Using Fall Arrest Systems in Roofing

1. When there is a possibility of an employee falling from an elevated surface six-feet or higher, a fall arrest system can stop you while falling and a rescue plan must be in place.

2. Falls can cause broken bones, head injuries, internal damage, and death. Every day, a construction worker is killed by a fall.

3. All employees that are required to wear a fall arrest system must be trained prior to working at heights.

4. Components of a fall arrest system include an anchor, body harness, and a connection. The anchor point is the point of attachment for the connection between the lanyard and body harness.

5. Anchor points must have the proper strength and should be evaluated by a qualified person.

6. A fall arrest system must be inspected before each use and on a routine basis.

7. Look for worn, damaged, or defective components and replace any defective equipment.

8. During an inspection, look for damage such as cuts, alterations, contact with corrosives or fire, distorted or stretched hooks, and loose or damaged mountings.

9. Identifying tags should be present and legible, with the safe working limit (SWL) present.

10. All parts of a system must function correctly. For example, a hook latch should spring correctly.

11. When was the last time you did a visual inspection of your fall arrest system?

Additional Comments