A GUIDE
Anyone working at height - even as low a height as 2m should be aware of the danger that a fall presents. In the latest figures available from HSE UK ( Health and Safety Executive ) falls from height account for almost 40% of fatal accidents in the workplace. Whilst industry will never achieve a 100% safety record it is worth noting that, since 1981 the number of fatal accidents at work has fallen by over 60%. [ see UK government statistics ]. So, working at height represents a real workplace hazard and, in most cases should be preventable. Further, the supply of fall protection equipment along with the necessary training is obligatory for the employer.
First, let us explain the difference between fall prevention, fall protection and fall arrest. The basic tenet is that fall protection is aimed at preventing a fall whereas fall arrest's purpose is that of minimising injury should a fall occur.
3M offer a comprehensive portfolio of personal protective fall protection equipment (PPE).
Safety Harnesses
Safety harnesses are critical components of fall protection systems, ensuring the safety of workers operating at heights. There are several types of safety harnesses, each designed for specific applications and environments:
- Multi-purpose Harnesses: This type of harness usually includes multiple attachment points on the front and back, which allow the user to work in a variety of situations. They are used in construction, roofing, and maintenance work where falls from significant heights are a risk.
- Positioning Harnesses: These allow workers to lean in a particular position and use both hands to perform tasks. They're often used by linemen and window cleaners.
- Suspension Harnesses: These are designed for tasks that require workers to be suspended in mid-air, such as in rescue operations or by arborists.
- Retractable Lifelines: Integrated with a full-body harness, these devices automatically retract and extend, providing continuous fall protection and greater mobility.
Safety harnesses are vital in reducing fall-related injuries and fatalities, ensuring compliance with occupational safety regulations, and promoting a safe working environment.
View Harnesses, the inclusion of a self retracting lifeline reduces a fall's decelleration by virtue of centrifugal braking .
Rescue Equipment
Tripods, winches, and harnesses facilitate the safe retrieval of workers in emergencies. These tools are critical for efficient and safe rescue operations.
THE ABC model
And the DEF
Further to the ABC model, there exists the DEF, in which corresponds to the following :
Descent and Rescue - Descent and rescue devices are used to raise or lower a fallen or injured worker to safety or retrieve him from a confined space.
Education - 3M offer a variety of best-in-class certified training courses for work at height and confined spaces at our state‑of‑the‑art training centres located around the world.
Fall protection for tools - Fall protection for tools helps make work environments safer and more productive by reducing dropped object incidents.
3M has many years of experience in developing innovative and reliable Fall Protection solutions for a wide range of industies. 3M extensive range includes: anchorages, harnesses, connectors, rescue and evacuation equipment, horizontal and vertical lifelines, and equipment for working in confined spaces.
