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3.3 OPERATION:
A. PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
Inspect
and don the full body harness according to manufacturer’s
instructions. Attach the connecting subsystem (energy
absorbing lanyard or SRL) to the dorsal connection on the
harness.
B. CONNECTING TO THE HORIZONTAL LIFELINE SYSTEM:
Approach the work area using the appropriate access
equipment. Connect your personal fall arrest system to one of
the attachment O-rings on the horizontal lifeline. Connectors
must meet all compatibility and strength requirements.
C. HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS:
Do not take unnecessary risks,
such as jumping or reaching too far from the edge of the
working surface. Do not allow the connecting subsystem
to pass under arms or between feet. To avoid inadequate
clearance, do not climb above the horizontal lifeline. To avoid
swing fall hazards, do not work too far from either side of the
horizontal lifeline.
D. TWO (2) PERSONS CONNECTED TO THE HLL:
When a
person falls while connected to the horizontal lifeline, the
system will deflect. If two (2) persons are connected to
the same horizontal lifeline, and one (1) person falls, the
second person may be pulled off the working surface due to
deflection. The potential for the second person falling increases
as the horizontal lifeline span length increases. The use of
independent horizontal lifeline systems for each person, or
shorter span length, is recommended to minimize the potential
of the second person falling.
E. FREE FALL:
The personal fall arrest system must be rigged to
limit free falls to 6 feet (1.8m) or less when using an energy
absorbing lanyard, or such that the SRL is overhead without
slack, according to OSHA requirements.
F. SHARP EDGES:
Avoid working where the connecting
subsystem or other system components will be in contact with,
or abrade against, unprotected sharp edges. If working around
sharp edges is unavoidable, a protective cover must be used to
prevent cutting of the personal fall arrest system components.
G. IN THE EVENT OF A FALL:
The responsible party must have
a rescue plan and the ability to implement a rescue. Tolerable
suspension time in a full body harness is limited, so a prompt
rescue is critical.
H. RESCUE:
With the number of potential scenarios for a
worker requiring rescue, an on-site rescue team is beneficial.
The rescue team is given the tools, both in equipment and
technique, to perform a successful rescue. Training should be
provided on a periodic basis to ensure rescuers’ proficiency.
