the horizontal restraint and NO NO NO belt Restraint and positioning anyard positioning system Body harness Component of a fall arrest system YES YES YES against falls from a height Lanyard energy Component of a fall arrest system YES YES YES dissipator Fall arrester Device to secure a person to an anchor point YES YES YES a retractable type b guided type including flexible guide c guided type including flexible guide to completely prevent or arrest falls in sate conditions Tab 1 Use of fall arresters and positioning devices 54 8 3 1 Body harnesses Figures 12 13 14 15 and 16 show typical instances of body
40. l arrester Assuming that for the anchorage the structure of the platform is used the following specitic directions are provided for these activities only fall arresters that allow either a completely prevented fall or a restraint fall should be used Limited fall or free fall devices should be allowed exclusively in exceptional cases after a proper assessment of the strength of the anchorage and the effects of the dynamic stresses on the entire supporting system of the platform and of the other workers currently present Typical cases are illustrated in Fig 40 The truck crane and its all elements stabilizers truck arm terminal attachment equipment electrical control devices used to connect the fall arrester is a connection subsystem that is part of the fall arrest system Thus the truck crane is part of the overall fall arrest system that should be connected to a secure anchor point that can be located for example on the ground Free or limited free fall a zontal rigid guide nected to an hori 2 alternate restraint line 1 lanyard con Free fall gt 600 mm Limited free fall lt 600 mm nted fall Completely preve Fig 40 Fall protection on mobile platforms 63 64 The truck crane as part of a PPE Personal Protective Equipment intended to safeguard against falls from a height belonging to the category Ill is subjected to the provisions set in articles 8 9 and 10 of
41. lattice ters and eaves e work on ladders e work on bui Iding demolition e work on mobile elevated work platforms e work on suspended platforms e assembly of prefabricated elements e work on scaffolds e work on pylons e ef 4 Moreover he general purpose of this guideline is to provide a method for risk assessment of work at a height where fall arrest systems are used against the risk of falling from a height 2 STANDARD REFERENCES The normative references used in this guideline are the Laws of the State on hygiene and health protection at work and on personal protective equipment 2 1 Laws Presidential Decree 27 April 1955 No 547 Rules on accident prevention and hygiene at work Presidential Decree 7 January 1956 No 164 Rules on the prevention of occupational accidents in construction Presidential Decree 19 March 1956 No 303 General rules on hygiene at work Ministerial Decree 22 May 1992 No 466 Regulation on the acknowledgement of the efficacy of an individual system to be used in the assembly and dismantling of metal scaffoldings legislative Decree 4 December 1992 No 475 Adoption of Directive 89 686 EEC of the Council of 21 December 1989 on the convergence of Laws of Member States on Personal protective equipment legislative Decree 19 September 1994 No 626 as amended Adoption of Directive 89 391 EEC 89 654 EEC 89 655 EEC 89 656 EEC 90 269 EEC 9
42. ld be maintained in an efficient state performing maintenance repairing and replacement when required Before using the device workers should check that it is properly assembled and that latches and connectors are properly locked Correctly store the device atter use When the system has been used for a fall arrest it should be put out o service and prepared for inspection following instructions given in paragraph 10 2 4 Fall arrest systems should be only used by workers attending the education and training program organized by the employer Fall arrest systems should be used by workers with extreme care and without altering devices and their combinations as provided by manufacturers With reference to the use of fall arrest systems under specific conditions the following further directions are provided They do not cover all the operating conditions of the various activities and they should be accordingly assessed from time to time 9 1 Operation and specific situations 9 1 1 Activities on less easy walking surfaces During the execution of ac 4 ivities on less easy walking surfaces e g roofs the possibility of fall both along the surface and beyond the edge should be considered Thus what follows should be taken into consideration Potential fall distance When using a fixed length lanyard the fall distance could be great enough when the fall starts nearby the anchor point In such a
43. ll arrest lanyard including the energy absorber ending sections and connectors should not exceed 2 metres Figures 20 21 and 22 show other examples of lanyards with energy absorbers The maximum extension of an energy absorber under a dynamic load should be less than 1 75 meters because arrest distance H is to be lt 2L 1 75 m depending on the total length Liof the lanyard with the energy absorber ref EN 355 2002 Fig 19 Energy absorber Fig 20 Fixed band lanyard with energy absorber Fig 21 Adjustable lanyard with protection sleeve and energy absorber Fig 22 Double lanyard with energy absorber 31 32 6 4 Connectors Connectors are connecting elements or components of a system Snaphocks hooks or pliers can be connectors Connectors should not have sharp or coarse edges that could cut wear or otherwise damage ropes or belts or injure user To minimise the chances that hooks and snaphooks can be accidentally opened they should feature automatic closure with manual or automatic locking Connectors can be opened only by performing at least two manual voluntary consecutive actions Figures 23 24 25 and 26 show examples of connectors Fig 23 Triangle shaped connector Fig 24 Oval connector Fig 25 Plier connector Fig 26 Wide opening connector 6 5 Work positioning and or restraint lanyards and belts Work pos waist with and or restraint lanyard that can be
44. lling from a height or strictly related to falling and related to the specific work to be carried out that may be fatal or cause body injuries or affect health The following types were identified a the prevailing risk of falling after a fall from a height b the risk following the fall flowing from e swinging of the body hitting obstacles pendulum effect e arrest of fall due to the stresses transmitted to the body by the harness e motionless suspension of the worker s body which stays hanging from the fall arrest equipment and time spent in such position c risk related to the personal protective equipment against falls due to e personal protective equipment not fitting properly e personal protective equipment hindering free body movement e tripping over components of the personal protective equipment d risk triggering falls due to e insufficient grip of footwear e fits of giddiness eyedazzling e lack of visibility e heatstroke or sunstroke e quick fall of temperature e specific risk related to the kind of work e mechanical sharp edges sharp tools fall of objects etc e thermal sparks free flame etc e chemical e electrical f risk related to weather conditions e wind rain or ice over walkways etc 4 2 Risk exposure n every moment while working risk exposure should be minimised especially for those risks that can cause death or permanent injury and if they cannot be time
45. lls as defined in the chart in Fig 28 should be assessed Anchorages should be located in such a way to allow movements required o perform tasks and to have minimum free fall The position of anchorage should allow the worker to secure the lanyard to he anchorage before there is the risk of falling Otherwise the worker should be already using another fall arrester so that he can safely connect to the new anchorage Wear of anchorage should be taken into account if so an anchorage made with suitable material should be selected Every specific recommendation of the manufacturer should be met 8 4 2 Tie anchorages Some requirements and recommendations are listed below Fig 37 Tie anchorage All requirements and recommendations in paragraph 8 4 1 should be complied The length of tie anchorages should be such as to allow on the two sides of the anchor rope starting from the safety rope and surrounding the structure the creation of an angle not exceeding 120 Fig 37 If the anchor structure has edged sides protections for the areas touching the rope should be provided 9 USE OF FALL ARREST SYSTEM To use account fall arrest systems the following indications should always be taken into Fall arrest systems should be used only as expected and in compliance with directions provided by manufacturers Fall arrest systems should be used with extreme care to avoid damages Fall arrest systems shou
46. ly perceived by the worker before they occur The importance of hanging motionlessy in state of uncounsciousness should not be undervalued because it may lead to complications that could impair vital functions in such conditions hanging time even less than thirty minutes may cause serious illnesses due to the action exerted by the harness The risk assessment document and the operating plan shall provide for risks of alling from a height as well as the risk of hanging motionlessly and put into place emergency measures and procedures to reduce the time of hanging motionlessly to few minutes 4 3 Minimising risks In accident and heath risk prevention great importance should be given to technical organisational measures to eliminate or reasonably minimise hazards before they occur and safely protect workers using collective protection measures However should these measures alone not be enough to avoid or reasonably minimise risks to safety and health at work with reference to the amount of residual risk that cannot be eliminated the use of personal protective equipment is mandatory Fig 1 shows how to identify eliminate and minimise specitic work related risks 4 4 Emergency plan Within risk assessment an emergency procedure should be established to help workers who can be hanging from a fall arrest system and in need of assistance or help from other workers Therefore when in working at a height a fall arrest sys
47. mponent in a fal be made of a synthetic laws it is also named as arrest device tem or component in a fall arrest system arrest system Lanyards can iber rope a metal rope a strap or chain In current Retractable lanyard connecting item of a retractable type fall arrester Retractable lanyards can be made of a metal rope a belt or a synthetic fiber rope Guided type fall arrester fall arrester equ ipped with a selflocking system and a guided system The guided type fall arrester moves along an anchor line with the user without requiring manual adjustment when ascending or descending and in case of fall it automatica Retractable type fall arrester fa and with an automatic system for retractable lanyard An energy dissipator can b or an energy absorber can be integrated in the retractable lanyard ly locks onto the anchor line arrester equipped with a selHocking system tension and release of the lanyard i e of the integrated in the device itself Guided type fall arrester including a flexible anchor line a subsystem made of a flexible anchor line seltlocking guided type fall arrester including a flexible anchor line and a connector or a lanyard with a connector on one end An energy dissipator can be placed between the fall arrester and the anchor line or an energy absorber can be integrated in the lanyard or on the q nchor line Guided type fall arres
48. n making the selection the frequency of use and travel velocity along the lines ine the following the number of users that the system may withstand at the same time ance and state of rom the different the possibility to travel across the intermediate anchorages with no need to disconnect th e capability of the system to maintain the clear distance of free fall below the installation easy check and maintenance of the system d Auxiliary devices For mobile anchorages when selecting auxiliary devices the following shou n in th n m in 5 d Pi when attachment device go through the anchorage system of the fall arrester should be complemented by two separate lanyards connected to two d be taken into account systems including a rigid guide these devices are usually built in the system and cannot be removed unless a specific restraint device is di of the system alternate connection means cannot be used sconnected VVhen such mobile mobile devices are supplied as part systems including a flexible guide these devices are usually built in e system and cannot be removed unless a specific restraint device is sconnected These devices can be designed to travel across termediate anchorages without being disconnected Where the obile attachment device is not builtin the system attachments to be used should have a strength not less than the strength of items Integrated the system the
49. nal and periodical inspection it is necessary to perform checks e upon reception of new equipment e before reoperating equipment after repair e before reoperating equipment when stored for an extended period of time or in conditions that could compromise its state of preservation e before reoperating a fixed installation for a flexible anchor line not used or an extended period of time 10 2 4 Inspection of a fall arrest system after a fall arrest or if faulty Atter a fall arrest or if faulty devices and equipment should be immediately put out of service and permanently marked with a label indicating their out of service conditions The equipment should be checked by competent personnel according to the directions provided by manufacturers who should decide whether it can be put again in service destroyed or repaired Repairs should be performed by the manufacturer or a competent person properly authorised by the manufacturer himself 10 3 Body harnesses lanyards and attachment elements inspection In addition to what stated in paragraphs 10 2 1 and 10 2 3 every element should be inspected as scheduled by manufacturers at least once a year The inspection should be performed by competent personnel as well as users Table 5 lists the checks to be performed on single components Component Condition fault to be checked Straps e cuts or tears e abrasions e excessive stretching e d
50. nt rope can keep running even if at a reduced speed so that it can not allow the activation of the device operating by inertial force Fig 38 Misaligned anchorage from the point of fall In case of displaced anchorage and possibility of fall beyond a border with smart corners or a partially connected border it should be provided a new anchorage localized nearby the potential fall point 9 1 3 Pendulum effect If lateral movements could occur during the fall particular attention should be paid to the anchorages and horizontal lines position to eliminate or minimise the consequent pendulum effect and avoid that the worker hits obstacles during the fall The possibility of a pendulum effect during the fall is higher when the device is located at the end of the flexible anchor line If compared with a fall arrester secured on a fixed anchorage To avoid the pendulum effect it is necessary to use a second anchor point with anchorage purposes to fasten a lanyard or one intended as deflection of the restraint rope deflection anchorage as shown in Fig 39 ba use of two anchorages 1 main anchorage 2 deflection anchorage Fig 39 Examples of how to use additional anchorages joint use of a main anchorage and a deflection anchorage Fig 40 Fall protection on mobile platforms 62 9 1 4 Fall protection on mobile platforms The user of mobile platforms may not easily find a proper anchorage for the fal
51. orrosives that could compromise its operation 9 3 Safe use of anchor lines Below is a list of some general recommendations provided in order to safely use security systems and devices 1 Use a body harness compliant with the anchor line characteristics 2 Use anchor lines not exceeding the maximum number of users set by manufacturers 3 After a fall arrest the anchor lines should be put out of service and serviced according to the directions provided by manufacturers 1 4 An anchor line arranged for the connection of a fall arrest system should no be used as positioning system at work unless expressly designed for such a purpose 5 When it is necessary to switch from an anchor system to another one and there is the risk of fall from a height the connection to both systems should be maintained during the transfer 6 Check that all the connection systems are in lock position 7 Check that the energy absorbers do not show stretching signs if so they should be replaced 8 Anchor systems should be installed by competent people 9 Nearby the access to the permanent anchor line placards with the following information should be installed e date of installation and name of installer and manufacturer e system identification number e compulsory usage of an energy absorber e maximum number of simultaneous users allowed e operating instructions inspections and related dates t
52. out hitting the ground or other similar obstacles The clear space required depends on the fall arrest system used 7 2 4 1 Calculation and estimate of factors The factors to be taken into account in calculating the clear free fall space under the arrest system e bending of anchor points e static lenght of lanyard and extension when loaded e starting position of the fall arrest system e vertical travel or extension of the fall arrest system e height of the user e lateral displacement of the anchor point Note Fig 30 shows some examples of calculations and figures are shown only as example Fall distance and residual clear space should be calculated taking into account the real use conditions of each fall arrest system and the type of anchor points used and instruction provided by the manufacturer of equipment 1 Bending of anchorages a Single fixed anchor point No anchorage displacement unless the structure to which the anchorage is secured bends under the load resulting by the arrest of a fall 4 b Horizontal or vertical rigid line The same considerations apply as under 1 a 4 c Horizontal or vertical rigid line The maximum arrow of the anchor line is calculated with reference to the value of bending of the anchor line itself as specified by the manufacturer 2 Static length of the lanyard and stretching when load is applied For a lanyard or a lanyard with energy absorber the
53. ovements of the line are limited To limit lateral movements the rigid anchor line should be secured to a framework at defined points or the two ends of the metal rope should be secured to a framework and the metal rope should be stretched The anchor line is designed so that the guided fall arrester can travel only in the established directions and in such a way as to avoid the accidental detachment of the guided type fall arrester from the anchor All the attachment detachment points of the anchor line are fitted with a stop to avoid that the guided type fall arrester is accidentally detached from the anchor line Attachment detaqchment stop point Rigid anchor line Bracket to secure to a suitable rigid structure Guided type fall arrester with energy dissipator if necessary Fig 3 Example of a fall arrest system comprising a body harness Lanyard connected by a short lanyard to a fall arrester on a rigid anchor line 6 Body harness with breastbone attachment for to climb poles ladders and pylons fall arrest RON Or 21 Fig 4 Example of climbing a pylon 22 with a fall arrester with breastbone attachment Lanyards can be made of a synthetic fiber rope a metal rope a strap or chain The fall arrester should be fitted with a connector or of a connector on one end of a lanyard If the fall arrester is only equipped with one connector it can be permanently secured to the fall arr
54. protective equipment that can ensure a complete protection or at least in the large majority of work related risks the best solution offering a reasonable compromise between safety and comfort should be selected Obligations of the employer on the use of personal protective equipment are determined by Title IV of the Legislative Decree 626 94 article 43 stating that In order to select the personal protective equipment the employer a performs the analysis and assessment of risks that cannot be avoided using other means b identify what personal protective equipment is suitable to the risks taking into account any possible risk due to the use of the personal protective equipment c assesses using information provided with the personal protective equipment by its manufacturer and directions for use the characteristics of PPEs available on the market and compares them with required characteristics d updates selection made every time there is a meaningful change in the assessment elements 2 The employer even using directions provided by the manufacturer identities the working conditions in which every PPE should be used especially length of use depending on amount of risk a b frequency of risk exposure c characteristics of the workplace of each worker d PPE performance 3 The employer supplies workers with PPE meeting the following 4 5 k requiremen
55. re it can ensure a proper sate clear space under the worker depending on the type of fall arrester in use e Use anchorages that are strong enough according to tables 2 and 3 e Arrange a safe access to the anchor point 9 5 1 Pendulum effect In case of lateral displacement between anchorage and potential fall point the pendulum effect occurs during the fall In such a case two accidents could occur 1 Simple pendulum effect with hitting against an obstacle Fig 44 a 2 Pendulum effect with rope slipping along the edge and possible hitting against the ground when the rope length is greater than the section of the rope in contact with ground or a surface Fig 44 b a simple pendulum effect Fig 44 Pendulum effect 68 b pendulum effect with rope slipping along the edge When it is not possible to completely avoid the pendulum effect it is necessary to adopt one of the following methods 1 Use an additional lanyard connected to a secondary anchorage in order to reduce the swinging Fig 39 2 Use an additional deflection rope for the principal rope connecting it to a second anchorage Fig 45 3 Apply latches on the edge Fig 46 at the workplace in order to limit the rope slipping from a latch to the next one Anchorage Deflection anchorage Primary rope Deflection rope Operator rope AhwWN Fig 45 Deflection anchorages Fig 46 Latches on the edge 69 70
56. reference to manufacturer s directions on the inclination of the lanyard the restraint rope must be able to withstand without breaking due to friction against the edge taking into account its mechanical properties and the characteristics of the edge Fig 34 Operation limits of the retractable type fall arrester with anchorage above user Fig 35 Operation limits of the retractable type fall arrester with anchorage onto a vertical surface 8 2 Selection of horizontal anchor lines Horizontal anchor lines allow users to use a fall arrest system and to easily move sideways They can be divided into a Rigid systems These systems comprise a rigid metal structure Mobile attachments travel along the line and fall arresters are hooked onto it The strength of guides and attachments should be determined using structural calculation 51 52 b Flexible systems These systems comprise a flexible rope with anchorages at the extremities and at any intermediate points if required The mobile attachments travel along the line and fall arresters are hooked onto it The mobile attachments should travel through the intermediate anchorages without being disconnected from the anchor line 8 2 1 Selection criteria Selection should be made with reference to specific use taking into account the following a Of the type of guide gt Rigid guide e for frequent use e suitable for being used by several worker
57. s at the same time e the intermediate anchorages do not hinder movement of the mobile attachments e for fall arrest the bending of the system can be neglected e where several workers are using the system at the same time the person who falls exerts a lesser effect on the others Flexible guide with rope e intended for non frequent use e more flexible layout e withstands greater distance between anchorages e are more easily installed in existing structures e may be used for anchor lines with height difference between anchorages and exceeding the edges of the building e energy absorbers can be used along the line b The type of the anchorage structure type of structure on which the system is to be anchored will determine The the c Inst type of anchor line some structures are more Su common on rigid guide systems itable to support vertical loads that are more some structures are more suitable to support heavy horizontal loads that are more common on the endpoint anchorages of flexible guides architectural issues of the building may favour the selection of a system but they should never jeopardise safety ructions for use Beside the type of guide and the structure of the anchor sho e environmental conditions and their effects on perform preservation how easy is for the user to safely access the line access points uld be taken into account whe
58. se training is essential and mandatory for a b every PPE that as stated by Legislative Decree 4 december 1992 No 475 belongs to the third category omission The duties of workers on the use of PPE are established by Title IV of the Legislative Decree 626 94 and article 44 states that Workers attend the training programme organised by the employer when Necessary Workers use PPEs that are available to them following information and training received Workers take care of PPEs that are available to them do not alter them unless such alterations are authorised A After use workers follow the undertaking procedures on how to return PPEs 5 Workers immediately notify their employer or the relevant manager of any defect or problem they have detected while using the PPEs that are available to them Moreover in the aforementioned Legislative Decree article 40 paragraph 1 states that a personal protective equipment is any equipment designed to be worn by the worker to protect him her against one or more risks that may jeopardise his her safety or health at work and any item or accessory designed for the same purpose and article 43 paragraph 5 states that operators using PPE against falls from a height should be trained Personal protective equipment against falls from a height are classified as being Category Ill as defined by Legislative Decree 4 December 1992 No 475 protection
59. see paragraph 7 1 under a Ministerial Decree 22 May 1992 No 466 limiting deceleration and ensuing dynamic loads during the fall arrest phase within tolerable limits without injury to the human body In order to limit free fall within 4 m the maximum length of the lanyard including the energy absorber and connectors is 2m 7 2 5 1 Calculating the free fall distance When a fixed lanyard is used free fall distance is calculated as shown below LC DR HA where DCL DCL IC DR 7 HA Fig 32 shows four inst Must there be a misali free fall distance lanyard length Distance measured along a straight line between the fixed anchor point or position of mobile device connecting to a flexible or rigid horizonta occur line and position on the edge beyond which a fall may 1 5 m maximum height from feet of the lanyard on the body harness when the worker is in standing position ances gnment between the point at which the fall is possible and the lanyard connecting point Fig 33 the pendulum effect should also be taken into account Fig 32 How to calculate free fall distance 47 Fig 33 Example of misalignment between point of fall and connecting point 48 7 2 5 2 Acceptable free fall distance Considering that the maximum free fall distance allowed is 1 5 m 4 0 m when the fall arrest system includes suitable energy absorbers Ministerial Decree 22nd May 1992
60. stem Fig 8 comprises a body harness and a retractable type fall arrester figures 9 and 10 secured to a fixed anchor point that includes a self locking retractor and a retractable lanyard The length of the lanyard is automatically adjusted through an automatic tensioning system that pays out and retracts the lanyard thus allowing the user to freely ascend and stop immediately in case of falls The lanyard may be longer than 2 metres An energy absorber may be integrated in the lanyard if the retractable type fall arrester does not include and energy dissipator Anchor point Retractor Retractable lanyard Body harness RWN gt Note The retractable fall arrester comprises a roller 2 Fig 8 Example of fall arrest system comprising a body harness and a and a retractable lanyard 3 that cannot be divided retractable fall arrester 24 Fig 9 Retractable fall arrester A Fall arrest system comprising a body harness an energy absorber and a lanyard secured to a fixed anchor point This system Fig 11 comprises a device that is usually secured to a fixed anchor point with a fixed or adjustable length lanyard to which the body harness is secured This system should integrate an energy absorber Fig 10 Retractable type strap fall arrester with energy absorber 25 Fig 11 Fall arrest system comprising a body RON 26 harness a lanyard and an energy absorber Anchor point Energy absorber
61. sures methods or procedures to reorganize work duties The following areas have been examined risk assessment for falls from a height description selection use inspection maintenance storage and shipment of fall arrest systems Ministry of Labour Italian National Institute Protection and Work Conditions for Health and Safety at Work Division Director General President Dr Paolo Onelli Prof Antonio Moccaldi PREFACE To meet the different demands and need of the world of work ISPESL has to be a training body and a reference body to provide advice and assistance on prevention and protection of the workplace and it must be ready to co operate with other public and private bodies whose tasks include safety to achieve common goals such as the reduction in the number of work accidents and the protection of workers health ISPESL performing new tasks as public body with by laws related to the new regulation on research bodies and updated to take into account the principles and criteria from the new regulations on improving safety and health at work may offer further and more effective type of actions in the field of research and transfer of results These achievements are of paramount importance in performing its duties of assistance advice information and drafting of guidelines to support all sectors showing a high level of risk such as construction SMEs agriculture and transportation 4 48 1 a
62. t ent ent ent ent ent ent ent ent agai agai agai agai agai agai agai agai agai agai agai ctions 5 n nst ding a ri nst t falls from a height a gid anchor line n a n ioning lanyards nst nst nst nst rf nst uipment for work positioning an t rom a height rom a height ding a flexible anchor line alls from a height for work positionin t falls from a height alls from a heigh r use and marking Anchor devices alls from a height t falls from a height alls from a height t alls from a height t alls from a height 3 DEFINITIONS E q nergy absor issipate the ki q The following terms are used in this guideline ber any item or component of a netic energy developed during a Primary straps secondary straps primary s all arrest system designed to all from height raps for body harness are esigned by manufacturers to support the body or exert pressure on it during a fall or after a fall arrest All other straps are secon dary straps Component any part of a system sold by vendors and supplied with package markings and information from the manufacturer Body supports and lanyards are instances of system components Connector connecting i Lanyard connecting item or co
63. t does not allow the worker to reach the area with the risk of falling from a height Some typical instances by type of fall are shown in Fig 27 Free fall free fall distance gt 600mm Fig 27 Typical instances by type of fall 36 Fig 27 Typical instances by type of fall Restraint fall Completely restrained fall Impossible to fall Fig 27 Typical instances by type of fall 7 2 General selection criteria 7 2 1 Protection level priority With reference to the protection level priority selection should be made following the indications in the chart in Fig 28 COMPLETELY PREVENTED FALL y RESTRAINT FALL y LIMITED FREE FALL Y FREE FALL Fig 28 Protection level priority of falls from a height 38 7 2 2 General requirements in the selection of fall arrest systems against falls When selecting a fall arrest system the following elements should be taken into account 1 Type of work Amongst the types of work the following should be considered work on poles and lattice work on gutters and eaves work on roofs work on ladders work on building demolition work on mobile elevated work platforms work on suspended platforms assembly of prefabricated elements work on scaffolds work on pylons 2 Severity of fall free fall limited free fall restraint fall completely prevented fall impossible to fall 3 Nee
64. te anchorages 9 4 2 Connectors Below is a list of some general recommendations provided in order to safely use the connectors 1 Check that every coupler is compatible wit unvoluntary releases or element overload 2 Check that upon PPE wearing and then peri primary and secondary locking devices are 3 Avoid that attachment items are subjected to they could be designed not to withstand this h the other in order to avoid odically during its usage the n safe position bending stresses Fig 41 as kind of stress 4 Avoid to stress the connector locking device with lateral loads 5 Avoid loads non axial to the plug Fig 42 6 Avoid to use connectors with seats too small for the hosted ropes Fig 43 Fig 41 Wrong use of attachment items correct uncorrect Fig 42 Loads non axial to the plug wrong correct Fig 43 Connectors with seats too small for the hosted ropes 67 9 5 Safe use of anchorages Below is a list of some general recommendations provided in order to safely use anchor systems and devices e Use a proper anchor point located as near as possible to the worker on the vertical axis of the workplace to minimise the pendulum effect e Whenever possible use an anchor point located higher than the attachment point on the body harness in order to reduce the clear free fall space as much as possible e Use an anchor point that is located in position whe
65. tems should be used workers with specific skills to ensure autonomous emergency help of the worker hanging from a fall arrest system should be included in the work unit If risk analysis and workplace compliance analysis show that such help cannot be autonomously given a specific public help procedure is to be established 17 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT Identify risks of falling from a height and estimate probabilities that they may occur as well the consequences for each hazard ELIMINATING RISKS Eliminate the need for the user to access areas with the risk of falling from a height gt BEGIN ACTIVITY for example by relocating the item to be maintained l REPLACEMENT Provide alternate access means to the place where action is to be performed gt BEGIN ACTIVITY in order to avoid the risk of falling from a height eliminating risk ISOLATING RISK Isolate the place with risk of falling from a height for example limiting with suitable enclosures or guard rails m gt BEGIN ACTIVITY ZO 40m4 0a RESIDUAL RISK PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT gt BEGIN ACTIVITY Fig 1 How to identify eliminate and minimise specific work related risks 5 CLASSIFICATION Personal protective equipment to be used when carrying out work at a height where there is the risk of falling from a heig
66. ter including a rigid anchor line a subsystem made of a rigid anchor line self locking guided type fall arrester including a flexible anchor line and a connector or a lanyard with a connector on one end An energy dissipator can be placed between the fall arrester and the anchor line or an energy absorber can be integrated in the lanyard or in the anchor line 13 14 Anchor point any element or series of component elements with one or more anchor points Body support device see Body harness Personal protective equipment PPE against falls from a height Device to support a person onto a safe anchor point to safely prevent or arrest falls from a height Stoppage distance the vertical distance H in meters measured at the mobile load bearing point of the connecting sub system harness anchorage point from the initial position onset of the free fall to the final position equilibrium after arrest excluding the displacements of the full body harness and its fastening component Element part of a component or subsystem Ropes straps attachment elements accessories and anchor lines are instances of elements Energy dissipator element element in a connecting subsystem to arrest falls An energy dissipator element can be Integrated in fall arresters in lanyards or in anchor lines Hook connector with an automatic closing system and automatic or manual locking system Body harness body support mainly to arrest
67. ts a PPEs should be compliant with standards established by Legislative Decree December 4 1992 No 475 b Moreover PPEs under a should be suitable for risks to be prevented without implying greater risks e be suitable for current condition in the workplace e take into account the ergonomic or health requirement of workers e be suitable for workers and adjusted as required c In case of multiple risks requiring the concurrent use of several PPE they should be compatible and such as to be still effective even in concurrent use against risk and related risks The employer a maintains the efficiency of PPEs and ensure their hygiene conditions through required maintenance repairs and replacements b ensures that PPEs are used only for their specific purpose apart from specific and particular events and in compliance with the instruction from the manufacturer c provides clear instruction to workers d assigns every PPE for personal use only and if a PPE is to be used by more than one person puts into place suitable measures so that its use does not represent sanitary or hygienic problems to the different operators e preliminarily informs workers on the risks against which the PPE is a protection from f lets suitable information on every PPE be available in the firm or business unit g ensures adequate training and specific training sessions if required on the correct and actual use of PPEs In any ca
68. ufacturer for all marketed PPE beside name and address of manufacturer or of its Community any useful information related to a b c Th 0 a connection system to be con desi a The braking power does n instruction on storage use cC disinfection performance achieved during tech p accessories that can be used w otection classes of PPE E replacement agent within the eaning maintenance service and nical tests performed to assess levels or ith PPE and charact protection classes suitable for di limitations expiry data or term of PPE and of some of their compon suitable packaging to handle PPE the meaning of marking if applicable reference to applied certification of the PPE the user may suffer body injuries fferent levels of ris directives gned manufactured and used so thot the eristics of suitable k and related use ents name address identification number of notified bodies involved in the all arrester PPE should include a body harness body restraint device and nected on a safe anchor point They should be ot reach the threshold where e components of the PPE may open or break and as a consequence the user alls b possible after the intervention of th c hitting obstructions Furthermore t e PPE the free fall travel of the worker from a working platform should be the least the
69. uld be maintained by competent personnel following schedules and directions provided by manufacturers and at least once a year if regularly used or before using it again if not used for an extended period of time The following procedures should be performed e inspection of anchor points e checking tensioning of lines and of any energy absorber n g e checking the ending points ends of lines e checkin rust and g rigid rails and of their ends permanent strains corrosion due to other pollutants attachment of end points e checking mobile devices permanently installed on the anchor line e maintenance mechanical devices should be maintained following the manufacturer s directions for use Faulty products should be put out of service and whenever possible repaired by competent personnel Anchor lines with faulty or worn elements should be put out of service 10 6 Inspection of anchor points Permanently installed anchor points should be inspected by competent personnel following the manufacturer s directions as to times and modes Inspections should be recorded It is recommended that the date of the latest inspection should be recorded not only on the inspection and maintenance card but also on a label to be placed near the anchor point 75 76 1 1 MAINTENANCE Devices and equipment should be maintained following these indications e Mechanical devices Maintenance following the manufa

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