Functions, Components, Selection, and Maintenance of Personal Fall Protection Systems*55
1. Functions of Personal Fall Protection Systems
- Work Restraint
- Work Positioning
- Fall Arrest
1) Work Restraint Function
① Scope of Application: Do not use when there is a fall risk!
② Adjustment Method and Length: Adjust the working range via the connector’s length. Maximum length: 2m (GB6095-09/EN354).
③ System Components:
- Full-body harness or positioning belt with restraint lanyard (non-shock-absorbing) or shock-absorbing lanyard.
④ Static Load Requirement for Anchor Points:
- 13 kN (3,000 lb) (OSHA 1926)
- 10kN(GB6095−09/EN795)
2) Work Positioning Function
① Scope of Application: Secures workers at height, freeing both hands for tasks (also called “pole work” per GB6095-09). Allows limited free fall.
② Length:
- 0.6 m (2 ft) (OSHA)
- 0.2–0.3 m (GB6095-09)
③ System Components:
- Positioning belt or full-body harness with adjustable positioning lanyard.
- Must be used with a fall arrest system if fall risk exists.
3) Fall Arrest Function
① Scope of Application: Prevents contact with lower surfaces/objects during a fall, ensuring impact forces remain below permissible standards.
② Length: System performance and usage depend on maximum free-fall distance design:
- 6 ft (1.8 m) (OSHA 1926)
- 2 m (GB6095-09/EN364)
③ System Components:
- Full-body harness (belts are prohibited per EN363/OSHA 1926).
- Shock-absorbing connector (lanyard/fall arrester).
④ Static Load Requirement for Anchor Points:
- 5,000 lb (22 kN) (OSHA 1926) or 2× impact force.
- 10 kN (GB6095-09/EN795)
2. Components and Selection of Personal Fall Protection Systems
A complete system includes three inseparable components (ABC) plus rescue/descent solutions (D):
A. Anchorage (Anchor Points and Devices)
1) Definition: Anchor points refer to secure nodes (e.g., scaffolds, beams, lifelines).
2) Static Load and Placement:
- Must withstand >10 kN static load for 3 minutes (EN795-B).
- Positioned high enough to prevent collision with lower structures during a fall; ideally vertical to the work area.
3) Anchorage Devices: Connectors that link the fall protection system to anchor points.
4) Types:
- Permanent/Fixed: Installed in high-frequency work areas.
- Temporary/Removable: Removed after tasks; used where permanent anchors are unavailable.
5) Example: Xenon Horizontal Lifeline ① Provides continuous horizontal anchorage at any angle. 
② Specifications:
- Mid-span supports up to 15m (8mm steel cable).
- Supports 4 users simultaneously (8mm cable).
- Energy absorbers, tension indicators, easy maintenance.
- Compatible with most PPE; CE-certified, compliant with EN795, OSHA, ANSI, AS/NZS, GB.
C. Connectors
1) Definition: Critical components linking harnesses to anchors (e.g., shock-absorbing lanyards, fall arresters, rope grabs).
2) Function: Prevent free falls; selected based on work environment.
3) Note: Estimate potential fall distance to determine connector type.
4) Types: ① Shock-Absorbing Lanyards: For heights >6m. ② Y-Lanyards: For short-distance mobility. 
③ Fall Arresters: For limited fall distances (<6m). 
④ Rope Grabs: For vertical climbing. 
B. Full-Body Harness
1) Definition: PPE worn by workers for fall protection.
2) Function: Prevents falls or safely suspends workers post-fall.
3) Note: Only full-body harnesses are permitted in fall protection systems.
4) Static Load Requirement: Each harness anchor must withstand >15 kN for 3 minutes (GB6095-2009, EN361, EN358).
5) Types: ① Single Anchor Harness: Common; rear D-ring is the preferred anchor. 
② Dual Anchor Harness: Ideal for climbing. 
③ Positioning Harness: Combines work positioning and fall arrest. 
D. Rescue and Descent Systems
Applications: Emergency escape, rescue, wind turbine tower access. 
- Without Handwheel
- With Handwheel
- With Handwheel and Escape Function
Performance:
- Complies with EN341/2008 (8000m endurance, 500m max descent, 250kg load capacity).
- Weather-resistant, aluminum housing.
- Cost-effective, low maintenance, smooth descent (1m/s).
Global Compliance: CE, OSHA, ANSI, ISO.
Additional PPE Categories
- C. Eye/Face Protection
- E. Respiratory Protection
- F. Hearing Protection
- H. Hand Protection
- K. Body Protection
- Foot Protection
Product Index
- M01 Safety Harness
- M02 Shock Absorbers/Lanyards
- M03 Retractable Lifelines
- M04 Rope Grabs/Safety Ropes
- M05 Anchor Connectors
- M06 Ascenders/Descenders
- M07 Tripod Systems
- M08 Lifeline Systems
8) Fall Distance Estimation
9) Examples of Incorrect Anchor Placement
a. Anchor Too Low 
b. Pendulum Effect
