Fall protection basics for climbers: what are the key rules of thumb?

Base your practice on OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M (1926.502), ANSI/ASSP A10.48 and the manufacturer’s instructions for your system: - 100% tie-off: you are always connected to a structure or a system rated for it, including transitions at the base, the platform and the top. - Use only the equipment you are trained on, in the way it was designed. - Anchorages: where not engineered, an anchorage for personal fall arrest has to support 5,000 lb (22.2 kN) per attached person, or be designed under the supervision of a qualified person with a safety factor of at least two (1926.502(d)(15)). - Keep the free-fall distance and clearance in mind: know your lanyard or lifeline’s fall clearance and swing hazard before you move. - A damaged item that has arrested a fall is removed from service. If you are not sure that a point is rated, it is not rated: ask the competent person. — CrewRating Team. General guidance, not a substitute for your company safety program, manufacturer instructions or the carrier’s scope of work. If this conflicts with them, follow them and tell us so we can fix it.