2. Fall Protection Anchorages: Critical, But Complicated
Tracey Riepenhoff, PE, CSP, PMP

3. For More Information Tracey Riepenhoff, PE, CSP, PMP
(419)
LJBinc.com
@LJBinc

4. Learning Objectives
Summarize the regulations and standards relating to anchorages
Compare certified versus non-certified anchorages
Describe anchorage types and corresponding loads, and safety and load factors
Summarize installation and inspection considerations

5. Agenda Regulations and standards Anchorage types
Certified vs. Non-Certified Anchorages
Key Considerations for anchorages
Installation and inspection considerations
Case Studies
Additional Considerations

6. Tied off ≠ fall protection
Bottom Line
Tied off ≠ fall protection

7. Anchorage vs. Anchorage Connector
Existing structure repurposed to also support forces applied to the system.
Anchorage
Connecting component between the anchorage and the system
Anchorage Connector

8. Anchorage Connector
Anchorage

9. True Or False?
By law, all anchorages must be designed by a qualified person.
FALSE
Let’s review what you’ve just learned about the regulations and standards that relate to anchorages.
OSHA requires that anchorage for fall arrest systems be capable of supporting 5,000 pounds or be designed as part of a complete personal fall arrest system, which maintains a safety factor of at least two. Note that OSHA only requires that anchorages “designed as part of a complete personal fall arrest system” be design under the supervision of a qualified person.

10. True Or False?
Injury due to swing fall can be as severe as hitting a lower level.
TRUE
Here’s a quick knowledge check regarding anchorages.
Certified anchorages are designed by a qualified person, while non-certified anchorages are designated by a competent person.
Although certified anchorages are preferred under ANSI Z359.2, the standard recognizes that this may not always be practical and provides that a competent person may supervise the selection of a non-certified anchorage.

11. True Or False?
As long as your anchorage is strong enough, where you tie-off doesn’t really matter.
FALSE

12. Regulations and Standards

13. OSHA Regulations Fall arrest anchorages shall:
Be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per worker
Regulations and standards relating to anchorages currently exist through both OSHA and ANSI. Also, the term qualified person is often used.
OSHA Subpart M-Construction regulations state that anchorages shall be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per attached worker; or designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete personal fall protection system which maintains a safety factor of a least two.
OSHA (d) (15)
OSHA (c) (13) (i & ii)

14. OSHA Regulations Fall arrest anchorages shall:
Or be designed, installed and used under the supervision of a Qualified Person as part of a complete personal fall protection system maintaining a safety factor of at least two
Regulations and standards relating to anchorages currently exist through both OSHA and ANSI. Also, the term qualified person is often used.
OSHA Subpart M-Construction regulations state that anchorages shall be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per attached worker; or designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete personal fall protection system which maintains a safety factor of a least two.
OSHA (d) (15)
OSHA (c) (13) (i & ii)

15. Qualified Person Recognized degree or professional certificate
Extensive knowledge and experience in the subject field
Capable of design, analysis and evaluation
Anchorages should be designed and installed under the supervision of a qualified person. The qualified person should have a recognized degree or professional certificate, along with extensive knowledge and experience in the field. The qualified person should also be capable of design, analysis, and evaluation.
OHSA App “C” Section I.b

16. OSHA Regulations Building owner responsibility: rope descent systems
Inform the employer, in writing
Each anchorage identified, tested, certified, and maintained so it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds, in any direction, for each employee attached
(b)(1)(i) - Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing that the building owner has identified, tested, certified, and maintained each anchorage so it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds, in any direction, for each employee attached. …
(b)(1)(i)

17. OSHA Regulations Rope descent anchorages
Based on an annual inspection by a qualified person
Certification by a qualified person
As necessary, and at least every 10 years
(b)(1)(i) - … The information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person and certification of each anchorage by a qualified person, as necessary, and at least every 10 years.
(b)(1)(i)

18. OSHA Regulations Rope descent anchorages
No employee to use an anchorage without written information from the building owner
Must keep the information for the duration of the job
Must be implemented no later than November 20, 2017
(b)(1)(ii) - The employer must ensure that no employee uses any anchorage before the employer has obtained written information from the building owner that each anchorage meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. The employer must keep the information for the duration of the job.
(b)(1)(ii)

19. OSHA Regulations Positioning devices shall be:
Secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of a worker’s fall or 3,000 pounds whichever is greater.
Rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet.
OSHA regulations also state that positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of a worker’s fall or 3,000 pounds, whichever is greater.
OSHA (e)

20. ANSI Z359 Standards ANSI Z359.6-2009 ANSI Z359.2-2007
Best design resource
Considers types of multiple worker falls
ANSI Z
Defines certified and non-certified anchorages

21. Anchorage Types

22. Anchorage Types
Fall arrest
Travel restraint

23. Anchorage Types
Work positioning
Horizontal lifeline

24. Anchorage Types
Rescue

25. Certified vs. Non-certified
ANSI Z359.2

26. Certified vs. Non-certified
Designed by a Qualified Person
Must be used for HLL
Certified
Designated by a Competent Person
Unquestionably strong elements
Non-

27. Competent Person
Identifies existing, foreseeable and predictable hazards
Has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate hazards
According to OSHA, a competent person identifies existing, foreseeable, and predictable hazards. These hazards could be in the workplace or in the fall protection system the worker is using. The competent person also has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or control such hazards.
Although the role of a competent person is defined by OSHA, little guidance is given on the training requirements to successfully fulfill this role.
Fortunately, ANSI Z359.2 provides a significant amount of information on competent person training and responsibilities.
OSHA App “C”

28. Certified vs. Non-certified
An anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint or rescue systems that a qualified person certifies
To be capable of supporting the potential fall forces that could be encountered during a fall, or
That meet the criteria for a certified anchorage prescribed in this standard
Documentation that the system meets the requirements of the Z359 family of standards
According to ANSI Z359, a certified anchorage is an anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint, or rescue that a qualified person certifies to be capable of supporting the potential fall forces that could be encountered during a fall or that meet the criteria for a certified anchorage as defined by the standard.
Certification is the act of attesting in writing that the criteria established by the standard have been met.
ANSI Z , Section 2.23

29. Certified vs. Non-certified
An anchorage that a competent person can judge to be capable of supporting the predetermined anchorage forces
Competent person shall supervise the selection, installation, use and inspection
ANSI Z359 defines a non-certified anchorage as an anchorage that a competent person can judge to be capable of supporting the predetermined anchorage forces as prescribed in the standard.
The competent person shall supervise the selection, installation, use and inspection of non-certified anchorages.
ANSI Z , Section 2.110

30. Certified vs. Non-certified
Things to consider NOT doing:
Have a competent person designate a 5,000-pound anchorage without any guidance
Have a P.E. without fall protection experience designate anchorages
Assume a Qualified Person has expertise to understand strength aspects
Forget documentation

31. Certified vs. Non-certified
Certified: Designed by a qualified person
Fall Arrest
Work Positioning
Travel Restraint
Horizontal Lifeline
Rescue
2 x arrest force
2 x foreseeable force
2 x cable load
5 x applied load

32. Certified vs. Non-certified
Non-certified: Designated by a competent person
Fall Arrest
Work Positioning
Travel Restraint
Horizontal Lifeline
Rescue
5,000 lb.
3,000 lb.
1,000 lb.
N/A

33. Key Considerations for Anchorages

34. Key Design Considerations
Anchorage strength
Anchorage location
Complete system and compatibility
System design considerations include: hierarchy of control; structural capacity; personal protective equipment; use and rescue procedures; and training.
Let’s take a quick look at each of them.

35. Anchorage Strength VARIABLES
Span and size of member
Material(s)
Additional loads
Supports
Deterioration and corrosion
Anchorage location and spacing
Above dorsal D-ring

36. Anchorage Selection Unquestionably Strong Everything in between
Clearly Inadequate

37. Anchorage Strength Can this support 5000# ?  ESTIMATED TIME
____ minutes.
 SUGGESTED DIALOG FOR PRESENTING
Write out notes to help guide you through the slides.

38. Anchorage Strength
Can this support 5000# ?

39. Anchorage Strength Can this support 5000# ?  ESTIMATED TIME
____ minutes.
 SUGGESTED DIALOG FOR PRESENTING
Write out notes to help guide you through the slides.

40. Structure of Anchorage
Existing members of a building structure are often used as anchorages
Existing members usually support existing loads
Beam
Purlin
Truss

41. Structure of Anchorage
Addition of a fall arrest load may constitute a change in use
Many jurisdictions require individuals to be professional engineers who design and evaluate physical structures

42. Design Loads Permanent loads Transient (temporary) loads Roofing
Piping
Mechanical equipment
Transient (temporary) loads
Occupancy
Storage
Wind
Snow

43. Design Loads Conditional use
Incorporates an administrative control that allows certain members to be used as an anchorage under specific conditions
Applies to transient loads
Combines two methods identified within the fall protection hierarchy – fall arrest and administrative controls
Existing building members used as conditional use anchorages must be strictly controlled by a qualified person
TOO MUCH TEXT ON THIS SLIDE. Also, take out the italics on this slide and next one.

44. Safe Attachment Locations
Panel points – the intersection of horizontal, vertical and diagonal members (analysis required)
Connections between panel points are usually not adequate
Trusses

45. Anchorage Location Why is this so important? Fall Clearance Free Fall
Swing Fall

46. Fall Clearance
Fall clearances: 6-foot EAL

47. Fall Clearances – SRL
SRLs may require 7 feet or more of fall clearance below working surface
 ESTIMATED TIME
____ minutes.
 SUGGESTED DIALOG FOR PRESENTING
Write out notes to help guide you through the slides.

48. Free Fall  ESTIMATED TIME ____ minutes.
 SUGGESTED DIALOG FOR PRESENTING
Write out notes to help guide you through the slides.

49. Free Fall
6-foot EAL:
Must be anchored above the dorsal D-ring to limit free fall to less than 6 feet
If anchored below, use 12-foot free fall lanyard and verify fall clearance and anchorage strength

50. Free Fall SRL: Must be anchored overhead to prevent free fall
Exception: Leading Edge SRL

51. Swing Fall When anchorage connector is not directly overhead
Within 15°
Force can cause serious injury
 ESTIMATED TIME
____ minutes.
 SUGGESTED DIALOG FOR PRESENTING
Write out notes to help guide you through the slides.

52. Complete System Fall arrest anchorages shall:
Designed, installed and used under the supervision of a Qualified Person as part of a complete personal fall protection system maintaining a safety factor of at least two
 ESTIMATED TIME
____ minutes.
 SUGGESTED DIALOG FOR PRESENTING
Write out notes to help guide you through the slides.

53. Compatibility
Harness
Connecting Device
Anchorage Connector
Anchorage

54. Installation & Inspection

55. Installation Considerations
Consider anchorage connector location and framing of supporting anchorage before installing
Consider fall protection for the person installing the fall protection system
An important consideration during the design of an active fall protection system is how the system will be safely installed and inspected.
Let’s begin with installation.
Before an anchorage is installed, the proposed location of the anchorage connector and the framing of the supporting anchorage should be considered.
During the anchorage design phase, consider how a contractor would install the system. What fall protection is needed for the contractor to install the fall protection system?
How will they be moved to the location of the system and lifted into place? You may find that a safe and practical method of installation will affect the design of the system and how it is framed.

56. Inspection Considerations
Personal protective equipment inspected by the authorized person
OSHA and ANSI require anchorages to be inspected at least annually
Now let’s move on to inspection considerations.
OSHA regulations and ANSI standards require personal protective equipment to be inspected by the Authorized Person prior to use. OSHA and ANSI also require anchorages to be inspected at least annually. ANSI Z359.6 requires the recertification of active fall protection systems at least once every five years.
When anchorages are designed, thought should be given to how the anchorage and permanently installed equipment will be safely accessed for inspections. Anchorages at height will typically require either ladder or man lift access during their inspection. You may find that a safe means of access for future inspections will affect how the system is designed.

57. Inspection Considerations
ANSI requires recertification at least every 5 years
Performed by qualified person
How will the anchorage be safely accessed for inspection?
Now let’s move on to inspection considerations.
OSHA regulations and ANSI standards require personal protective equipment to be inspected by the Authorized Person prior to use. OSHA and ANSI also require anchorages to be inspected at least annually. ANSI Z359.6 requires the recertification of active fall protection systems at least once every five years.
When anchorages are designed, thought should be given to how the anchorage and permanently installed equipment will be safely accessed for inspections. Anchorages at height will typically require either ladder or man lift access during their inspection. You may find that a safe means of access for future inspections will affect how the system is designed.

58. Inspection Considerations
Recertification process involves review of documentation for the system
Criteria to consider:
Changes in hazards or tasks
Changes in regulation, standards and codes of practice
Feedback from users and supervisors
The recertification of an active fall protection system must be performed by a qualified person. The recertification process involves a review of the original documentation prepared for the system and their continued applicability. At a minimum the following criteria should also be considered:
• Changes in hazards or tasks that the system is used to abate
• Changes, in regulations, standards and codes of practice that effect the design of the system
• Feedback from those who use and supervise the use of the system

59. Case Studies

60. Case Study #1

61. Case Study #1

62. Case Study #1

63. Case Study #1 Existing horizontal lifeline
Not designed by a qualified person
What about anchorage strength?
Is there adequate fall clearance?
Is the cable running through the hole acceptable?

64. Case Study #2

65. Case Study #2

66. Case Study #2
Existing conveyors needing safe access for maintenance of end stops, switches and turns
Utilized Hierarchy of Controls
Some areas guardrail at screen guard was raised
Other areas – anchor points designed and installed
Qualified person design
Anchorage strength
Anchorage location
Complete and compatible system

67. Additional Considerations

68. Additional Considerations
Maintaining 100% tie-off
Transitional anchorage
 ESTIMATED TIME
____ minutes.
 SUGGESTED DIALOG FOR PRESENTING
This segment will take approximately ____ minutes.
Here is how our time will be organized.
Review course outline with the class, pointing out breaks and lunch if applicable.

69. Use and Rescue Procedures
Describes the proper way to utilize the fall protection system including PPE components
Installation, inspection, use, and dismantling
100% protection
Use and Rescue procedures should be developed for each system. These procedures must provide for 100% protection for the authorized person and specify the steps for inspection and supervision. For all systems where someone could fall, there must be a rescue plan which shall be written and included in the Use and Rescue procedures. Authorized persons using the system should verify that rescue is in place as the procedures state. If questions, the authorized person will turn to the competent person for answers.

70. Training Is Critical Authorized person Competent person
Qualified person
Rescue
System-specific
There are several levels of training required associated with use of a fall arrest or restraint system. The user of the system must have both general authorized person training and system specific training for each system before using. If you are using one of these fall protection systems there must be a competent person who supervises the work at heights. Finally, there should be training associated with rescue. This training can vary from rescue training within the system specific training to a specific rescue training course designed for those who will be responsible for rescue.

71. Questions

72. For More Information Tracey Riepenhoff, PE, CSP, PMP
(419)
LJBinc.com
@LJBinc

73. Fall Protection Anchorages: Critical, But Complicated
Tracey Riepenhoff, PE, CSP, PMP