10. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
When considering the amount of free
space that is needed, the evaluation
should be done separately for each case:
1. Choosing and location
of the anchorage point
3.The length of the connecting device
(e.g. rope or retractable webbing)
3. The worker’s height (2 m)
4. The length of the deceleration device
(1,75 m)
5. Safety distance 1 m
Keep in mind also possible pendulum
effect!
Fall arrest system
The Work at Height regulations require
employers to ensure measures to prevent
falls from heights, whenever an employee
works at height of over 2 meters where
there is a risk of falling.
Fall protection must be provided as preventive
measure. Precautions include
e.g. changing of working methods, ensuring
handrails, safety nets. If it is not
possible to provide preventive measures,
use of personal protective equipments
(full body harnesses, lifelines etc.) must
be taken. Work at height includes e.g.
working on scaffol without guard rails,
roofs, lifting platforms and masts. Safety
harnesses must be used when working
in telescopic boom lift and aerial lift man
baskets.
Support safety belts and lanyards prevent
the worker from getting into the
area with fall risk, but they cannot to be
used as fall protection. If a support safety
belt or lanyard is used to support working
position in the area where is fall risk e.g.
mast works, also, fall protection must be
used to ensure safety.
Full body harnesses and other approved
fall protection equipment (e.g. deceleration
devices, retractable type fall arresters)
is used if there is a risk of falling.
There should be an adequate amount of
free space under the working level.
For example, when using a 2 meter long connecting device with deceleration
mechanism, anchorage point is located on floor (foot) level (coefficient
of fall 2):
Connecting device 2 m + The worker’s height 2 m + Deceleration device
opening 1,75 m + Safety distance 1 m
48 = 6,75 m Free space for falling