Improper Use

Improper Use of Personal Fall Protection Equipment

If users do not understand how personal fall protection equipment should be used and what its limitations are, the risk of serious accidents increases significantly. In many cases, the root cause is that the user's level of training does not match the actual knowledge required for the task being performed.

Examples of improper use include:

• The user's total weight, including clothing, tools and equipment, exceeds the maximum user weight specified in the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind that different components may have different weight limits, and these limits may vary depending on how the equipment is used. Always refer to the instructions for use.
• Using equipment on horizontal or sloping surfaces when it is approved only for vertical applications.
• The distance to the lower level (the required clearance distance) is insufficient when using an energy-absorbing fall arrest system, meaning the user could strike the ground or another obstacle during a fall. The required clearance distance is specified in the manufacturer's instructions.
• When working on horizontal or sloping surfaces, moving more than 1.5 metres away from the anchor point centreline, increasing the risk of a swing fall.

Important: A rescue plan is mandatory whenever personal fall protection equipment is used. There are many reasons for this requirement, and the possibility of improper use is one of them.