Fall Arrest System Safety Training Requirements

[Copied from the OSHA web site.  Last revision:  ]

29 CFR 1910.66

Employee Training

(d) "Employee training considerations." Thorough employee training in the selection and use of personal fall arrest systems is imperative. As stated in the standard, before the equipment is used, employees must be trained in the safe use of the system. This should include the following: Application limits; proper anchoring and tie-off techniques; estimation of free fall distance, including determination of deceleration distance, and total fall distance to prevent striking a lower level; methods of use; and inspection and storage of the system. Careless or improper use of the equipment can result in serious injury or death. Employers and employees should become familiar with the material in this appendix, as well as manufacturer's recommendations, before a system is used. Of uppermost importance is the reduction in strength caused by certain tie-offs (such as using knots, tying around sharp edges, etc.) and maximum permitted free fall distance. Also, to be stressed are the importance of inspections prior to use, the limitations of the equipment, and unique conditions at the worksite which may be important in determining the type of system to use.

(e) "Instruction considerations." Employers should obtain comprehensive instructions from the supplier as to the system's proper use and application, including, where applicable:

(1) The force measured during the sample force test;

 

(2) The maximum elongation measured for lanyards during the force test;

 

(3) The deceleration distance measured for deceleration devices during the force test;

 

(4) Caution statements on critical use limitations;

 

(5) Application limits;

 

(6) Proper hook-op, anchoring and tie-off techniques, including the proper dee-ring or other attachment point to use on the body belt and harness for fall arrest;

 

(7) Proper climbing techniques;

 

(8) Methods of inspection, use, cleaning, and storage; and

 

(9) Specific lifelines which may be used. This information should be provided to employees during training.