fall restraint vs fall arrest anchor point requirements

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# Fall Protection - Legislation for Anchor Strength (cont.) ## What does legislation state regarding anchor strength? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="3">Table 1 Legislation regarding Anchor Strength</th></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>(5) An employer or supplier shall ensure that the following types of equipment that are components of fall protection systems, and their installation, conform to the manufacturer's specifications or are certified by a professional engineer: (a) permanent anchor points; (b) anchors with multiple attachment points; (c) permanent horizontal lifeline system; (d) support structures for safety nets.</td></tr><tr><td>Nova Scotia</td><td>Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, N.S. Reg. 52/2013 Part 21, Fall Protection, Sections 21.15</td><td>Fall-Protection Systems Section 21.15 Anchorages 21.15 An employer must ensure that all anchorages used as components of a fall- protection system are capable of withstanding the following forces in any direction in which the force may be applied: (a) 22 kN, for non-engineered anchorage; (b) 2 times the maximum arresting force anticipated, for an engineered anchorage.</td></tr><tr><td>Nunavut</td><td>Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. R-039- 2015 Part 7 Part 9 Safeguards, storage, warning signs and signals, Section 122</td><td>Section 122 Anchor points and anchor plates 122. (1) If a worker uses a personal fall arrest system or a travel restraint system, an employer shall ensure that an anchor point or anchor plate meeting the requirements of this section is used as part of that system. (2) An employer shall ensure that a temporary anchor point used in a travel restraint system (a) has an ultimate load capacity of not less than 3.5 kN per worker attached in any direction that a load could be applied; (b) is installed and used according to the manufacturer's specifications; (c) is permanently marked as being for travel restraint only; and (d) is removed from use on the earlier of (i) the date th…

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WAC 296-880-[redacted postal code] Personal fall restraint system requirements. Personal fall restraint systems and their use must conform to the fol- lowing provisions. Personal fall restraint systems must be rigged to allow the move- ment of employees only as far as the unprotected sides and edges of the walking/working surface, and must consist of: (1) A full body harness must be used. (2) The full body harness must be attached to securely rigged re- straint lines. (3) All hardware assemblies for full body harness must be capable of withstanding a tension loading of four thousand pounds without cracking, breaking, or taking a permanent deformation. (4) The employer must ensure component compatibility. (5) Anchorage points used for fall restraint must be capable of supporting four times the intended load. (6) Rope grab devices are prohibited for fall restraint applica- tions unless they are part of a fall restraint system designed specif- ically for the purpose by the manufacturer, and used in strict accord- ance with the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 20-12-091, § 296-880-[redacted postal code], filed 6/2/20, effective 10/1/20.] Certified on 2/20/2023 WAC 296-880-[redacted postal code] Page 1

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# Fall Protection - Legislation for Anchor Strength (cont.) ## What does legislation state regarding anchor strength? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="3">Table 1 Legislation regarding Anchor Strength</th></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>pounds-force) per worker attached in any direction in which the load may be applied. (5) An employer, contractor, owner or supplier shall ensure that the following types of equipment that are components of fall protection systems, and their installation, conform to the manufacturer's specifications or are certified by a professional engineer: (a) permanent anchor points; (b) anchors with multiple attachment points; (c) permanent horizontal lifeline systems; (d) support structures for safety nets.</td></tr><tr><td>Yukon</td><td>Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, O.I.C. 2006/178 Part 10 - Construction and Building Safety, Roofing, Section 10.13</td><td>Section 10.13 Fall arrest 10.13 (1) Where a fall arrest system is used, it shall conform to the requirements of Part 1 - General. (2) Where a fall restraint system is used, it shall be (a) rigged to allow the movement of workers only as far as the edge of the roof, and (b) attached to a secure anchor capable of supporting the loads that may be applied to it. (3) Any fall restraint system shall be installed and used in conformance with CSA Standard Z259.1- 05, Body Belts and Saddles for Work Positioning and Travel Restraint, or other similar standard acceptable to the director. Section 10.75 Natural anchors 10.75 (1) Each rappel line and fall arrest lifeline tied to a natural anchor such as a tree, stump or rock outcrop shall also be tied to a second anchor of an equal load capacity. (2) The ultimate load capacity of an anchor for a rappelling or fall protection line shall be at least 22 kN (5000 lbs.).</td></tr></table> Fall Protection - Legislation for Anchor Strength CCOHS

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# Fall Protection - Legislation for Anchor Strength (cont.) ## What does legislation state regarding anchor strength? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="3">Table 1 Legislation regarding Anchor Strength</th></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>Anchor Points and Anchor Plates 9-5(1) If a worker uses a personal fall arrest system or a travel restraint system, an employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that an anchor point or anchor plate that meets the requirements of this section is used as part of that system. (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that a temporary anchor point used in a travel restraint system: (a) has an ultimate load capacity of at least 3.5 kilonewtons (800 pounds-force) per worker attached in any direction in which the load may be applied; (b) is installed and used according to the manufacturer's specifications; (c) is permanently marked as being for travel restraint only; and (d) is removed by the last worker from use on the earlier of: (i) the date the work project for which it is intended is completed; and (ii) the time specified by the manufacturer. (3) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that a permanent anchor point used in a travel restraint system associated with any new construction project on or after the date this section comes into force: (a) has an ultimate load capacity of at least 8.75 kilonewtons (2 000 pounds-force) per worker attached in any direction in which the load may be applied; (b) is installed and used according to the manufacturer's specifications; and (c) is permanently marked as being for travel restraint only. (4) In the case of a personal fall arrest system, an employer, contractor, owner or supplier shall ensure that anchor points to which the personal fall arrest system is attached have an ultimate load capacity of at least 22.2 kilonewtons (5000</td></tr></table> Fall Protection - Legislation for Anchor Strength CCOHS

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# Fall Protection - Anchors (cont.) ## What should you know about the strength requirements of anchors? (cont.) The load applied to the anchor depends on the fall protection system used, such as fall restraint versus fall arrest systems. For example, in British Columbia, a temporary fall restraint system's anchor must be designed to hold a load in every direction of at least 3.5 kN (800 lbs) or four times the weight of the worker to be connected to the system. For a temporary fall arrest system, the anchor must be designed to hold a load in every direction of at least 22 kN (5 000 lbs) or two times the maximum arrest force. A permanent anchor for a personal fall protection system must have a load capacity in any direction of at least 22 kN (5,000 lbs). (From BC OHS Regulation Part 11: Fall Protection, Section 11.6) The strength required may also depend on whether an energy-absorbing device is used. For details that apply to your jurisdiction, please see Fall Protection - Legislation for Anchor Strength. ## What should be examined when inspecting anchor points? Visually inspect anchors for damage, corrosion, and suitability before connecting the fall protection equipment. Permanent anchors should be inspected by a competent person at least once a year or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep records of the inspections, including the date of inspection, name, and signature of the person who did the inspection and any modifications or repairs made to the anchor point. Always have anchors tested after a fall for their stability and strength by a professional engineer competent in fall protection systems or the manufacturer. ## What are tips to follow when using anchors? - Identify the location of anchor points and include which anchor points are to be used during the current work in the fall protection plan. - Make sure that the anchor(s) used are appropriate in terms of strength, stability, and location for the type of work being done. - Make s…

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# Fall Protection - Anchors (cont.) ## What are tips to follow when using anchors? (cont.) - Consider the swing-fall distance and free-fall distance when selecting the location of the anchor. Always try to select the anchor point that is directly above the worker to reduce the distance of the swing when a worker falls. The further a worker is away from this ideal position, the greater the potential for the worker to swing like a pendulum into objects or the building itself during a fall. The CSA Standard Z259.16:21 Design of Active Fall-Protection Systems recommends establishing the anchor point so that the swing- drop distance is limited to 1.2 metres, or less when there are obstacles present. - Select an anchor so the lifeline attached to it does not travel over a guardrail, parapet wall, or other parts of the structure. This contact with other structures will limit the effectiveness of the lifeline. - Make sure the anchor loop used for the fall protection system is not used to support or suspend a platform at the same time. Independent anchors are necessary so that the worker does not fall if the platform fails. - Make sure that workers are trained in fall protection, including the correct use of anchors and be able to assess the strength, stability, and location of the anchor. Inspect the anchor before tying off the personal fall arrest or travel restraint system. - Use an anchorage connector (e.g., carabiners, quick links, snap hooks, and soft loops) appropriate to the work. - Use temporary anchors when permanent anchor points are not available. - When using temporary anchors, install, use, and remove them according to the manufacturer's specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer. - Always remove the temporary anchor after completing the work as directed by the manufacturer's instructions or a professional engineer. - When using a vehicle, crane, or structure as an improvised anchor, make sure it is stable and will not top…