Personal Fall Arrest Systems for General Industry
62 flashcards covering Personal Fall Arrest Systems for General Industry for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 General Industry section.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems in general industry involve equipment and procedures designed to halt a fall in progress, including full-body harnesses, lanyards, and secure anchorage points. These are defined by OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.140, which sets federal standards for personal fall protection to prevent injuries in workplaces like warehouses and factories.
On OSHA 10/30 certification exams, this topic typically appears in multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge of system components, proper installation, and inspection protocols. A common trap is underestimating the need for regular equipment checks or miscalculating fall clearance distances, which can lead to inadequate protection.
In practice, workers often overlook ensuring that anchorage points are rated for at least 5,000 pounds per user.
Terms (62)
- 01
What components make up a personal fall arrest system?
A personal fall arrest system consists of an anchorage, connector, and body harness, and may include a deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations (29 CFR 1910.140(b)).
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, what must anchorages support?
Anchorages must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(1)).
- 03
How must personal fall protection equipment be inspected?
Personal fall protection equipment must be inspected before each use for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components must be removed from service (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(1)).
- 04
What is the purpose of a personal fall arrest system in general industry?
The purpose is to arrest an employee's fall from elevation and prevent the employee from hitting a lower level or obstruction (29 CFR 1910.140(a)).
- 05
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, what is required for body belts?
Body belts may be used in personal fall arrest systems if they meet the strength requirements, but positioning systems are preferred for certain tasks (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(4)).
- 06
What criteria must lifelines meet in a fall arrest system?
Lifelines must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds and be protected against damage (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(3)).
- 07
When using a personal fall arrest system, what must employers ensure regarding free fall?
Employers must ensure that the system is rigged to prevent a free fall distance greater than 6 feet (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(2)).
- 08
What training is required for employees using personal fall arrest systems?
Employers must provide training so that each employee can demonstrate proper use, inspection, and maintenance of the equipment (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 09
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, how should a fallen employee be handled?
The employee must be promptly rescued from the fall hazard, including providing for prompt rescue by mechanical means if hanging suspended (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(11)).
- 10
What is the maximum deceleration distance allowed in a fall arrest system?
The system must limit the maximum deceleration distance to 3.5 feet, and the energy absorber must function correctly (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(2)).
- 11
Before using a personal fall arrest system, what must the employee do?
The employee must inspect the system for defects and ensure it is properly adjusted and secured (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(1)).
- 12
In a scenario where a worker is working at heights, what fall protection is needed?
Personal fall arrest systems are required if there's a risk of falling from an elevated surface, ensuring the worker is protected from falls (29 CFR 1910.28(b)).
- 13
What types of connectors are used in personal fall arrest systems?
Connectors include dee-rings, snaphooks, and carabiners that must be capable of withstanding a minimum tensile load of 5,000 pounds (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(5)).
- 14
How often must employers retrain employees on fall arrest systems?
Retraining is required whenever there is a change in the workplace or equipment that presents a new hazard, or if the employer has reason to believe an employee is not proficient (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 15
What is required when a personal fall arrest system shows signs of damage?
The system must be immediately removed from service and not used until inspected and repaired by a competent person (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(2)).
- 16
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, what must be done with fall protection equipment after a fall?
Equipment involved in a fall must be removed from service until inspected by a competent person (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(3)).
- 17
What is a competent person in the context of fall arrest systems?
A competent person is one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and has the authority to take prompt corrective measures (as defined in OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1910.140).
- 18
In a fall scenario, what should be the first response for a suspended worker?
Immediately initiate rescue procedures to prevent suspension trauma, ensuring the worker is removed from the harness as soon as possible (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(11)).
- 19
What strength requirements apply to body harnesses?
Body harnesses must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds and be designed to distribute fall arrest forces (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(6)).
- 20
When must personal fall protection be used in general industry?
Personal fall protection must be used when work is performed at heights where there's a fall hazard, such as on platforms or elevated surfaces (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 21
What procedures must be followed for storing personal fall arrest equipment?
Equipment must be stored to prevent damage, such as from moisture, vapor, or sunlight, and in a manner that maintains its integrity (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(4)).
- 22
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, what certification is needed for equipment?
Equipment must be used only as rated and certified by the manufacturer, ensuring it meets the standard's requirements (29 CFR 1910.140(b)).
- 23
What is the role of deceleration devices in fall arrest systems?
Deceleration devices limit the impact forces on the employee during a fall by absorbing energy (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(7)).
- 24
In a workplace with multiple levels, when is a fall arrest system mandatory?
A fall arrest system is mandatory when employees are exposed to falls of 4 feet or more to lower levels in certain operations (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 25
What must employers provide regarding fall protection plans?
Employers must develop and implement a written fall protection plan when using conventional systems, outlining procedures and training (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 26
Before attaching to an anchorage, what must be verified?
The anchorage must be verified to support the required load and be free of defects (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(1)).
- 27
What happens if a lanyard is damaged during use?
The lanyard must be removed from service immediately and not reused until inspected and approved (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(2)).
- 28
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, how should fall distances be minimized?
By ensuring the system is rigged to minimize free fall distance and using equipment that limits total fall distance (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(2)).
- 29
What is required for the design of personal fall arrest systems?
Systems must be designed under the supervision of a qualified person and meet specific performance criteria (29 CFR 1910.140(b)).
- 30
In a scenario where a worker refuses to use fall protection, what should occur?
The employer must enforce the use of required fall protection and provide training to address compliance (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 31
What maintenance is needed for fall arrest equipment?
Equipment must be maintained in a clean and dry condition and protected from damage, as per manufacturer's instructions (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(4)).
- 32
When climbing, what fall protection is required?
Personal fall arrest systems must be used when climbing fixed ladders over 24 feet, including rest platforms (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(9)).
- 33
What documentation is needed for fall protection training?
Employers must certify that training has been provided, including the identity of the person trained and the date (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 34
How must snaphooks be designed in fall arrest systems?
Snaphooks must be self-closing and self-locking to prevent accidental disengagement (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(5)).
- 35
What is the maximum length for a shock-absorbing lanyard?
Lanyards must be designed to limit free fall and must not exceed lengths that allow for excessive fall distances (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(2)).
- 36
In a fall arrest system, what protects against pendulum swings?
The system must be rigged to minimize swing falls and ensure the employee does not swing into obstructions (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(10)).
- 37
What must be included in employee training for fall hazards?
Training must cover the recognition of fall hazards, correct procedures for equipment use, and inspection methods (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 38
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, what are the criteria for vertical lifelines?
Vertical lifelines must be fastened to a fixed support and designed to minimize free fall distance (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(3)).
- 39
What should be done if fall protection equipment is exposed to chemicals?
It must be removed from service and not used until evaluated for damage by a competent person (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(2)).
- 40
When is a full body harness required over a body belt?
A full body harness is required in personal fall arrest systems to better distribute arrest forces (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(6)).
- 41
What is the procedure for testing fall arrest equipment?
Equipment must be inspected and tested as recommended by the manufacturer before use (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(1)).
- 42
In a high-wind scenario, how should fall arrest systems be secured?
Systems must be secured to withstand environmental forces and prevent displacement (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(1)).
- 43
What regulatory standard covers personal fall arrest systems?
CFR 1910.140 specifically addresses personal fall protection systems in general industry (29 CFR 1910.140).
- 44
Before entering a work area with fall hazards, what must employees do?
Employees must ensure their personal fall arrest system is properly donned and attached (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 45
What is the impact force limit in a fall arrest?
The system must limit the maximum arresting force on the employee to 1,800 pounds (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(2)).
- 46
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, who supervises the installation of systems?
A qualified person must supervise the installation and setup of personal fall arrest systems (29 CFR 1910.140(b)).
- 47
In a rescue scenario after a fall, what equipment might be needed?
Rescue equipment such as ladders or aerial lifts must be readily available for prompt rescue (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(11)).
- 48
What materials are prohibited for lifelines?
Natural fiber rope is prohibited for lifelines due to its susceptibility to damage (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(3)).
- 49
How must fall protection be used on slippery surfaces?
Systems must be adjusted to account for surface conditions to prevent slips and falls (29 CFR 1910.140(c)).
- 50
What is required for the compatibility of fall arrest components?
All components must be compatible to ensure the system functions as a whole (29 CFR 1910.140(b)).
- 51
When must a personal fall arrest system be removed from use?
Immediately if it has been subjected to impact loading or shows signs of damage (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(3)).
- 52
What training records must be kept for fall protection?
Certification of training must be maintained, including dates and trainers (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 53
In a multi-employer worksite, who is responsible for fall protection?
The controlling employer must ensure that fall protection is provided and used (29 CFR 1910.140).
- 54
What is the minimum clearance needed below a work level?
Sufficient clearance to prevent striking a lower level or obstruction during a fall (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(2)).
- 55
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, what must be labeled on equipment?
Equipment must be marked with manufacturer's instructions and capacity ratings (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(5)).
- 56
What procedure follows a fall incident involving equipment?
Inspect and evaluate the equipment to determine if it can be returned to service (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(3)).
- 57
How should employees be positioned when using fall arrest?
In a way that minimizes the potential for swing falls and ensures safe attachment (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(10)).
- 58
What is the standard for rope grabs in fall systems?
Rope grabs must be capable of sustaining the potential impact of a fall (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(7)).
- 59
In a training exercise, what must be demonstrated?
Proper donning, doffing, and use of the personal fall arrest system (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 60
What must be ensured for horizontal lifelines?
They must be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(9)).
- 61
When is fall protection not required in general industry?
In certain designated areas where other means provide equivalent protection (29 CFR 1910.28(b)).
- 62
What is the key feature of self-retracting lifelines?
They automatically adjust to the user's movements and arrest falls quickly (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(8)).