Fall protection
Work can be secured with the use of the following devices of fall protection when there are potential harms that arise from any level difference exceeding 1 m over the ground (at heights) or under the ground (at depths), or from any forced and unusual position of the human body:
- full-body harnesses (primary and secondary),
- waist belts adjustable to working positions,
- climbing carriages, climbing irons,
- retractable and controlled type fall arrest mechanisms, or
- their combination and the connected
- fastening cords,
- fall arrest blocks and other devices used for work at depths.
Personal protective equipment against falling has special significance even in the category personal protective equipment for their direct life-saving functions. Therefore, it is essential to choose only devices that carry permanent indications of:
- warning that the device can be serviced solely by the manufacturer or persons authorized by the manufacturer who are sufficiently trained and prepared, and have professional knowledge,
- manufacturing identifiers of the product that can include the number or serial number of manufacturing allowing the ascertainment of the origins of the product.
It is the employer's responsibility that personal protective equipment against falling can be used only if:
- a "record-keeping and control diary" is maintained for each of the devices and cords,
- the necessary periodic tests have been performed and recorded,
- the necessary personal conditions are in place for both preparedness and health conditions,
- the periodic drills have been executed,
- the visual inspection prior to the commissioning of the equipment has been conducted,
- the necessary circumstances are in place from all aspects (weather, management of work).
Major standards pertaining to personal protective equipment for fall protection:
Number of the standard | Designation of the standard |
|---|---|
MSZ EN 341 | Personal protective equipment for the prevention of fall from heights. Devices for descending |
MSZ EN 354 | Personal protective equipment for the prevention of fall from heights. Fastening cords |
MSZ EN 355 | Personal protective equipment for the prevention of fall from heights. Energy absorbers |
MSZ EN 358 | Personal protective equipment for specific working positions and the prevention of fall from heights. Belts for the adjustment of working positions, deceleration and fastening. |
MSZ EN 360 | Personal protective equipment for the prevention of fall from heights. Retractable type fall arrest mechanisms |
MSZ EN 361 | Personal protective equipment for the prevention of fall from heights. Full-body harnesses |
MSZ EN 362 | Personal protective equipment for the prevention of fall from heights. Connectors |
MSZ EN 795 | Protection against fall from heights. Anchoring devices. Requirements and tests |
Hooks and connectors have to be self-locking and of self-fastening or manually fastening designs so that they can be opened only with two subsequent, deliberate, manual actions.
Manually fastening hooks and connectors may be used only if they are not required to be put on and taken off within a single working day.