By Marty Sharp November 3, 2014 We sometimes hear the expression, “His life is hanging by a thread.” This becomes true literally for those who fall while protected by a “fall arrest system.” By definition, this “system” consists of an anchorage connector, a body harness, a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of [...]
How To Develop A Fall Protection Plan That Meets OSHA’s Steel Erection Standard by Marty Sharp September 3, 2014 OSHA’s steel erection standard 29 CFR Subpart R 1926.760, encompasses new construction, alteration or repair of “structures” when the erection of steel takes place. Specifically excluded from coverage are Tanks, Electrical Transmission Towers and Communication or [...]
The campaign’s goal is to prevent falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolds by encouraging construction contractors to plan ahead, provide the right equipment and train everyone to use the equipment safely. By Marty Sharp The “Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction,” an initiative launched jointly by NIOSH and OSHA, targets companies of all sizes but significant efforts [...]
by Marty Sharp OSHA requires fall protection to be provided at: 4 feet in general industry; 5 feet in shipyards; 6 feet in the construction industry; 8 feet in longshoring operations; or any height when working over dangerous equipment and machinery. If you have workers working at or above these heights in the circumstances described, then you’re [...]
Matching fall equipment to job specifics By Marty Sharp Year after year, falls continue to hold the dubious distinction of the most frequent cause of fatalities at construction sites. Simultaneously the number of OSHA citations issued annually for fall arrest violations remains at or near the top of the list. “OSHA’s $100,000 Club of Safety [...]
by Marty Sharp Years ago fall protection equipment was heavy and uncomfortable. Buckles and D-rings were clumsy, bulky forgings. Harness webbing was stiff and abrasive. No wonder workers avoided wearing them, even when they understood the risks. Manufacturers began to take notice. Changes appeared; slowly at first but now more rapidly. Our wake-up call came [...]
by Marty Sharp By definition, a “fall arrest system” consists of an anchorage connector, a body harness, a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these. This article will discuss one such deceleration device, “The retractable lanyard.” What is it? How should it be used properly and safely? What are its advantages? Are [...]
by Marty Sharp Year after year, falls continue to hold the dubious distinction of the most frequent cause of fatalities at construction sites. Why? Fall protection equipment manufacturers, contractors and construction workers all share the responsibility. Reliable equipment in the hands of trained personnel is a big part of the solution. Determine the application As [...]
Ask a teenager what “hanging out” means, and he’ll probably tell you it’s simply sitting around with his friends doing not much of anything. But when it comes to working at heights, “hanging out” is a specific and dangerous position that threatens workers. It’s lonely and dangerous to hang out alone, dangling from the side [...]
Ensuring fall protection devices are properly tested gives worker confifidence and peace of mind By Marty Sharp Jul 12, 2007 YOU buy and use fall protection harnesses, lanyards, rope grabs, lifelines, retractables, and other equipment every day. Each item is labeled, ensuring that it conforms to ANSI specifications and OSHA regulations. These product certifications give [...]
