FALL PROTECTION

 FALL PROTECTION 

 

What are the main elements that determine the total fall distance (TFD)?

The total distance of the fall consists of the following elements:

1. Lanyard Length: It is about 1.8 meters.

2. Deceleration Distance: The distance at which the protection system absorbs the energy produced by the fall, and is about 1.07 meters.

3. Height of User: It is usually assumed to be 1.8 meters.

4. Safety Factor: An additional safety distance of 0.9 meters.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Why are these elements important in calculating the total distance of falls?

They ensure that the worker will not hit any obstacle or ground when a fall occurs. Each of these elements takes into account an aspect of safety, such as rope length, deceleration distance, and person height, while adding a safety factor for any unexpected factors.

------------------------------

 What role does lanyard length play?

The rope length is the basic distance at which the rope stretches between the worker and the fixing point. In standard systems, the cord is usually 1.8 meters long, which determines how free to move is before the absorption system is activated.

--------------------------------------------------

What does deceleration distance mean?

Idle distance is the distance at which a fall protection system (such as a shock absorber) absorbs the energy produced by a fall and reduces the tensile force on the worker's body. Its length is about 1.07 meters according to OSHA standards.

-------------------------------------

Why do we consider the height of a user as part of the calculation?

A person's height is assumed at an average of 1.8 meters because it includes the distance between the rope fixing point in the belt system (usually at the shoulder) and up to the worker's feet.

--------------------------------------------------------------

What is a Safety Factor and why is it added?

The safety factor is an additional distance of 0.9 meters that is added to the calculation to cover any unexpected changes, such as additional stretching of the rope or slippage at anchor points.

--------------------------------------------------

How can I ensure that the worker is completely safe from hitting the ground?

The fixing point must be at a sufficient height so that the total distance of the fall is less than the actual distance between the worker and the nearest obstacle below (e.g. ground).

---------------------------------------------------

What are the consequences if the total distance of the fall is not calculated correctly?

If the distance is not calculated correctly, the worker may hit the ground or obstacles, resulting in serious injury or death.

-------------------------------------------------

How are these accounts applied at work sites?

The fall protection system is selected based on the available distance from the installation point.

Workers are trained to know how to calculate the total distance of the fall.

It is ensured that the installation points are high enough to avoid risks.

-------------------------------------------------

What is the minimum mounting point height to use?

The height of the mounting point must be equal to or greater than the total falling distance. In the example shown:

Cord length: 1.8 m

Idle distance: 1.07 m

Person height: 1.8 meters

Safety factor: 0.9 meters

The total: 5.57 meters. So, the installation point must be at a height of at least 5.57 meters.