Personal Fall Arrest System Inspection Requirements

A double lanyard system that consists of a body harness lanyards and an anchorage meets the definition of personal fall arrest system in the final rule provided those components meet all of the applicable requirements in 1910 140 c and d.

Personal fall arrest system inspection requirements.

If the personal fall arrest system meets the criteria and protocols in appendix d of this subpart and is being used by an employee having a combined body and tool weight of less than 310 pounds 140 kg the system is considered to be in compliance with the provisions of paragraphs d 1 i through iii of this section. Even a few additional feet of free fall can significantly increase the arresting force on the employee possibly to the point of causing injury and possibly exceeding the strength of the system. Osha requires that personal fall arrest systems be rigged so an employee cannot free fall in excess of 6 feet 1 8 m. As stated in the standard section i paragraph f personal fall arrest systems must be regularly inspected for the following.

Osha also notes that this provision is consistent with the inspection requirements for personal fall arrest systems in the powered platforms standard 1910 66. Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for mildew wear damage and other deterioration and defective components shall be removed from service if their strength or function may be adversely affected. Any significant defect tears cuts abrasions mold undue stretching alterations or additions which might affect its efficiency damage due to deterioration. Further information on inspection criteria has been provided in paragraph g inspection considerations in part ii of appendix c relating to 1926 502 d personal fall arrest systems.