4.4 Swing falls

A swing fall may occur when the user is positioned to the side of the anchorage and falls.

Instead of falling directly below the anchorage, the person may swing towards the anchorage point.

This can cause the person to strike:

• a wall,
• a façade,
• a beam,
• scaffolding,
• a roof projection,
• another part of the structure.

Anchorage position is critical

The risk of a swing fall increases when the user works farther to the side of the anchorage.

This means that an anchorage may be sufficiently strong but still be poorly positioned.

Planning must therefore consider both the strength of the anchorage and its position in relation to the work area.

Swing falls also affect fall distance

A swing fall may move the person both downward and sideways.

It may therefore affect:

• the total fall distance,
• the required clearance,
• the risk of striking the structure,
• the direction of loading on the system.

Remember

An anchorage can be strong enough and still be in the wrong position.