What is a fall protection system?
A fall protection system enables workers complete freedom of movement to work at height. Fall protection systems arrest or halt a worker in the event of a fall, and comply with OSHA standards of worksite safety.
What are fall protection systems used for?
Fall protection systems allow workers to self-rescue or be rescued in the event of a fall while working at height. OSHA safety standards mandate that a fall protection system be in place when workers are positioned above certain heights (4 feet for general industry, 5 feet for shipyards, 6 feet for construction, and 8 feet for longshoring operations).
Worksites install a fall protection system to comply with OSHA requirements and ensure the safety of their personnel, while still allowing them the mobility to work effectively and efficiently. If workers need to be able to move laterally, sometimes over significant distances if they’re in a warehouse or other large worksite, they need a fall protection system that ensures their safety without compromising maneuverability.
How fall protection systems work
The Met-Track Rigid Rail Fall Protection System operates on an enclosed track, which is bolted to either the floor, ceiling, or wall. A trolley runs along the track, with a safety retractable lifeline or safety retractable lanyard (SRL) attached to both the trolley and the worker’s harness. The SRL then lengthens and retracts as the worker moves up and down. If the worker starts to fall, the SRL arrests their descent and leaves them hanging safely from their harness.
Every fall protection system is custom configured for a specific worksite, meaning we’ll work with you to determine the length of the track, how many workers the system can support, and how it should be optimally installed.
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What are the advantages of rigid rail fall protection systems?
- Compliance with OSHA Standards: OSHA regulations under Title 29 specify when fall protection systems are required and must be followed under penalty of law. It is essential that all worksites carefully assess their environment to identify and address any potential hazards.
- Lower Maintenance and Replacement Costs: Wire-based fall protection systems require more frequent maintenance than rigid rail systems, which are permanent structures within a worksite. With wire fall protection, the wire must be changed every time a worker falls. I-Beam Anchor systems are permanent structures, but are significantly more expensive than enclosed track systems like the Met-Track Rigid Rail Fall Protection system.
- Modular and Versatile Design: The Met-Track system boasts a modular design, meaning that each system can be designed to meet unlimited lengths and it’s easy to add sections and extend existing systems when the need arises. Systems can be mounted to existing structures or suspended from application-specific floor mounted supports. Single- and multi-user systems are available, including user bypass capability.
- Multi-Track Options with Bypass Capability: A single track can support up to 4 users (with 4 separate trolleys and harnesses)–but they won’t be able to maneuver past one another. Met-Track offers multi-track fall protection systems that allow full bypass capability.
What is the difference between fall protection, fall arrest, and fall restraint?
Fall arrest systems are designed to stop a fall that is already in progress, whereas fall restraint systems are designed to prevent the fall from occurring in the first place. “Fall protection” is an umbrella term that can refer to a number of different worker safety systems.
What is the capacity of fall protection systems?
Fall protection systems are rated for a specific force depending on your industry and worksite. Met-Track can design a fall protection system that will meet your specific capacity requirements.
Questions to ask before you purchase a fall protection system
- Do you have experts that will help me correctly specify my fall protection system?
- Who will install my fall protection system?
- What is the warranty?
- What does your warranty cover?
- Are the wheels in your track system made of metal (which lasts much longer) or plastic/rubber (which is cheaper and wears out more quickly)?
- How long has your company been around?
- Are your fall protection systems made in the USA?
Why choose a Met-Track fall protection system
Met-Track is a worldwide leader in worksite safety. Our enclosed track and powder coatings make our fall protection systems the most durable and safest in the industry. Plus, our emphasis on excellent customer service means we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Met-Track fall protection systems comply with OSHA standards and ANSI safety recommendations, and enclosed track equipment is less likely to come off-track, creating a safer work environment. Additionally, by making it easy for your workers to move laterally and maneuver at height, fall protection systems can boost productivity on your worksite.
Alongside the time savings comes significant cost effectiveness. Our fall protection systems are highly durable–they are powder-coated (as opposed to enamel paint), making them less likely to chip. We also use metal wheels inside the enclosed track rather than plastic or rubber, so they don’t have to be regularly replaced. This means your purchase of a fall protection system will create job site benefits that last for years or even decades with minimal maintenance costs.
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