Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411:front:0:p14
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 33802–36530

other than a temporary work platform, that enables a worker to be positioned and safely supported at a work location to carry out a task.

Travel restraint systems
A travel restraint system prevents the user from approaching an unprotected edge on a building or structure. Generally, the system consists of a safety harness connected by a lanyard to a suitable anchorage point or static line. This equipment must be set up to prevent the worker from reaching an edge from where a fall may occur.
A purpose-designed roof anchor, when used in accordance with the manufacturer's/supplier's instructions, may be used as part of a travel restraint system on metal deck or tiled roofs and should only be used for tasks of short duration.
Travel restraint systems must only be used if it is not reasonably practicable to prevent falls by providing a physical barrier such as guardrailing. This is because travel restraint systems require a high level of user skill to operate safely and require greater supervision.
Travel restraint systems are not fall-arrest devices. Typical anchorage points for these systems are not designed for the impact loads applied in the event of a fall. Therefore, where there is any possibility that a person using a travel restraint device may approach an edge from where a fall is possible, a travel restraint system must not be used. Consequently, inertia reels and retractable lanyards are not to be used as they do not restrict travel and can allow the worker to fall.

6.             FALL-ARREST SYSTEMS

A fall-arrest system means equipment designed to reduce the severity of an injury to a person if a fall does occur. These systems include catch platforms, individual fall-arrest systems and industrial safety nets.

6.1 Catch platforms
A catch platform is a temporary platform located below a work area to catch a worker in the event of a fall. The platform must be designed to sustain the maximum potential impact load.
Catch platforms should:
    * incorporate a fully planked deck
    * be positioned so as to maintain a minimum of 2 metres beyond all unprotected edges of the work area, except where extended guardrailing is fitted to the catch platform
    * be positioned as close as possible to the underside of the work area, and in no case be greater than 1 metre below the work area.
Heavy duty trestle scaffolds can be used as simple and inexpensive catch platforms, particularly in voids and stairwells.

6.2 Individual Fall-Arrest Systems
Individual fall-arrest systems (IFAS) are intended to arrest a falling person safely and reduce the impact of the fall. If using IFAS, training and supervision is essential. The safe and correct use of IFAS relies on many factors, including