Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
Construction and general industry · Ver en español
Talking points
- A PFAS consists of three components: a full-body harness, a connector (lanyard or retractable), and an anchorage point rated for at least 5,000 pounds per worker.
- Maximum freefall distance is 6 feet. Maximum deceleration distance is 3.5 feet. Together with harness stretch, you need at least 18.5 feet of clearance below your anchorage.
- The maximum arresting force on the body must not exceed 1,800 pounds — this is why shock-absorbing lanyards and retractables are used instead of plain rope.
- After a fall arrest, the harness and all components must be removed from service, inspected by a competent person, and replaced if there is any sign of damage.
- Prompt rescue must be planned before any PFAS use. A worker suspended in a harness can develop suspension trauma in as little as 15 minutes.
Ask the crew
Do you know what your rescue plan is if someone on this crew takes a fall today — and how quickly can we get to them?
Standards this talk is built on
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Sign-in sheet
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| Name | Signature | Date |
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