Individual Protection. Engineered Anchorage.
OSHA 1926.502(d) and ANSI Z359 compliant PFAS — harnesses, lanyards, SRLs, and structural anchorage systems designed for Philippine construction conditions.
What a PFAS Consists Of
A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) has three components that must be engineered as a system: the body harness, the connecting subsystem (lanyard or self-retracting lifeline), and the anchorage. Under OSHA 1926.502(d), the system must limit maximum arresting force to 1,800 lbs, limit free fall to 6 feet, and bring the worker to a complete stop with a deceleration distance of no more than 3.5 feet. The anchorage must support at least 5,000 lbs per attached worker.
Components
System Components
Full-Body Harness
ANSI Z359.11Distributes arrest forces across thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders. D-ring positioned at dorsal mid-back. Must be inspected before each use and retired after any fall event.
Shock-Absorbing Lanyard
ANSI Z359.136-foot maximum length with integral deceleration device. Limits peak arrest force to 900 lbs. Dual-leg lanyards allow 100% tie-off during movement.
Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL)
ANSI Z359.14Automatically extends and retracts with worker movement. Arrests fall within inches. Preferred over lanyards where fall clearance is limited.
Anchorage Connector
ANSI Z359.1Connects SRL or lanyard to anchorage point. Snap hooks, carabiners, and beam clamps must be self-closing and self-locking. Minimum 5,000 lb gate strength.
Anchorage Point
OSHA 1926.502(d)(15)Must support 5,000 lbs per attached worker, or be designed by a qualified engineer to a 2:1 safety factor. Structural beam, column, or dedicated anchor socket.
Engineering
Anchorage Load Design
| Parameter | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Anchorage Strength | 5,000 lbs (22.2 kN) per worker | Non-negotiable OSHA minimum |
| Maximum Arrest Force | 1,800 lbs (8 kN) on worker | Shock absorber limits this |
| Free Fall Distance | Maximum 6 feet (1.8 m) | Lanyard length + D-ring height |
| Total Fall Clearance | Free fall + deceleration + harness stretch + safety factor | Typically 18.5 ft minimum below anchorage |
| Swing Fall Hazard | Anchorage directly above work area | Lateral anchorage creates pendulum hazard |
Selection Guide
Choosing the Right Connecting Subsystem
Scenario
Adequate fall clearance (18+ ft below anchorage)
6-ft shock-absorbing lanyard — simple, cost-effective, reliable
Scenario
Limited fall clearance or low anchor points
Self-retracting lifeline (SRL) — arrests fall in inches, minimal clearance required
Scenario
Worker must move continuously along an edge
Dual-leg lanyard — one leg always connected during transfer
Scenario
Horizontal travel along a beam or truss
Horizontal lifeline system with SRL — engineered cable with end anchorages
Scenario
Vertical climbing (ladders, columns)
Vertical lifeline with rope grab — worker clips to rope, grab locks on fall
Anchorage Installation
Anchorage Installation
Design
Structural engineer identifies and verifies anchorage points. Calculates load path to primary structure. Issues anchorage design drawing.
Installation
Install cast-in anchor sockets during concrete pour, or post-install adhesive anchors in cured concrete. Install beam clamps or column wraps on steel.
Testing
Proof load test each anchorage to 150% of design load. Document test results. Tag each anchor with capacity and test date.
Training
Train all workers on harness donning, inspection, connection, and rescue procedures before first use.
Inspection & Retirement
Inspection & Retirement
Before Each Use
Inspect harness webbing for cuts, abrasion, chemical damage, and heat damage. Check all hardware for deformation, corrosion, and proper function.
After Any Fall
Retire entire system immediately — harness, lanyard/SRL, and connectors. Do not return to service. Document the event.
Annual
Formal inspection by competent person. Check manufacturer date codes — retire harnesses older than 10 years from manufacture date or 5 years from first use.
Storage
Store in cool, dry location away from UV, chemicals, and heat. Never hang by the D-ring. Use dedicated storage bags or hooks.
Free Resource
PFAS Pre-Use Inspection Checklist
We'll email you the complete PFAS pre-use inspection checklist — covering harness webbing, hardware, lanyards, SRLs, and anchorage points. Required for DOLE compliance records.
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Checklist Preview
Harness webbing: no cuts, abrasion, or chemical damage
Inspect all load-bearing straps
All hardware: no deformation, corrosion, or cracks
D-rings, buckles, and adjustment hardware
Snap hooks and carabiners: self-closing and self-locking
Test gate function before each use
Shock absorber: not deployed (no previous fall)
Retire immediately if deployed
Anchorage point: tagged with capacity and test date
Minimum 5,000 lbs per attached worker
Harness manufacture date: within 10 years
Check label inside back pad
+ more items in the full checklist
Engineer Your PFAS Anchorage
Structural anchorage design, proof load testing, and worker training — all in one engagement.
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