Anchors and Connecting Devices - The Strength of Your System

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We've covered the components and inspection of your PFAS harness. Today, we're focusing on the other two critical elements: your Anchorage Point and Connecting Device. These are the components that actually stop your fall.

The strength and proper selection of your anchor and connecting device are paramount. If these fail, your harness means nothing.

1. Anchorage Points: Your Secure Foundation

The anchorage is where your entire fall arrest system ultimately attaches. It must be:

• Strong Enough: Capable of supporting 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) per worker attached, or engineered by a qualified person to hold at least twice the maximum anticipated impact load if a fall occurs.

• Properly Located: Ideally, the anchor point should be directly overhead to minimize "swing falls" (where you swing like a pendulum, potentially hitting obstructions).

• Types: This could be a structural steel beam, a reinforced concrete element, or a specially designed engineered anchor point. Always use designated anchor points.

2. Connecting Devices: Your Lifeline Link

The connecting device links your harness to your anchorage. Choose the right one for the job and always inspect it.

• Lanyards:

  • Typically 6 feet long, sometimes shorter.

  • Many include a shock absorber to reduce the force on your body during a fall.

  • Never tie knots in a lanyard, as this can drastically weaken it.

• Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs):

  • Often called "yo-yos," these devices automatically extend and retract, keeping tension on the line.

  • They lock up quickly if a fall occurs, typically limiting the fall distance to just a few inches or feet.

  • Avoid using SRLs if there's a risk of "swing fall" that could cause the lifeline to rub against an edge.

• Horizontal & Vertical Lifelines: These systems allow for continuous connection while moving along a beam or up/down a structure. They must be designed, installed, and inspected by a qualified person.

3. Clearance Distance: The Critical Calculation

Before you ever connect, you must calculate the clearance distance. This is the amount of clear space needed below your anchor point to ensure you don't hit the ground or any obstructions during a fall. It includes:

• Lanyard length

• Deceleration distance (how far the shock absorber extends)

• Harness stretch

• A safety factor (usually 3 feet)

Never assume you have enough clearance. Always calculate it.

Your anchor and connecting device are the strength of your system. Choose wisely, inspect diligently, and ensure you have enough clear space below. Tomorrow, we'll look at specific fall hazards like leading edges and floor openings.

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-The Safety Man