Using fall arrest anchors for safety is necessary for everything from cleaning gutters to window washing a high-rise corporate building. There are over 100,000 injuries and dozens of deaths per year from falls that could have been prevented with the proper safety equipment. There are several types that can be used, requirements for commercial use, and procedures that should be followed when installing them.

The fall arrest anchor is a connecting device that provides a sturdy connection to a building. This is designed to work with a body harness, shock absorbing lanyard, and deceleration device to slow a descent. The device itself is generally anchored to the building and provides an eye hook that can have a safety line attached.

In order for these systems to work properly all pieces must be in place. The device must be secured into a part of the structure that is strong and can support over 2000 pounds of force. Commercial applications require a higher weight limit. The worker should wear a full body harness, use a shock-absorbing lanyard, and have a safety line that keeps the worker from falling more than six feet. More than this will provide a severe jolt or can put more pullout force on the devices.

The residential application is the most overlooked personal safety situation. Many people slip while working on their roof, cleaning gutters, or cleaning second or third story windows. Most people simply rely on the ladder or their own stability to prevent a tumble. For very little money, their safety can be assured by placing two or three in the structure and attaching a line designed to prevent a serious fall.

The commercial use of these systems is more popular and well regulated. Typically, the OSHA standards require a 5000-pound resistance force. These are often placed on building roofs for workers to use. Construction sites also use temporary versions to protect workers that are working at great heights on beams or in situations where they could easily slip.

The connector comes in various styles but is only as sturdy as the anchor point. There are warnings against connecting these to scaffolding, wood trusses, or other points where the force of a tumble may cause the point to fail. Scaffolding and wood trusses can easily break or pull apart with this high force. Making sure to find the strongest connection point is extremely important to make sure the safety system does not fail.

Many situations require the use of these devices, but there are even more situations that should include them. Many of the injuries from falls working around the home or on construction sites can be prevented or reduced by having the right equipment in place. Window washing equipment should include this as part of the standard setup.

Whether you are working on your home, or part of a construction crew, your safety is of the utmost importance. Having fall arrest anchors in place for any work where a tumble could produce serious injury makes sense. Testing and making sure the system is installed properly to withstand a six foot fall will make sure it does not fail when it is needed most.

Author Bio: With over thirty years of experience in seven countries you can trust the experts in Window Washing Equipment.

Category: Business
Keywords: fall arrest anchors, roof anchors, window washing, equipment, industrial, recreation, leisure, hobby