Total Restraint System, Work Positioning, and Shock Absorber Harness for Safe use.

Total Restraint System

Total restraint systems are strongly recommended and work positioning systems, rather than relying solely on fall arrest systems. A total restraint system prevents a worker from reaching an unprotected edge, thereby eliminating the possibility of a fall. Work positioning systems allow individuals to safely conduct tasks while supported by a tensioned harness, enabling stable, hands-free work. These methods prioritize prevention over mitigation of falls.

In contrast, a fall arrest system is designed only to protect workers once a fall has already occurred. It is not intended for work positioning, and its use requires a comprehensive rescue plan due to the risk of injury from the pendulum (swing) effect and the potential for post-fall suspension trauma.

Shock Absorber Harness Systems (fall arrest system)

When a fall arrest system is necessary, a shock absorber harness and lanyard should be used to reduce the impact forces exerted on the body during a fall. These systems are designed to minimize the shock load transmitted to the user by deploying (tearing or extending) under force, thereby keeping forces below allowable limits as stipulated in AS/NZS 1891.1.

Shock absorber lanyards must:

• Be selected based on the user’s weight, anchor location, and working height.

• Be compatible with the anchor system and free from damage, knots, or sharp edges.

• Be used only with certified anchorage points, capable of withstanding required load ratings.

Anchor, Line, and System Requirements

• Any static line system must be securely anchored and configured to prevent inertia reels or other lanyards from contacting sharp edges.

• All fall restraint and fall arrest anchors must be tagged and re-certified annually, in accordance with AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use, and maintenance.

• In the event of a fall, work must be planned to ensure the pendulum effect does not result in the worker contacting solid surfaces or the ground.

• Harness and lanyard configurations should ensure that any potential free fall is limited to no more than 600 mm.

Design & layout of roof anchors is also important, and a roof layout can be provided as an additional service, as part of the PS1 design process.

Primary Roof Anchors should be an equal distance away from the edge, as the length from the ridge to the gutter, to avoid falling off the edge and creating a pendulum fall over the edge.

Secondary Anchors should be installed to access ‘empty’ zones created by the arch of the connection rope/lanyard.

RoofSure anchors are not suitable for a horizontal connecting wire in this configuration, as the load test is down the anchor, not between anchors.

Proof testing of vertical ‘L’ anchors using 12G hex screws into two purlins and multiple rivet connections confirmed the strongest load test results. No deformation or damage to the Anchor or Structure was observed beyond the maximum load duration requirement. These Anchors should not need replacing after 15Kn use, unlike other Anchors that are designed to deform under load. A Carabiner is required to connect to the eyelet. The Anchor is supplied with EPDM foam to provide a separation & waterproofing between the Anchor and Roof Sheeting. The Aluminium Rivets also have a Neoprene washer to provide separation and waterproofing.