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Types of Fall Protection Systems and Associated Equipment

Construction workers and other employees whose work entails climbing on elevated surfaces are at risk of severe injuries and even fatal outcomes. To prevent such scenarios, OSHA recommends employing particular gear and protection systems. 

Numerous industries use fall protection systems, including the aeronautical industry, the construction industry, wind energy, the oil and gas industry, and others. Continue reading to learn more about the types of fall protection systems. In addition, we’ll suggest where to find reliable fall protection rigging equipment and more.

Why Are Fall Protection Systems Important?

OSHA recommends strict guidelines and preventive measures to be in effect for workers who are at risk of suffering injuries in the workplace. To that extent, there are four main categories of fall protection systems:

Suspension

The suspension equipment systems are designed to allow a hands-free environment for the worker by lowering and supporting them. Painters and window washers use this particular system, and it’s almost always paired with the fall arrest system.  

Positioning

This protection system enables the worker to use both hands while sitting in a harness. Workers who use ladders often employ this protection system.

Fall Arrest

A fall arrest system should be in place whenever a worker is at risk of falling. Typical fall arrest gear includes a body harness, an anchor point, and a connector (a lifeline that self-retracts or a lanyard).

Retrieval/Rescue Plan

This is a type of protection system that targets post-fall circumstances. The rescue plan should be employed if a worker has fallen off an elevated workplace. OSHA doesn’t specify the exact course of action for retrieval but enforces an outline of a retrieval plan.

Types of Fall Protection Systems

Types of Fall Protection Systems

The fall protection system categories we discussed above stretch further down into different fall protection systems.

Roof Fall Protection

Rooftop fall protection solutions include the use of guardrails, walkway systems, rigid rail systems, anchor systems, and more. 

The OSHA imposes specific regulations for implementing guardrails whenever a worker is at high risk of falling while performing work. Guardrails are immobile fall protection systems used in industrial and construction settings.

Cable lifelines allow workers to secure themselves to a fixed post in the case of a fall hazard. Cable lifelines are suitable for overhead or foot-level use. 

Ladder Fall Protection

Ladder fall protection secures a worker’s D-ring harness with a shuttle. The shuttle serves the purpose of a mobile anchor, adding extra security to the harness. 

A ladder safety gate is part of the ladder fall protection system that acts as a barrier to immobile ladders and access points.

Anchor points are always installed on roofs, doors, and windows to connect to lifelines, lanyards, and other tie-offs to minimize the risk of falling.  

Scaffolding Protection

Scaffold fall protection systems include full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards essential for highly elevated working surfaces.

Southeast Rigging: Your Rigging Expert for All Types of Fall Protection Systems and More!

If you are in the construction business, you won’t find a better deal for fall protection equipment than with us at Southeast Rigging!  We also provide training for fall protection inspections at competitive prices.

Whether you need to secure your workers from fall hazards or need top-shelf rigging gear — we are it!
Get in touch with us today — we’d love to help you find the best quality-made gear for your business!

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