Proper Anchorage

In the last two Safety Talks, we discussed how to inspect your harness and lanyard. Although it is important to ensure that your harness and lanyard are in good condition before you climb onto a roof, the truth is that the best harness with the best lanyard or lifeline cannot arrest a fall if the anchorage point is inadequate.

Although the application is often challenging, it all boils-down to some pretty basic rules.

1. The anchorage point must be able to support 5,000 lbs. for a single tie-off point for one individual.
2. The anchorage point must be easily accessible to avoid fall hazards during hook up.
3. The free-fall distance must be limited to no more than 6 feet.
4. The anchorage point should not compromise the integrity of the lanyard or lifeline. Direct tying off around sharp edged structures can reduce breaking strength by 70%. Therefore, chafing pads or abrasion resistant straps should be used around sharp edged structures to prevent cutting action against lanyards or lifelines.
5. The anchorage point should not create a swing fall hazards. Potentially dangerous “pendulum” like swing falls can result when a worker moves horizontally away from a fixed anchor point and falls. The arc of the swing produces as much energy as a vertical free fall and the hazard of swinging into an obstruction becomes a major factor. Raising the height of the anchor point can reduce the angle of the arc and the force of the swing.

DISCUSSION NOTES:

What improper anchorage pints are you aware of that have been used?

Do you think that the anchorage points that you use meet the 6 basic rules we just discussed?

What do you think we need to do differently so that we are always using proper anchorage points?