Fall Protection Positioning Device System

Specifically positioning device systems and their use shall conform to the following provisions 1915 160.

Fall protection positioning device system. The fact that a work positioning system wps is not a fall protection system may also be explained by reaching out to the etymology of the words support and protection. A personal fall arrest system provides no support and must limit free fall distance to 6 feet. In some cases a positioning device system may be one of those options. Defective components must be removed from service.

Work positioning harnesses include extra d rings sometimes as many as four in order to accommodate working in these specialized circumstances. Osha defines fall protection positioning device systems as a body belt or body harness system rigged to allow a worker to be supported on an elevated vertical surface such as a wall and work with both hands free while leaning. Positioning device systems must be secured to an anchorage that can support at least twice the potential impact of a worker s fall or 3 000 pounds. Examples of personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems positioning systems and travel restraint systems.

Positioning device systems and their use shall conform to the following. The guardian fall protection rope positioning device assembly is easy to install and is designed to lock automatically in the event of a fall. Paragraphs b c d and e of appendix c of subpart m relating to 1926 502 d personal fall arrest systems set forth test procedures which may be used along with the procedures listed below to determine compliance with the requirements for positioning device systems in 1926 502 e 3 and 4 of subpart m. Positioning device systems are not fall arrest systems but they are personal safety devices that can be used to prevent an employee from falling.

While the former is very straightforward the latter implies existence of safety device equipment system which protects against a hazard. A positioning device system provides support and must stop a free fall within 2 feet. Body harnesses and components must be used only for employee protection as part of a personal fall arrest system or positioning device system and not hoist materials. Positioning device systems must be inspected prior to each use for wear damage and other deterioration.

They are an invaluable tool for fall protection but employers and managers must understand how to use them properly. Positioning device systems are briefly mentioned in osha s fall protection standard for construction 29 cfr 1926 502 e under fall protection and osha s shipyard standards 29 cfr 1915 160 under personal protective equipment.