Fall Protection Triggers
OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet in construction (4 feet in general industry). Fall protection methods: guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). At LEO, fall protection is required at ALL elevations above 4 feet. When in doubt — tie off.
Harness Inspection & Donning
Inspect your harness before EVERY use: check webbing for cuts, burns, and abrasion; check hardware for deformation and corrosion; check stitching; verify labels are readable. Don correctly: legs snug but not restrictive, chest strap at mid-sternum, D-ring between shoulder blades. Have a coworker verify fit.
Fall Arrest Systems
A PFAS has three components: anchorage point (rated min. 5,000 lbs), connecting device (lanyard or SRL), and full-body harness. Use a self-retracting lanyard (SRL) whenever possible — less free fall distance. Always calculate clearance distance. After any fall, retire the entire system — it cannot be reused.
Ladder Safety
Inspect ladders before each use. Extension ladders: 4:1 pitch (1 foot out for every 4 feet up), extend 3 feet above landing, secure top and bottom. Step ladders: only use on stable ground, never stand on top step. Carry tools in a bucket or belt — both hands on ladder. Never overreach.
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