FAQ’s

No. Both OSHA regulation and ANSI standard indicate that snaphooks and carabiners shall not be connected to each other. Compatibility between the two connections may also be a concern.

Yes, if the scaffold will support the potential loads, and the scaffold manufacture approves such use, you can attach your fall protection system. Make certain your connecting hardware incorporates hooks large enough to fully close and lock when attached to the scaffolding (ex. Lanyard with rebar hook). Also make sure the connecting hardware (snap hook) is allowed to be used in this orientation.

For shock absorbing lanyards, you need to take into account the lanyard length, potential elongation, the user’s height, harness stretch, D-ring slide and a safety factor. Most, if not all manufacturers provide clearance charts with its fall protection products to determine clearance requirements and to help users select the proper product for the application.

The ANSI Fall Protection Code establishes requirements for fall arrest systems for workers ranging from 130 lbs. to 310 lbs. Equipment for workers outside of this range does not fall within the scope of the ANSI standard. OSHA standards allow for capacities to exceed 310 lbs. as long as the manufacturer ensures that their products will provide the proper protection for the weight listed.

The ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code allows for up to a 12 ft maximum free fall distance. However, the worker must weight between 130 - 310 lbs. and using a connecting device designed for that application. OSHA allows the free fall distance to exceed 6 ft as long as the arresting forces are below 1,800 lbs. for a full body harness system and as long as there is sufficient fall clearance.

Within ANSI Z359-2007, there is no specific height. ANSI only states that workers should provide a safe workplace for employees exposed to fall hazards. Within the OSHA fall protection standards, there are trigger heights for various work activities. In some cases, 4 feet is used as a common trigger height in General Industry. In the Construction industry, it is 6 feet for most activities. Keep in mind that it could depend on the state that the work in being performed in.

Go to the ASSP’s web site at www.assp.org to purchase the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code. Go to www.osha.gov to obtain a copy of the OSHA regulations.

1,000 lbs. for non-certified anchors or twice the foreseeable force for certified anchors

Safety offers a full range of fall protection and rescue training, including Competent Person training, Awareness training, Competent Person Train-the-Trainer, Equipment Inspection training, Confined Space Training, Scaffolding Training and more. Our programs range from two hours to five days and can be taken at one of our training centers, or we can come to your facility. In addition, we can customize a course for your specific facility or jobsite needs. For more information, email us at contactus@tomkatsafety.com or call us at 360-471-0615.

It really depends on the manufacturer of the equipment. Currently there is no regulation or standard requiring that fall protection equipment be taken out of service after a certain age. The ANSI Z359 standard does, however, require that fall protection equipment be inspected prior to each use by the Authorized Person and additionally by the Competent Person, other than the user, at a frequency of no more than one year. Most manufacturer’s will state that as long as it passes the Competent Person’s inspected it can stay in service.