Working at Height Safely with an Approved Fall Arrest Systems and Fall Arrest Training

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<h1>Working at Height Safely with an Approved Fall Arrest Systems and Fall Arrest Training</h1><strong> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Roger Henry.aspx'>Roger Henry</a></strong><br /><p>In the UK A person working within 2 meters of a fall zone must have a fall control measures in place. Systems vary, some are collective and others are personal. Collective fall prevention systems include edge protection, handrails and guardrail whilst collective fall protection or fall arrest systems include safety nets and airbags. If a collective system is not viable then we must look at personal fall protection equipment to control the risks associated with falls from height. Personal fall prevention systems are often referred to as restraint systems as they prevent the user from reaching a fall hazard by restraining them by utilizing personal protective equipment such as a safety harness and a fixed length lanyard in conjunction with an anchor point, eyebolt or lifeline system. Personal fall arrest systems allow a fall to occur, but arrest it in a controlled manner, minimizing the consequences of the fall. Where collective fall prevention measures have been ruled out, due to the short duration or low risk of the work to be carried out or due to features on site that prevent collective fall prevention measures from being utilized personal fall prevention measures can be considered. Restraint takes preference over fall arrest. Where fall arrest is the only option it is a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 that a rescue plan is in place and that competent operatives are available and equipped to effect the rescue. A worker suspended in a fall arrest harness will need to be recovered quickly as they can suffer from suspension trauma or suspension intolerance within a very short period of time. Suspension trauma can lead to loss of consciousness and death within only a matter of minutes. Relying on the emergency services is not an option unless they have been advised beforehand and are on site and standing by. What do these contain? Fall restraint and fall arrest systems usually comprise of an anchor point, a lanyard, with energy absorption block for fall arrest use, or other intermediate attachment device and a full body safety harness. The anchorage can be a structural anchor, fixed single point anchor such as an eyebolt or a horizontal lifeline system that will enable the contractor to move freely on the roof but maintain at a safe working distance from the edge. All fall protection products must comply with European standards. Although these systems require a modest investment, the risk of not having fall protection system's in place can prove far more costly, not only financially but also in human terms. Most falls from height without safety equipment end in a fatality! Equipment must be approved to the following standards: Anchor points including eyebolts, horizontal lifelines and rails and dead weight anchors – EN 795 Full Body Harness – EN 361 Lanyards – EN 354 Energy Absorbers – EN 355 Retractable Fall Arrestors or Fall Arrest Blocks – EN 360 Connectors including karabiners, scaffold hooks, manucroche hooks and snap hooks – EN 362 When combined properly by a company that specialises in designing, installing and maintaining fall arrest equipment (for at least 20 years), they create a Fall Protection System that will protect the worker from a fall and prevent any accidents occurring whilst working at height. The use of this equipment must be supported by effective 'work at height training', preferably delivered by a fall arrest training provider that can use his/her fall protection equipment. The training should be in-depth and of a practice nature to ensure that the individual working at height is prepared for real-life 'on the job' situations that may put him or her in danger. </p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br />For more information on Approved Systems and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.county-safety-services.com/_docs/training.htm">Fall Arrest Training</a> please visit: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cssworksafe.com/">http://www.cssworksafe.com/</a>.<p> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Working-at-Height-Safely-with-an-Approved-Fall-Arrest-Systems-and-Fall-Arrest-Training_135751.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Working at Height Safely with an Approved Fall Arrest Systems and Fall Arrest Training_135751.aspx</a></p>

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Keywords : fall arrest training, fall arrest,

Category : Health and Fitness : Health and Fitness