Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425:body:0:p22
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 55332–58077

system can be attached to
it before the person using the system moves into a position where the person could fall.

Inspect the system components

Each component of the system and its attachment to an anchorage must be inspected by
a competent person:

    * after it is installed but before it is used
    * at regular intervals
    * immediately after it has been used to arrest a fall.
Inspection of all components should be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the relevant standards. If any signs of wear or weakness are found during the inspection, the components or means of attachment should be withdrawn from use until they are replaced with properly functioning components.

Limit free fall distance
Fall-arrest systems, incorporating a lanyard, should be installed so that the maximum distance
a person would free fall before the fall-arrest system takes effect is two metres. There should
be sufficient distance between the work surface and any surface below to enable the system, including the action of any shock absorber to fully deploy (see Figure 21). To work out whether there is enough distance available, you should take into account:
    * the worker's height
    * the height and position of the anchorage point
    * the length of the lanyard
    * any slack in the horizontal life line
    * any stretching of the lanyard or horizontal life line when extended by a fall
    * the length of the energy absorber when extended by a fall.

Figure 21: Total fall distance before this particular configuration would be effective in arresting
a fall is 6.5m.

Lanyards should not be used in conjunction with inertia reels as this can result in an excessive amount of free fall prior to the fall being arrested.

Use suitable harnesses
In most cases, a full body harness should be worn. Harnesses must be correctly fitted. Workers should connect the fall-arrest line to the attachment point on their harness (dorsal attachment point or the chest connection) that will provide the best protection in the situation it is being used. Consideration should be given to the potential fall distance, potential impact with the structure, body position after a fall and the need to interact with equipment such as rope-grabs.

Maintain minimum of slack in fall-arrest lanyard
There should be a minimum of slack in the fall-arrest lanyard between the user and the attachment. The anchorage point should be as high as the equipment permits. Avoid work above the anchor point, as this will increase the free fall distance in the event of a fall, resulting in higher forces on the body and greater likelihood of the lanyard snagging on obstructions.

Use inertia reels correctly
When considering the use of