PPE Appendix F

Personal fall arrest systems consist of an anchorage connector, body wear, and a connecting device. When these components are used properly, and in conjunction with each other, they form a system that is vitally important in fall hazard situations. Body wear and connecting devices (e.g. lanyards, fall-limiters/self-retracting life lines) must meet all OSHA, ANSI Z359-1992 "Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components", and ANSI A10.14-1991 "Fall Protection Systems - American National Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations" requirements.

Users must attend Environmental Health & Safety training on personal fall arrest systems prior to being assigned work requiring such equipment. Training includes the components of the system, OSHA requirements, proper donning and fit of the harness, and inspection criteria.

Personal fall arrest harnesses and connecting devices must be inspected prior to use by the wearer, and at least annually by a "competent person" other than the user. General inspection criteria is available during Environmental Health & Safety training, as well as proper donning and fit of the harness. This inspection should be documented on the harness/device tag or on a form/log (available from Environmental Health & Safety).

General guidelines from OSHA, ANSI, and most manufacturers do not specify a shelf-life or expiration. If the equipment passes the inspection process specified by the manufacturer or other recognized criteria, it is acceptable for use. Never use a harness that does not pass visual inspection. Some manufacturers do specify a service life, such as 5 years. If a service life is specified by the manufacturer, the date that the harness is put into service (i.e. first used) must be noted on the tag or inspection log. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on inspection and removal from service once the service life has been reached.

Wearers should report any incident of falling in the harness to their supervisor. Harnesses that have received a fall force must not be reused unless it has been recertified by the manufacturer in writing. Harnesses that have received a fall force should be removed from service and tagged "Do Not Use." If it will not be sent to the manufacturer for recertification, render it unusable (i.e. cut a strap) and throw it in the trash. Harnesses should not be purchased second-hand because the history of the harness is unknown.

Connecting devices must be shock-absorbing in order to reduce fall forces below OSHA's maximum allowable fall force of 1,800 pounds.

There are two types of fall protection:

• Type I fall protection can be used for fall protection as well as positioning. Most harnesses are designed to ANSI's maximum working weight of 310 pounds. If the working weight (man and tools) exceeds 310 pounds, a heavy-duty harness and connecting device must be used. Type I harnesses are available with various D-ring configurations. All harnesses must have a back D-ring for attaching the connecting device for fall arrest.
  • Shoulder D-rings are optional for confined space (vertical) retrieval.
  • Hip D-rings are optional for positioning where hands must be free to perform work.
  • Chest D-ring is optional for ladder climbing device connection.
• Type II fall protection (ex. body belt) is for positioning only. Body belts are not permitted for fall arrest per OSHA as of January 1, 1998. Environmental Health & Safety recommends that body belts not be purchased or kept on-site to avoid misuse and confusion.

Harnesses may be sized for small to X-large body frames, or offer a universal fit, which can be adjusted for medium to X-large frames. Also, consider the work environment where the harness will be worn in order to select a harness that will provide the level of protection and service life desired. There are several models available to address work environment issues and/or industry hazards.

• Concrete construction harness
• Arc-flash utility harness
• Heat- and abrasion-resistant harness
• Grease/oil/dirt/grime-resistant harness
• High-visibility harness
• Lightweight harness (made of lightweight polyester for comfort)
• Abrasion-resistant harness
• Welding harness

Follow the manufacturers' recommendations for cleaning, inspection, and storage.