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Writer's pictureKiera Peterson

Everything You Need To Know About Fall Resistant Systems

A fall resistant system is a vital component that must be installed for workers who might lose his/her balance at a height (roof, scaffolds, ladders and other such elevations). When the system is at place then you can control and even reduce the potential risk of injury. Here, it must be noted that it's not only for the construction workers who face the risk of falling, but window washers, fire fighters, painters and any such professional who have to work at a height need well-equipped fall resistant systems.

What is Fall Resistant System?Fall resistant is a type of fall protection system (FPA) meant to prevent workers from moving towards the extreme edge of a structure or building. Apart from this, the FPA comprises of three more types and these are:

  1. Guardrail System: Just as the name suggests, this system contains railings which are installed at the extreme edge of roof or construction site or any such areas that should be secured to prevent falling. The fall resistant systems are used in areas that can't be secured by guardrail system.

  2. Fall Arrest System: This is a form of body harness that stops the worker from falling, and ensures that they do not hit the surface. As a company, you need to protect your workers with proper safety measurements. If you do not maintain the safety guidelines then you will be penalized by the government. So you must install or provide proper fall arrest system to your workers. 

  3. Safety Net System: A net system either reduces the velocity while falling and it prevents injury. These devices are usually positioned across construction of the under construction industrial areas. Apart from that, you must install such safety nets in your residential areas too because these nets will protect your neighbours from harmful building materials.

Know The Importance of Fall Resistant Systems

To prevent a fall, the workers should understand the detailed set-up of fall resistant systems and safe use of the equipments. This means, proper training is a must for hazard recognition along with proper use of the fall protection systems, ladders and scaffolds with optimal safety. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandate every employer to:

  1. Provide a suitable working condition to workers and employers must provide all fall protection systems to their employees.

  2. Keep the floors of the work areas clean, and you must leave enough space for your workers to work with comfort.

  3. Select and offer the much-needed protective equipment without any additional cost to the worker

  4. Train the workers about different hazards in the workplace and how to tackle them effectively.

From this it can be noted that fall resistant systems do have a major role to play when it comes to workplace safety. After installing the fall resistant systems, they should be inspected according to the manufacturer's requirements. These equipments must be inspected at least once before use, and you must conduct safety inspection in your construction sites to keep your company safe from any legal issue.

When Should Fall Resistant Systems Be Used

  1. An experienced professional must assess the potential risks involved in any task so to identify, control and eliminate the hazard.

  2. Employers should make sure that the workers are 100% trained on how to use the various elements of protection system

  3. Document your efforts for fall protection and design training sessions on how employees can keep themselves alert to the workplace dangers. 

The fall resistant systems are meant for arrest, as it provides restricted free-fall at a certain distance such as vehicles, building with low height, machinery or racking, where resistant system turns out to be the best option.

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