Restraint system: purpose, functions and technical requirements

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Quality of work is especially important when it comes to dangerous varieties. In such cases, not only the result, but also human life depends on the equipment, on the knowledge of the employee. When working at height, it is important to always use the restraint system correctly.

What is working at height?

According to the new rules, this category includes activities that involve the possibility of a worker falling from a height of more than 1.8 m. It also includes performing tasks at a distance closer than 2 m from an unguarded drop in height of more than 1.8 m, cases when the protective fence of this area is no more than 1.1 m in height. In addition, the risk of falling from a height of less than 1.8 m when performing tasks on mechanisms, surfaces with liquid, bulk materials also allows us to attribute such work to this category.

Organization

Such dangerous activities must be controlled without fail. So, they try, if possible, to get out of the risk zone, always use the means of collective protection (fences around dropsheight), as well as personal protective equipment. The latter include restraint systems that eliminate the risks of falling, fall protection systems.

All of the above items are performed in the same sequence. If it is not possible to exclude activities at height, then go to the second paragraph, and so on.

Fund categories

What systems will be applied depends on the conditions of a particular job. But most often they use a restraint system, positioning system, insurance. The latter prevents hitting the surface when the fall has already taken place. A restraint system and a positioning system are used to prevent falls. They also fix a person in one position.

The restraint system includes a number of means that prevent entry into risk areas, in particular: anchor devices, restraint harness, connecting element (lanyard).

The work positioning category includes a number of devices that hold the worker in the desired position, including: anchor devices, full body harness with a belt, connecting element (slings with shock absorbers).

Anchor devices secure the connecting elements. They are permanent - for example, horizontal cable or rail lines, anchor points, as well as temporary - they include steel, woven loops, mobile anchor lines.

Tethers hold the employee in cases of breakdowns, protect him from falling. There are leashesseveral varieties. In particular, harnesses are harnesses with straps on the hips and shoulders, which serve as the only acceptable means of stopping falls.

Never use a restraint belt to stop falls. Positioning harnesses provide workers with support that prevents falls. Seated harnesses are also used.

The connecting-shock-absorbing subsystem serves as an intermediate element that connects the anchor device and the harness (safety slings with shock absorbers, blocking devices of the retractor type, slider, etc.).

They also come in several varieties. Firstly, they are restraining, that is, they do not allow the worker to be in the risk zone of falling. Secondly, there is a fall arrest view that helps to work in hazardous areas, protecting the worker in case of falls.

The "US" restraint systems are widely used. They perfectly protect workers from falls. Most often, the US restraint systems are used in construction, installation, and repair work. They require precautions, given the presence of sharp edges, cutting, climatic factors.

Functions

First of all, restraint systems when working at height impose restrictions on the freedom of movement of workers for their own safety. If the funds were used correctly, then they will not be able to be on the height difference.

The question often arises as to which harnesses can be used in restraint systems. The answer is simple: both safety andleashes to hold. They are attached to the anchor devices by means of safety slings. They often have a feature that allows you to adjust the length.

There are also improved restraint systems when working at height. So, in order to expand the possibilities for the movement of workers, flexible or rigid anchor lines are used. This restraint system allows movement along anchor lines.

It is important to remember that these products are not designed to stop falls. The system of restraints only prevents the possibility of their occurrence. For this reason, fragile surfaces, openings, open hatches should not be located on the work site. The functions of the restraint system do not apply to the corners of buildings, where there is a great danger of falling.

Requirements

The system consists of many devices connected to each other, as a result of which a person is held. A harness in a restraint system with a safety belt with a sling, carabiner and a number of other components is usually used for work at a height of 2-3 meters.

Always devices of this type are designed in such a way that they perform their functions, while leaving the hands of a person free, which allows him to do work. In accordance with the purpose of restraint systems, the requirements for restraint systems, their design should provide a person with freedom of action sufficient to perform work, hold him without causing any particular inconvenience.

The harness is a component that wraps around the bodyemployee and consisting of individual parts. A restraining harness in a system with a safety sling fixes a person at the desired height mark. They necessarily have a number of markings.

First of all, this is the number of the standard. Secondly, this is the name of the manufacturer. Thirdly, this is data on the batch of goods, the time of manufacture. Fourth, these are the names of the materials from which they are made.

About personal protective equipment

Devices in this category are aimed at protection against factors that pose a danger in production. At a height, a whole range of them is necessarily used. For example, among them there is a special uniform, helmets, goggles, gloves, shoes, hearing protection and so on.

All of these components must be properly aligned so as to cope with the stress that will be caused by workers falling.

They are often used by rescue services in cases, for example, when it is necessary to carry out an emergency evacuation of people stuck at high altitude.

There are several security systems. They are chosen taking into account the duration of the necessary work, the presence or absence of supports for the anchor device, the architecture of the building, and the features of its design. Work safety systems include: restraint system, positioning system, safety, evacuation system.

All of them must necessarily meet the conditions of the object, the nature of the activity. The requirements for restraint systems are high, they must be adjusted according to the height and size of the person. Also, they always match the genderaccessories, the state of he alth of the worker. Always pre-test the static load of restraint systems.

Belay system

The safety systems have striking differences. They are designed to safely stop a falling worker. The maximum dynamic load that the human body can withstand is 6 kN. And devices of this type must comply with this condition. They always contain several shock absorbers that absorb energy during a fall. There are a number of ways that organize such systems.

So, they use retractable PPE. Then they are attached to the supports, and the slings and cables to the leash. In the process of moving, they are drawn in, and when a fall occurs, they slow down.

In addition, slide-type safety devices are used. They give freedom of movement along the anchor lines, when a person falls - they work automatically. Most often they are used in the process of working on an inclined plane.

The third way is to use lanyards. In such a system, tethers are connected to anchor devices. A shock absorber is attached to the safety sling to reduce the dynamic load on the body.

Positioning system

It is used to fix a person while he is doing work at height. She provides him with support under his feet. When it is used, to maintain stability, you need to hold on with your hands. So, this is necessary when working on a cell tower or on a tower. Straps are attached usinganchor device or in the girth to the supports. A positioning system is always combined with a belay.

Evacuation system

The devices included in its composition help the worker to go down in 10 minutes. At this time, he should not receive injuries associated with the suspension of the state. In this type of system, winches, portable anchor devices, individual rescue devices are often found to ensure self-descent.

Checking PPE

Any personal protective equipment must be subjected to thorough checks. The technical regulation decided that PPE must be certified before being put into circulation. They are obligatorily inspected by workers who have a third safety group when performing high- altitude work, and have also been trained. After they make their decision, the question is whether to continue using these devices or stop using them.

About ingredients

Retaining systems typically operate at ambient temperatures between -40°C and +50°C.

A leash usually consists of waist belts, buckles, sashes, attachments for slings. It also includes several shoulder and hip straps. The lanyards are tape halyards with multiple carabiners.

How the system is put on

An important role in the full performance of the functions of restraint systems is played by compliance with the rules for their operation. So, it is important to put on the harness correctly.

Before this process, the ribbons must be straightened, then the leashes are taken by the back rings, andthen intercept higher, by the shoulder straps. Next, the belt is unfastened, and the legs are passed into the girths on the hips. Then the hands are threaded into the girths for the shoulders, and the belt is fastened.

Then proceed to adjust the length of the tapes. They should fit snugly against the body. Be sure to ensure that the free end is not more than five centimeters.

It is important to correctly connect the line and harness. To do this, the mounting loops are inserted into the D-ring, the carabiner into the mounting loops, the structure is tightened.

A metal sling along with a cable is connected to a leash using a screw carabiner.

User Requirements

When using a restraint system, you need to remember that the anchor points are located on the belt. The slings must be tightened, free movement is limited to an area not exceeding 0.6 m.

In no case should people in a state of alcoholic or drug intoxication participate in work at height. The effect of medical preparations on them should be excluded. People who have not passed a medical examination are never allowed to work at height.

The use of restraint systems is justified only in cases where the person has reached the age of 18, has received appropriate training and instructions. He must be issued a permit for independent activity. When carrying out any work at height, you need to familiarize yourself with the evacuation plan.

In no case should you use a restraint system as a safety net. If activity is in one way or another connected with fire, thenpolyamide ropes are used. They are not driven along the sharp edge.

Never make their own changes to the design of the system without first agreeing this with the manufacturer. It is forbidden to use the system used to stop the fall. Do not store the system with heat emitters, acid, alkali, flammable mixtures.

Never use the system without observing manufacturer's restrictions.

Shipping

The restraint system is transported, observing a number of requirements. So, it is impossible to allow getting wet or exposing the devices to aggressive external factors. Store them only in dry rooms, humidity should not exceed 70%. Do not keep the system in direct sunlight for a long time. Before storage, the products must be dried, and then the metal components are wiped.

Warranty periods of operation are 2 years from the date of production of funds. They serve for 5 years. During the first 2 years of operation, the owner retains the right to replace the broken system at the expense of the manufacturer. However, it is important that the operating rules are followed.

Warranty not provided if it has been proven that the damage was caused by normal wear and tear, adjustments to the original design, storage rules were violated, or poor maintenance.

Manufacturer does not replace funds if they have suffered direct, indirect or other damage due to the fact that the system was applied incorrectly.

Periodic checks

Beforethe use of restraint systems, as well as during operation, it is mandatory to thoroughly check it every six months. Be sure to test for static loads equal to 4 kN.

Test each component in the fixture in turn. It is considered that the system passed the test if no damage was detected, and the bearing capacity was fully preserved. Each device always has its own passport, in which the date of the test is entered.

In some cases, devices are taken out of service. So, the need for this arises if there are doubts about the conditions for the safe operation of funds. It is also important to do this if it has already been used to stop a fall. After this case, the system must not be operated until a written confirmation from a specialist is issued that it is again suitable for use.

In transport

The restraint system is also used in vehicles, reducing the risk of injury to passengers and the driver in case of sudden maneuvers. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the devices limit the mobility of the human body. A separate category is made up of child restraint systems. But for the full effectiveness of these funds, their competent operation is important, as well as high-quality and reliable design.

According to the latest traffic rules, transportation of children in cars is allowed only with the use of child restraint systems. Carry persons under 12 years old on motorcyclesprohibited.

The restraint system in the car includes many elements - buckles, fasteners, additional devices, including cradles, removable seats.

If a minor is not secured in the car, then a fine of 3,000 rubles is due.

Why is this needed?

You may wonder why separate child restraint systems are needed if the car has seat belts for everyone? However, in reality, the safety systems in car bodies are designed for people over 150 cm tall. Therefore, in emergency situations, people below this mark are squeezed by the throat, which leads to injury even in small collisions. The most dangerous situation is when a child is transported on his knees. If a collision occurs, his weight will increase by several dozen times, and his body will cause serious damage to an adult.

There are several restraint systems for people under the age of 12. In addition to car seats, they also use the simplest of them - the domestic "FEST". It costs several times less than car seats and at the same time meets all the requirements of the law.

The design of the child restraint system is clearly visible in the photo.

Main Rules

To ensure the safety of persons under the age of 12 during their transportation, as well as when installing and using restraints, be sure to follow the instructions.

So, each child needs a separate restraint. There are no devices of this type that are intendedfor several children at the same time.

Before starting any trip, it is mandatory to check the fastening of devices to the car, even in the absence of children. The point is that a loose device in itself becomes a danger to adults.

Always use both child restraints and seat belts, no matter how long the trip.

If regular seat belts are used when transporting children from 3 years old, then you need to make sure that they cover the body over the shoulder and in the waist area.

In cases where the weight and size of children exceeds the value that was set by the manufacturer of the product, it must be replaced with a new one or adjusted to the size established by official requirements.

Danger

At first, many drivers did not agree with the introduction of the obligation to fasten children in a special way in vehicles. However, statistics show that thousands of children die in road accidents every year. And child restraint systems significantly reduce the chance of death. Of course, they will not become a panacea in any situation, but they increase the chance of salvation significantly.

About FEST device

According to the World He alth Organization, the use of restraint systems in cars reduces child deaths in crashes by 54%, reduces the risk of them getting injured by 75%, and the likelihood of serious injury is reduced by 91%.

"FEST" is usedonly for persons weighing 15-25 kg. This type of child restraint can only be used for one child with one seat belt. "FEST" provides comfort when transporting children. It is put on regular car belts, while it does not interfere with their work. The device is quite easy to install and remove.

In no case do they subject the structures to mechanical stress, make sure that moisture does not get into them. "FEST" is made from environmentally friendly materials. The device has passed the relevant tests, meets all the requirements of GOST 41.44 2005. It has become extremely popular in Russia.

The test results are clear evidence that a child strapped in with FEST is almost as safe as one in a child car seat. According to reviews, "FEST" is often even better at this task.

Thanks to the device, you can transport children in the front seat. Also, it is compact, you do not need to take care to constantly ensure its immobility in the absence of children in the cabin, as is the case with a car seat, which can be dangerous for adults. "FEST" can be stored even in glove compartments. Easy to use.

Alternatives

When using restraint systems, it is important to remember that the airbag is always deactivated. Otherwise, if it works, it will injure the child. If this is not possible, then installing child restraintsin the front seat is prohibited.

Often a special Isofix mount is used. Sometimes they provide an additional platform, which is installed under the infant carriers or car seats.

The system provides special brackets on the lower platforms of child restraint systems. By means of them, it is mounted on the eyes on the car seats. A third anchorage point is provided with additional straps attached to the back of the rear seats.

Conclusion

Restraint systems, when used correctly, provide comfort and safety while working at height. However, they always require careful monitoring, continuous attention of workers.