I hear you’re the fall protection expert who’s in the know. Here’s my question for you:
Can I install the anchor points over my roof shingles?

Sincerely,
Ted

This is a common question I get asked all the time and here’s  the answer in a nutshell:

You must secure the anchor directly to the surface of what it is approved for.

Now here’s the reason why:  It all goes back to when manufacturers test the anchors. Manufacturers do their pull out tests on what they approve it for. For example, if they approve their anchor for 3/4″ plywood. What they’re going to do is attach the anchor directly to the Plywood and do the testing and see if it holds up. (I am just simplifying what actually goes on) They approve it.  So now, if you take and put a shingle in between the anchor and the plywood you are changing the parameters and creating a totally different test because the shingle creates a gap that can change the results. Therefore it is not approved to do this in the field.

Why don’t they test it with shingles and see if it holds up? Great questions – it’s because there are so many different roofing materials out there that would make it near impossible to test for everyone. And there is a huge liability by allowing the workers to install these in the field this way – too many different variables means too many risks in these situations.

Technorati Tags: anchor points, fall protection, fall safety advice

This question is often asked. I’ve seen harness that needed to be disposed after one year and others that are in great condition after a decade. Here’s what you need to know:

Most fall protection companies use the ANSI standard and the five year life as a guideline. This is only a guideline. You must inspect your harness and follow the maintenance guidelines that go with the harness. Do you see damage? Has it been left out in the elements? Has it been exposed to chemicals or intense heat? How it’s taken care of may shorten it’s life. Good care and maintenance may extend it (store at room temperature away from chemicals, moisture, and ultra-violet light). Your harness and lanyards should have instructions for their use, inspection and cleaning. Check it out.

Fall protection companies require that, “all fall protection products to be visually inspected prior to use and regularly inspected by a ‘Competent Person’, such as defined by OSHA or CSA.”

Technorati Tags: fall harness, fall protection question

In a nutshell, that is where your body best takes the load in a free fall without doing internal damage. Many people do not understand that just because a harness has d-rings on the side you can never be solely attached to those -they are used for positioning. If you did take a fall while just being connected to one of those rings, it could potentially snap your back. Ouch.

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For instance. If you are a painter, you generally only paint with one arm so you do not need Fall Protection. If you do siding. There are times when you need both hand to perform your work. That means that you have to attach an overhead anchor, use a shock pack lanyard, and a harness.

A lot of people have the concern that they are only 4′ up on a ladder and if they are using a 6 foot lanyard. If they fall they will hit the ground anyways. In these instances you will need to use a retractable. They lock up in less than 18 inches. That should stop you before your feet hit the ground.

Also. Always remember the 4:1 ladder rule. For every 4 feet of ladder you are using. The base of the ladder has to be a foot away from the foundation.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, harnesses, ladder safety, retractables