Fall Protection Cables

[ChrisNYCEng]

Hi, I am working on a building that has an elevated rigging platform. There will be a network of cables provided above this rigging level which a person will be attached to in the event of falling. We are not the EOR of this protection system, however, we are not being provided any information regarding this system or the loads that it will impose on our structure. To be prudent, we are going to indicate max allowable reactions onto attachment points from this system, but we want to be reasonable. Is there any code guidance regarding a fall protection system in regard to the design loads and allowable deflections so that we can formulate some probable loads? I have not seen anything in IBC 2012 but I was only looking in the structural portion... Any help is appreciated.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Check OSHA, you'll find it in there. Can't remember the section off the top of my head.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Quick google search found it:

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9730

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

 

[JStephen]

As I recall, OSHA has a requirement for 5,000 or 6,000 lbs per person for generic use. Where the lanyard is one that has been shown to produce a lower maximum force, you're allowed to design for that, which can be quite a bit less. It might help to get specific loads and locations prior to the design checking.