There are 5 steps to creating a successful fall protection program. Each year 300,00 disabling injuries are attributed to work-related falls. A proerly maintained fall protection program and employee education can drastically reduce this number of injuries.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION – Heights greater than 10 feets create a fall hazard. Hazards should first try yo eleiminated, otherwise personal fall protection gear should be used.
WRITTEN FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM – Written for each specific potential hazard identify. A Program should included which type and products specification to be used and when, how, who should be used.
PRODUCT SELECTION & SPECIFICATION – Determine these products very carefully that provide a maximum benefits for each & every tasks that to be carried out.
OSHA & ANSI REGULATIONS – Know which regulations cover your tasks and comply with them at all times.
TRAINING – All employees should be trained in the correct method & proper use of all personal protective equipment, how to identify a potential hazard, step to be taken and maintenance procedure

The Components
There are 3 components that make up a proper fall protection system;
a) BODY WEAR – Personal protective gear worn by the employees while performing a task.
b) CONNECTING DEVICE – Device that attached to the employee’s protective gear, to the tie-off point.
c) ANCHORING DEVICES – An area that supports the entire weight of the system. MUST be capable of supporting 5400 pounds per attached employee.

The Safety Equipment

FULL BODY HARNESS – made to wrap around the waist, shoulders and legs and have sliding dee ring located in the centre back. It will distribute the force of the impact throughout the body and reduce the impact in the event of a fall. Maximum force arrest is 8000 pounds.
SHOCK-ABSORBING LANYARDS – provides the ideals protection factor if a fall were to occur. It dissipates anywhere between 65% to 80% of the fall arresting force. When a force of 600 pounds or more is exerted, the shock-absorbing pack will engage and has the ability to elongate another 3.5 feet.
CROSS-ARM STRAPS – are the most commonly used devices for anchoring to a tie-off point. They are made from a 2 inch nylon webbing and are strandardly in 6’ length. Provided with 2 dee rings, tie-off connection is a quick process. Made sure you tie-off point that can withstand a 5400 pound capacity for each employee.

GENERAL FALL PROTECTION INFORMATION
· All lanyards must contain locking snaps, therefore preventing roll-out
· Fall distance must be kept to 6 feet or less
· Consider the length of lanyard + 3.5’ elongation + the height of the employee when determione the fall distance to a lower platform
· Lanyard or locking snap cannot be tied into another
· Maximum work load of a full body harness is standardly 310 pounds