Calculating Your Fall Distance

When it comes to fall protection at a construction site, having the proper distance measured out can not only limit the impact of a fall but also limit the possibility of injury during that fall. Let’s review the proper calculations you’ll need to take when using both shock absorbing lanyards as well as retractable lifelines. We’ll use average numbers as an example.

Fall Distance Calculation with Shock Absorbing Lanyard & D-Ring Connector
One of the most commonly used shock absorbing lanyards is the six foot variety. Let’s give that a whirl in this example. The lanyard is 6 ft. long, and the max elongation of the absorber during deceleration would be 3.5 ft. An average construction worker is about 6 ft. tall. Let’s add all of those together.

To properly calculate our fall distance, we should add human or product error into the equation. Let’s assume the worker is taller than 6 ft., the harness wasn’t properly fitted, or you miscalculated your distance somewhere else in the equation. Add 3 ft. as a precaution. That leaves us with our suggested safe fall clearance distance of 18.5 ft.

    6 + 3.5 + 6 + 3 = 18.5 ft.

It’s worth noting that you’ll need to add the length of any anchorage connectors or D-rings you happen to use to this equation to get a better calculation of your clearance distance.

Fall Distance Calculation with Retractable Lifeline
What would a suggested fall clearance distance be for a retractable lifeline? A few different factors come into play with this one. Again, let’s consider the worker is of average height for this example.

You’ll need to combine the maximum free fall distance of your lifeline with the max deceleration distance. Most models will have those distances measured out to be 2 ft. and 3.5 ft., respectively. We’ll stick with that for this scenario.

Like last time, let’s toss in a buffer zone to account for human error or a too-tall worker. Tack on 3 ft. to your calculation. That leaves us with a suggested safe fall clearance distance of 14.5 ft.

    2 + 3.5 + 6 + 3 = 14.5 ft.

Just like in the first example, you’ll need to take the length of any added anchorage connectors or D-rings to get a proper calculation for your fall clearance distance.

Don’t cut corners when it comes to protecting yourself and your workers! Plan accordingly, make sure there is clearance space for a potential fall, and calculate fall distances appropriately. Need a short hand version of this? Check out the graphic on our site.

SRLs with a Leading Edge

Fall protection when working on a site that involves open edges and roofs is extremely important, and it requires a different type of SRL. The retract needs to be designed to minimize the impact on itself when a fall occurs going over a ledge, and it needs to be able to be easily positioned either overhead, at foot level, or at the level of the leading edge. Enter the leading edge SRL.

Among the many features of a leading edge SRL is their integrated shock-absorbing pack that helps limit the impact of a fall’s force on the cabling that is in contact with the ledge itself. This removes unwanted strain and keeps the self-retract strong across every inch of its construction. This is where versatility of attachment really comes in handy. A design that allows overhead, foot level, or leading edge placement allows you to cater your attachments to the work environment without worrying about stress on the cable housing. The Guardian Heavy Duty Edge does just that.

Leading edge SRLs like the Guardian Heavy Duty Edge Series SRL pictured at right are designed to be compact and lightweight without sacrificing strength, stopping power or comfort. In fact, leading edge SRLs like this one will keep arresting forces below 900lbs and has a swivel top to prevent tangling. Their shock packs spring into action when a cable comes in contact with an edge and will arrest the forces of any fall. These built-in shock packs give you that attachment versatility we’ve been talking about. Other brands and models will require overhead attachments only. Not so with Guardian.

Meeting or exceeding all OSHA and ANSI standards, leading edge SRLs are top of the line and the future of edgework safety. Perfect for roofing jobs and high-rise buildings, leading edge SRLs are a must-have. See for yourself why so many construction firms have turned to leading edge SRLs for their ledge jobs, and give the Guardian Heavy Duty Edge series a go when you’re shopping with Harness Land.

A Review of the ExoFit NEX Construction Harness

Finding a construction harness that stands up to the demands of a long shift and keeps you comfortable and safe can be a challenge. The NEX construction harnesses for ExoFit is up to the job. Let’s review some of its features so you can see why selecting the NEX from ExoFit as your new construction harness is a no-brainer.

Made for comfort, convenience and customization, the ExoFit NEX is the perfect choice for any job that requires fall protection and any size worker. Some features of the ExoFit NEX include:

• Built-in padding on shoulders, hips and legs to prevent slips
• Breathable fabric lining for moisture control
• Removable belt for connecting tools
• Well-placed hook connections on back to prevent tangles
• Rip-stitch indicators to quickly inspect a harness involved in a fall

The ExoFit brings some new technology to the harness game. Revolver vertical torso adjusters make the harness a gem for workers, regardless of physical build. Tech Lite aluminum D-rings are strong and durable enough to handle the heaviest of loads in the event of a fall. Repel webbing and suspension trauma straps give this harness an unparalleled level of adjustability, comfort and security. In fact, the ExoFit comes with a 30-day comfort guarantee.

Last, but not least, the Duo-Lok Quick Connect buckles make getting in and out of the harness a snap. The Duo-Lok patented design removes any slippage or loosening of the harness webbing – something other quick connects have been known to do. If you’ve thought twice about purchasing a harness with quick connects, the issue has been solved with the ExoFit NEX Duo-Lok System.

Take a look at the ExoFit NEX and see why it’s become such a popular choice for workers looking for added function and comfort to their fall protection gear. Then, do yourself a favor and grab one today.

The New Class A Retracts

New to the fall safety equipment industry are Class A retractable lifelines. Class A retracts meet the newest ANSI Z359.14 standards, meaning these retracts are top-of-the-line and will keep you and your construction site ahead of the curve when it comes to safety protocol.

You might be wondering what changes came about with ANSI Z359.14. These new standards have increased the test weight for dynamic performance and require that all retractable lifelines be classified as either Class A or Class B based on their performance tests. More specifically, the weight requirement for testing has increased from 220lbs to 282lbs, +/- 2lbs. To be classified as Class A, the arrest distance can’t exceed 24” and the force can’t exceed 1,350lbs with a max peak of 1,800lbs. When environmental conditions (hot, cold or wet) are taken into account, the force can’t exceed 1,575lbs with an identical peak of 1,800lbs. 

Fall Safe USA is currently the only manufacturer that develops Class A web retracts at 11’ in length and shorter. Pictured to the right is their 7’ variety with an aluminum housing and 1” Dynema webbing. The snap hook features a double locking swivel with a 3,600lbs gate rating and a steel carabiner.

All Class A retracts from Fall Safe USA feature a hook rating of 5,000lbs and a max working load of 310lbs. They also meet the OSHA 1926-502 standard as well as ANSI Z359.14-2012 and A10.32 2004 standards. Available in single and double web retracts, these Class A retractable lifelines from Fall Safe USA are a smart choice for any construction team that wants an upgrade to their fall arrest devices.

The Innovation of Double Retracts with Cables

The double retract is a new and innovative approach to fall protection equipment. By utilizing two lanyards instead of the traditional one, a double retract more evenly distributes the weight of the wearer, reduces fall distance and stress on the retractable lifeline and removes any tripping hazard. One of their most prominent features, however, is the ability to secure you from two separate beams, rails, or anchor points. This keeps you centered between two points at all times and prevents dangerous dangling and swinging in the event of a fall.

Double retracts are ergonomically designed to provide a quick, easy and strong connection to your safety harness while staying out of your way while on the job. With full swivel connections, your range of motion is never impeded and they can connect to vertical or horizontal anchor points easily. They are designed with various connections from carabiners to rebar hooks and come with cables or sturdy webbing depending on your needs and preferences. They are used as 100% tie-offs, making them versatile for a variety of tasks and heights allowing you to leap frog from one anchor point to the next without worry for your safety.

Another feature that makes double retracts so innovative and popular is they eliminate the need to use traditional, two-legged lanyards. This gives the wearer more mobility and comfort, and keeps the retract out from under the feet where it could cause tangling, snags, or trips. The Nano-Lok pictured at right is specially designed for foot level tie-offs to reduce fall length, double retracts feature a shorter cabling length, usually 6 to 8 feet. This makes them perfect for high and tight spots where space is at a premium and you need to avoid clutter. Remember to always reattach a disengaged hook to an anchor point before detaching your active SRL!

Give double cable retracts some consideration when you’re buying new fall protection equipment for your construction team. The peace of mind makes all the difference.

A Review of the Guardian Beamer 2000 Sliding Beam Anchor

Guardian has long been known as a reputable brand for fall arrest systems, and their Beamer 2000 takes the cake when it comes to sliding beam anchors. This machined aluminum bar is cut with the utmost precision and is lightweight and easy to use. Slide it up and down steel beams with ease, and keep it firmly in place using its adjustable D-ring. While this sliding beam anchor may be lightweight, don’t let that fool you into thinking it can’t run with the big boys. This Cadillac of sliding beam anchors can handle up to 5,000 lbs. of weight, so you know you’re in good hands the first time you install it at your job site.

The Guardian Beamer 2000 is:

• Easily installed with simple, one-handed operation
• Weather resistant
• Easy to clean off dirt, welding splatter, and other debris
• Built to meet ANSI standards of safety
• Extremely lightweight, weighing in at just 4 lbs.
• Fits a wide range of steel beam thicknesses

Offered at an unbeatable, discounted Harness Land price of no more than $140, this puppy is a steal. It even goes on further discount from time to time, so check out the Guardian Beamer 2000 and see how it can help improve safety and productivity at your job site!

Fall Protection Equipment Date of Use vs. Date of Manufacture

Maintaining a safe working environment that complies with OSHA standards is a reality on all construction sites. When it comes to keeping accurate records of your safety equipment and fall protection gear, having the proper age of the equipment cataloged is of the utmost importance to comply with OSHA standards. A common misconception is whether your safety gear’s age should be recorded by its date of first use versus its manufacturing date.

All lanyards, harnesses, retractable lifelines, and other fall protection gear come with a tag attached for you to enter the date of first use. Utilizing these tags is especially important if your gear sits in storage for long periods of time before its initial use. Failure to use the write-in date appropriately will cause OSHA standards to revert back to the date of manufacture. While it is understandable that customers may want gear that was manufactured quite recently, the practice of recording the date of the product’s first use reinforces the point that the quality of the safety gear has not diminished since production. OSHA standards agree with this practice as well, so age of manufacture need not be a factor in your purchasing decision.

Harness Land is proud to carry a selection of fall protection equipment from reputable and trusted brands like Guardian, 3M, MSA, Elk River, and more. While we stand behind these products, proper maintenance of your safety gear will extend its shelf life long beyond its years-long warranty. Visit our fall protection maintenance page for more information!