Personal Fall Arrest System Components
60 flashcards covering Personal Fall Arrest System Components for the OSHA Fall Protection section.
Personal fall arrest systems consist of essential components like full-body harnesses, lanyards, deceleration devices, and anchorage points, designed to halt a fall and minimize injury. These elements are defined by OSHA regulations, specifically 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M for construction and 29 CFR 1910.140 for general industry, as part of the agency's fall protection standards.
On OSHA Outreach Training exams, this topic typically appears in multiple-choice or scenario-based questions that test knowledge of component selection, assembly, and proper use. Common traps include mistaking similar items, such as confusing energy absorbers with standard lanyards, or overlooking weight capacity limits in real-world applications.
Always check for damage on fall arrest gear before each use to catch issues workers often miss.
Terms (60)
- 01
What is a personal fall arrest system under OSHA regulations?
A system that includes an anchorage, connector, and body harness, used to arrest a fall from a working level, as described in fall protection standards (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what components make up a personal fall arrest system?
The system consists of an anchorage point, body support such as a full body harness, and connecting means like a lanyard or lifeline, to safely stop a fall (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 03
How must a full body harness be used in a personal fall arrest system?
It must be worn to distribute fall arrest forces properly and prevent injury, as required for fall protection (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(13)).
- 04
What is the role of an anchorage in a personal fall arrest system?
An anchorage is a secure point of attachment that can support at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached or meet equivalent criteria to handle fall forces (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)).
- 05
In a personal fall arrest system, what type of connector is typically used?
A connector such as a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a combination that links the body harness to the anchorage, ensuring safe fall arrest (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 06
Under fall protection rules, when must a personal fall arrest system be inspected?
It must be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, to ensure it functions correctly (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 07
What is required for the body belt in a personal fall arrest system?
Body belts are not recommended; instead, full body harnesses should be used to minimize injury risk during fall arrest, per fall protection guidelines (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(13)).
- 08
How often should components of a personal fall arrest system be examined for defects?
Components must be inspected before each use and after any fall, to identify any damage or wear that could affect performance (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 09
In a scenario where a worker is at risk of falling, what system should be implemented?
A personal fall arrest system should be used, including a full body harness connected to a suitable anchorage, to prevent injury from falls (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 10
What strength must an anchorage point have in a personal fall arrest system?
It must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee or equivalent, to withstand fall forces safely (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)).
For instance, when rigging on a roof, ensure the anchorage can handle this load.
- 11
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what is the purpose of a deceleration device?
A deceleration device is used to reduce the forces and distance of a fall by absorbing energy, as part of the personal fall arrest system (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(12)).
- 12
What procedure must be followed after a fall in a personal fall arrest system?
The system must be inspected and, if damaged, removed from service; the worker should receive medical evaluation to check for injuries (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 13
How is a lifeline used in a personal fall arrest system?
A lifeline provides a means for connecting the body harness to the anchorage, allowing safe movement while arresting falls if they occur (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 14
In a fall protection setup, what must be ensured about the lanyard?
The lanyard must be the appropriate length and type to limit free fall and arresting forces, as specified in fall protection standards (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(14)).
- 15
What is a key requirement for personal fall arrest systems in construction?
They must be rigged to prevent contact with lower levels and limit the maximum arresting force on the employee, according to regulations (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)).
- 16
Under OSHA rules, how should a worker be trained on personal fall arrest systems?
Workers must be trained on the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of the system to ensure safe operation (29 CFR 1926.503(a)).
- 17
What happens if a personal fall arrest system fails inspection?
It must not be used and should be removed from service until repaired or replaced, to maintain safety (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 18
In a scenario involving work at heights, what component protects the worker?
A full body harness as part of the personal fall arrest system protects by distributing fall impact across the body (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(13)).
- 19
What must be done before attaching to an anchorage in a fall arrest system?
Verify that the anchorage is secure and meets strength requirements to support the fall arrest load (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)).
- 20
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what limits the arresting force in a fall?
The system must be designed to limit the maximum arresting force to a safe level for the employee (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)).
- 21
What is the definition of a full body harness in fall protection?
A full body harness is a design of straps that secures around the body to distribute fall arrest forces and hold the employee upright (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(13)).
- 22
How must connectors in a personal fall arrest system be maintained?
They must be inspected for defects and kept free of damage to ensure reliable performance during a fall (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 23
In a work scenario with potential falls, what system is mandatory?
A personal fall arrest system must be used when other controls like guardrails are not feasible (29 CFR 1926.501(b)).
- 24
What procedure ensures the safety of a personal fall arrest system setup?
Proper rigging and inspection of all components before use to prevent failures (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 25
Under fall protection standards, what qualifies as a suitable anchorage?
A point that is structurally sound and can support the required load without failure (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)).
- 26
What is required when using a lifeline in a fall arrest system?
It must be protected from abrasion and sharp edges to maintain its integrity (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(20)).
- 27
In a fall event, how does the personal fall arrest system respond?
It activates to stop the fall and limit forces on the worker, preventing injury (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 28
What must workers do with personal fall arrest equipment after use?
Store it properly to prevent damage and ensure it's ready for future use (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 29
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what ensures the system limits free fall?
The design and setup of the system must restrict free fall distance to a safe limit (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)).
- 30
What is the first step when setting up a personal fall arrest system?
Select and inspect appropriate components like harness and anchorage for suitability (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 31
How should a body harness fit in a personal fall arrest system?
It should be adjusted to fit snugly to the body to function effectively during a fall (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(13)).
- 32
In a scenario where a lanyard is damaged, what should the worker do?
Immediately remove it from service and replace it to avoid failure in a fall (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 33
What regulatory standard covers the components of fall arrest systems?
CFR 1926.502 outlines the requirements for personal fall arrest systems and their components (29 CFR 1926.502).
- 34
What procedure follows a fall arrest incident?
Inspect the system for damage and ensure the worker is evaluated for injuries (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 35
Under OSHA, what must be true for all fall arrest components?
They must be compatible and used as a system to provide effective fall protection (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 36
What is a common component that connects to the harness?
A lanyard or lifeline that links the harness to the anchorage for fall arrest (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 37
How often must training on fall arrest systems occur?
Training must be provided when the system is first used and as needed thereafter (29 CFR 1926.503(a)).
- 38
In a high-risk fall area, what system is required by regulation?
A personal fall arrest system must be implemented to protect workers (29 CFR 1926.501).
- 39
What must be verified before using fall arrest equipment?
That all components are in good condition and properly assembled (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 40
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what protects against fall hazards?
Personal fall arrest systems using specified components to arrest falls safely (29 CFR 1926.502).
- 41
What is the key feature of a deceleration device in fall protection?
It slows the fall and reduces impact forces on the worker (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(12)).
- 42
In a work setup with fall risks, how should the system be rigged?
To minimize free fall distance and prevent swing falls (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)).
- 43
What action is needed if fall arrest equipment shows wear?
Remove it from service immediately to ensure safety (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 44
Under fall protection rules, what defines a safe anchorage?
One that meets the capacity requirements for fall arrest (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)).
- 45
What procedure involves checking fall arrest gear?
A pre-use inspection for defects and proper function (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 46
In a scenario of repeated fall exposure, what is essential?
Regular inspection and maintenance of the personal fall arrest system (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 47
What must be included in fall arrest system training?
Proper use, inspection, and limitations of the components (29 CFR 1926.503(a)).
- 48
How does a personal fall arrest system prevent injuries?
By arresting the fall and limiting forces through its components (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 49
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what is specified for lifelines?
They must be protected from damage and used as part of the arrest system (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(20)).
- 50
What is the worker's responsibility with fall arrest gear?
To use it correctly and report any defects (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 51
In a fall protection plan, what components are listed?
Anchorage, body harness, and connectors as key elements (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 52
What regulatory check ensures system effectiveness?
Verification that all parts meet OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926.502).
- 53
How should a harness be positioned on the body?
Worn to secure the torso and distribute forces evenly (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(13)).
- 54
In an emergency fall situation, what activates first?
The connecting device in the personal fall arrest system (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 55
What must be done to maintain fall arrest components?
Regular inspections and proper storage (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)).
- 56
Under OSHA, what ensures compatibility in fall systems?
All components must work together as designed (29 CFR 1926.502(d)).
- 57
What is a primary function of the body harness?
To hold the employee during and after a fall (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(13)).
- 58
In a construction site scenario, what system is used for heights?
Personal fall arrest system with appropriate components (29 CFR 1926.501).
- 59
What procedure follows improper use of fall gear?
Retraining and correction to prevent accidents (29 CFR 1926.503(a)).
- 60
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what limits fall distance?
The design of the arrest system components (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)).