Fall Protection Devices

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Fall protection devices include personal and industrial safety mechanisms, such as rails, harnesses, helmets, rigging and rope. These devices are designed to prevent on-site accidents as well as to reduce the risk of injury if an accident does occur. A wide range of facilities utilize these devices, including construction sites, warehouses, sound stages, and power plants, and numerous operational requirements necessitate the use of personal safety equipment in a multitude of industries.

For roof-edge and catwalk safety, rails and guarding systems are among the most frequently used types of fall protection equipment. In cases where appearance is important, collapsible rails provide a non-invasive safety solution that can be used whenever necessary. Simple safety precautions may consist of a basic line warning system, which incorporates a series of stands and caution-flagged line, although these devices offer minimal physical protection. Both stairway and ladder access may also require hand- or guard-railing systems, or may be part of the existing safety design. A variety of plastics, metals and metal alloys are used in the manufacture of hand and guard rail equipment.

Personal fall protection devices include rope and harness assemblies, safety hooks, lanyards, belts, nets and helmets. These items are typically designed to be worn by workers in situations involving extreme or potentially dangerous heights, hazardous facility conditions, or problematic weather conditions. They typically provide additional safety precautions in conjunction with those already in place (i.e., guardrails and rigging). The use of personal fall protection equipment requires proper placement and arrangement of all components, as well as effective safety checks of harness, anchor and connection devices. Ropes, belts, harnesses and cables should be regularly checked for any fraying or tears, and should be discarded as necessary. Nylon and other regularly used materials may also be affected by facility or environmental conditions; it is prudent to consult your manufacturer or supplier for assistance during the selection of safety equipment.