How to ensure compliance to Residential fall protection
Manufacturers of Residential fall protection offer the complete kit that contains everything necessary to be compliant to the OSHA rules. The kit consists of a body harness, a length of rope and a rope grab and a roof anchor.
- Anchorage – or roof anchors is available in the market in different types but selection will be based on the type of work that will be performed and the type of roof structure. The most common roof anchors used by new construction or when the entire roof is being replaced are permanent roof anchors that will remain accessible for future maintenance work after the project has been completed. Temporary anchors are usually used for repairs and maintenance activities if permanent anchors have not been previously installed on the roof. Temporary anchors can be installed and removed quickly after each project and reinstalled when necessary.
- Full body harness – is a form of Residential fall protection system that is worn by the construction worker on his body. Selection of the body harness needs attention to the proper fit; it should be snug but not too tight and it can be adjusted to accommodate several layers of clothing during cold weather. There is a wide range of choice from D-ring configurations, leg strap connections and chest straps; however for residential construction, a harness with the back D-ring for attachment of the fall arrestment system will be sufficient. In many instances, the choice among the different configurations is usually based on the worker’s preferences since some prefer the hip D-rings for work positioning and travel restraint instead of the chest D-rings or the leg strap connections and chest strap options. For ease of donning, tongue buckle style leg straps or vest style harnesses are good options.
- Connecting elements – the most common connecting elements for Residential fall protection is the rope and rope grab because it provides for more freedom of movement at the workplace aside from protection against a fall. Different lengths of rope are available for purchase but the more common lengths come in 25 feet or 50 feet. There are two types of rope grab devices, the manual rope grab and the trailing rope grab. Manual rope grabs can be manually positioned by the worker while moving on the worksite while the trailing rope grabs will automatically move the rope in one direction as the worker moves. The trailing rope grabs are more convenient for a worker but it is also more expensive.
OSHA expects that more technologies will be introduced in the future that will have a significant impact on Residential fall protection compliance.