Rope access System
It’s important to know manufacturer specifications and limitations when using a fall arrester equipment, but knowing isn’t the most important part. It is even more important to use that information to make sure you have the appropriate equipment for your application.
A certain fall arrestor may be compatible with one type of fall arrest system but not another, and the same goes for different applications. However, rope access systems exert extremely high forces on the system anchorages when a fall is arrested. Class A SRLs trade a shorter arresting distance for a greater arresting force, which can amplify those already high forces to dangerous levels.
Extreme caution must be taken when selecting a fall arrestor for a rope access system; consult with both the system manufacturer and fall arrestor manufacturer before using any fall protector with a rope access system.
In addition to considering how far a worker might drop in a fall event, another consideration is whether that fall would expose the fall arrestor to a leading edge. If so, the fall arrester must be rated for leading-edge use, but it is also important to know what type of material that edge might be.
A manufacturer might offer a fall arrestor-LE that is approved for use with structural metal, but not for the concrete. Using the wrong fall arrestor-LE for a given rope access application can have catastrophic results. In all of these cases, it is crucial to know the manufacturer’s instructions to select the best fall arrestor for any given application.
Knowing and understanding the manufacturer’s conditions for use of a fall arrestor will help you choose the best complete fall arrester system for your application. Having a fall protection system that is compatible with your application is key to protecting workers at height, so it is crucial to know all of the information, requirements, and manufacturer instructions for all of your equipment and your application.
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