- Fall Arrest. In a work site, it is a requirement safety lanyard to have a fall arrest system especially if there is an existing risk for a worker who might fall while working in an elevated position. It is stated as a rule in general that should the worker need to work at a height equivalent to six feet or higher, it warrants the use of a fall arrest system. The working height can be easily determined by measuring the distance from where the working surface is to the next surface level below. The fall arrest system will only be used in case of an accident or fall. It is recommended that the product to be used should only be a full body harness that has a safety lanyard capable of absorbing shock or with retractable lifeline. The force generated by the fall will be distributed by the full body harness throughout the body and the safety lanyard which has the capability to absorb shock will be helpful in decreasing the total forces generated by the fall arrest.
- Positioning. To ensure the worker’s safety, this system will hold him in place but his hands will be able to move and work around. Every time the worker needs to lean back, the system is automatically activated by the action. However helpful, the personal positioning system is not meant to be used as an alternative for fall arrest system.
- Suspension. This type of equipment is more commonly used in painting industries and by window washers because it has the ability to lower the worker and provide support while keeping the hands free to work properly. Since it is not meant to be used as a free fall system alternative, there should be a backup fall arrest system in place together with the suspension.
- Retrieval. If your company is trying to set up a proper fall management program then the retrieval stage is another important category. It should be decided what to do once a fall happens and preplanning is very important.
- Under the Class 1 category are body belts which could be either single or double D-ring. The body belts are intended to restrain the worker while working in a risky height or position and it lessens any possibility of falling down. If the work area poses a threat of falling then body belts should not be used because it is only meant for positioning.
- Under the Class 2 category are the chest harnesses and may only be used in a working area where the fall hazards are very minimal or there is no possibility of falling vertically. It can also be used for retrieval such as a worker inside a bin or tank.
- Under the Class 3 category are the full body harnesses which are designed for free falls with severe risks.
- Under the Class 4 category are the suspension belts that work on its own by suspending a person.