Restraint
A restraint system limits the work zone, keeping the worker from entering an area that may present a risk of falling. This system is not designed to arrest a fall from height.
Work Positioning
A work positioning system supports the user and allows him to position himself precisely, supported or suspended. This system is not designed to arrest a fall; the user must be under tension on his positioning system.
The work positioning system must be completed with a fall arrest system.
Fall Arrest
The fall arrest system is a belay system that is independent of the progression or work positioning system, connected to the A (fall arrest) attachment point of the harness.
The fall arrest system does not prevent a free fall. Its role is to arrest the fall while limiting the impact force experienced by the user. It must therefore be used with enough clearance to allow for a free fall.
Anticipating rapid evacuation
- Limiting the effects of inert suspension:
In case of a fall where the worker loses consciousness or is incapacitated, inert suspension in the harness presents a mortal danger requiring urgent treatment. Work teams must be equipped and trained to quickly evacuate an injured team member. - Evacuating a victim without assistance:
Procedures for evacuating workers should be d
Limiting the impact force (absorption of the energy of a fall):
- A fall arrest system must ensure that the impact force experienced by the user does not exceed 6 Kn (1,348 lbs.).
- A fall arrest system usually has an energy absorber. It is designed to limit the impact force for a predefined maximum fall length, under the conditions specified in its Instructions for Use.
- A dynamic rope lanyard has a low
Clearance:
Clearance MUST CONSIDER:
- The stopping distance of the mobile devices or the length of the lanyard (A)
- The tearing length of the energy absorber (B)
- The average height of the user (C)
- A safety margin (D)
- The potential elongation of the support (rope stretch) (E)
- A clearance estimate is proposed in the Instructions for Use for each device.