Fall protection systems belts

A fall protection system that prevents the user from falling any distance. The system is comprised of either a body belt or body harness, along with an anchorage, connectors, and other necessary equipment. The other components typically include a lanyard, and may also include a lifeline and other devices. See also Anchor Point Body Harness, Full Lanyard Personal Fall Arrest System. 

Components There are several components that form a fall protection system. Together they prevent or limit falls. The person who might fall wears a safety belt or safety harness. Standards limit the deceleration force for body belts to 10 times the force of gravity or less. Higher stopping forces are likely to cause injuries. For a full-body harnesses, the deceleration limit is 35 times the force of gravity. Body harnesses distribute the stopping forces more effectively and reduce the likelihood of injury from the stop. 

The belt itself often caused injuries to the back, etc. when workers fell. The full body harness, similar to a parachute harness, allows for a worker to hang in it upon a fall for some 30 minutes before it starts to become imcomfortable and rescue can usually transpire in that amount of time. The full body harness is actually a piece of equipment with a tag containing its serial number and other information for tracking purposes. The requirement for full body harness was viewed by workers as being impractical, uncomfortable, or cumbersome to work while wearing it. At worksites today, it does not pose these problems and is an important part of a fall protection system (see Figure 25.12). 

Belts are used in positioning system applications. Belts have two side D-rings, and are used only for restraining a worker in position. This type of belt is not used for any vertical free fall protection. 

Body belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee protection (as part of a personal fall arrest system or positioning device system) and not to hoist materials. 

Restraint Systems —A restraint system prevents a worker from being exposed to any fall. If the employee is protected by a restraint system, either a body belt or a harness may be used. When a restraint system is used for fall protection from an aerial lift or a boom-type elevating work platform, the employer must ensure that the lanyard and anchor are arranged so that the employee is not potentially exposed to falling any distance. 

OSHA allows employees to tie-off if there is no way to install guardrails. The key here is to protect employees from fall hazards. Remember though, that fall protection harnesses have to fit properly and a suitable anchorage point (meeting the OSHA requirements of Subpart M of 1926) must be tied off to. When using a personal fall arrest system, a full body harness is required. Body belts have not been permissible for many years as part of a personal fall arrest system. 

The standard requires that employees working from an aerial lift be protected by either a fall restraint system or a personal fall arrest system. A body belt connected to a lanyard cannot be used. A lanyard connected to a harness as part of a personal fall arrest system can be used, however. 

Fall arresting system A system consisting of a belt (sometimes with a torso or subpelvic harness), a lanyard or lifeline, and an arresting mechanism with built-in shock absorber designed for use by a worker performing tasks in a location from which a fell would be injurious or fetal, or where other kinds of protection (e.g., enclosure, handrail, net) are not practical. Also called fell protection system, free-fall restraint system, or personnel lowering device and lifeline. 

Climbing Safety Systems Workers climbing fixed ladders or poles need protection from falling. There are patented systems that attach permanently or temporarily to ladders on towers, bridges, antennas, or other equipment. A safety belt or harness worn by a climber connects to the climbing safety device. If a person falls, the device locks and stops the fall. 

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