5
Figure 4 - Fall Clearance (Lanyards)
RD = LL + DD + HH + C
RD
Required Fall Clearance Distance
LL
Length of Lanyard
(Speci
fi
ed on labeling)
DD
Deceleration Distance =
4 ft (1.2 m)
except:
• for ANSI/OSHA Lanyards with Free Fall
greater than 6 ft (1.8 m) up to 12 ft (3.7
m), or user weights greater than 310 lbs
(141 kg) up to 420 lbs (191 kg); add 1 ft
(0.3 m):
DD = 5 ft (1.5 m)
• for CSA E6 Lanyards, add 1.7 ft. (0.5 m):
DD = 5.7 ft (1.7 m)
HH
Height of Suspended Worker
C
Safety Factor =
1.5 ft (0.5 m)
(Factors in D-Ring Slide and Harness Stretch.)
Example:
Assuming a 6 ft (1.8 m) tall user with a
typical 6 ft (1.8 m) lanyard with 6 ft (1.8 m) Free Fall,
Fall Clearance calculation would be as follows:
RD = LL + DD + HH + C
RD = 6 ft + 4 ft + 6 ft + 1.5 ft = 17.5 ft
RD = 1.8 m + 1.2 m + 1.8 m + 0.5 m = 5.3 m
RD
LL
DD
HH
C
Figure 5 - Swing Falls
2.4 SWING
FALLS:
Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall
occurs. The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury or death. Minimize swing
falls by working as close to the anchorage point as possible. Do not permit a swing fall if injury could occur.
Swing falls will signi
fi
cantly increase the clearance required when a self-retracting lifeline or other variable
length connecting subsystem is used.
2.5 EXTENDED
SUSPENSION:
A full body harness is not intended for use in extended suspension applications.
If the user is going to be suspended for an extended length of time it is recommended that some form of
seat support be used. DBI-SALA recommends a seat board, suspension work seat, seat sling, or a boatswain
chair. Contact Capital Safety for more information on these items.
2.6 ENVIRONMENTAL
HAZARDS:
Use of this equipment in areas with environmental hazards may require
additional precautions to prevent injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include,
but are not limited to: heat, chemicals, corrosive environments, high voltage power lines, gases, moving
machinery and sharp edges.
2.7 COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS:
Unless otherwise noted, DBI-SALA equipment is designed for use with
DBI-SALA approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non approved
components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect safety and reliability of the
complete system.
2.8 COMPATIBILITY OF CONNECTORS:
Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting
elements when they have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not
cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open regardless of how they become oriented. Connectors
(hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22 kN). Connectors
must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components. Do not use equipment that is not
compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage (see Figure 6). Connectors must
be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by ANSI
Z359.1 and OSHA.
