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OCCUPATIONAL
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT |
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| OPE
Systems and the A-B-C Rule
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OPE
Systems and the A-B-C Rule |
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An OPE system is more than just
a combination of equipment. In
order to function properly,
the system must be custom-designed for the specific application,
environment, and work-site requirements. A simple rule to follow
when assembling an OPE system is the A-B-C Rule.
The system must contain all of the following components: (A)
anchorage, (B) body wear, and (C)
connecting device.
(A) Anchorage. OSHA defines anchorage as “a secure
point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices.”
A proper choice of anchorage is determined by the type of fall protection
needed (i.e., fall-arrest, or fall-arrest combined with positioning,
-suspension, retrieval, and/or ladder-climbing functions). The anchorage
must be identified and evaluated by a competent -person, as defined
by OSHA, at the job-site before the appropriate OPE equipment can
be selected. Typical anchorages could be an I-beam or other -structural
members.
(B) Body Wear. OPE harnesses and belts are the
-second component of an OPE system. In order to select the right
harness for the job-site requirements, a competent person, as defined
by OSHA, must determine the type of fall protection needed, i.e.,
fall-arrest, or fall-arrest combined with positioning, suspension,
retrieval, and/or ladder-climbing capabilities. Whenever there is
a risk of a fall, fall-arrest protection must be used. The use of
a body belt for fall-arrest was strictly prohibited by OSHA.
(C) Connecting Device. The third component of an
OPE system is the connecting device. Examples include lanyards,
rope grabs, and deceleration devices. As with anchorages and body
wear, the choice of a proper connecting device is dictated by other
system components and job-site requirements. Only use -connecting
devices equipped with locking snap-hooks. After December 31, 1997,
the use of connecting devices without locking snap-hooks for use
in any fall-arrest system is strictly prohibited by OSHA.
Remember
the A-B-C Rule:
To be complete, an OPE system must include all the components of
the A-B-C Rule (anchorage, body wear and connecting device). Some
systems may include multiple pieces of OPE equipment for a component.
The proper choice of equipment depends on specific job-site facts
and application limitations. A competent person, as defined by OSHA,
must make these equipment decisions.
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How
OPE Systems Are Used
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Klein produces personal fall-protection
equipment in five OPE system categories. Each type of system and
its associated equipment is designed to help protect against different
kinds of risks. The risks which require the use of OPE systems and
the proper use of OPE equipment must be fully understood. OPE equipment
and systems must be used only for the specific -purpose for which
they are designed and intended. The following information introduces
the basic kinds of OPE systems: fall-arrest and fall-arrest combined
with positioning, suspension, retrieval, and/or ladder-climbing
functions.
Personal
Fall-Arrest System
A personal fall-arrest system is required if there
is any risk of a worker falling from an elevated position (generally,
six feet or more). NOTE: Know the specific OSHA regulations
which pertain to your industry. OSHA defines a personal
fall-arrest system as “a -system used to arrest an employee
in a fall from a working level.” It consists of (A)
a fall-arrest anchorage capable of supporting a minimum of 5,000
lbs. (22.2 kN) per attached worker and independent of the worker’s
support; (B) a full-body harness designed to distribute the fall-arrest
forces over thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders and equipped
with a circle D-ring at the back for attaching a fall-arrest connecting
device; and (C) a fall-arrest connecting device,
such as a -lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a combination
of these devices equipped with locking snap-hooks. A personal fall-arrest
system is a passive protection system which only comes into service
when a fall occurs, similar to a seat belt in a car which restrains
the wearer only upon impact. For example, in Figure 4, a fall-arrest
system would be used by an ironworker bolting steel beams together
for a skyscraper. Following the A-B-C RULE, the
OPE system includes: (A) beam, (B)
full-body harness, and (C) choker anchorage connector
and lanyard with a deceleration unit.The outlined area in Figure
5 shows the impact-force distribution for a typical full-body, fall-arrest
-harness. OSHA requires that impact force in a fall NOT exceed an
1,800 lb. (8 kN) limit with a harness. At a given weight, the longer
the free fall, the greater the resulting impact force. To stay under
the 1,800 lb. (8 kN) limit, minimize slack in the fall-arrest connecting
device. The use of a deceleration unit will also reduce impact forces.
Remember, a personal fall-arrest system only becomes active in a
fall. If equipment is required to help hold or place a worker in
position, a separate positioning or suspension system must be used
in addition to the fall-arrest system. A personal fall-arrest system
is designed only to aid a worker once a fall occurs, and must be
used whenever there is danger of falling.
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Personal
Positioning System
A personal positioning system is required
if a worker must be held in place while his hands are free to work.
OSHA defines a positioning device system as “. . . a body belt
or harness system rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an
elevated vertical -surface, such as a wall, and work with both hands
free while leaning.” If there is risk of a worker falling from
an elevated position, (generally, six feet or more), personal fall-arrest
protection must also be used.
The worker depicted in Figure 6 is utilizing both a -personal positioning
system and a personal fall-arrest system. Each system has its own
A-B-C components.
Since the worker’s job requires that both hands be free, he
is using a personal positioning system. The (A) component
of the personal positioning system is the vertical support that serves
as a positioning anchorage. Positioning anchorages must be capable
of -supporting at least twice the potential impact load of a worker’s
fall or 3,000 lbs. (13.3 kN), whichever is greater. The (B)
component of the personal positioning system is the worker’s
full-body harness which is equipped with a D-ring at each side for
attaching a positioning connecting device. The (C)
component of the personal positioning system is the positioning -lanyard
which is equipped with a locking snap-hook at each end. Positioning
connecting devices must be rigged so that a worker cannot free fall
more than 2 feet.
Also, since the worker is at risk of falling, he is also using a personal
fall-arrest system as described earlier in this section. For the fall-arrest
system, the (A) component is the pole structure,
the (B) component is the full-body harness with rear
D-ring, and the (C) component is the rope lanyard
with attached deceleration unit.
In some cases, fall-arrest protection is not possible when using a
personal positioning system. For example, a worker building highway
pillars or similar structures may have no overhead anchorages available.
In these situations, alternative fall-arrest protection devices, such
as safety nets, must be used.
A positioning system is an active system and is in use whenever the
worker leans back. The positioning body wear provides solid midriff
support, leaving the worker’s hands free to get the job done.
Remember, a positioning system is only designed to help hold a worker
in place while leaving his hands free to work. When used in conjunction
with a fixed anchorage, the positioning system can help prevent a
fall. However, positioning equipment is NEVER a replacement for fall-arrest
protection. A positioning -system must be used only for the positioning
assistance for which it was designed. It must not be relied upon to
provide fall-arrest or any other kind of protection. Always use the
independent fall-arrest features of a positioning harness. NOTE:
Klein positioning -harnesses provide a rear D-ring which must be used
for fall-arrest protection.
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| Personal
Suspension System |
A personal suspension system
is required when it is necessary to suspend and hold a worker from
above. A typical system involves the use of a winch, cable, and either
a bosun’s chair or a specially designed -suspension harness.
A suspension system is an active system (used constantly). Fall-arrest
protection must always be used with a suspension system.
For example, the painter depicted in Figure 7 is utilizing both a
personal suspension system and a personal fall-arrest system. Each
system has its own A-B-C components. Since the worker
must be suspended from above in order to get to his work area, he
is using a personal suspension system.
The (A) component is the winch that serves as a suspension
anchorage. Suspension anchorages must be capable of supporting at
least twice the potential impact load of a worker’s fall or
3,000 lbs. (13.3 kN), whichever is greater. The (B) component is the
worker’s bosun’s-chair harness with front suspension D-ring.
The (C) component is the winch cable, which is equipped with a locking
snap-hook.
Also, since the painter is at risk of falling, he is also using a
personal fall-arrest system as described earlier in this section.
For the fall-arrest system, the (A) component is
the eye-bolt attached to the structure, the (B) component
is the full-body harness with rear D-ring, and the (C)
component is the Rope Grab with vertical life line.
Remember, a suspension system is designed to lower, raise, and suspend
a worker at an elevated work station. The suspension attachment points
on the harness, such as the front D-ring or seat-strap D-rings, are
NOT designed to properly distribute the impact forces that result
in arresting a free fall. A suspension system -cannot be relied upon
to provide fall-arrest protection. Always use the independent fall-arrest
features of a suspension harness. NOTE: Klein suspension -harnesses
provide a rear D-ring which must be used for fall-arrest protection.
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Personal
Retrieval System
A personal retrieval system is required where a worker may need to
be rescued from a work location.
For example, the worker depicted in Figure 8 is using both a personal
retrieval system and a personal fall-arrest system. Each system has
its own A-B-C components.
Since the worker is in an area that may contain potentially -hazardous
conditions, he is using a personal retrieval system. The (A)
component (which is not shown) is the personnel retrieval winch that
serves as part of a retrieval anchorage. Retrieval anchorages must
be capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load
of a worker’s fall or 3,000 lbs. (13.3 kN), whichever is greater.
The (B) component is the worker’s retrieval
harness with shoulder D-rings. The (C) component
is a V-sling which is equipped with locking snap-hooks.
Also since the worker is at risk of falling, he is also -utilizing
a personal fall-arrest system as described -earlier in this section.
For the fall-arrest system, the (A) component (which
is not shown) is a suitable structure which is independent of the
retrieval anchorage, the (B) component is the worker’s
full-body harness with rear D-ring, and the (C) component
is the rope lanyard with locking snap-hooks.
Like a fall-arrest system, a retrieval system is a -passive system
which only becomes active when the worker needs to be removed from
the work location.
Remember, a retrieval system is designed to remove a worker from a
work location. A retrieval system by itself, however, may not provide
all the fall protection a worker requires. Fall-arrest and positioning
functions may also be required. The retrieval shoulder D-rings are
NOT designed to properly distribute the impact forces that result
in arresting a free fall. A retrieval -system cannot be relied upon
to provide fall-arrest -protection. For fall-arrest protection, always
use the independent fall-arrest features of a retrieval harness. NOTE:
Klein retrieval harnesses with shoulder retrieval D-rings also provide
a rear D-ring which must be used for fall-arrest protection.
Always Use Fall Protection if There
Is a Risk of a Fall
Although OSHA regulations generally require workers to utilize fall
protection when exposed to a fall of six feet or more, Klein strongly
recommends using fall-arrest protection when working at any elevated
position. In addition, OSHA regulations prohibited body belts from
being used as part of a fall-arrest system.
Know the appropriate regulations. Learn about the types of
protective equipment and systems which must be used on the job. OSHA
requires employers to know and follow the OSHA regulations pertaining
to their industry, to provide a workplace free from hazards that might
cause injuries, and to provide training in rescue procedures. OSHA
provides consultation assistance, at no charge, to employers who need
assistance in training and implementation. If you have any questions
or any doubt as to what regulations apply to you or what safety equipment
is required, contact your regional OSHA office.
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Ladder-Climbing
System
A ladder-climbing system is used in order to keep a worker’s
free fall to a minimum in case the worker’s hand or foot slips
off a ladder rung or foot peg while he is changing elevation to a
new work position.
The worker depicted in Figure 9 is utilizing a ladder-climbing system.
The worker also has equipment necessary for personal fall-arrest and
personal positioning protection, which he will utilize once he reaches
his work area. Each system has its own A-B-C components.
For the personal ladder-climbing system, the (A) -component
is the vertical wire attached to the ladder and tower structure that
serves as an anchorage for the cable grab device, the (B)
component is the worker’s ladder-climbing harness designed to
distribute the forces over thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and -shoulders
and equipped with a circle D-ring at the back for attaching a fall-arrest
connecting device and a frontal D-ring (not for fall-arrest) for attaching
a ladder-climbing device, and the (C) component is
the cable-grab with locking carabiner which is connected to the ladder.
The maximum length of the connection between the center line of the
anchorage cable and the frontal D-ring on the ladder-climbing harness
shall not exceed 9 inches.
When the worker reaches the work area, and before he unhooks his ladder-climbing
system, he must hook up and utilize his personal fall-arrest system.
For the fall-arrest -system, the (A) component will
be the support structure, the (B) component will
be the ladder-climbing -harness with rear D-ring, and the (C)
component will be the rope lanyard with attached deceleration unit.
Additionally, if the worker needs to work with both hands free when
he reaches his work area, he must hook up and utilize his personal
positioning system in addition to his personal fall-arrest system.
For the positioning system, the (A) component will
be the -vertical support that serves as a positioning anchorage. The
(B) component will be the ladder-climbing harness
which is equipped with a D-ring at each side for attaching a positioning
connecting device. The (C) component will be the
positioning lanyard which is equipped with a locking snap-hook at
each end.
It is important to note that a ladder-climbing system is designed
to limit a worker’s movement while climbing a ladder. The frontal
D-ring is NOT designed to properly distribute the impact forces that
result in arresting a fall from height. A ladder-climbing system cannot
be relied upon to -provide fall-arrest protection. When climbing fixed
ladders, know and follow ANSIA14.3 (Safety Requirement for Fixed Ladders).
NOTE: Klein ladder-climbing harnesses provide a rear D-ring
which must be used for fall-arrest protection and side D-rings for
positioning.
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How
to Select OPE System Components
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| When selecting OPE equipment,
employers must understand the government regulations and the purposes
for which specific items are intended. They need to know the specific
working conditions and how that equipment must be combined with
an anchorage to form a complete OPE system. In addition, the employer
must train his workers to identify, maintain, and use OPE equipment
correctly. The following instructions are intended to help explain
the equipment selection process.
1. Understand the job. Are workers going where
they will need fall protection? Will positioning equipment be needed
to get the job done? Will it be necessary for a person to be suspended
from a structure? Does the job environment require retrieval equipment?
Do you need to hold a job-site meeting prior to starting the work?
All risks that will be encountered must be taken into consideration.
Understand and be prepared to -follow rescue procedures.
2. Identify the specific job requirements. Determine
suitable anchorages. In addition to personal fall protection, does
the job require nets, hand rails, or other non-personal fall protection?
Decide whether additional anchorages will be needed and/or if any
special engineering will be required to meet safety regulations.
If an engineered system for personal fall-arrest protection is required,
it shall be designed, installed, and used pursuant to OSHA regulations
and under the supervision of a qualified person, as defined by OSHA.
3. Know the appropriate regulations. Learn about the types
of OPE equipment and systems that must be used on the job. Know
and follow state and local regulations that pertain to your industry.
OSHA requires employers to know and follow the OSHA regulations
pertaining to their industry and to provide a workplace free from
hazards that might cause injuries. OSHA -provides consultation assistance,
at no charge, to employers who need assistance in training and implementation.
If you have any questions or any doubt as to what regulations apply
to you or what safety equipment is required, contact your regional
OSHA office.
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4. Determine which OPE system(s) are needed. Based
upon job requirements and appropriate regulations, choose that fall-arrest
system or fall-arrest -system combined with positioning, suspension,
retrieval, and/or ladder-climbing systems that will satisfy the
-specific requirements. Always follow the A-B-C RULE. Each system
used must contain at least one (A) anchorage, one (B) body wear,
and one (C) connecting device.
5. Select the proper OPE equipment. The major -selection
criteria for OPE equipment will be dictated by the OPE system(s)
required. OSHA’s Final Rule of Fall Protection in the Construction
Industry requires workers to utilize fall protection when exposed
to a fall of six feet or more. The Final Rule also mandates the
use of fall-arrest harnesses and locking snap-hooks. Therefore,
fall-arrest body belts and non-locking snap-hooks cannot be used.
As described earlier, types of OPE systems offering fall protection
are as follows:
• Fall-arrest systems
• Positioning systems
• Suspension systems
• Retrieval systems
• Ladder-climbing systems
6. Use Klein’s identifying symbols. These symbols
tell at a glance the intended purpose for each piece of OPE equipment.
Symbols help assure selection of the proper equipment.
7. For technical product information, call the Klein Tools
Sales Department, toll free at 1-800-553-4676.
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Never
attempt to repair or modify any part or component of any
OPE equipment. |
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NOT
insulated. Plastic-dipped or slip-on -plastic handles
are NOT intended for protection against electrical shock. |
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NOTE: For clarity, photos
in this catalog do not show any warning tags or labels, which are
attached to each product.
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