osha fall protection test weights, 220lbs or 300lbs 1

[black79ta]

i am taking a preliminary look at a stanchion and horizontal lifeline system for fall protection on a project our company has. looking through the osha regs there is mentioned in 2 different test weights, 220lbs and 300lbs. i am wondering which weight applies to what circumstance.

thanks in advance.

 

[Ron]

If you are developing a lateral CONTROL system, the lateral load is 200 lbs. If you are developing a fall arrest system, the minimum load is either 3000 or 5000 lbf, depending on whether a free fall is limited to 2 feet or is greater. Here's a link for the requirements:

OSHA Fall Protection

 

[ToadJones]

be caerful not to muddle the requirements here.
OSHA fall arrest test weights in the U.S. I believe are 220 lb steel weights. They claim this is the equivalent of a 310 pound man. This is why you will see many beam straps and harnesses with a 310 pound capacity. Other countries use different heavier weights.
The 5000# requirement is for lifeline ANCHOR points.

 

[gwynn]

The 5000lb load is for anchor points for vertical lifelines or single point tie offs, not horizontal lifelines. Horizontal lifelines generally see much higher loads unless there is a shock absorbing element as part of the lifeline itself.

 

[Teguci]

Toad is right. There is a 1.4 rigid weight to manikin factor. So, a steel 220 lb weight will produce an approximate eqivalent static force to a slushy 310 lb man and equipment. In either event, legal harnesses are limited to a 1800 lb Maximum Arresting Force and body belts (not allowed for most situations) are limited to a 900 lb MAF.

You will want this book: "Fall Protection" Nigel Ellis.