Portwest Construction Magazine

ABC’s of Selecting Height Safety Anchorage:

Anchorage serves as the pivotal point that supports weight during a fall. It can be permanent or temporary based on situational needs but must withstand a load of at least 10 kN. Fall arrest systems adhere to the EN 795:2012 standard. Body Harness: A body harness is critical for securely holding the entire body in case of a fall, forming an integral part of a fall arrest system. Compliance with European standard EN 361:2002 ensures that body harnesses meet stringent safety requirements and performance standards for fall protection EN364:1993. Connection: Connecting devices such as lanyards and arrest blocks bridge the full body harness to its anchorage point, ensuring effective connection. Fall clearance is calculating the free fall distance with the deployed lanyard length, user height, fall factor and 1m safety zone. Safety Spotlight “Falls from heights stand as a leading cause of workplace fatalities and serious injuries. We firmly believe that ensuring a safe working environment is not only a requirement but a fundamental condition of employment. Our dedication lies in providing and maintaining such an environment. While compliance with laws and regulations serves as the baseline standard, we aspire to exceed it and continually raise the bar for safety. Detailed, documented inspections, conducted by trained and competent personnel, are essential to ensuring the safety and integrity of equipment. These inspections should occur regularly, determined through thorough risk assessments that consider factors such as legislation, equipment type, frequency of use, and environmental conditions, which may accelerate wear and tear or cause physical damage.”

Common Scenarios

· Working on scaffolding during building construction. · Installing or repairing roofing materials. · Erecting or dismantling tower cranes. · Installing or inspecting windows on high-rise buildings. · Performing tasks on elevated platforms or mezzanines. · Installing or repairing electrical systems on utility poles. · Conducting exterior painting or maintenance on tall structures. · Assembling or disassembling structural steel components. · Installing or maintaining signage on tall structures. · Performing tasks on aerial lifts or cherry pickers.

Paul Farrell, Height Safety Expert - Portwest

15