A personal fall-arrest system is required if there is any risk of a worker falling
from an elevated position (generally, six feet or more). NOTE: Know the specific OSHA
regulations which pertain to your industry. OSHA defines a personal fall-arrest
system as "a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level." It
consists of (A) a fall-arrest anchorage capable of supporting a minimum of 5,000 Ibs. (22.2 kN) per
attached worker and independent of the worker's support; (B) a full-body harness designed to
distribute the fall-arrest forces over thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders and equipped with
a circle O-ring at the back for attaching a fall-arrest connecting device; and (C) a fall-arrest
connecting device, such as a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a combination of these
devices equipped with locking snap-hooks. 
A personal fall-arrest system is a passive protection system which only comes into
service when a fall occurs, similar to a seat belt in a car which restrains the wearer only upon
impact. For example, a fall-arrest system would be used by an ironworker bolting steel beams
together for a skyscraper. Following the A-B-C RULE, the OPE system includes: (A) beam, (B)
full-body harness, and (C) choker anchorage connector and lanyard with a deceleration unit. The
outlined area in the figure at right shows the impact-force distribution for a typical full-body,
fall-arrest harness. OSHA requires that impact force in a fall NOT exceed an 1,800 lb. (8 kN) limit
with a harness. At a given weight, the longer the free fall, the greater the resulting impact
force. To stay under the 1,800 lb. (8 kN) limit, minimize slack in the fall-arrest connecting
device. The use of a deceleration unit will also reduce impact forces.
Remember, a personal fall-arrest system only becomes active in a fall. If equipment is required to
help hold or place a worker in position, a separate positioning or suspension system must be used in addition
to the fall-arrest system. A personal fall-arrest system is designed only to aid a worker once a
fall occurs, and must be used whenever there is danger of falling.
The following linked pages show the full line of Klein Fall Arrest System
components:
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