Working at height Restraint Guidance

What is working at height restraint?

Operating at height in restraint allows an operative the access and mobility necessary to reach the leading edge (or a potential fall hazard) and carry out their tasks whilst stopping them from falling.

Forms of Restraint

You will find three primary forms of restraint gear found on work sites:

• Fixed length restraint - A lanyard of a specific length stopping access beyond the fall hazard

• Adjustable restraint - A line with mechanical adjustment allowing the operative to personally adjust their equipment - for work areas in which edge exposure isn't a constant distance from the anchorage.

• Running line restraint method - A horizontal lifeline utilized in conjunction with personal adjustable restraint - ensuring the anchorage remains directly behind the operative stopping a pendulum fall.

Restraint versus Fall Arrest

The most fundamental difference between the two methods of working will be the fall potential. Fall arrest makes it possible for the operative to fall and then 'arrests' this fall. Restraint, when employed correctly, prevents the fall occurring. Operating in restraint considerably reduces the risk of falling and therefore all the issues related to fall hazards:

Height clearance implications - with restraint, height clearance just isn't an issue as there isn't any fall to cope with. The problem with making use of fall arrest gear may be the clear height necessary to operate, e.g. a fall arrest lanyard clipped at foot level calls for up to 6.75m to operate safely. When functioning in between floor zones this is clearly unsuitable.

If a fall is interrupted by hitting the lower surface in the course of the shock absorbing process, the force still left within the system with probably fatal effects.

Unique consideration should also be given exactly where a lanyard is to be applied in a situation in which it could pass over an edge during a fall, e.g. formwork element, slab edge. There are no legal requirements for lanyards to be tested passing over an edge; as they're designed to fall into free space.

As a result the majority of lanyards, particularly flat webbing, aren't capable of withstanding the increased forces produced by the acute angle as the lanyard passes over the edge.

Rescue provision and method statements

When utilizing fall arrest on site, the contractor has to offer a suitable method statement detailing rescue provision. By doing work in fixed restraint, there is no fall to take care of, thus rescue provisions aren't a problem. When making use of adjustable and running line restraint systems, provision for rescue needs to be offered, in the event of operator misuse.

Anchorage

One of the biggest issues in providing fall protection could be the provision of suitable, adequate anchorage in the appropriate location. When employing fixed restraint equipment the anchorage requirement might be as little as 3 times the weight of the user, generally 400kg due to the fact there isn't any possibility of falling. An example of this would be making use of a fixed restraint inside the basket of a scissor lift.

If there is just a 1% chance of a fall, then a fall arrest anchorage must be provided. Fall arrest anchorage points could be identified by a competent individual. When making use of an adjustable restraint and a horizontal lifeline system the provision of suitable fall protection temporary or permanent anchorage point is necessary.

User comfort

Restraint greatly reduces the load (pull) applied to the operatives body compared to utilizing an inertia reel - fall arrest block

Work site projects and trades require workers to be trained to achieve a high standard of competence in order to operate safely at height. In depth knowledge of the and safety concerns can not only enhance an operator's confidence and efficiency but will also save lives and prevent serious injuries.

Leading Edge height safety training courses are specifically created for anybody whose job needs them to operate at height and involves making use of the needed safety gear necessary to do this.

For more information please visit: http://www.LeadingEdgeSafety.co.uk