Fall Protection Positioning Device System

As you can probably imagine work positioning systems are quite different from standard fall protection systems and require some specialized equipment and practices and it all begins with the harness.

Fall protection positioning device system.

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. 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 and their use shall conform to the following. 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.

The guardian fall protection rope positioning device assembly is easy to install and is designed to lock automatically in the event of a fall. Work positioning harnesses include extra d rings sometimes as many as four in order to accommodate working in these specialized circumstances. Positioning device systems must be inspected prior to each use for wear damage and other deterioration. 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.

A personal fall arrest system provides no support and must limit free fall distance to 6 feet. A positioning device system provides support and must stop a free fall within 2 feet. Positioning device systems are not fall arrest systems but they are personal safety devices that can be used to prevent an employee from falling. Personal fall protection system means a system including all components an employer uses to provide protection from falling or to safely arrest an employee s fall if one occurs.

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. They are an invaluable tool for fall protection but employers and managers must understand how to use them properly. Specifically positioning device systems and their use shall conform to the following provisions 1915 160. Defective components must be removed from service.

Examples of personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems positioning systems and travel restraint systems. In some cases a positioning device system may be one of those options.