FAQ
OSHA 1926.502(d) demands that employers provide prompt rescue of a fallen employee, or that employees are given the means to rescue themselves. A first step to providing timely rescue is setting up a rescue plan. After someone is rescued from suspension make sure the fall protection system and all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) involved in the fall is checked by a competent person. Only after re-certification of the system are you allowed to use the fall protection system again.
There is no one answer to this question as the best suited fall protection system is always depended on the situation and the intended use. Additionally the fall factor, fall distance and the risk of a swing fall need to be considered before choosing a fall protection system.
There are many fall protection solutions available for all kinds of circumstances. Ask an XSPlatforms fall protection expert to analyze the situation and advise on which fall protection system is most appropriate. Contact us if you need advice on fall protection.
We advise to have your fall protection systems inspected and re-certified annually to warrant the safety of the system. Local regulations may require other inspection frequencies.
XSPlatforms’ fall protection experts are trained and certified to perform regular inspections, make any repairs necessary and re-certify your fall protection system(s). Contact us if you want more information about service and maintenance.
Even though boom lift baskets have guardrails OSHA still requires the use of a harness and a short lanyard when working from a boom supported aerial lift (1926.453(b)(2)(v)). The reason a short lanyard is required is because the basket of a boom lift may bounce, swing or tilt due to movement, and as a result a worker can be launched out of the basket. This is why a short lanyard will function as a fall restraint system. ANSI A92.5 also states that personal fall protection equipment is required to safely work from a boom supported elevating aerial platform.
OSHA classifies scissor lifts under the requirements for scaffolding, not under the category aerial lifts. Scissor lifts are not specified in the sub-paragraph 1926.451(g)(1)(vii). This means that all employees must be protected by use of PPE or guardrail systems. In scissor lifts equipped with guardrails, between 39 inches and 45 inches high measured from the working platform to the top rail, no additional fall arrest system is required.
A fall restraint system prevents a user from getting into a situation where a fall can occur. A fall arrest solution is designed to protect a worker and stop a fall if one occurs. For both systems users will have to wear PPE, such as a harness.
We’ve written a blog about fall arrest and fall restraint with more in-depth information.
All XSPlatforms products are approved by SATRA Technology Centre LTD. (United Kingdom) according to European Standards. Our products are designed to meet OSHA and ANSI standards.
PERMANENT FALL PROTECTION
Permanent fall protection is installed permanently to the structure and is ready to be used at any time, ensuring safe work at height. Temporary fall protection equipment has to be deployed or installed right before the work at height is performed. After use this equipment is removed again.
XSPlatforms offers fall protection systems for almost all roofs. Our horizontal lifelines, for example, can be installed with a variety of special base plates suited for different roof structures. We even offer a solution for standing seem roofs.
Want to know if our solutions are compatible with your roof? Please contact us.
Yes, this is something we definitely recommend doing. This way you’ll know in advance that the aesthetics of the structure can be retained while being safe for work at height.
We’ve created 3D models of our fall protection products in AutoDesk Revit that can be incorporated in a 3D model of a building. Download our 3D objects here.
This depends on the slope of the roof. First determine if you have a low-sloping roof or a steep roof. According to OSHA (1926.500) low sloping roofs have a slope of “less than or equal to 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches horizontal length” (4:12). Steep roofs are described as roofs with a slope greater than 4:12.
A low-sloping roof can be treated the same as a flat roof when it comes to safety measures. Steep roofs require different safety measures. Contact us if you want to know more about what fall protection is suitable for your specific situation.
Even though boom lift baskets have guardrails OSHA still requires the use of a harness and a short lanyard when working from a boom supported aerial lift (1926.453(b)(2)(v)). The reason a short lanyard is required is because the basket of a boom lift may bounce, swing or tilt due to movement, and as a result a worker can be launched out of the basket. This is why a short lanyard will function as a fall restraint system. ANSI A92.5 also states that personal fall protection equipment is required to safely work from a boom supported elevating aerial platform.
OSHA classifies scissor lifts under the requirements for scaffolding, not under the category aerial lifts. Scissor lifts are not specified in the sub-paragraph 1926.451(g)(1)(vii). This means that all employees must be protected by use of PPE or guardrail systems. In scissor lifts equipped with guardrails, between 39 inches and 45 inches high measured from the working platform to the top rail, no additional fall arrest system is required.
OSHA applies two different standards to guardrail height requirements. In the general industry a guardrail must have a height of 42 inches measured from the walking surface to the top of the railing. The fall protection standard for construction, on the other hand, states that the top of the guardrail must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking surface. Meaning that the guardrail can be between 39 inches to 45 inches high, measured from the working surface.
We can equip an anchor point with a special RAP-globe, so it can be used for rope access. Any other XSPlatforms anchor point configuration is not appropriate to use for rope access purposes.
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