What are Fall Protection Anchors?
When it comes to jobs that require you to climb up high, the matter of protection is very important. Unfortunately, decades ago, people could only choose between a few fall protection systems. Most commonly it was a belt with a rope attached to it, but to the joy of all, the situation changed for the better in recent decades. Variety was very welcome as people who worked different jobs at heights had different requirements and needs. If you’re not exactly sure what fall protection anchors are and which one is the best for you, read on to find out more.
Different anchorage connector types
If you want to be sure that you’re using your anchorage connector properly, first you have to understand that there are several types available on the market. According to the American Society of Safety professionals, anchorage connectors are divided into three different classes: Type A, Type T, and Type D. While Type A anchorage connector is designed as a protection system against an active fall, type T connector is designed to support a component (or a person) that’s suspended. As for type D, it was designed with movement a person might make in mind; it will absorb the energy of the fall as well as reduce the strength that the anchorage it’s attached to requires.
Anchor points in detail
Anchor points are not used alone – they are always paired up with other height safety protection systems because such pairings will result in greater protection against falling. When looking for the perfect ones for your work situation and safety, make sure you buy a reliable anchor point that will withstand your weight even if you slip and fall from a great height. The difference in weight support in anchor points varies, and you want to keep an eye on your own weight to ensure that the safety equipment you’re wearing can do its job. National Association of Testing Authorities will always accredit safety equipment of the highest quality, so look for their mark and recommendation.
They are very different
When looking through the results of standards that different anchorage connectors pass, don’t make the mistake and assume they are all the same. Even though they have the same results, they are not going to do the same job. This is why you as a user should really do in-depth research on exactly what different anchorage connectors were designed to do. If you do that, you will ensure that the one you pick will be the best for your needs. Assuming they are all the same because they all passed the same test might result in a mistake that will cost you more than just money. To illustrate: type D will deform, meaning that the force of your fall will be lesser but that you will also fall further. If you’re using these, you will need to get a greater fall clearance.
How high they should be placed
Different tasks you are going to be working on will require different types of anchorage connectors. In addition to picking the right one for you, there should also be someone who will verify that your own anchor point is strong enough for your weight, but also that it’s placed in such a way that it will safely arrest a fall. The location of the anchor is also of great importance because they should be placed as high as possible. This is because if the fall does happen, it will be arrested at a much shorter distance and there will be no swing falls.
The manufacturers have seen that there was a major need for different types of fall protection anchors. This is the reason why so many different anchors are available today – so that everyone can get the right one for them regardless of what kind of job they have. Safety technology has evolved significantly over the past years and it has been utilized in designing and creating the best and the safest equipment in the world. The most important thing to do is to read the instructions that come with your fall protection anchors and understand the requirements needed for them to work well.
