FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about permanent fall protection, PPE, legislation per country and general fall protection questions.

GENERAL FALL PROTECTION

This depends on the situation. Many fall protection solutions are available for all sorts of situation. Always ask a fall protection expert to check the situation and advise which fall protection system works best.

XSPlatforms has experts all over the world, so if you need advice on fall protection, contact us.

To use lifeline systems or single anchor points and corresponding PPE, fall protection training is mandatory in most countries.

First, always make sure you have a rescue plan in place in case a fall occurs. When somebody’s fall is stopped by the system, make sure it is checked by a competent person and repaired where needed. Only after certificating the fall protection system again, it can be used.

We advise to have your fall protection systems checked regularly to warrant the safety of the system. In many countries, systems need to be certified every year.

XSPlatforms’ fall protection experts are trained and certified to do regular checks and certify fall protection systems. Contact us if you want more information about service and maintenance.

A roof access policy helps creating a safe working environment for those who work at height. It is a policy that reminds workers of what measures have to be taken to prevent accidents and work safely.

For more information about a roof access policy and to download a roof access policy checklist, check out this article.

Even though boom lift baskets have guardrails OSHA still requires the use of a harness and a short lanyard when working from a boom supported aerial lift (1926.453(b)(2)(v)). The reason a short lanyard is required is because the basket of a boom lift may bounce, swing or tilt due to movement, and as a result a worker can be launched out of the basket. This is why a short lanyard will function as a fall restraint system. ANSI A92.5 also states that personal fall protection equipment is required to safely work from a boom supported elevating aerial platform.

OSHA classifies scissor lifts under the requirements for scaffolding, not under the category aerial lifts. Scissor lifts are not specified in the sub-paragraph 1926.451(g)(1)(vii). This means that all employees must be protected by use of PPE or guardrail systems. In scissor lifts equipped with guardrails, between 39 inches and 45 inches high measured from the working platform to the top rail, no additional fall arrest system is required.

OSHA 1926.502(d) demands that employers provide prompt rescue of a fallen employee, or that employees are given the means to rescue themselves. A first step to providing timely rescue is setting up a rescue plan. After someone is rescued from suspension make sure the fall protection system and all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) involved in the fall is checked by a competent person. Only after re-certification of the system are you allowed to use the fall protection system again.

All XSPlatforms products are approved by SATRA Technology Centre LTD. (United Kingdom) according to European Standards. Our products are designed to meet OSHA and ANSI standards.

Rail systems

PERMANENT FALL PROTECTION

Permanent fall protection is permanently fixed to the structure and ready to be used. It is installed when regular access is required. Temporary fall protection are systems that have to be deployed or installed when work at height must be performed. After use, the equipment is removed.

The main difference is that a fall arrest system is designed to stop a fall and a fall restraint system prevents a person from getting in a dangerous situation. For both systems, specific PPE is required.

Read this blog article for more information about fall arrest and fall restraint.

Almost all roofs can be equipped with a fall protection system. In case of horizontal lifelines, we offer special baseplates that can even be mounted on standing seem roofs.

When no guardrail system is installed alongside the ledge, it’s recommended to use a wall- or ceiling mounted lifeline system. The exact configuration of the system depends on the situation and the demands.

Only when it is equipped with a special RAP-globe. Any other configuration of the anchor point is not suitable for rope access.

First, define whether a roof is a low-sloped or steep roof. The required safety measures for a low-sloped roof are the same as for a flat roof. For a steep roof, different safety measures are required.

Always consult the applicable safety standards to define whether a roof is qualified a low-sloped or steep. For more information about fall protection on a sloped roof, read our blog.

Yes, we have created 3D objects of our fall protection range to be incorporated in the 3D model of a building. The models are built with AutoDesk Revit and can be downloaded here.

FALL PROTECTION PPE

It depends on the type of fall protection system that is used. In case of the use of anchor points or a lifeline system, a safety harness, lanyard and connectors have to be used. What type of equipment is also determined by the configuration of the system: is it a fall arrest or fall restraint system? For both systems, other PPE is required.

First, it is required that PPE is checked for damages before each use. Also, annual checks and re-certification are mandatory. To maintain fall protection PPE, make sure to clean and dry it before storing in a cool, dry place.

Not before the PPE has been checked and re-certified by a competent person. Always make sure to report when PPE has been subject to a fall and don’t use it before it has been released for use.

Various type of lanyards exist and each lanyard has its own purpose. For fall arrest systems, a 2 meter (6 ft.) lanyard is generally used. In case of a fall restraint system, longer lanyards in combination with a rope grab are used.

Also, forked lanyards exist. These can be used for assembling scaffolds or in combination with two automatic fall arrest devices. Forked lanyards are always tied off to an anchor point and provide ultimate safety, even when the user needs to switch between anchor points.

A safety harness needs to be replaced when it has been subject to a fall. Also, when the harness is damaged in any way, it needs to be checked by a competent person to determine whether it is safe to use.

Read our blog about when to replace a safety harness for more information.

Various connector are available for different purposes. Karabiners are the most used connectors. They come in several variants: with a double-lock mechanism or triple-lock mechanism. Also, you can choose for aluminum or steel.

Also, scaffold hooks are regularly used for connection to fall protection systems or structural parts.

Click here for an overview of all available XSPlatforms connectors.

Specialized PPE is needed to perform rope access work. First, the system need to be suitable for rope access work. A RAP-globe must be present or a rail system must be used for rope access.

As it comes to PPE, a harness with a special rope access D-ring is needed. Also, kernmantle rope, rope clamps, ascender and descender handles have to be used. Check out our rope access PPE assortment here.

Temporary anchorage is available when no permanent system is available in the form of slings, jamb anchors or wedge anchors. What type of anchorage to use, depends on the situation.

Yes, special evacuation and rescue PPE is available. XSPlatforms offers various equipment that is suitable for rescue purposes (from confined spaces). Check out the assortment here.

It is obligated to follow training for the use of certain fall protection systems and corresponding PPE. XSPlatforms is able to provide training for the use of fall protection. Contact us for more information and the possibilities in your region.

LEGISLATION

In most countries, fall protection is obligated when work is performed at a certain height. For example, in the USA, fall protection is mandatory when work is performed at 6 feet (1,8 meter) or higher above the surface below.

Always check the local standards and legislation in your region to determine whether fall protection is required.

This depends on the local safety regulations, but in most cases the building owner, facility manager and the employer have a certain degree of responsibility.

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