Modern Steel Construction - June 2021
Safety matters
2021-05-07 09:05:16
Welcome to Safety Matters, which highlights various safety-related issues. This month’s topic is fall protection.
Fall protection and the duty to provide fall protection are always on the top ten list of citations for steel erectors. In 2016, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) reported that out of 4,693 deaths in private industry, 991 (more than one-fifth) were in construction. And of those 991 construction fatalities, 384 (more than one-third) were the result of falls.
Leading-edge work has special hazards associated with it—including the edge itself. In many cases, that edge is sharp, with either a very small radius or a sharp 90° angle. Should a crew member fall, their lifeline will come in contact with that edge, which could cut or fray the cable or webbing. This could happen on initial impact, but it’s also likely that the worker will sway back and forth while dangling over the edge, which could also cut a lanyard that is not designed for such stress. This is why a complete fall-protection system is necessary.
Complete fall protection systems include a lanyard, deceleration device, and a lifeline. Some use personal fall limiters (PFLs) while others employ self-retraction lifelines (SRLs). SRLs can be tested and labeled for leading-edge work (this testing includes verifying that the lifeline doesn’t deteriorate due to sharp corners). Note that with any fall-protection system, anchorage below the D-ring is discouraged and requires special equipment when it’s absolutely necessary.
We are always on the lookout for ideas for safety-related articles and webinars that are of interest to AISC member companies. If you have safety-related questions or suggestions, we would love to hear them. Contact us at schlafly@aisc.org. You can also visit AISC’s safety page at aisc.org/safety for various safety resources. In addition, visit aisc.org/nascc to see videos of safety-related sessions from the 2021 NASCC: The Virtual Steel Conference, which took place in April.
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