Fall Protection

Fall Protection and Fall Arrest Systems

Anchortex Corporation is a distributor of fall arrest systems, lifelines, harnesses, positioning systems, suspension systems, and retrieval systems as part of a comprehensive fall protection plan under OSHA standards.

Fall Arrest Systems are designed to halt a fall and distribute the fall-arresting forces over a large portion of the body, in order to reduce the chances of injury. This involves a full body harness and a shock absorbing lanyard, lifeline, or other means of securing the personal protection equipment to the anchorage point or attachment point, and requires an I-Beam, tie off strap, or other attachment area that will support a minimum of 5000 lbs. or more in order to meet safety requirements.

Work Positioning Systems are designed to hold workers in place while giving hands-free access to the work area. Work positioning systems must include a secondary system for fall arrest in the event that the work positioning system fails. This generally involves a re-bar assembly or other connecting device for work positioning, and a full body assembly and shock absorbing lanyard connected to a proper attachment point for fall arrest should the work positioning system fail or when changing from one work position to another.

Suspension Systems are designed to lower or raise a worker and support them while in this position, such as suspended scaffolds supporting workers on a building facade. Workers must be protected against falling should the work platform fail for any reason; if this is not built into the suspension device, it must be incorporated into the system as a separate item. The anchor points for the suspension system and fall arrest system must be separate so that one failure will not lead to a catastrophic outcome.

Retrieval Systems are designed to raise and lower workers into and out of confined spaces. Workers should be attached to a retrieval system prior to entering a confined space. If an accident occurs, the worker may then be pulled to safety by his retrieval system. Retrieval systems are often used in rescues, with consideration given for the time required to perform the rescue. Individual requirements may vary based on the needs of employees, but most systems use a tripod or similar system that can anchor 5000 lbs or more as an attachment point; a ladder, personnel winch, or work line enabling the worker to enter or exit the confined space; a suspension device for lifting or lowering a worker; and a full body harness connected to a lifeline or recovery winch, separate from the raising and lowering device, to serve as a rescue device in the event that it becomes necessary.