Horizontal lifelines are often installed across the length of a roof or beam. Complex functionality from simple installation, they can allow both fall arrest and fall restraint and accommodate more than one worker at a time. They also come in multiple lengths.

Guardian Rope Lifeline Kit includes all the gear you need to create your very own temporary and reusable horizontal rope lifeline system for fall protection.

Guardian Horizontal Cable Lifeline System has everything necessary to create a horizontal cable lifeline system designed to provide a fall arrest system for two workers.

DBI-SALA SecuraSpan Lifeline Assembly comes with everything you need to create a horizontal lifeline system compatible with your existing equipment.

Complete Protecta Pro-Line 60 ft. Horizontal Lifeline System is easy to set up, provides fall arrest for two users, and includes a built-in tensioner, tie-off adapters, and a carrying bag.

Two Person Miller Techline Horizontal Rope Lifeline System is easy to install, lightweight, and portable.

French Creek's 30 ft. Temporary Cable Horizontal Lifeline System is adjustable to the proper tension and allows one or two workers to remain tied off.

DBI-Sala EZ-Line Lifeline is a fast horizontal lifeline system to install, remove, and store with an innovative retractable design that allows the user to efficiently set-up any length of system in seconds.

Anchorage points are important for these horizontal systems. Here is a list of the top sellers from 2015:

Safe Approach Portable Beam Stanchion is an easy to install, durable fall protection anchorage point that can fit a wide range of beam sizes and excels as the anchor points of a horizontal lifeline system.

Guardian Beamguard Anchor mounts to beams and girders to create personal fall protection or horizontal lifeline systems.

Vertical Lifelines usually take the place of lanyard in the fall protection world and come in much greater lengths.

French Creek's Vertical Lifeline with Thimble End is constructed of 5/8" 3-strand polyblend synthetic rope for excellent wear and tear, strength, and limited stretch. It also available with snap hooks French Creek's Vertical Lifeline with Hook Ends. Both come in multiple lengths to best fit your job.

Guardian Blue Poly Steel Vertical Rope Lifeline Assembly is ideal for damp or wet environments and is resistant to abrasions and Ultra-Violet light damage.

FallTech Vertical Lifeline is a 5/8" premium polyester rope that is abrasion and UV resistant and includes a snap hook and a braid-end.

Super Anchor Fall Arrest Lifeline Assembly uses the lightweight Super Grab to arrest a fall within inches even in the grimiest of conditions.

Miller Polyester Blend Rope Vertical Lifeline is specially designed for abrasion resistance. The 5/8" diameter rope also includes a locking snap hook on one end and loop on the other.

Miller TurboLite - an affordable alternative to a shock absorbing lanyard that is lightweight, durable, and requires no annual re-certification. This is an extremely compact and lightweight unit (1.9 lbs. [.86kg]) that provides 6 ft. (1.8m) of working capacity lifeline.

Protecta Rebel SRL - a compact and lightweight solution with 11 ft. of web for smooth operation and maximum braking safety. A unique speed sensing brake reduces clearance requirements and limits fall arrest forces to 900 lbs. or less.

Guardian Web Retractable - offers 11 ft. of polyester web mobility and a quick action breaking system for dependable service. The ergonomic aluminum frame makes this little unit extremely durable and comfortable in your hands.

Guardian Edge Series Retractable - 30 ft. of galvanized cable and are compact, lightweight, and extremely durable.

Protecta Rebel SRL - a compact and lightweight solution with 20 ft. of web for smooth operation and maximum braking safety.

FallTech Contractor Cable Retractable Lifeline - equipped with a lightweight, durable nylon housing, 30 ft. of galvanized steel cable, and a swiveling, load indicating carabiner.

French Creek Renegade Retractable - 13 ft. of webbing that can support up to 400 lbs., in a durable housing while arresting a free-fall in inches rather than feet.

Remember: A Retractable Lifeline works a lot like a seat belt. Pull it out slowly, and it will follow you. If you run, you'll end up on your ass. These self retracting lifelines come in various sizes, lengths, material. Use a web retractable for concrete, and steel retractable for welding.

Today April 1, OSHA did not release new guidelines for calculating fall clearance. Due to changes in the Earth's gravity fall clearances are now calculated in inches instead of feet.

See new guidelines** image below:

Experts say global warming as well as the growing hole in the ozone layer have caused the Earth's gravity to change. There is less pull on a falling body in motion.

"It's a little like being in a bouncy house," says one expert. "You're just not gonna fall as fast and if you do you won't hit as hard."

*** APRIL FOOL's please refer to our wildly popular post about accurately calculating fall clearance here.

Combine the ease of a safety vest with your safety harness and you've got the highly versatile vest harness. Here are the best from our top brands:

The Guardian Orange Mesh Construction Tux Vest Harness puts a universal harness into a comfortable no-tangle solution that features breathable mesh and hide-away leg straps.

Guardian Hi-Visibility Construction Harness eliminates the hassle of wearing a fall protection harness and hi-vis safety vest by combining them into one.

The Life Jacket Harness by French Creek is a super lightweight full body harness with a sewn in life jacket and 3-point adjustment.

The FallTech Hi-Vis Yellow Mesh Vest Harness combines the benefits of a Class 2 yellow mesh safety vest with a full body fall protection harness into one easy to put on solution.

The Construction Duck Vest Harness puts a universal harness into a comfortable no-tangle solution that features durable cotton duck material and hide-away leg straps.

The FallTech Hi-Vis Orange Vest Harness with Side D-Rings combines the benefits of a Class 2 orange mesh safety vest with a full body fall protection harness into one easy to put on solution.

The DBI-SALA Delta Orange Hi-Vis Vest Harness integrates a comfortable Delta Harness into a standard orange safety vest to create one of the easiest harnesses to use.

The best part of all these dual-function harnesses is just how easy they are to put on even in a hurry.

Buckets containing a complete set of fall safety gear are some of our best selling items overall. Here are the best-sellers from last year:

Super Anchor Max Fall Protection Kit is the best kit at the best price and includes everything you need to create a personal fall protection system and has a comprehensive instruction book that will make sure your crew knows what to do.

Guardian's Bucket of Safety includes all of the fall protection you need in a roofing kit that includes an anchor, a harness, and a vertical lifeline assembly. Multiple anchors plus your choice of lifeline length give you options to build the best bucket for the job.

DBI-Sala Compliance in a Can is quick and easy fall protection solution that features a full body harness, a rope lifeline with an attached lanyard, and a reusable roof anchor. Sometimes simple is best and it doesn't get any simpler than this kit.

The RKB Roofer's Kit by French Creek contains everything you need in one convenient kit! A roof anchor, a lifeline, a harness, and a bucket to keep it all in one place. The best price for the full kit you can find.

The Miller Ready Roofer Kit includes everything you need to climb up on the roof and start working safely. It includes a harness, anchor point, lanyard, and lifeline all in a waterproof bucket. The versatile, reusable roof anchor installs on steep-pitched or flat-surface roofs.

The FallTech Roofer's Kit includes everything a roofer needs to get started with fall protection, including a harness, vertical lifeline with rope grab and lanyard, a reusable roof anchor, and a bucket to carry everything in. The harness included in the kit is a FallTech Contractor Harness which includes tongue buckle leg straps, five points of adjustment, and a lanyard keeper.

The beauty of these is that it all fits in the bucket it ships in so you can easily transport and store your equipment.

Hundreds of anchors were purchased through our website last year. Here are the top five:

The FallTech Reusable Hinged Roof Anchor is a durable, temporary anchor point for residential roofs with up to a 12/12 pitch.

Another FallTech anchor, the Single D-Ring Permanent Roof Anchor features a single D-ring and installs permanently under the ridge cap of a residential roof, leaving the d-ring exposed for attachment.

The Guardian Bull Ring Anchor is a simple to install and reusable roof anchor that can be easily carried from project to project and may be used as part of a horizontal lifeline system.

The extremely versatile Skymast Roof Anchor, also from Guardian, installs easily to your rooftop and provides fall arrest for three individuals at once using the retractable lifeline cradles.

Finally from DBI-Sala, the Protecta Reusable Roof Anchor is easy to install and features durable steel construction so it can be re-used from job to job.

These were the top options selected from our website in 2015. Did you use any of these? What was your experience with them if you did?

Amazing  footage taken by drone by Prairie Aerial of a worker climbing a 1500' TV Tower. And what did this fall protection nerd notice?I noticed him using a dual leg lanyard with rebar hooks as he ascended the ladder into the sky.

Yeah, I know - nerd alert! These are the most popular Dual Leg Lanyards we offer:

FallTech Internal 100% Tie-Off Shock Absorbing Lanyard - dual leg lanyard that includes two rebar hooks, an internal shock absorber, and features a load indicator stitch for easy inspection.

Protecta PRO Dual Leg Shock Absorbing Lanyard w/ Rebar Hooks - 100% tie-off and is constructed of durable 1 in. polyester webbing with a shock pack that reduces impact forces to 900 lbs.

Guardian Dual Leg Shock Absorbing Lanyard - 4 ft. of 1 in. nylon webbing with self-locking snap hooks, and a clear shock pack for easy inspection.

See even more options in our Duel Leg Lanyard department.

It's a cool video to watch - amazing view of the surrounding area! Check it out 1500' TV Tower.

Not too long ago we had a question about using an anchor on a flat rooftop.

The Guardian Snappy Disposable Anchors cannot be laid flat. Here is the answer why from Guardian:

The Snappy’s have a much thicker gauge material and can fatigue when bent flat.

So if you've got a spot that calls for a flat anchor, try something hinged like the 3M Reusable Roof Anchor. It can be installed on any angle including flat surfaces.

Or an even smaller option is the DBI-Sala Reusable Steel Rooftop Anchor - it's got a nice D-ring to clip into and gives you the flexibility to move it and reuse it across your roof surface.

You can also choose something use a swivel cradle like the Guardian Screw Down Anchor because when used with a retractable it gives you full range around your flat surface and keeps you moving to get work done.

If you have a question about how an anchor can be installed don't hesitate to contact us to find out!

From a segment on CBS Sunday Morning about this long-term park ranger who wears his fall gear during rooftop snow removal.

Looks like a Guardian Edge is the harness of choice for this winter ranger in Yellowstone National Park.

The Edge Harness includes all of the standard features of an Edge harness with the addition of extremely durable and rugged webbing. You can get your own Guardian Edge Harness here.

Top 3M products added to our fall protection arsenal include Apache Harnesses and the Reload Self Retracting Lifelines. Check out all this great fall gear:

Top selling SafeLight Harness is a light weight harness that offers a lanyard keepers and a fall arrest indicator.

Definitely check out the Apache Universal Harnesses which are available in big and bigger.

The best of brand ReLoad Self Retracting Lifelines are both popular and affordable.

And take a look at the MS Series SRL - 11 ft. of Dyneema web lifeline ideal for general purpose work and increased durability.

Other quality 3M products to help you work high include:

Single Use Anchor - can be used on flat or pitched wood roofs.

Apache Energy Absorbing Lanyard - 6 feet engineered to match the big guy Apache harnesses

Sidewalk Rope Horizontal Lifeline Kit - two man kit for a 60 foot span

Aerial Lift Kit - grab the bag to go up

Rescue Step Suspension Strap - add one of these to help prevent trauma after the fall

Confined space equipment allows the worker to be tied off and safety connected when working underground or in difficult to access areas. Davit arms allow a worker to be suspended or anchored while working below the surface. Tripods work well as tie off points when the worker will not need to be suspended at any point.

Tripods are lightweight and portable without sacrificing strength and durability. Setup is quick and easy, requiring only one person. Here are some good ones available:

The 9 ft. Miller Aluminum Tripod is the ideal anchorage connector for typical confined space and rescue systems.

The DBI-Sala Lift II Tripod Rescue System includes a 7' tripod and a Salalift II winch for a complete system to raise and lower personnel in and out of confined space.

Portable davit arm and base is a versatile alternative to a tripod. Multiple bases offer easy set-up and flexibility. Check out a few options:

Miller Fall Arrest Post Davit Arm is a durable accessory designed for the Miller Fall Arrest Post adds a davit arm for raising/lowering personnel and equipment in confined space settings.

The French Creek Complete Davit System can be mounted in locations where conventional Tripods or Quad Pod Systems are impractical to use. It includes a retractable unit and winch.

On a recent episode of the AMC series "Better Call Saul" FallTech gear could be seen during a pivotal scene. Check out a "Hero" clip below:

You can clearly see the FallTech name in several scenes.

For the record it's a 8240Y3  Elastech lanyard being used.

Pretty cool that:

A) it was visible and

B) that is was a scene in action not just as a part of costuming.

If you're working hard you better call Fall Protection Pros!

With all the attention that ice bucket challenges are getting right now, seems like an opportunity to talk about our best selling bucket - the Super Anchor Max Protection Kit.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes this a great product to invest in.

1) Anchor options: standard kit comes a classic 11 gauge steel hinged anchor for a pitched roof and a cross arm tie off strap to anchor to anything capable of supporting 5,000 lbs.

2) Harness - Basic cost effective fully compliant OSHA harness.

3) Lifeline - The lifeline included in the Max Kit is 50 ft. of 5/8" rope, rated for 5,000 lbs., and includes a shock absorber with a mechanical rope grab.

* Bonus A - best instructions I’ve seen for helping homeowners understand what they’re doing and keeping them safe.

** Bonus B - it ships free in the contiguous US

Now that’s a cool bucket that saves lives.

Play Ball! Words heard across North America the past few weeks as a herald of spring.

On April 1, 2014 an article detailed events of OSHA inspectors at Major League Baseball parks.

Before, during, and after Monday’s slate of games, agency inspectors popped up in locker rooms, dugouts, batting cages, bullpens and other spots to scrutinize workplace safety practices – and in many cases doled out fines and citations for serious safety lapses.

“It’s way past time for America’s favorite pastime to get serious about safety and health hazards,” OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels said. “Highly paid professional athletes have the same rights and protections that the rest of the workforce does.”

Here are a couple of the citations and fines:

• At Comerica Park in Detroit, an OSHA inspector ordered both teams to vacate their dugouts, explaining that the dugouts are permit-required confined spaces. The inspector issued $143,200 in fines for nine serious violations, most of which stemmed from the ballpark’s failure to develop and implement a confined-space entry program and provide confined-space training, warning signs and retrieval systems for the players.
• At PNC Park in Pittsburgh, a compliance officer cited the Pirates for several willful violations after observing the Parrot dancing on the roof of the home team’s dugout. OSHA is proposing $67,200 in fines for failing to provide and ensure the use of fall protection such as guardrails and personal fall-arrest systems for the mascot and other stadium employees.

For more amusing April Fool's Day examples check out the entire article.

As constructions sites in states that have been beleaguered by a cold and snowy winter are coming alive it's good to remember that you can have fun while still being serious about safety. Just like us.

**Thanks to the friend who shared this story in EHS Today with us. If you have something you think we should blog about, shoot us an email.

Working in a situation where you can't screw or nail down anchors? We've got some options for you.

In fact we have a whole category of Non-Penetrating Anchors for you to check out. Here are a few highlights:

We have the Standing Seam Roof Clamps: These can only be used on a standing seam roof. The Two Way Standing Seam Roof Clamp is a lightweight easy to use non-penetrating solution for anchoring at height.

There is the Eco Anchor: This is a weighted anchor that can be used on a roof with up to a 5-degree pitch. You carry this anchor onto the roof and fill it with water. Simple and easy.

Finally we carry the Door Jamb Anchor: This is mainly used for installing windows. You wedge the anchor in the doorway behind you and you are safe from falling to the outside of the building.

Let us know if you have questions about which non-penetrating would be the right one for you.

We're happy to announce that we've added four Safe Approach anchors to our ranks.The Flange Clamp is a unique anchor that works great attaching to a C-Channel or other single flange anchor point.

You get your choice of standard or small in the Standing Seam Roof Clamp. Telescoping legs allow installation on a wide range of seam sizes.

The Portable Beam Stanchion attaches quickly, angles out of your workspace and features durable components to last a long time.

Check out these great anchors from a great company.

Not that long ago a customer called in and ordered some Miller accessories for his new Revolution harness. He is a scaffold builder that previously used the ExoFit exclusively. But he switched to Millerwhen the Revolution came out with the pivoting hip points.

What are these "pivoting hip points"? It's called PivotLink Connection and from Miller's brochure:

This first-hand review let us know the new Revolution is "just as advertised" and that the PivotLink Connection really does "keep the harness from binding in all the wrong places," which is good to know.

We always hear about the latest and greatest things all the time. Often in the end, they aren't much different from the original. Nice to hear of a feature that actually was as advertised.

If you've got a question about a new accessory or piece of gear, give us a call and we'll give you our best info. Want to share how your equipment is helping you? Let us know in the comments below.

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to say fun things and another is fall protection we've got just the thing for you. Not only is the "C-Slab Grabber" fun to say but it is also a handy system to use in Guardrail applications. Made for exposed concrete decking, the Guardian C-Slab Grabber will clamp on to decking up to 36" by turning the adjustment handle at the top. Turn the handle counter-clockwise until it is wide enough to fit over the slab. Then turn it clockwise until the slab clamp is secured to the slab.

When laying out the system. Make sure you keep the C-Slab Grabber's within 8' of each other. There are slots on the Guardrails the allow you to use 2X4's, 2X6's or cable horizontally to finish the system. There is also a toe board attachment that is REQUIRED to be used if there is a risk of tools, equipment, materials or other substances are able to fall to a lower level.

Once the system is set-up to the manufacturer's specifications it complies with all the Fall Prevention standards allowing you to have multiple workers covering a large area. The Guardian C-Slab Grabber is to be used as a Fall Prevention System only.

A great non-penetrating solution for installing guardrails when you're working on concrete decking, the C Slab Grabber is a simple solution for personal and equipment safety.

If you work in the growing wind energy industry we've got gear for you.You know there are three components to any fall protection system - anchor, harness, and lifeline. The anchors are generally covered by the towers you're working on so we'll focus on harness and lifeline options.

The main thing you need to look for in a harness is the chest d-ring. In addition to the standard back d-ring, the front d gives you an attachment point that helps with positioning and climbing safely.

For close quarters climbing and positioning for install and maintenance, you'll likely need a short lanyard. Ranging in size from 18 inches to 8 feet, you can find the right length to allow you room to move without going too far. Choose the correct material - polyester web or cable (recommended for welding).

For farther ranging work you may need a retractable lifeline. There are standard single line SRL's ranging from 6-foot up to 175' covering large distances. You can even choose a dual or twin leg retractable in order to insure 100% tie-off.

So if you have the job of building and keeping those turbines in top shape we've got fall protection gear for you.

We often get asked the question "When do I need to get rid of my harness"? There are no OSHA Guidelines or ANSI Rule about how long a harness or lanyard can be left in service. They leave it up to the manufacturer to determine this.

Here is what ANSI states about harness and lanyard inspections:

As ANSI Z359.1-1992 (R1999) states in section 6.1 Inspection:

“Equipment shall be inspected by the user before each use and, additionally, by a competent person other than the user at intervals of no more than one year.”

ANSI further describes this inspection process in Explanatory Information E6.1.1:

“The purpose of two-level inspection of equipment is to provide two independent means for guarding against oversight in the detecting and controlling against the use of defective, damaged and improperly maintained equipment. If such equipment conditions are observed by the competent person’s inspection, measures should be taken to provide the user with additional training or retraining in equipment inspection, maintenance, use, and storage. Such observations may also suggest the need for selection of alternative equipment more suitable for the conditions of use. The frequency of periodic inspection by a competent person should be established by the user’s organization based upon careful consideration of relevant factors. Such factors include the nature and severity of workplace conditions affecting the equipment and the modes of use and exposure time of equipment.”

Now here is what each manufacture says about the equipment we supply:

GUARDIAN:

ANSI and OSHA maintain that it is up to the manufacturer to set the shelf life (“life expectancy”) for their products. For Guardian Fall Protection, the shelf life is five (5) years from the date of first use. Again, the key here is to follow inspection rules of ANSI, OSHA and Guardian.

FALL TECH:

While there is no set “life-expectancy” for a harness, lanyard, or any fall protection equipment, following the above guidelines will help to determine how long your equipment should remain in service. Equipment that is used 8 hours a day, 5 days a week will not have the life expectancy of equipment used not so often. Careful observation is key when inspecting your equipment. Check the webbing, stitching, labels, and hardware for signs of deterioration. If deterioration is evident, discard the equipment. If not, return the equipment to service.

DBI-SALA:

The current DBI/SALA policy on the life of products is totally dependent on the condition of the item and not the age. A DBI/SALA product can be used as long as the inspection performed does not reveal any damage, wear, or other characteristics that will affect the product's performance. The inspection of the product shall be performed according to details outlined in the user instruction manual on the specific product as well as other applicable information provided by DBI/SALA.

MILLER:

ANSI A10.32-2012, which replaced A10.32-2004, does not reference a 5-year service life for synthetic fiber products. The standard states that fall protection equipment shall be removed from service upon evidence of defects, damage or deterioration; once it has been subjected to impact loading; or upon expiration of the manufacturer’s specified service life, whichever comes first. Miller Fall Protection previously acknowledged the ANSI A10.32-2004 standard and the 5-year life as a general guideline that was not to be used in lieu of the inspection and maintenance criteria outlined in the instructions that accompany each unit.

FRENCH CREEK:

Recommended life expectancy is 5 years from the date of first use.

OSHA has a pretty comprehensive fall prevention campaign going. They've got big picture guidelines for overall safety at heights. I'd like to share a few simple thoughts on what you can do personally to stay safe while working up high.

1. Always use the correct gear - don't settle for the wrong sized harness or improper material for a lifeline, get the right stuff and use it. 2. Get trained on the proper way to install and use your safety gear - great equipment that isn't used correctly can be worse than no gear at all. 3. Clear the area you're working in of loose debris and unnecessary materials and keep an eye out during your work day for stuff that gets dropped or left lying around even after you've cleaned up. Eliminate extra equipment you don't need. 4. Avoid working at heights when you're super stressed or extremely tired, you need your wits about you when you're in a potential fall area. 5. Be aware of anything you ingest (like prescriptions or cold medicine) that could alter your balance and or depth perception - two things you need to stay upright and safe.

Keep these things in mind and you'll keep yourself out of OSHA's statistics.

If you're working on a rooftop with parapet walls and need to avoid penetration of the decking, you've got some options regarding fall protection.

Whether you need a fall arrest anchor or a way to put up a guardrail there are anchors for that - even one that will do both.

French Creek Parapet Anchor - A single tie-off point with a rubber footed clamp for secure bonus it's made in the USA.

Guardian Parapet Anchor - Versatile anchor can be used as fall arrest anchor or can be used with others as a part of a guardrail system.

Guardian Parapet Guardrail Clamp - If what you need is a guardrail system this sturdy clamp will provide a means for setting up a safe environment.

All of these anchors work without penetrating a rooftop membrane or damaging a concrete deck.

If you are looking to cover a large area of work and find connecting and re-connecting to your anchor points to be tedious, you should get horizontal - use a Horizontal Lifeline System. HLLs offer simple complete protection for big jobs at heights.

-- If you've got a bunch of supplies to move up and across a large roof, you might get horizontal. -- If you've got a crew of guys working side by side along a stretch of rooftop, you might get horizontal. -- If you've got heavy equipment or tools that need more than one worker to haul into place, you might get horizontal.

One advantage is that there are the same basic components to a Horizontal Lifeline System as an individual set-up. An HLL spans between 2 or more anchor points that can span upwards of 100'. Some HLLs allow you to have 1 or 2 workers in Fall Arrest or up to 4 workers in Fall Restraint. Simply take one end of the cable or rope and hook it to an anchor point. Then string it to the other anchor point. Finally, hook your lanyard or SRL to the line, take out the slack with a tensioner, and you are all set. Now you can get horizontal and move without having to keep hooking and unhooking to the single person anchor points.

Keep in mind that HLL's vary. Always read the instructions. Make sure you check the instructions and abide by the Fall Clearance Charts. Never put more than the intended workload on the line and see if the line calls for an intermediate post every so many feet.

Horizontal Lifeline Systems are very convenient to use and offer an option for large areas when complex jobs would require a lot of hooking and unhooking of your safety line.

Depending on the job you're doing and how often you're doing it you probably need a basic harness. If you've got to wear fall protection all day it can be a real pain in the ... trapezius. It might be tempting to leave a harness loose to make it more comfortable but a snug fit is one of the keys to keeping safe in case of a fall.

There are actually quite a few harness options for taking a load off your shoulders. Two factors help make a harness more comfortable through the shoulders area.

First, what the harness is made of - the wider and stretchier the material the less the should straps will dig into the muscles.

• A harness like the Miller Duraflex Python Ultra has stretchable polyester webbing which has give without giving you aches and pains.
• The Guardian Edge is built with wide shoulders that spread out the pull of the harness instead of digging in.

The second factor for easing trapezius trouble is padding of the shoulder straps.

• The French Creek Stratos comes with shoulder pads made of open cell foam that cushions without compromising the fit of your harness.
• The FallTech ComforTech Construction Harness has memory foam and silica gel padded shoulders for a cool and easy fit.
• Finally, the Super Anchor Deluxe Tool Bag Harness features padding that covers from front to back, getting rid of stress on the shoulders and distributing it across your torso to make it easy to wear long term.

Don't take the short cut of a loose harness or short change yourself when you're wearing gear all day. Instead, take a load off and make the investment in a few upgrades to have a more comfortable harness.

A few weeks ago I told the story of my gutter cleaning needs. One of the things I mentioned was needing anchors for my three-peak, two-story home. You have a choice in how you tie-off for home rooftop work and I recommend making a long-term commitment.Anchors come in all kinds of shapes and sizes: hinged, post, permanent, reusable, and more. For typical home use, I think you should look at a permanent anchor.

Basically when you pick one of these anchors you are installing them under your shingles. Why would you pull up your shingles to fasten down these anchors? I'll give you two reasons:

One, you create a low profile anchor point for whatever job you or any other contractor needs to do on your roof. Not only are you safe while you maintain your roof but also anyone you hire to take care of problems can tie-off as well.

Two, when you install these flat metal anchors under the shingles (or tile), you keep moisture from penetrating your roof. The shingles protect the places you attach the anchor. Never worry about caulk failing or losing a cap from other exposed anchors.

Easy to install, inexpensive to purchase and durability to equal your needs, these anchors help you take care of your home. Choosing a permanent anchor means making a commitment to both safety and roof integrity.

Depending on the length of the system, typical Horizontal Lifeline Systems or HLL's can be a pain to set up.  It takes at least 2 people to set up to make sure there are no twists or tangles. Taking it down is no easy chore either. Trying to make it wrap in a neat circle. Making sure you get it compact enough for easier storage. Undoing cable clamps and or trying to get it to release tension. There's gotta be an easier way.

Take a look at the EZ Line System made by DBI-SALA. It's a ready-made system that keeps the cable wound up in a protective housing. Similar to the housings on your Retractable Lifelines used vertically. Just attach each of the carabiners to the anchor points like hanging a hammock between two trees. Crank up the right tension on the cable and you're all set. It comes in a 60' length and holds up to 2 workers in Fall Arrest. Best of all, the unit is compact enough to fit anywhere and only weighs 25 lbs.

So if typical Horizontal Lifeline Systems are a pain in your ass, the EZ Line might just be the answer you are looking for.

Two years and a half ago when I bought my house, I couldn't have been more excited about the mature walnut trees on the property. Now three autumns later I'm happy I have access to the gear I do.

The first year my happiness at the gutter guards was tempered by the stems that stuck through the mesh and caused a pile-up of leaves and nuts to form along the eaves. Since the house has three peaks and a two-story drop, I wanted to have fall protection to make this fall job fall-proof.

Roofer's kits like the Super Anchor Max Protection Kit or the French Creek RKB Roofer's Kit have the all-in-one appeal that make it simple for a homeowner that may not have experience with safety equipment like this. Even in my case where I needed to add a couple anchors to cover the span of my roof with its unique peak structure.

There are plenty of options for finding a kit that has what you need to help get your the rooftop jobs done efficiently and safely. You can choose between harnesses, anchor types and lifeline lengths to make a match to your specific roof.

All in all a roofer's kit is a straight-forward solution that keeps my heart out of my throat and my boots on the shingles.

When you add your fall protection to this obstacle course, you are creating another tripping hazard. As you know you often have 50' of rope, but you are only using 20' of it. So the rest of your lifeline is going to be laying in front of you.  Add an air hose you've added yet another way to send yourself flying off the roof.

Why not try the MAX X-LINE developed by Super Anchor?

This is a safety line made to cut down rooftop obstacles - it's got a rope and pneumatic airline rolled into one. The tough lifeline material is wrapped around the hose which will remove one more trip hazard on your roof.

Recently we received a question asking about a harness designed for acidic environments.  Here's what we found out. 

Luke, head of customer service and sales, first asked our end user to elaborate. Here was the answer:

"Throughout industry, people work from manlift baskets, sometimes in vapor barrier clothing (acid suits).  Most industries require a person be tied off while in a manlift basket. Hence, the problem …   wearing a fall harness over an acid suit is clumsy at best and usually hinders how the acid suit is supposed to be worn. Plus, the chemicals may attack the fall harness.  So we are wanting a fall harness worn on the inside of the suit and be able to tie off with a seamed in “D” ring."

Luke sent this exact scenario to Miller Fall Protection and here is their response:

Miller has tested both situations using an articulated dummy in a 6 foot free fall using a shock absorbing lanyard. Here is what they have found:

They tested the harness inside a heavy-duty coat with the lanyard going down to the D-ring along the back of the wearer's neck. They also tested the harness on the outside of the jacket. There was no difference in how the jacket reacted on the dummy and there was no evidence of the jacket riding up. The results were the same. The test was also down with a slotted welding jacket over a harness with the D-ring through the slot on the jacket. The welder's jacket also did not ride up the wearer's neck. Harnesses can be worn in either fashion. Provided you make sure to tighten all straps to ensure there is no slack. Note: If a coat is worn over the harness. It is critical that the lanyard come out the top of the jacket, not out the bottom.

So there you have it, straight from the horse's mouth.

Fall protection in the world of residential construction is changing. What exactly are the changes and what can you do about it?

Yep, it's official. The countdown is upon us, and on June 16, 2011 it will hit the fan. Starting on June 16th, 2011 workers engaged in residential construction 6 feet or more over a lower level must be protected by conventional fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems)

Now, the weird thing is that this really isn't a new law, but rather a new interpretation of the existing standard. That is to say… loop holes have been eliminated and these regulations will actually be enforced.

Think you're excluded because you live in Montana? Think again, this new ruling affects every single state in the union. All 57, I mean 50.

So the days of, "I'm a man, I'm 40! I'll be alright." are gone. A crap load of workers who don't even know what fall protection is will now need to be outfitted with some sort of protection.

We want to help with some solutions that won't destroy your bottom line. Here are two quick examples...

Guardrails - This solution is the best, because it requires little or no training, and it can protect more than one person at a time. Guardrails have higher upfront costs, but you can take them with you from job to job. And depending on how many folks are on your crew, this could be economical.

Fall Protection System - For those of you in the roofing industry, look no further than a roofing kit. This is an entire fall protection system in a bucket. Just get one of these bad boys for each member of your crew and you're set to go. This Fall Protection Kit ships for free.

Of course, these are simple solutions. As more of you enter the fold, you will have more and more questions. Please feel free to ask. Jobs can vary from site to site, so don't be afraid to inquire about the best solutions for your job.

Finding the right harness can be frustrating. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine what will fit the needs of your industry. To make this a little easier, we’ve assembled a cheat sheet to get you started in your search for the perfect harness.

Residential Roofers - Residential roofers simply need to look for a universal harness. A universal harness is a basic harness with a dorsal d-ring. In most cases, these workers won’t need side positioning d-rings and a belt may be too cumbersome.

Commercial Roofers - Commercial roofers may want to look for a construction harness that would include side positioning d-rings and a belt for stability. If you don’t need the extras, you should be fine with a universal harness.

Manufacturers - Folks who work in a manufacturing plant would want to look towards the positioning harnesses. These harnesses include side positioning d-rings in addition to the dorsal d-ring, since many manufacturers rely on fall restraint and positioning to keep their workers out of danger.

Warehouse Workers - Warehouse workers, like manufacturers, most commonly lean toward positioning harnesses as well. Depending on your job, you may want to look at a construction harness for added support from the included belt.

Welders - Welders will want to be on the lookout for Nomex and Kevlar harnesses that will resist weldings sparks and heat. These harness come in a wide variety of d-ring options so you should be able to find a configuration that meets your job’s needs.

Steel Erectors - While some steel erectors may need to reach for a welding harness, other guys may just need a regular construction harness. The belt, side d-rings, and dorsal d-ring provide most of the features an erector would need. Another pointer is to look for an abrasion resistant harness, do to the rough working conditions of most steel erectors.

Wind/Cell Tower Technicians - Guys climbing towers should be on the lookout for one major feature to a harness... a front or chest d-ring. These are often found on tower harnesses which also usually include several side positioning d-rings for hands free operation. These harnesses can also be called climbing harnesses, and may or may not include the side d-rings.

Bridge Workers - The folks who work on bridges may be exposed to concrete and steel structures. If you’re working with concrete, take a look at the commercial roofer. If you’re working with steel, take a look at the steel erectors. If you find yourself working with both, a good construction harness ought to do the trick.

One word of caution. The above recommendations are simply a starting point to your search. Every job is unique and may require special harness features. Make sure you review your job and your harness carefully.

Harness quality can be a big issue with some individuals, and with others eh, not such a big deal. Here are a couple of talking points to keep in mind.

Some safety harnesses are made overseas, some of them are made in the U.S. If you want a harness that is made in the United States, let us know and we’ll help you find a harness that will work for you. Keep in mind that you may be paying a little extra for that American made labor.

It’s also important not to get freaked out by inexpensive harnesses. Basic harnesses can help you and your company save money when trying to outfit an entire fleet of workers. They definitely have their place, but it does bring up an important issue when discussing harness quality.

Higher quality harnesses are made with comfortable materials, feature fancy buckles, and include more padding. They may last a bit longer and they will be more comfortable. However, it is important to remember that a $40 harness and a $300 harness need to meet the exact same safety standards. Just because a harness costs less doesn't mean it is less safe.

The job of a harness is to catch you when you fall and spread the impact forces across your entire body, and that applies to basic and luxury harnesses alike.

One of the most important aspects of buying a harness is the the size. A harness that doesn’t fit properly can cause a lot of damage... even death. Let’s take a look at how we can prevent this.

The problem with safety harnesses that do not fit correctly or are not properly adjusted is that they actually do more harm than good.

The obvious problem is that you could literally fall out of your harness like a bowling ball through a wet paper towel. Not a good thing. A harness that is not properly adjusted can put pressure on the wrong parts of your body. This can cause death or seriously mess up your giblets if you know what I’m talking about. Men, I think you do.

This can all be avoided by reading the harness sizing charts before you order. Two things to keep in mind...

Every fall protection manufacturer has a little different way of sizing there harnesses. Just because you’ve worn a harness from one company that was large, that doesn’t mean that you will always wear a size large no matter what harness you buy.

The second issue, harnesses are not sized like t-shirts. Harness sizes are usually based on your height and weight. Just because you feel comfortable in a size XL t-shirt doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be wearing a size XL harness. Sure, you want to be comfortable, but a harness is designed to fit snug and tight to the body.

Trust me, reading a sizing chart goes a long way to selecting the right harness.

I’d like to go over some common safety harness accessories. Specifically belts, padding, and lanyard keepers. Learn how these accessories work, and if they can help you.

Belts (Sewn In/ Removable) - Belts are usually found on what the industry calls “construction” harness. (These are not the only harnesses that can be used in the construction industry.)

Belts are available in a wide variety of options. Some belts are removable from the harness, while others may be sewn into the harness. Belts are most commonly found with a tongue buckle strap, but some models do use the quick connect buckle as well.

Another common attribute found on a harness belt is padding. This padding can offer support for your back and provide extra comfort for workers that find themselves in a safety harness for days at a time. And finally, some harness belts can double as a tool belt to keep your gear handy, even while wearing a harness.

Belts are some of the most common accessories available for harnesses, and they can meet a wide variety of applications. Think it over, and determine if a belt is an add-on that is going to help on the job, or will it get in the way?

Padding - Add extra padding to a harness, and you will add dollars to the cost of your harness. This is just a simple fact, I wish it were different, but it’s not. Although, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The lack of padding on entry-level and basic harnesses allows individuals to save money on safety gear they may only use once every couple of weeks. The lower cost makes it easier for people to invest in their safety. Remember, regardless of padding and cost, every harness must meet the same safety standards.

Like dollars, harness padding is also directly related to the comfort of the harness. The more padding utilized in an ergonomic design is going to be infinitely more comfortable than a basic harness.

Take some time and think about how often you will be wearing and using your harness. Will you be spending eight hours a day in a safety harness? It might be a good idea to invest in the extra padding. Your body will thank you. If you’re an employer buying for your crew, a little bit of extra padding in the harness could make you boss of the year!

Lanyard Hooks/Keepers - Lanyard Hooks, which are also called lanyard keepers, have become more popular in recent years. These are smaller rings and clasps located on the shoulder straps of the harness near the chest strap. Please note: We’re not referring to shoulder d-rings, which would be found high on the shoulders, or chest d-rings, which would be located in the center of the chest strap. (Lanyard Keepers can be made of metal, plastic, or webbing)

You may have seen these little hooks/straps, and wondered what they’re for? Well, I will explain... The lanyard keeper is designed to be an intermediate buckle. You keep one end of your lanyard attached to the dorsal D-ring and the other end attaches to the lanyard keeper. This keeps your lanyard off the ground when it’s not in use. Pretty handy huh? These little attachment points also work well with dual leg lanyards by keeping the second leg out of the way when you’re not using it.

Is this something that you would be beneficial to you or your crew? Look for a harness that features lanyard keepers.

If you've got some funny little tags hanging off your harness, that's a good thing. Now, what the heck do they mean? Are they inspection tags or manufacturer's tags?

Inspection tags can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer (You say tomato, I say cucumber.) Some companies may have a full inspection tag, which allows workers to keep a record of inspection directly attached to each harness. Other companies provide a page in the instruction manual for you to keep track of your inspections.

Both of these are equally acceptable. If you're Jewish… Kosher.

That being said, all harnesses should include a tag of manufacture which includes the date the harness was built. It also includes the serial and model number of the harness for you to properly track the harness through your system.

These tags aren't something you would base a purchase on, but certainly good information to have. I bring it up here, as a disclaimer of sorts to make sure you’re aware that you must inspect your harnesses regularly.

On another note… if the manufacturer's tag is missing you should take the harness out of service. You're opening yourself up to a world of troubles when you don't have a way to track the harness, and you have no idea when it was built. (Some companies, like Miller, have a strict 5-year replacement policy.) Make sure to check out your harness!

One of the things commonly overlooked is equipment you need when tying off at foot level. Especially when it comes to connectors.

The big key to this whole mess is that when you are tying off at your feet, the impact forces are greater than when using an overhead anchor point. The problem comes in when you realize that it will take longer for your lanyard or retractable to register that fall is actually occurring. Two things to work around this.

1. Use a shorter lanyard that is rated for 400 lbs. capacity. For example, the Guardian Heavy Duty Lanyard is only 5 ft. long so your fall is registered quicker and you won't be falling as far. A retractable web lanyard rated for 400 lbs. would also be a good solution as well, as it can stop your fall quickly.

2. Make sure your connectors are rated for 400 lbs. when tying off at foot level. You need this to reduce the impact forces on the body since you will be involved in a longer fall. Some of this equipment is advertised as leading edge gear. These connectors are either shorter (lanyards) or lock up faster (retractables) than typical 6 ft. shock lanyards.

Bonus. Always measure your fall clearances! Need help. Check out this post. You want to reduce the forces on your body as much as possible. You do that by making the fall as short as possible. Have questions? Let us know.

In most cases, over-wrapping is a bad thing. Christmas presents, Mummies, Eminem… whoops, wrong rapping. However, in the case of cross arm straps, over-wrapping can be a good thing. Learn how.

Imagine your wrapping your cross arm strap around a beam hanging overhead. Now, you've got a six-foot cross arm strap, but you only need it to hang 2 ft. below the beam. Is this even possible? It is, and even though I'd love to sell you a 4 ft. cross arm strap, it is completely unnecessary.

Let's for kicks say that one wrap around your beam uses 2 of the 6 ft. of your cross arm strap. Before you send your d-ring through the loop or other D-ring, wrap the strap around the beam a second time. This way you now have an anchor point hanging 2 ft. below the beam.

The other great advantage to this system is that you are making the connection between the beam and the cross arm strap even stronger. Now only wrapping once, will give you the strength you need, but if Tim "The Toolman" Taylor is right, more power is better.

If you have any questions about this technique give us a call and we'd be happy to help you out.

A couple of months ago we talked about how a vertical lifeline works, but we really didn't address one of the most important components of these systems. The Rope Grab.

The rope grab is the device that allows the worker to move up and down a vertical lifeline. It's like a bus pass. Without it, you're an idiot with a rope tied around your waist. (Not a good idea!)

One of the first things to consider while using a rope grab is to find where your rope meets the roof edge and tie a knot. This is just an added safety precaution you can make in case the unforeseeable happens.

Now, there are three different types of rope grabs available out there, and they all work mostly the same, but there are some slight variations to talk about.

1. The manual rope grab is basically a metal hand trigger. When you hold the rope grab down, you are able to move freely up and down the rope. Once you let go, the rope grab latches to the rope and will no longer move up and down. This way you won't fall any further. If you do fall, do not grab onto the rope grab and pull the trigger! You'll just keep sliding down the rope, which is not good. This would be one of the reasons you would want to tie that knot in the end of your lifeline.

2. The second type of rope grab is called a trailing rope grab. This rope grab is a little more convenient because the rope grab will move up and down the lifeline by itself. You don't have to squeeze the trigger, and as long as you move slowly the grab will move by itself. If you jerk on the rope grab or fall, the rope grab locks into place and keeps you from falling further.

3. The final type of rope grab is manufactured by Super Anchor and uses a fancy pants knot to do what the trailing rope grab does without all of the metal components. This means that the unit remains light and uses time-tested ancient physics to lock around the rope in case of a fall. It's a pretty neat piece of machinery.

Hopefully, that explains a little better how a rope grab actually works. If you need help picking one out or have some more questions, be sure to let us know.

Throughout the last year we got several questions about establishing a fall protection system for workers maintaining various large trucks. Think garbage or other utility vehicles. The problem in most of these situations is that the distance of the fall is usually less than 15 ft. and the only tie off location is at foot level which greatly reduces the fall clearance.

There is a solution though, even if it doesn't fit into most budgets.

The solution essentially creates an overhead anchor point that allows the worker to tie off to and increase the fall clearances to an acceptable height with the use of a retractable lanyard.

What is it? Well it's basically a giant moveable Davit Arm that would stretch over the truck.

The cost? These systems can run over $20K, so this isn't a one job piece of equipment.

However, if you are maintaining a fleet of trucks this might be a good solution. Especially when compared to altering structures and building entirely new systems into your site.

I know this doesn't apply to most of you out there, but we wanted to let you guys know that a solution does exist. If this is something you'd like to discuss please give a call.

Sometimes finding the right anchor can be a pain in the ass. You don't have a great area to attach to or your tie off point doesn't work perfectly with out of the box solutions. We have an unheralded and under-used anchor option.

The cross arm strap is one of the most versatile anchor options available, but sadly it remains underused.

(Side note before I go any further into this post. I'm assuming that your tie off points are actually capable of supporting the 5,000 lbs. of force required by OSHA)

Here are a couple of options for the cross arm strap…

1. If you have an I beam above you, you might want to consider a cross arm strap. Especially if you don't plan on moving all over the place. Cross arm straps are a fraction of the cost of standard and sliding beam anchors. Another plus of using a cross arm strap on a beam is if you need to lower the anchor point a bit, you can do that by buying a longer cross arm strap.

2. Sometimes it can be possible to use a cross arm strap around a chimney for fall protection. (Again make sure all safety requirements are met) The advantage is that you don't have to penetrate the roof to install an anchor point. The bad part is that you have to be careful near the edge of the roof. Swing fall and too much lifeline can be a serious hazard while using an anchor point like this.

3. Basically, if you have any structural element that you can tie off to, and you can wrap the cross arm strap around it, you've got a solution. Which is nice to know.

One last note before I wrap up here. Unless explicitly defined, cross arm straps are not intended to be used permanently and exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.

Hopefully, we've introduced or reminded you of a handy and often forgotten anchor point that may be able to help you out of a jam. Got questions, let us know.

It can be tricky adding a tool bag into the mix when it comes to fall protection. We've got an easy solution.

Should you buy a harness with a belt or without a belt. One with a removable belt so you can slide your own in? There are two products that come mind when you talk about tool belts and fall protection. The first one is the Miller Revolution. The reason? The Revolution can be adapted with accessory tool bags that integrate seamlessly into the harness. It gives you plenty of options, but the separate bags can add up.

Instead, I recommend taking a look at the tool bag harness from Super Anchor. The good thing about this setup is that the tool bag is already integrated into the harness, so there is no guesswork on your end. The other great part about this harness is that it can be shipped for free, which helps on the cost, which is already attractively priced.

If you're looking for a harness that will accommodate a tool bag, take a look at the Super Anchor Harness before you make a decision. Got questions? We'd love to hear them.

As I'm sure you're aware. It is important to inspect all of your equipment before each use. Hey, it's your life. So one of the things commonly asked from us is how do you properly inspect your retractable. Well here's how…

1. Housing - Check the outer housing of your retractable. Be on the lookout for bent, damaged, or malfunctioning parts. Also, be on the lookout for loose fasteners. Make sure you don't have a screw loose, if you know what I mean.

2. Lifeline - The first thing you'll want to do is pull out several feet of the lifeline and let it slowly retract back into the housing. Keep some tension on the line as you let it roll back in, I don't want you to lose an eye. Do NOT use the lifeline if it does not retract.

Then inspect the lifeline for damage such as cuts, burns, corrosion, and worn areas. If you've got a web lifeline, make sure to check out the stitching. If the lifeline is badly damaged, don't use it.

3. Hardware - Next, you want to look at the metal hardware around the retractable, such as the snap hooks, and carabiners. There shouldn't be any distortions, cracks, or corrosion on the metal. Also, the snap hook should be able to latch without binding and firmly closed.

Then take a look at the load indicator. If you see red, do NOT use the retractable. If the shock absorber has been engaged, do NOT use the retractable.

4. Brakes - If your retractable has passed all of the other tests, you'll want to move on to the braking mechanism. First, grab the lifeline above the impact indicator and apply a sharp steady pull downward to apply the brakes. There shouldn't be any slippage when the brake is engaged. Once tension is released the lifeline should recoil back into the unit.

This may go without saying, but if the brake doesn't engage, do not use the retractable.

So, if your retractable checks out after this battery of tests. You should be able to use it for work that day. Always inspect your equipment.  And as always if you have questions, let us know.

Some of you may not know this, but there actually three different levels and degrees of fall protection. And OSHA likes them in a particular order. So we thought we'd highlight these areas of fall protection in the order OSHA wants you to go about eliminating fall hazards from your job site.

Fall Prevention - Prevent your men from reaching the hazard by establishing a barrier between your guys and the potential fall hazard. This is most commonly represented by the use of guardrails.

Pros: - Least risk for a fall to occur - No training necessary - No equipment per worker - Anual maintenance and inspection - No lost time.

Cons: - Higher up front costs

Fall Restraint - A fall restraint system uses a tie-off system to prevent your workers from reaching the fall hazard. Think of a dog on a leash. Or you could think of harness and lanyard at a set length away from the hazard.

Pros: - Better than fall arrest - Lower up front costs.

Cons: - Thorough training required. - Equipment needed for each individual worker. - Inspection and maintenance before each use. - Equipment must properly fit each worker, adding extra cost. - Requires setup time - The potential risk to the user.

Fall Arrest - Fall arrest systems stop or arrest a fall that is occurring which keeps your workers from going splat. These systems require an anchor point,a harness, and a shock absorber of some sort.

Pros: - Lower up front costs, initially.

Cons: - The highest risk of potential injury to the worker. - Thorough training required. - Equipment is required for each individual worker. - Inspection and maintenance before each use. - Equipment must properly fit each worker, adding extra cost. - Requires setup time.

So there you have it. The basic differences between your options. Sometimes, there is only one option available, but if you do have a choice make sure you work your way down the list and not up the list. A guardrail is always your safest bet.

If you have any questions, as always let us know.

Although our store is filled with pictures of harnesses, very few of them show a rear view and people often inquire about the d-ring on the back. Trust us, it's there.

It's called the dorsal D-ring, and one of them can be found on every harness we carry. In fact, that is the case with most harnesses. The exception to the rule would be a harness that may have a D-ring at the chest, but almost all of those include a dorsal D-ring as well. The rule… Harnesses include a dorsal D-ring.

The dorsal D-ring is the main attachment point for lanyards, vertical lifelines, and retractables. So when a fall occurs the D-ring on your back will be the one holding you.

There is one small note about the dorsal D-ring though. You should never have more than one of anything hooked up to it at a time. For example, you should never have two snap hooks connected to one dorsal D-ring. These guys can bump into each other during a fall and cause some serious havoc. That is the end of this public service announcement.

Hopefully, this clears up any confusion. As the body belt for fall protection went the way of the Dodo bird, full body harnesses with dorsal d-rings emerged in their absence. Let us know if you have any questions about your dorsal D-ring.

This is a common question asked about harnesses. And my first answer is this. What happened to the inspection tags on your harness? Most if not all harnesses come with an inspection tag for you to log your inspections, and that should be the first place to look if you need to add some extra labeling or verbiage to your harness.

If the tag never existed or has been lost to the ages….

Miller approves the "Sharpie" brand of felt tip makers because the permanent ink will not cause deterioration. But that's it. If you want to use some other marker, you could send it in to have it lab tested…  Seriously, just buy a Sharpie brand marker.  Even if you've used some other brand marker since second grade.

So, as long as you are using a Sharpie brand marker you should be okay. However, you must always follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to issues like this. If you have a question, let us know and we'll hunt down the answer for you.

The somewhat simple answer is yes. However, you want to keep it out of your washing machine, and you should NEVER put your harness in the dryer.

If you need to clean a harness the best way is to put a mild solution of water and commercial soap or detergent on a damp cloth and rub your harness down creating a thick lather. (Are we talking about shaving?) You want to AVOID fully immersing your harness in water to soak. Then wipe the harness down with a clean cloth.

In order to dry, you'll want to hang your harness freely. Don't wad it up in a ball in the corner of your bedroom. Mom will yell at you. You also want to keep it away from heat and out of direct sunlight. Exposing the harness to heat during the drying process can compromise the integrity of the fibers and stitching in your harness.

So, there you go. Don't soak it and don't put it in the dryer. If you need any more advice let us know.

Is this guy trying to pick up chicks on this ladder?  Seriously, I'm pretty sure you should be facing the ladder and not casually walking up it like a set of stairs.

P.S.  Your pony tail is not a lanyard.

Maybe Humpty Dumpty in the corner should be paying closer attention.

Remember, there are loads of great ladder safety products available from Guardian to make this scenario a whole lot safer.

Photo Submitted By Jasson F.

Don't end up as a Fall Protection Fail.  Get some Guardian Gear to stay safe.

Get YOUR fall protection discount - Submit Your Photo

1. Lifeline Material - If you're using a self-retracting lifeline for some sort of permanent use, you'll want to make sure you're using a stainless steel lifeline. This the best defense against the elements and resists rust. You'll definitely want to stay away from a web retractable. Here are some stainless steel retractables.

2. Housing - In a situation like this, you'll want to look for durable housing. Making sure the outside is constructed of stainless steel or extremely durable plastic, such as the Miller Falcon.

3. Inspection - If you're using a retractable in a permanent situation, you want to be extra diligent with inspections. Always make sure your retractable is working properly. Retractables exposed to the elements face far more dangers than a retractable stashed in the back seat of a pickup.

Make sure you keep these things in mind if plan on using your yo-yo in a permanent setup. If you have any questions or concerns about your equipment, let us know.

This past weekend I watched America: The Story of Us on the History Channel. If you haven't been watching this series, you should be.   Not only is it extremely well done, it also makes you proud to be American and of the risks, our forefathers took to get us where we are today.

Um... fall protection? In one of the episodes from this weekend, entitled "Metropolis," they covered the development of big cities such as New York and Chicago. Now, when you talk about New York you've got to talk about skyscrapers, which inevitably leads to construction.

Now, I know the guys that built skyscrapers back then took risks, but I never really thought about it in terms of personal safety and fall protection.

Hell, they called themselves roughnecks, so what does that tell you?

They had copious amounts of back and neck hair.... probably not.

These guys were tough as nails and built these skyscrapers, without fall protection...  without any protection really.

Walking across a one-foot wide steel beam one hundred feet in the air is not my idea of a good time.

The final tally?  2 out of every 5 workers either died or were disabled. That's 40% of the entire workforce. Just shy of half! Yikes! Take a look at the guys you work with and imagine almost half of them dead or seriously injured. It's pretty sobering, isn't it?

I guess the point is that sometimes fall protection can seem like a pain in the ass, but your odds of getting seriously injured on the job are nowhere near those levels. So, shut up, grab a steel beam anchor, and be thankful you're not a roughneck!

Every month it seems that retractable lifelines become more and more popular. Hell, they've got about fifteen thousand nicknames... retractables, srl's, yo-yos, blocks, man leashes... I made the last one up. Sorry. However, as retractables become more popular in the marketplace, workers pay less attention to the compliance demands of this equipment.

Back in the day, every retractable known to man needed to be inspected by fall protection manufacturers once a year for re-certification. Primarily, to be a pain in your ass. Just kidding. The real reason was to inspect the complex inner gears of a retractable to make sure everything was working properly. Mainly because moving parts and construction have had their differences over the years.

As time passed, companies were able to provide retractables for fall protection that didn't require re-certification. They didn't need to be inspected every year, or two years for that matter. You only needed to worry about them if they were involved in a fall.

The confusing part for you is that all retractables are different. Some retractables no longer need to be re-certified, while others still do. It is up to you to read your instruction manuals or contact us to know if your retractables need to be re-certified by the manufacturer.

So check it out your retractables if you have them, and make sure you're on the up and up. Another quick point, if your yo-yo is involved in a fall, repairing it is going to be cheaper than buying a new one. Save some money.

Another fine example of a fall protection fail from the fine folks in Panama. Way to reset the "days without an accident" tracker.

Photo Submitted By Greg R.

Don't end up as a Fall Protection Fail.  Get some Guardian Gear to stay safe.

Get YOUR fall protection discount - Submit Your Photo

If you have questions, make sure you ask them! The variables in the world of construction and fall protection are... um... very vast. There are so many possible combinations of environments, workers, crap, etc, etc...

No matter how stupid you may think the question is... Try us out. It could save someone's life!

Ask us any questions about fall protection you may have. Either leave a question in the comments section or give us a call @ 888-412-7289.

Great title eh? Today I'd like to share a feature that can be found some harnesses, but you may not know what the heck they are. Throughout our store, I throw out the term lanyard keepers, and although I do my best to explain it I thought I'd share a little more.

Lanyard keepers are usually found on a harness near the chest straps. In fact, there is usually one on both sides of your harness. They often look little d-rings or clips. (These are not shoulder d-rings. Those are located on your shoulders. duh.) Lanyard keepers "keep" your lanyards out of the way when you're not using them.

Imagine, you're taking your lunch, so you unhook your lanyard from the anchor and go get your lunch box. Take the snap hook you just released from your anchor point and attach it to the lanyard keeper. This way it's not dragging behind you getting damaged or creating a trip hazard. Sweet huh?

Some lanyard keepers are break way, so in case you accidentally stepped on your lanyard, you wouldn't trip over it. And! They also work very well with dual leg lanyards (100% tie off). You can keep the lanyard you aren't using attached to the keeper and work away.

Hopefully, we've supplied you with a little more information on this little gadget. If this seems like something you'd like on your next harness be on the lookout for it. Or give us a call and we can point you in the right direction.

My roof is only 30', if I use a 50' lifeline won't I fall off? Nope.  With a vertical lifeline system, you have a rope grab which keeps you from falling down the rest of the rope. It's almost like your own moveable anchor along the rope. So if you lock it in at 15', and you fall, you'll be tied off at the 15' mark.

What's that other lanyard piece hanging off there? That is an 18" extension lanyard. That is the piece that attaches directly to your harness. The extension lanyard allows you to keep your rope grab right by your side for easy use. Otherwise, it would be higher up on your back.  You'd look like an idiot trying to adjust the rope grab.

Do these things have shock absorbers? Some of them do, some of them do not. Good answer huh?   This is a pretty important feature on lifeline assemblies. The ones in the bucket of safety do.  If you're unsure, please make sure you ask.

If you've got any other questions, let me know and we'll see what we can do to answer them. Heck, leave your questions in the comments.

Now, that's a happy customer! I guess the point I'm trying to make is that if you can't find something on the website let us know. We may still be able to get it for you. In an effort to make our website easier to use we don't put up everything that we can get. Heck, Miller has about 8 billion different harnesses. So, If you've got an idea about what you're looking for, let us know.

Now, am I a certified public accountant? No. But I do know that legal fees, OSHA fines, and worker's comp cost money. In most cases, way more than the original equipment would have cost. Am I telling you this as a seller of fall protection equipment? No. I'm speaking with you as a fellow business owner.

I wouldn't want your business to fail because you chose not buy a couple of buckets of safety for your crew. Actually, I don't even care so much about you, but more for the people who work for you. If you go under, they lose their jobs. Sure, the economy sucks and you're not making as much money, but cutting corners doesn't pay.

Just imagine what your accountant would say if you brought him a $15K fine to buff out of your return?

When accidents occur it's easy to point the finger, but in most cases, there isn't a "single" person to blame. Sure, a company refuses to buy fall protection for its employees, but that doesn't mean you HAVE to do the dangerous jobs either. If you refuse to fight for your safety, and you go to work anyway... I hate to say it, but you're partly to blame.

Now I don't want to get into a he said, she said argument (There were enough of those in high school), but the fact of the matter is that we all need to work together to keep our jobs safe from falls. We need internal accountability. What did Smokey the Bear say? Only you can prevent the spread of genital.... Wrong pamphlet... Only you (and those around you) can prevent falls on the job site.

Anchors All major manufacturers produce some sort of beam anchor. Some of them slide across the beam, while others are bolted on, and some can even be welded on.

Lanyards We offer several Kevlar and Nomex lanyards that are ideal for welders. They are extremely durable. You may even want to consider a cable lanyard that won't be as susceptible to melting.

Harnesses Not only do manufacturers make flame resistant harnesses, they've also constructed harnesses out of Kevlar and Nomex as well. Super durable harnesses for extremely destructive work. Say that three times fast.

Look, if you're a welder, we can take care of you. Just let us know what you need and we will find you a safe solution.

With the Olympics, we were introduced to the scoring of gold, silver, and bronze medals. Which got me thinking about harnesses.

Harnesses basically come in three different classifications when it comes to quality, comfort, and features... Gold, silver, and bronze if you will. I thought I'd go over these categories and give you a couple examples of the good, better, best when it comes to harnesses.

The Bronze Medal Harnesses These harnesses are usually the bare bones when it comes to fall protection harnesses. It's going to keep you compliant, but it isn't going to be the most comfortable piece of equipment in the world. What do you get? A couple of straps and some buckles. Now don't get me wrong, these harnesses are perfectly capable of completing the job, and are great when you've got a huge crew because they are less expensive and cheaper to replace. Some Bronze Medal Harnesses...

Miller Titan Guardian Universal DBI-Protecta

The Silver Medal Harness A silver medal harness is obviously a step up from the bronze, but what does that mean? Well, for starters at the silver level you're going to begin to see some additional padding and comfort. You also get the option of better buckles, such as quick connect buckles which work like a seat belt. These are workhorse harnesses. They provide comfort, without all of the bells and whistles, so they remain economical. These harnesses also seem to have an increased set of options such as d-rings, belts, and other gizmos.

Miller DuraFlex Guardian Seraph DBI-SALA Delta II

The Gold Medal Harness These are top of the line harnesses. Are they comfortable? Hell yes. Do they have options and accessories? More than you can shake a stick at. We're talking cream of the crop here. The webbing is more durable, the padding is more comfortable, and the options are endless. These are Cadillacs.  If you've got a group of workers you want to make happy, invest in one of these bad boys. If your boss gave you a crappy harness that is penetrating your... you might want to pick one of these up.

Miller Revolution Guardian Edge DBI-SALA ExoFit NEX

Prior to the near-miss incident, I had a meeting with the safety coordinator of the steel company and her foreman that was going to do the work at my job site. They were going to cut some decking and install steel tube for support and re-deck the roof. We surveyed the area on the roof where the work was to be done and decided that a static line rated for 5,000 pounds could be installed near where the decking was to be removed. There would only be one person cutting the decking and so there would be no need to add additional strength to the line to support more than one worker.

The static line was installed the next day and was checked for the proper tie back and use of cable clamps. The static line was now ready to be used as the anchor for the personal fall arrest system the worker would be wearing.

On February 18, 2010 work was proceeding on the deck and also under the deck. The three employees of the steel company had checked their PFAS prior to starting work and all was in good order. If you can imagine the Chevrolet “Bowtie” emblem then you know how the deck was to be cut. All was going smoothly. The middle of the “Bowtie” had been removed leaving the two small pieces of the deck to be cut. About 11AM the employee cut two sides of the remaining small piece of deck and left it attached to the man deck area. He then started to roll up the cord of his grinder to finish the cut and stepped on the small area that he had cut.

The deck immediately gave way because it was only supported on the one end. The employee was attached to the static line and fell about 5’ and almost into the scissor lift that another steelworker was using below him. The reason for the short fall was that his lanyard was caught between the rough edge of the cut and the remaining deck. There was a minor abrasion of the lanyard but that was all.

The employee operating the scissor lift only had to raise the lift up about 12” to “rescue” the worker that had fallen through the unsupported part to the “Bowtie.” Their fall protection plan covered this type of rescue in the appendix of the site-specific fall protection plan for the job site.

Knowing that in 2008 we killed about 2000 workers from falls in the construction industry, I am glad to tell you that if employees are trained and the equipment is installed under the supervision of a competent person and above all if the equipment is used then good things happen. In this case, the gentleman was able to go home to his family later in the day with only an abrasion on his arm and leg that was caused by the rough edges of the decking.

Incidents like this make a believer out of me when it comes to fall protection. It doesn’t pay to take a shortcut with anyone’s life. Sure equipment costs money and in this case, the entire system including the static line was replaced but the man went home which should be the goal of anyone connected with construction and safety.

This will come to a great relief to companies who've been fined in the last six months because they will no longer have to pay the government or comply with OSHA mandates. Companies are now free to disregard fall protection on their job sites and clear their expense reports of safety equipment in general.

One unnamed source from within OSHA stated they're, "frustrated as hell. Seriously, you try telling people over and over again to take care of themselves and their employees. What happens? Work related falls increase! If these people want to kill themselves... Let 'em. We're sick of being the construction world's mommy."

So, starting May 1st you can throw away your equipment, because all bets are off...

Obviously, this is an April Fool's post... It sounds ridiculous. We can all agree on that right? So why do some companies operate as if this were true? Seems pretty ridiculous doesn't it?

1. At what height is fall protection required?

2. Are body belts perfectly acceptable for fall arrest? (True / False )

3. How many pounds per worker must an anchor point be capable of supporting?

4. What are the 3 components that make up a personal fall arrest system?

5. How often should you inspect your equipment?

Answers: 1.) 6 ft 2.) False 3.)5,000 lbs. 4.) Anchor point, Connector, Harness 5.) Before each use.

The Exofit NEX provides the highest level of safety available while remaining extremely comfortable. Seriously, it's the Snuggie of Harnesses.

What makes this harness so comfortable? I'm glad you asked. First, it is one of the easiest harnesses to adjust, so you will find just the right fit specific to your body. Second, this harness boasts soft, durable padding that is strategically placed in all the right areas. Lastly, the Exofit NEX's D-Rings are constructed of aluminum alloy which decreases the amount of weight you are carrying around, so you can wear it all day with ease.

Not only is this harness cozy, it is also owns bragging rights to safety and durability. The repel technology in the webbing makes this harness five times more abrasion resistant and water repellent when compared to other harnesses, so it can take a licking and keep on ticking.

Other features include: an integrated trauma strap, reflective material throughout the harness to increase worker visibility, built in carrying pockets to keep your cell phone or candy bar stash handy, impact indicator stitching that lets you know when the gear should be removed from service, and also lanyard keepers that keep your lanyards out of the way when you are not using them.

With all that being said, try out a Snuggie, I mean Exofit NEX Harness today!

A near miss... It's an interesting concept. For example, fall prevention is in the miss elimination business. Fall protection is in the near miss business.

The idea behind fall prevention is to eliminate the possibility of a fall. Guardrails and passive systems keep you away from edges where falls may occur. In a way they destroy misses. It's the preferred way to address dangerous falls, but it doesn't seem to be the most popular.

Do people really like a near miss? Because that's exactly what fall protection equipment provides. A near miss. With fall protection, you fall. For a moment, you're going to die... SNAP you're snatched from the air and you float aimlessly. A near miss.

There's a lot of things that have to go right in order to have a near miss. One mistake and you could be dead. That can be a little too close for comfort.

Luckily there are things you can do to make sure all of your falls remain near misses.

- Inspect your gear - Know how to use your gear - Watch what you're doing - Eliminate the fall if you can

1 - Plan ahead... You're not the only person on the planet that needs fall protection anchors this time of year. Sometimes availability is an issue. Don't wait until the last minute. This isn't a term paper.

2 - Get rid of old equipment. It may look okay, but if you've had that harness for 10 years, it's time to let it go.

3 - A bucket of safety is a great way to outfit a crew in a hurry.

4 - Worker's compensation and injury lawsuits are a pain in the ass. There are low-cost ways to keep your crew safe. Lawsuits are never low-cost.

5 - Make sure your employees know how to properly use their safety equipment. It's like having a TV without a remote. And that's just dumb.

6 - Take breaks and drink plenty of fluids. Safety equipment can weigh you down, but don't let it keep you down.

7 - Stay safe.

Unfortunately, most people don't think of fall protection as a tool.  But by changing the way you think about fall protection you may change your idea of safety equipment.

Fall protection is a tool. One of the definitions of a tool... "anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose."  The other definition is surprisingly dirty.

At its base, fall protection helps employees work in highly dangerous places to accomplish "tasks" (get crap done).  The definition fits doesn't it? I'd like to take it one step further...

Not only does fall protection help you get a job done, I say it can help you get your job done faster. How? When an employee is wearing fall protection, they don't have to keep their mind focused on... "Don't Die." They can focus on the work that needs to be done.

Now, this isn't to say there isn't a learning curve when you're wearing a safety harness. There is. But there's a learning curve the first time you use any tool. But like using most tools, when you learn how it operates, productivity increases.

So join me in putting fall protection in its proper place next to the hammer. It's a tool, give it the respect you'd give any other tool in your arsenal.

Evaluate Fall Protection Hazards - Hey numbnuts, look around your job site and make sure you're protected in the right places. If you've got a 30' fall exposed to your workers... probably not a good thing. Some may say it's against the law... which it is. If the dangerous areas of your workplace are neutralized, you may be able to sleep better at night.

Inspect Your Equipment - You can breather easier if you take the time to inspect your equipment every day before you use it. If your harness is missing a strap, that's bad. Very bad. Look at your equipment and catch little problems before they turn into big problems. Duct tape does not fix everything.

Understand How Your Gear Works - Make sure you know how to use the equipment you're wearing. A toilet is a sink if you don't know what it's used for. Learn and understand your tools. Wearing a harness that isn't attached to anything is just a homo-erotic fashion statement, which may be cause for panic.

Know Your Rescue Plan - If a fall does a occur, don't be the guy that runs around screaming in a high pitched voice for help. Study your rescue plans to react in a calm manner if a fall should occur. Panicking helps no one. Pretend you're on a bomb squad. Know exactly what you need to do and when to do it.

The biggest thing you can do to protect against panicking is preparing. Go get prepared.

For some reason, OSHA doesn't buy the... "Oh yeah, we inspect these all the time" bit without documentation. And in most cases, it is not something you can fake. When they ask you for your records you better have them... quickly (cocktail napkins don't count).

Look, I trust that you're taking the time to inspect your gear on a daily basis, and something a bit more formal twice a year, but if you don't keep up with it... it never happened.

Don't make your inspections a waste of time. Make sure you're recording them.

The short answer... Hell yeah!

You may think this is going to be another post on replacing old gear... Well, it's not. (Even though you should!). Nope, this post is about spicing up your inspections. If that's possible.

Sure, you know you're supposed to inspect your equipment each time before use. But, when you're inspecting your gear every single day, it can become pretty routine. You might even cut corners and do it half-assed. Which may be fine when you shower in the morning, but not here.

I encourage all of you to spice things up today or tomorrow. Give your equipment the once over like a drug-sniffing labrador on the trail of narcotics or your neighbor's dog sniffing your crotch. Whichever is more thorough.

Make sure you're really looking at your gear and honestly inspecting it. It might make a difference, it might not. The point is to make sure your inspections don't fall in a rut.

In the tiny village of Protectionless, Ernie woke up early to get ready for work.  Ernie worked for IB Roofing Co. where he spent his days spackling gingerbread roofs with sweet cream frosting and M&M shingles.

One day Ernie was working on an old lady's roof with his overweight friend, Fred. Fred was very clumsy and everyone called "Humpty." On this particular day, Humpty had a banana for lunch, and instead of putting the peel back into his lunch box he tried to throw it off the roof. Unfortunately, Humpty had small arms and the peel was unable to clear the roof. Humpty got up to dispose of the banana peel, but when he went to kick it off of the roof he slipped on some buttercream.

Humpty plummeted to the ground and coincidently broke his crown. It was a plastic crown Humpty got from Burger King earlier in the week. More importantly, though, Humpty fractured his skull and was bleeding internally.

Ernie immediately called the Royal Paramedics, but they were busy trying to re-assemble a Faberge Egg that had fallen off of the King's desk. When they finally arrived, the King's men couldn't put Fred back together again (None of them actually had medical experience). Humpty died.

The next day Ernie logged onto the interwebs and discovered an awesome website () There he bought harnesses, anchors, and retractables for the job site. Ever since Ernie bought fall protection, not a single soul has fallen off a roof in Protectionless.

Ernie lived happily ever after into his eighties with his life partner Burt.

Humpty is still dead.

Being the first at anything can be extremely frightening and challenging. And being the first one to suggest and demand fall protection can be downright suicidal.

My father was a contractor for a good portion of his adult life. In fact, both of my grandfathers were carpenters. I guess it runs in the family. That being said my dad never wore fall protection. Probably because it wasn't a very big deal at the time. Hell, people were putting kids in the back of pickup trucks.

Flash forward 30 years... Hillbillies still put 3-year-olds in the back of their trucks, and some carpenters refuse to wear fall protection.

Why? Because it's hard to stand up to a grizzly boss and demand protection. You may get laughed at. Guys will call you a pussy. You may never live it down. BUT...

You'll still have your life.  I, more than most, know of the tough guy complex that rears its head into the construction world, and bucking that system can be tough.

It's tough speaking up, it's tough being the first, but if a liar with no teeth and a woman's wig can do it. I think you'll do fine.

Here's the deal. If you spend $400 on Miller Fall Protection products. We'll send you a $50 harness for free. Yep for free.

Eat that CrackerJacks!

We've had the pleasure to do business with General Mills, Sara Lee Foods, and Morton Salt. This could be because I love food. Who knows? Heck, we've even worked with Shell Oil and Conoco Phillips. I wouldn't eat their product though.

Sure, we may be tooting our own horn a little bit.   Yet, I'm not sharing this with you to tell you how great we are. I'm more proud of the small guys we've helped stay safe. Whether they're window cleaners down the street or the local roofing company.

Every day we strive to provide the customer service of a local hardware store. No matter whether you're a fortune 500 company or a struggling entrepreneur, we've got you covered. Give us a call, we know what we're talking about.

Wow, I've really set up quite a bar for myself, but here goes. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre is like a box of chocolates... Hmmm. Scratch that.

This is harder than I thought.

Looking for a connection here...

I guess when I hear about the massacre, I don't think about the gang politics or the backstory that led to the heinous crimes. I tend to get a mental picture of the crumpled mass of corpses lying in pools of blood. Not a flattering image. Now I know those guys were riddled with an excessive amount of bullets, but I can't help but imagine that is what a fall from a job site looks like.

I know we joke around a lot on this website, but sometimes the stark reality of what can happen when you don't follow the rules (either OSHA's or Al Capone's) can help remind us to slow down, take our time, and get the job done safely. You don't want to be part of a construction massacre.

We recently added a full selection of Miller DuraHoist products. This equipment primarily consists of confined space gear, but it's got a few treats in there as well.

You'll find our confined space section filled up with complete systems and individual pieces for your needs. The primary portion of the DuraHoist system includes a davit arm mast along with every type of base plate and mount you can think of. For example... portable bases, barrel mount sleeves, floor and wall mount sleeves, and even flush mount floor sleeves.

Another interesting component that is now available is the Fall Arrest Anchor Post, which can provide fall protection for 3 workers. In addition to the main post we've added extension posts, and all the bases you can think of.

So, if you work in confined space, this is the time for you. Let us know if you have any question on any of these great products, and we will be happy to help you get the equipment you need for your next job. Give us a call (888) 412-7289

Want to find out how tough the Miller Falcon Retractable is? Then watch the video below. It'll blow your mind.

Well, we do. It's called the Fall Out Shelter. If you haven't subscribed to this fun publication yet, what in the heck are you waiting for? Seriously. Wandering what's inside? Fine, I'll tell you.

Every month we include 2-3 fall protection tips, introduce new products, keep you updated on OSHA changes, and an exclusive promotion available only to subscribers... And it's Free!

Besides, it only comes once a month so you don't need to worry about it flooding your e-mail inbox. No one likes that.

Seriously, subscribe to a newsletter, you'll actually read. You won't be disappointed. You can SUBSCRIBE HERE.

Well, in case the title of this post didn't give it away, we worked with the fine folks at Mythbusters. Yep, Fall Protection Pros.com has provided fall protection equipment for the two hosts to be used on an upcoming episode on Duct Tape.

In case you aren't aware... Mythbusters is a reality television show that airs on the Discovery Channel. The point of the show? To prove or disprove the huge wealth of urban legends and myths floating through the ether of this country. The hosts, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, will be wearing equipment from Fall Protection Pros.com

The million dollar question... What gear did they use?

Well, they specifically requested the DBI-SALA Delta II Construction Harness. They also ended up using 2 single leg stretch lanyards w/ a rebar hook from Guardian.

So, the episode is supposed to air in the summer. Keep an eye out for it. If you'd like more information on this equipment please contact us.

Yep, we shot a video taking a look at some of the great features on the Miller Falcon Retractable. You know, like its tough shell, the swivel shackle... what the hell am I doing? Just watch the video...

If you've got any questions about this retractable and how it may fit into your situation, please give me a call so we can discuss it. (888) 412-7289.

The first anchor is often duplicated. In fact, I believe every fall protection manufacturer in existence has produced one of these anchors. However, one stands above the rest.

Why?

Because it's made in the U.S. and is priced right. The French Creek Removable anchor is your basic roof anchor for new construction. This thing fits any pitch, comes with fasteners, and can be reused on each jobs site. Or what I call the holy trinity of roof anchors.

I love the next anchor because it comes with everything you need to permanently fix this anchor to your roof and keep it weatherproof. Not many anchors come with all of the flashy flashing, but the T-T Boss from Guardian does. This is a great pre-construction anchor that will serve the roof's owners for many years to come.

Lastly, the CB-12 anchor has rightfully won it's spot on this list. No flat roof anchor provides as much versatility as this pillar of the anchor community. Connect to it by lanyard? Not a problem. Attach a retractable? Go ahead. Construct a horizontal lifeline? Have at it. Those options are nice. And the CB-12 can easily be weatherproofed. Nice touch Guardian, nice touch!

If you were struggling with anchor points for an upcoming project, I hope these anchors give a starting point. If you've still got questions for your next job, give us a call.

Positioning lanyards shall be rigged so that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet. If the free fall is going to be higher than 2 feet you need to use some sort of personal fall protection system in addition to your positioning system. It may seem stupid to have a full fall protection system when you're 3 ft. off the ground, but dems the laws.

The second little doozy from OSHA... your positioning device shall be secured to an anchorage point capable of supporting at least twice the impact load of an employee's fall or 3,000 pounds. whichever is greater. Now unless you are morbidly obese, the 3,000 lbs. ought to do it. However, there must be some reason for this weight regulation... I just don't know what it is. It must be fairly difficult to generate an impact load of 3,000 lbs. from a 2-foot free fall.

Finally, the connectors shall be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent material. So... it needs to be strong. That should be covered by the manufacturer, and it is.

Hopefully, this wasn't news to you, but if you keep to these simple guidelines in mind the next time you use a positioning system with fall protection.

The door jamb anchor fits snugly inside a... um... door jamb?  Yes, yes it does.   Although it can be used elsewhere as well. For example, wall openings, elevator shafts, rooftops with door entrances, Honda Civics... Ok, maybe not the last one.  If you're looking for specifics, the openings can be anywhere from 24" to 43" wide.

In addition to width flexibility, the door jamb anchor also adjusts into place without the use of tools. So bare-knuckled employees can get this thing into place.

If you're looking for an alternative, you may want to take a look at the Guardian Gap Anchor (no relation to the pompous clothing store). The Gap anchor gives you a little more width (It adjusts from 24" to 51") Plus it can be used with a heavy-duty retractable. Worth the extra coin? You be the judge. That width issue means a lot to some folks.

So, if you haven't taken a look at these products before giving them the once over. You'll marvel at all of the ideas you'll come up with.

I know a lot of people think that the increase of rescue products has everything to do with greedy manufacturers looking to make more money. While that may be part of it. It's not the full story.

Believe it or not... (Actually, believe it!) According to OSHA, an employer shall provide prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or make sure that the employees can rescue themselves.

Now, the key here to me is a prompt rescue. Sure you could debate this back and forth, but the fact remains that a fallen worker could die in as little as 10 minutes from Suspension Trauma.

I'd like to see you rescue a guy in 10 minutes without rescue equipment. You can dangle that broom handle as long as you want. What happens if the fallen worker is unconscious? Um, S.O.L. anyone?

As much as it sucks, there are reasons why rescue equipment is required by OSHA. Besides, they only get money if you fail to provide prompt rescue and fine your ass. They're not in it to sell more safety ladders. If you don't have a rescue system in place you need to get one sooner rather than later.

There are two anchors I'd like to introduce you to today. Both are excellent options for pre-existing construction.

Guardian Halo Anchor: This guy installs straight through your shingles and substrate. Sure, you'll have to plug holes when you leave (there aren't very many holes), but this anchor is completely reusable. I think I just heard your pocket filling up. The fasteners are included and it fits on any pitch.

Want a more permanent solution...

The Guardian Ridge-It Roof Anchor or the French Creek Permanent Anchor are great solutions. All you need to do is pop up a bit of the ridge cap, pound this anchor into a truss, and put the ridge cap back on. That's it! These anchors fit any pitched roof, come with required fasteners, and can be left in place for maintenance. It really is a nice option to have.

So, there are two options for one of the most frequently asked questions on this website.

10 - Miller HP Harness - This is a great harness. It's not a bare bones basic harness and it's not overflowing with options. The price is right for a great all-around harness.

9 - Miller Black Rhino - This mini dynamo packs in 9 ft. of stainless steel cable. It's rare to find a short length stainless steel retractable, but the Black Rhino delivers.

8 - Miller Back Biter - This Marv Albert inspired lanyard (kidding) combines the stability of an anchor point and the flexibility of a connector in one money saving piece of equipment.

7 - Miller Mightylite - This behemoth makes the list primarily because of its extraordinary length options. There's something special about being able to buy a 130 ft. galvanized steel cable retractable.

6 - Miller Duraflex Python Ultra XXXL - You really can't go wrong with a durable harness, especially one designed for the XXXL worker. It's nice to have an option for everyone.

5 - Miller Manyard - This awkwardly named lanyard conjures up thoughts of dudes in straps, but that doesn't mean it didn't change the lanyard market when it was introduced. Stretchy and shock absorbing... a nice combo.

4 - Miller Techline - This 30' or 60' rope lifeline gets rid of a hell of a lot of guess work by offering one and two person systems. And it's priced very competitively.

3 - Miller TurboLite - Combine the benefits of a lanyard and a retractable in one and you have a 6 ft. piece of engineering brilliance. Keep an eye out for the twin turbo which we'll be adding to the store in the near future.

2 - Miller Revolution Harness - The Cadillac of harnesses is on this list at #2. Are you surprised? I didn't think so. This is one of the first harnesses to provide that tricky thing called comfort. Thank you harness.

1 - Miller Falcon Retractable - I believe that the durability of the Falcon retractable makes this product the best Miller product by far. Hell, I've seen people run this thing over with a van.

Below you will find a list of general OSHA guidelines on snap hooks. I am not the end-all when it comes to OSHA standards. This post is designed to make you aware of some rules you may not be aware of and to get you thinking about a safer workplace.

- Snap hooks need to have a corrosion-resistant finish, and the surfaces should be smooth so they don't cut into other components of your fall arrest system.

- They must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs.

- You must use locking snap hooks that are appropriately sized to the unit you are connecting the snap hook to. So it doesn't disengage.

- Snap hooks, unless specifically designed, should not be connected directly to webbing, rope, or cable... (Exception: Tie Back Lanyards)

- You cannot connect snap hooks to other snap hooks or to a d-ring in which another snap hook or connector is attached.

Did you know all of those? If you did congratulations. If you didn't, take a look at your current setups and make sure you're not in violation.

In the event that a company gets fined for failure to provide fall protection, I'd like to think that they learn from their mistakes. Unfortunately, I know that isn't always the case.

Heck, I could fill every page on this blog with examples of companies getting fined, but that doesn't mean companies will stay compliant. The roll call might even turn into white noise that no one pays attention to.

You can only beat a horse for so long... unless it's Mr. Ed and he starts yelling at you to stop.

The point? I found a blog that releases a weekly report of companies fined in Wisconsin. The shocking thing? There were a lot of companies that don't appear to be large operations. Does "Brett's Affordable Roofing" sound like a major operation to you? How about "Darrel's Roofing?" I didn't think so.

These companies were fined between $600 and $1,100 for various fall protection violations. I know that may be a slap on the wrist to some companies, but for me it isn't.

The weird part?

Most of these situations could have been solved at prices way below the cost of the fine. Remember, in addition to the fines, your company gets the free publicity entitled to organizations fined by OSHA. Not a great P.R. plan.

Let go of the holidays, and get ready to buckle down for another year of work, but before you do take a look at these.

And one more for good measure!

From now until the end of the year. We will be offering a discount on our Miller Falcon Retractables. We are taking 18% off of our original prices. You can pick up a web one for as little as $344! Check them out...

Miller Falcon Web Retractable

Miller Falcon Galvanized Cable Retractable

Miller Falcon Stainless Steel Retractable

1. The term lanyard, and all of the dirty connotations that go with it. Insert dirty limerick here.

2. People outside of the fall protection industry who look at me with blank stares when I tell them I work with fall protection. Their confusion suggests I help people avoid the autumn season entirely.

3. How every manufacturer claims how durable their products are. It has been said so much, I think it's losing it meaning. We get it. You make strong products.

4. That people will never see the true value of guardrail systems over personal fall protection. Trust me it makes sense in so many ways.

5. Being flagged by every regulatory body on the Internet, whenever you use the term Steel Erection.

Until next year, Happy Festivus!

Everyone knows that general crankiness, stress, and being a jerk can kill you. Don't believe me? Get some help now. If you're a grumpy Gus, you may have Adultitis.

I couldn't locate any super solid proof, but I'm willing to wager that a crappy attitude can make you more prone to workplace accidents. Being stressed out can cause you to lose focus, and send your mind in other directions.

Isn't that when accidents occur?   You're too busy thinking about how big of a jerk your boss is and blam-o you're crashing through a skylight 30 ft. off ground level.

Now, I'm not here to argue that your boss isn't a jerk. He could be the biggest tool on the planet. But YOU control your thoughts and attitudes. The "Humbug" attitude is a choice. And I believe it is a choice that can kill you.

Free you're mind, relax, maintain a positive attitude. If you do, I'm positive your risk of an accident will plummet. The power of positive thinking is amazing.

- You must determine that the walking and working surfaces of your job site have the structural integrity to support employees safely.

- Employees exposed to an unprotected edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected from falling by either guardrails, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

That's it. Now, there are exceptions and variations to this basic concept based on working environments, and we plan to work our way through these requirements in the coming weeks. But for now, let that those basic rules sink into everything you do.

Actually, there is only one fall protection scenario that popped into my brain when I read about the Boston Tea Party. The removal of damaged equipment. Sure, the tea wasn't ruined, but see if you can follow me on this one.

Every day, guys are forced to wear equipment that should have been pulled from active service months or years ago. I suggest that, in protest, we rally together and throw old equipment overboard and demand new equipment and a better system. You need to rise up for yourselves. Only you can do it.

Why do I suggest such radical action like the tea-baggers? Hmmm, that sounds uncomfortably dirty. Moving on...

This has nothing to do with the fact that we sell this equipment. It has everything to do with the fact that people are going to work with damaged equipment. Ever since I read about Miller's Study on equipment in the field, it kind of creeps me out. It should creep you out too. Do it for yourself or your family. Throw your shitload of crummy gear away.

On the other hand, when I see a man wearing a tool belt, safety harness, and other safety or construction equipment.... well let’s just say I get a little hot and bothered.  Now, pair that with a crisp white tee and a pair of jeans, and women everywhere won’t be able to take their eyes off of you.  Take it from me, women want their men to be safe and if they can look handsome while doing it, well that’s just the icing on the cake.

Anchorage: A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices. (see here)

Connector: A device which is used to couple (connect) parts of the personal fall arrest system and positioning device systems together. It may be an independent component of the system, such as a carabiner, or it may be an integral component of part of the system (such as a buckle or dee-ring sewn into a body belt or body harness, or a snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self-retracting lanyard).

Lanyard: A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body belt or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage. (see here)

Lifeline: A component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and which serves as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage. (see here)

Body Harness: Straps which may be secured about the employee in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest system. (see here)

Personal Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these. As of January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.

The advantage of the dual leg lanyard is simple. With two legs you can stay tied off at all times. Imagine for a moment you're a steel erector working with two beam anchors. You're using two beam anchors because your work area is divided by a vertical beam. With a single leg lanyard, you would be forced to disconnect your lanyard to move from beam anchor #1 to beam anchor #2.

In this transition, you are completely unprotected. This seems (to me) more dangerous than some of the actual work you're performing.

A dual or double leg lanyard solves this exact problem. With a dual leg lanyard, you're able to stay connected to beam anchor #1, use your second lanyard leg to attach to beam anchor #2, and then disconnect the lanyard leg from beam anchor #1. It's a simple solution with life-saving implications.

So, if you do a lot of shuffling between anchors, you may want to consider a dual leg lanyard for your next connector purchase. Oh, and if you do go ahead and buy a dual leg lanyard, you may want look into a harness with lanyard keepers. You'll thank me later!

1. “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation”- Clark Griswold falls off his ladder while trying to put Christmas lights on the exterior of his home.

2. “A Christmas Story”- Randy falls down in the snow after his mother bundles him up too much for the winter weather and you hear him say “I can’t get up!”

3. “Elf”- Buddy covers his eyes and runs right into some lockers and falls down while he tries to run out of the bathroom after his stunned, showering co-worker discovers that he is there.

Have One we didn't mention? Put it in the comments section!

[poll id="2"] ]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:31:37 +0000 https://www.fallprotectionpros.com/blog/classic-holiday-falls/ https://www.fallprotectionpros.com/blog/classic-holiday-falls/ connie@fallprotectionpros.com (Connie) Connie In our series of brief introductions to the policies and guidelines from OSHA and ANSI... That sounds like it could be a kid's show doesn't it?

(Cue: Announcer Voice) "And now get ready for another crazy adventure with OSHA & ANSI in the Land of Lanyards!"

Here's what the have to say...

OSHA * Lanyards must have a limited breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. That is a lot of weight!

* Snap hooks must be sized to be compatible with the components they will be attaching to in order to prevent accidental disengagement. There is nothing worse than having a snap hook open up during a middle of a fall. Except maybe falling without protection.

* Shock Absorbing lanyards must limit the maximum arresting force on a worker to 1,800 lbs. when used with a body harness.

* Shock lanyards must limit the deceleration distance to 3.5 ft.

* Lanyards subjected to impact forces must be removed from service. I know some people get emotionally attached to their lanyards, but sometimes its time to put them down.

What does ANSI think?  ANSI believes that a fallen worker should only be subjected to 900 lbs. of arresting force during a fall. Which makes for a much cozier fall.

There you have it some basic guidelines to live by. Keep in mind that all of the lanyards available from our store meet the OSHA requirements.

On that dreadful day, 2,402 soldiers were killed, and 1,282 were injured. To put that in perspective... more people were killed on that day than live in the town I call home. Yikes!

So where is the correlation to job site safety?  It was a surprise. No one knew it was coming. Just like most workplace accidents. If we knew when accidents were coming, there wouldn't be any...

We do have an advantage though. We can defend ourselves properly. There is no substitute for the the proper equipment and learning how to use it correctly. In this regard, we can be more prepared than our fallen soldiers.

Accidents are unexpected, but we should make sure we're properly prepared.

* To all of the great soldiers who lost their lives on that fateful day... Hip, Hip.

* There are two types of lanyards... shock absorbing lanyards (used when the free distance is greater than 2 feet) and restraint or positioning lanyards (used only when a free fall distance can be limited to 2 feet or less).

* Make sure the lanyard is the proper length to provide all of the movement you need to get the job done... P.S. bigger isn't always better.

* Choose the right material for the job. Cable works best in heated and highly abrasive environments, while web lanyards work well in almost every other situation.

* Make sure you have calculated your total fall distance so you don't fall to the floor as a crumbled mass. That usually isn't good.

Hopefully, these brief guidelines will lead you right to the lanyard of your job site dreams.

Yep, checking in at #2 is your friend and mine... fall protection violations. What is the current total? 6,771 violations!

The bad part? In the previous year, that total was 4,797. What the hell is going on? That number has increased by 2,000 even with increased awareness.

The important thing to remember in all of this?  It's not the fines.   It's the lives of your employees, friends, and co-workers. Even though the economy might not be in the best of shape... it sucks.  Don't sacrifice your well being.   Jobs may come and go, and they're certainly not worth your life.

Let's keep it together guys.

If you spend an unnatural amount of time with your lanyards, you'll want to consider an internal shock lanyard. These lanyards don't utilize a shock pack like most lanyards. Instead, with an internal shock lanyard, the webbing is sewn together so that when a fall occurs the webbing peels apart giving you a nice cushy landing. Shock packs add weight. The internal shock lanyards are the lightest on the market, and I would highly recommend it.

If you want to go a step further, consider getting yourself an internal shock stretch lanyard. The stretch lanyard will expand as you use it and keep your lanyard from dragging across the ground. It might add a little weight, but you won't be dragging your lanyard behind you. It should add to the life of your lanyard!

Hopefully, this little tip will help you find a lanyard that cuts down on fatigue.

1. French Creek RKB Roofer's Kit - ($165.95) - Starting at $132.97 2. French Creek Lightweight Harness - ($50.95) - Starting at $39.97 3. French Creek Internal Shock Lanyard - ($48.95) - $38.97 4. French Creek Sliding Beam Anchor - ($174.95) - $139.97 5. French Creek Door Jamb Anchor - ($389.95) - $338.97

ANSI was originally formed in 1918 by several engineering societies and three government agencies when they decided to form a club. Not a "No Girls Allowed" club, but a regulatory club. Mmmmm fun. It started as the AESC, then it changed to the ASA, then it became the USASI, and it finally became ANSI. Seems to me that this club had trouble naming itself. The current name has been in effect since 1969. We're probably getting close to another name change.

What do they do? Well, they basically sit around and come up with regulations for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the US. In case you didn't know, ANSI does not just make regulations for safety products, they regulate a whole bunch of stuff.

The interesting thing about ANSI though, is that compliance is volunteer. Companies sign up to make sure their products meet ANSI Standards. However, it is not required. But, if you're not approved, in the safety industry, for example, your products won't get purchased. So, it's a bit of a double-edged sword.

That being said, I think ANSI Standards help to create safer products and healthier workplaces. This isn't a group that is throwing around half-assed standards. If it comes from ANSI, you should follow it.

Any ASNI thoughts you'd like to share?

10. DBI/SALA Retrax Lanyard - The EZ Stop Retrax is a shock absorbing lanyard that retracts automatically to fit the working area while keeping the lanyard taut and close to the body at all times, reducing trip fall hazards. It's like a mini retractable with all the power you'd expect from a full-blown lanyard.

9. French Creek Welding Lanyard - French Creek's Welding Lanyard is an extremely versatile 6' shock absorbing device that is made of heat and flame resistant Kevlar. There is something extremely comforting when a lanyard is made of kevlar. It doesn't get much stronger than that.

8. Guardian Internal Shock Lanyards - The lightweight Internal Shock safety Lanyard does not include a shock pack and instead uses a polyester core to reduce impact forces. This lanyard is super lightweight and super cheap. A great value for even the most discriminating construction workers.

7. French Creek Cable Lanyard - This 6' shock absorbing wire rope lanyard by French Creek is constructed of high-strength vinyl coated wire rope. If you work in an environment where you're lanyards take a ton of abuse, think about this guy.

6. Miller Manyard II - The Miller Manyard II is a stretch lanyard that reduces tripping, snagging, and dragging while the heavy-duty outer jacket serves as a backup lanyard. This is the classic. I could make a joke about the word "Manyard" here, but I won't.

5. DBI/SALA Shockwave 2 Tie Back Lanyard - The Shockwave 2 Tie Back Lanyard combines a lanyard and anchor point in one and provides a stretchable design that reduces fall hazards. It's an anchor and stretch lanyard in one. That is one hell of a pairing. I like it!

4. Guardian Tiger Tail Lanyard - The Tiger Tail Stretch Lanyard stretches like a regular stretch lanyard to reduce tripping hazards and includes a shock pack to reduce fall forces on your body. It's got a cool name, what can I say?

3. Guardian Heavy Duty Lanyard - The Heavy Duty Shock Lanyard is ideal for fall protection systems where no overhead anchorage point is available and workers must tie off at their feet. The versatility and strength of this harness make it a must buy.

2. French Creek Stretch Lanyard - The 6' elastic shock absorbing web lanyard by French Creek is constructed of high strength webbing and stretches and contracts to minimize snagging and tripping hazards. This is the best-priced stretch lanyard around, and I like when things are cheap.

1. Guardian Shock Absorbing Lanyard - The Shock Absorbing Lanyard from Guardian features 1" nylon webbing with self locking hooks, and a clear shock pack for easy inspection. Well, it's the basics that really count. This lanyard is as basic as they come, but it's priced right and gets the job done.

What do you think? Did I miss a great lanyard? State your case below.

For today, and today only!

Every item of French Creek Fall Protection is 10% off. You heard me right. 10% off the original price...

You already left, didn't you?

Line: The single most important component to any retractable has to be the lifeline housed inside. You need the determine the material of the line as well as the length of the line. Retractables can come in length from 6 ft. to 200 ft. The circumstances of your job, determine the length. Material-wise, SRL's are usually available in polyester webbing, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. Work with concrete? Get a web retractable. Spend your days welding? Get a galvanized retractable. Work in the food industry? Get a stainless steel retractable.

Housing: The next item to take a look at is the housing. The housing is the unit that holds the coil of lifeline. Ideally, you would want to find the most durable housing with the lightest possible weight. You want a durable housing that can handle its fair share of abuse and protect all of the fancy inner workings of the retractable. In addition to that, a lightweight SRL is easier to get from job to job.

Impact Indicator: I wrote impact indicator here, but I'm actually going to talk about a little more than that. Your retractable should have an impact indicator. How else are you supposed to know if it has been in a fall? If your retractable has been in a fall, it must be repaired. Which brings me to my second point. Almost all retractables have to be re-certified. This means that every one or two years (regardless of a fall) it needs to be inspected by the manufacturer. This is something you want to take a look at when searching for your next retractable.

Remember these three areas when shopping for your next retractable, and you'll be on the right path. What do you look for in a good retractable?

Keep in mind that these are some basic regulations, and in no way cover the complete breadth of rules on fall protection harnesses from this super giant. Let's proceed.

OSHA: * Your d-rings should have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. Basically, this thing should only break if your Aunt Marge puts all of her weight into it.

* The dorsal d-rng should be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level. This comes into play with harness size. Make sure you've got the right size harness.

* Harnesses should be used only for employee protection. Don't get any ideas. Harnesses are not for stripping.

* Harnesses subjected to a fall must be removed from service. Seriously, kids, this isn't like Kleenex, you can't use it over and over again.

Are there any OSHA regulations that confuse the hell out of you? Let us know and we'll try to clarify them.

DBI-SALA D-Ring Anchor Plate

Manufacturer: DBI/SALA Price Range: $30 - $40 (Scores out of 5)

Features: What's included? (3.5) Well, this anchor is pretty basic. What you see is what you get. It's small and convenient, but it is lacking fasteners. I don't like that. In its defense, getting the fasteners with you anchor can be a 50-50 proposition, and none of the comparable anchors include fasteners either.

Usability: How easy is it to use? (4.0) This anchor plate can be either bolted or welded to your structure. If you bolt your anchor, then installation should be a breeze. If you plan on welding it, you'll run into a little more headaches, because the welding installation requires a certified welder. This might not be a problem for some, but it is for others.

Durability: How long will this last me? (4.5) This thing is completely reusable, so you can use this anchor over and over again. It can also be used permanently, which is a nice feature. It's doubly nice because of the low price point. At $30 a piece, it's not going to break the bank if you leave an anchor like this in place.

Value: Is it appropriately priced? (4.0) The pricing of this anchor is pretty fair. That being said, it's hard to totally recommend when you can get essentially the same anchor from French Creek for half the price. But like all popular brands, DBI-SALA has a name you can trust. ____________________________________________________

Overall: 4.1

Our Recommendation Where do I clock in on this? Well, I find it hard to recommend this when I know there is a less expensive version available. But, I truly respect the DBI name, and in some instances that may be worth it to me. If I've got a boatload of DBI equipment or I'm bidding on a job that requires this part number, I wouldn't be ashamed to add this to my collection.

Have you used this anchor? What did you think?

There are two very important instances in which you would be smart to pursue a steel cable lanyard instead of a traditional web lanyard.

Situation the First: If you have a very rough working environment, you should seriously consider a galvanized cable lanyard. There is nothing worse than burning through web lanyards at alarming rates because you're doing heavy duty work. Save yourself some money and headaches. Get a lanyard that can put up with your abuse.

Situation the Second: If you are welder, and you don't have a kevlar lanyard, consider a steel cable lanyard. Welding splatter can melt a polyester lanyard and... well... a melted lanyard isn't very safe. Not very safe at all. A cable lanyard will stay durable while welding. Keep that in mind.

Now, if you fall into one of the two categories above, consider a steel cable lanyard. Do you use a cable lanyard? What jobs do you use them for?

Now, getting back to this roof situation. If you answered yes to either question #1 or #2, then golly have we got a product that you need to hear about! The Standing Seam Roof Clamp by Guardian is so versatile and easy to use that when tested out on Brittany Spears, even she was able to figure it out. So, if a blonde (or bald) woman singing out of pitch swings by your workplace, don't say we didn't warn ya!

In addition to the versatility and easy installation, the Guardian Standing Seam Roof Clamp is temporary and completely reusable. So, what does that mean to you?  Simply put, you can take it from job to job, saving you time and cash.

This clamp is designed to be used with retractable lifelines and accommodates most retractables up to 50 feet. And for those of you who like to measure in beer cans, 50 feet is equal to roughly 120 MGD’s stacked on top of each other. Keep in mind though, that you don't need to use a retractable if you don’t want to.

Equally important, this clamp allows you to rotate a full 360 degrees, so you won't be tangled up and blue. And honestly, what is worse than getting your lifeline tangled? Therefore if you are in the market for a roofing clamp with gusto, then we strongly recommend this Guardian product.

Now, back to the underwear, I am currently wearing red...

This may seem like a stupid post to veterans in the industry, but with the alarming rate of workplace and fall protection fines being doled out, it would appear a whole mess of people have no idea who the hell OSHA is...

I like to call them Big Brother, but in reality, they are a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA was born in 1970 when it was signed into effect with the Occupational Safety and Health Act by one Richard Nixon. I'm sure you've heard of him before... He was a president for those of you looking blankly at the screen right now.

OSHA also has a baby it named NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). Although, not a part of the Dept. of Labor, NIOSH is really a research agency.

What does OSHA do? Besides handing out fines? Well, they are pretty much the police for unsafe working environments. They publish the rules, when to tie off and when not to, and then they bust your ass if you're not following their rules.

Sure, it can seem like big brother, but in reality, if you own a business and don't want to keep your employees safe... Well, I guess you're just a dick. If a little extra scratch is worth more to you than somebody's life, may God have mercy on your soul.

Anyway, there's a brief introduction to OSHA for you, but more importantly protect yourselves regardless of what OSHA says.

1. Back D-Ring - Well, in some circles this would go without saying, but for those of you that don't know, a harness must have a back or dorsal D-ring. If your harness doesn't have a D-ring on the back, you're wearing an oversized jock strap with no discernible benefits. Anywho, make sure the harness you're looking at has a back D-ring. (Editor's Note: All of the harnesses in our store have back d-rings)

2. Webbing - The next component to look for is webbing. In most cases the webbing on harnesses are pretty comparable. However, if you need something more durable, make sure you look at the construction harnesses. Another trade that would require specialized harness webbing would be welders. Long story short. Make sure your harness webbing fits your job requirements.

3. Buckles - Every harness has buckles. Which ones should you get on your harness? That depends on your preference. However, I do have a quick set of guidelines to follow. Pass Thru (Mating) Buckles are the most economical and will save you money. Tongue Buckles offer quick control when adjusting your harness straps. Finally, quick connect buckles are the cream of the crop, they are quick and easy to use. (As long as you know how to buckle a seatbelt).

4. Padding - When it comes to the padding on a harness, there are two variables. How much time in a day do you spend in a harness, and how much money do you have to spend? If you work long hours in a harness you should really look at harnesses that feature extra padding, this will cost you a little more money, but you won't regret it. If money is a bit tight at the moment, you can forego the padding, but your shoulders may hate you.

5. Extra D-Rings - Side d-rings, front d-rings, shoulder d-rings. All of these depend on the type of work you do. All of these extra d-rings provide help positioning your body while you work. (except for the should d-rings: those are for rescuing your sorry ass when you fall). If you need something to hold on while you work with your hands you may want to investigate extra d-rings.

Those are the basics to consider when purchasing your first or next safety harness. Did we miss anything that you look for? Let us know in the comments section. I'm out.

OSHA * Body belts are not an acceptable form of fall arrest. Seriously, the only thing body belts are good for are codpieces and superheroes.

* All of your snap hooks need to be locking. If you blow on your hooks and they swing open, you've got a serious issue.

* Anchorages (that would be your beam, roof, etc...) used for attachment of a personal fall arrest system must be able to support 5,000 lbs. per worker. No joke here.

* Fall arrest systems should be set up so that a free fall is limited to 6 ft. or less nor should they hit the lower level. Hitting the ground is usually frowned upon when using fall protection.

ANSI * Snap hooks and carabiners must be self-locking, self-closing, and self-cleaning... scratch the last one. Didn't we already go over this? Actually, we added carabiners to this tip.

* All of your equipment needs to be inspected before each use, and at least once a year by a competent individual. We've discussed competent people and inspection before.

* Before you pick out your fall protection system, inspect, assess, and take a look at the workspace conditions where the equipment is required. Um... duh?

There you go. Keep these tips in mind, or you might get fined out the ass.

Dorsal D-Ring - The dorsal D-ring is required on all harnesses. Basically, your connector attaches to the D-ring on the back of your harness. It's pretty simple. Outside of webbing, the dorsal D-ring is probably the single most important part of a harness. It's definitely the "Lord of D-Rings."

Side D-Rings - D-rings attached to each side of your harness are designed for positioning. This can allow you to work with both hands while staying connected to a structure. Think of a rock climber who can lean away from the rock comfortably while eating a sub sandwich. Did that make sense? I hope so.

Chest D-Rings - These are the ladder and tower climber's d-rings. This D-ring allows a worker to attach himself to a ladder system and climb without the risk of falling. This can come in handy when you're climbing a ladder that's 100 ft. in the air.

Shoulder D-Rings - Hello confined space and rescue! Harnesses with d-rings on the shoulders are most commonly used for rescue. They can also be used to lower/rescue a worker in a confined space situation. These aren't very common, but they are available.

Well, hopefully, we've cleared up a little D-ring confusion, and you have a better idea about the harness d-rings available.

1. Migrating birds and their "presents" make you work area stinky, slippery, and just plain dangerous.

2. Violent squirrels from nearby trees pelt you with acorns, causing you to lose your balance.

3. Those fun-sized Milky Ways from Halloween have caught up with you and now your harness doesn't fit properly.

BUT SERIOUSLY...

4. An early morning frost may make your work surface slippery and dangerous.

5. Tripping hazards become abundant when the beautiful colored trees begin to shed their foliage; leaves, twigs, and acorns are everywhere!

6. Less daylight in the fall means we may be working in the dark to try and finish up projects, making it hard to see our work environment.

7. When the thermostat begins to drop, sometimes we forget to take all of the proper precautions to remain safe because we rush to stay warm.

8. It is the start of the cold and flu season, so you may not be functioning at the top of your game.

Remember to always take a few minutes to inspect your work environment before you begin working. Also, dress appropriately for the cooler weather and take the time to use your safety equipment properly. If possible, try to start your job earlier in order to avoid working in the dark. Oh, and for heaven sake, watch out for those Milky Ways and Snickers! Grab a nutritious snack to take along with you for the day, such as an apple. It will help keep you healthy and trim, and trust me, your harness will thank you!

1. Heat Damage - In excessive heat, nylon will become brittle and will break when it's pushed together. You should be able to detect the shriveled brown appearance. Needless to say, you shouldn't be using these things in temperatures above 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Chemical Damage - If you've got a lanyard with chemical damage it will appear brownish in color and cracks will appear when you bend it together. You will lose elasticity in the webbing.

3. UV Damage - A pointer... Do not store your lanyards or harnesses in direct sunlight. UV rays can reduce the strength of your equipment. You can get around this by putting SPF 50 sunblock on your equipment... I'm kidding. DO NOT do that.

4. Molten Metal or Flame Damage - The strands of your webbing may be fused together. Keep an eye out for hard, shiny spots or a hard and brittle feel.

5. Paint and Solvent Damage - The big issue with paint is that it penetrates the fibers of your webbing and then dries. This restricts the movement of the fibers, which is bad. Solvents, on the other hand, will often appear as chemical damage.

There you have it. Make sure you keep an eye out with these tricks and make sure to inspect your costume every day before work. Happy Halloween guys.

I came across these videos a couple of years ago and they shocked me then. They shock me now. If you've ever thought it would be okay to go a day without taking all of the necessary precautions, (i.e. fall protection) these videos should make you think twice. Enjoy... as well as you can.

What did you think of these videos? Well done? Let us know.

Over the past couple of years working with fall protection, as every holiday season approaches, I find myself pondering the validity of fall protection as a gift. And you know what? It can be one hell of a gift.

It may come as a shock to you, but some construction workers enjoy what they do. Imagine that huh? And the more I put myself in their steel-toed shoes, it occurred to me... I would love to get a comfortable harness as a gift if I loved my job.

Sure, you may think a bucket of safety would be a great gift, but a bucket of safety certainly doesn't have any bells and/or whistles. It's a basic starter kit. Imagine giving Tiger Woods a beginner's set of golf clubs. He doesn't want that, he's beyond that. He wants the good stuff. I think it's the same for construction guys that like their job. They want a harness they can be comfortable in. One that costs a little more, one they wouldn't buy for themselves.

So, with the holidays fastly approaching and birthdays occurring daily, I encourage you to look at the option of fall protection as a gift and check out our harnesses. Am I making sense or have I fallen off the rocker?

I want to know what piece of fall protection equipment you must have. What can't you live without? Is it a harness? Retractable? Anchor?

Share your thoughts in the comments section and we may give you something. I can't promise you anything, but who knows. Help us out.

It's called the Safety Community, and it is kind of like Facebook for safety. (Check out my profile)

Now, I haven't had a chance to dive really deep into this system. But I think it's pretty cool. For one, it shows that there are actually people in the safety industry that can handle social media. Nice. For two... That's all of got right now. If you're in the safety community and you're not a part of this... Sign Up.

If you're already a member, let's hook and talk about how our companies may work together. What say you?

5. Rescue Capabilities - Coming in at number five are the rescue capabilities. I put this number five because it is not a feature that every SRL has, but if you can find a retractable that doubles as a rescue unit, you're killing two birds with one stone.

4. Fall Clearance - As some of you know, I hate the Fall Clearance Calculation. One of the benefits of retractables is that they stop very quickly in the event of a fall. Now, I'm NOT saying you can disregard fall clearance all together, but retractables make that calculation a hell of a lit easier.

3. Durability - In the durability department, retractables kick lanyard ass. There I said it. Sure, most retractables need to be re-certified every 1-2 years, but most lanyards can't put up with that much abuse. Don't believe me? Check out this article. I like the idea that my equipment is getting re-checked by professionals on a regular basis. I tend to think of the re-certification as a benefit as opposed to a hassle.

2. Easy to Use - Let's face it, these things are easy to use. Do you know how to walk? Good. Then you should be able to handle working with a retractable. And because retractables work with you, you won't have a big long cord to worry about tripping over, like a lanyard. Seriously, attach a retractable to your anchor and D-Ring and your set. It seems simple because it is simple.

1. Perfect Length - A 6 ft. lanyard only gives you six feet of working distance. If you need to go 7 ft. you either need a new lanyard, a new anchor point or to move your existing anchor. I don't know about you, but that sounds like a pain in the ass. On the other hand, a 50 ft. retractable is just as safe working at 3, 6, 7, or 42 ft. That is nice. I'm not a rocket scientist, but I think that capability could actually save you money.

I encourage you and your companies to consider a retractable the next time you're in the market for a lanyard.

What do you think? Did I miss any other benefits? Or is buying a retractable a waste of money. Let me know in the comments section.

Hardware - Inspect the hardware for distortions, cracks, corrosion, or pitted surfaces. Also, make sure that your snap hooks close properly and firmly. You don't want one of these guys opening up in a fall.

Wire Rope Lanyards - Make sure there are no cuts, frays, or unusually worn parts of the wire rope. What starts as a simple fray can turn into a tangled mess, and definitely something you shouldn't be falling off the roof with.

Web Lanyards - Press the webbing together to make an inverted "U" shape and check for tears and frays as well as indications of stitching damage or chemical damage. (Wait until you see our entire post devoted to chemical damage and webbing!)

Rope Lanyards - Twist the rope through your fingers and be on the lookout for fraying fibers, and inconsistency in the rope's thickness. It should be the same thickness all the way through. A thinner portion of rope may be a sign of weakness, and you wouldn't want to test that in a fall.

Shock Packs - This thing should be intact. No more no less. Check for burns or holes. Also, any fraying that may be coming out of the ends... Not so good.

Shock Lanyards - If you have a shock absorbing lanyard that is sewn into the webbing, use the standard web inspections. BUT make sure that the warning flag is not visible, and that there are no signs of deployment. A lanyard used in a fall is worthless. Get rid of it.

Those, are the basics. Have any other ideas or pointers? Let us know in the comments section.

Anchor: Let's start with the anchor. The Beamer 2000 is the gold standard. Sure, there are imitators out there, but one of the unique benefits of this anchor is the ability to tie off at your feet or overhead. That's a nice option that adds flexibility.

Connector: How about the Guardian HD 5' Lanyard. One, it's priced right. Two, it's the lanyard you need if you're going to tie off at your feet. Even, if you're not going to be tied off at your feet, this is an awesome lanyard. No, need to go reaching for a retractable unless you really need one.

Harness: The Guardian Edge Series Construction Harness. This thing has all of the components a steel erector is looking for, comfort, durability, and d-rings. I think I've said enough.

Now, that is a nice kit of equipment. In fact, we liked it so much we bundled it together for you and cut the price. Take a look. If you want to know what the perfect kit would be for your industry, let us know.

These guidelines come straight from the horses mouth. OSHA. So, here are the rules for guardrails.

1. The top rails of your guardrail must be 39 to 45 inches above the working level. If you have employees wearing stilts, (What are you The Ringling Brothers?) the rail must be increased by the height of the stilts.

2. Midrails or screens must be installed between the top rail and the working level when there is no wall or other structure at least 21 inches high. (P.S. Your Midrail should be midway between the top rail and the working level and screens must extend from the top rail to the working level.)

3. Your guardrail system must be capable of withstanding 200 pounds of force within 2 inches from the top of your guardrail. If you bump into the guardrail, it shouldn't fly off the roof.

4. Your Midrail or screens need to be able to withstand 150 pounds of force. A gust of wind shouldn't blow your midrail into the next county.

5. Your guardrails shouldn't have rough or jagged surfaces that could cause punctures or lacerations. Baby-proof that bad boy.

6. The top rails and midrails must not become a projection hazard by overhanging the post. No one wants to take a midrail to the nuts while walking to the job. Keep your rails tucked into the side, please.

There you have it.  Go forth and build responsible guardrails!

French Creek RKB Roofer's Kit

Manufacturer: French Creek Production Price Range: $149 - $199 (Scores out of 5)

Features: What's included? (4.5) Well, being a fall protection roofing kit, this bucket features everything you need to set up a personal fall protection system. It features a nice lightweight harness, a vertical lifeline, and your choice of anchor points. The anchor options provide flexibility and allow this kit to be customizable to any job you may have. Overall, it has everything you would expect from features in a roofing safety kit.

Usability: How easy is it to use? (5.0) The French Creek Roofing Kit is extremely easy to use. Primarily due to the fact that it is a complete simple system. It's easy to understand, therefore it's easy to use. The kit includes instructions for every component, so you shouldn't get confused. On the level of usability, let me put it this way, I wish all of our products were this easy to use.

Durability: How long will this last me? (4.5) This kit is durable. What makes it durable? Well, how about a bucket to store your gear in when it's not in use? This sure beats your equipment sliding around the back of your pickup. Most fall protection doesn't come with a carrying case. The components should stay strong, but that certainly depends on use and abuse. Want to make your kit last even longer? Get a reusable anchor with it.

Value: Is it appropriately priced? (4.6) This kit is right in the middle range of price. I can't say it's the cheapest, but it certainly isn't the most expensive either. Part of the cost comes down to the manufacturing. This kit and its components are made entirely in the U.S. Unfortunately, that is not a claim most fall protection companies can stand by. I'd pay the extra for the quality. ____________________________________________________

Overall: 4.6

Our Recommendation This is of course my opinion alone, but I would recommend this kit above all others. Why? Well, in this case the anchor options are nice, the product is made entirely in the US, and it's always available. The French Creek Bucket is always available, and even if the warehouse is empty it only takes 2-3 days build brand new kit for you. That goes a long way with me.

Have you used a French Creek Roofer's Kit? What did you think?

1. Make sure that the side rails of your ladder extend at least 3 feet above the landing. (Guardian's Ladder Extender can help with that)

2. Secure your ladder at the top to a secure structure. I've got just the ladder anchor for you.

3. Make sure that your weight on the ladder will not cause it to slip. You can check this on rung number 1 or 2.

4. Inspect your ladder for broken parts. Do not use a ghetto ladder, you'll regret it.

5. Check your ladder for the recommended weight load. No one wants a tubby on a ladder... especially the ladder!

Got any tips we may have missed? Put them in the comments section already!

1. Play Safety Trivia - What safety information is important to you and your co-workers? Put together some Q's and A's and play around the world, or play millionaire style with "Who wants to be a safety pro?" This is sure to be fun and will keep people engaged.

2. Blindfolded Safety - Can you put on your safety equipment with your eyes closed? Get a blindfold and see who can.

3. Spoon & Egg Race - If someone drops an egg, they are out of the competition. Keep playing until you have declared a winner the ultimate "safe egg keeper." As an added part of the fun, present the winner with some sort of trophy/reward. Try going to your local resale shop and picking out the ugliest/strangest trinket you can find. This can become the trophy that gets passed around at your job site when your crew gets together for this race again.

These are just a few activities to make talking about safety more enjoyable. They are also a great way to promote teamwork. Be creative and see what ideas you and your team can come up with. The important thing is to get everyone involved and to get people thinking about safety. Our main goal here at Fall Protection Pros is to keep you safe and we like to have fun with it. We hope you will too!

Did you know that OSHA would prefer you install guardrails instead of doling out harnesses and lanyards? It's true. Easy for them to say right? Of course, it is. They've got nothing better to do than fine you and make up new rules. (Just wait until you hear their new policies on workplace refrigerator usage and deadly leftovers)

Regardless of what OSHA says there are two great reasons to go all guardrail on their asses.

First, a guardrail will last way longer than harnesses, lanyards, and anchors. In fact, most people don't even replace this equipment when they should. Hell, a good guardrail set could last your entire career. The cost seems high up front, but if you multiply that cost over 30 years. It's pretty cheap. For example. Let's say you've got a crew of 4 guys for 30 years that you need to outfit with fall protection. So you get a bucket of safety for each of them. Odds are pretty good that if you're working consistently you'll burn through those kits in about 2 years (if not sooner). Two years later you buy 4 more kits. For thirty years, that's 15 kits per worker at about $150 a pop. 4 workers with 15 kits each... That's $9,000! 60 ft. of guardrail would cost you about $2,000. Did I also mention that with guardrails you could protect 6, 7, 10 workers at once? Cost wise it's a no-brainer.

Now, I don't know your crew... but do you really trust them to properly wear and use fall protection every day? Guardrails require absolutely no training. Just set the damn things up. That seems convenient to me.

Hopefully, you'll think about this the next time you're considering guardrails for your company. There will always be situations where fall protection is necessary, but if you can prevent a fall by eliminating the hazard with guardrails... you should. That being said, we know the price of guardrails can be frightening so we've drop the prices on our guardrails. Think about it. Do any of you guys use guardrails for fall prevention?

Consider using non-shock absorbing lanyards in fall restraint. Fall restraint prevents a worker from reaching the edge. (Think about a dog leash that keeps Fido in your yard.) This approach will save you money. Without the cost of a shock absorber, you're going to save some cash.

The other added benefit of non-shock absorbing lanyards?  They are safer for your employees. I can guarantee that fewer falls will occur when your workers can't even reach the edge. In fact, OSHA would prefer you operated like this. If it's at all possible try to keep your crew in fall restraint before fall arrest. Fall arrest is the last resort. Keep that in mind.

I think a lot of guys like to jump to conclusions and into the fall arrest pool. And in some cases, it can be totally prevented. Keep that in mind when you're looking for a fall protection solution for your next job site. The Non-Shock Absorbing Lanyard is an awesome underutilized tool. Take advantage of its cost savings and safety benefits.

10. Miller Black Rhino - The Black Rhino Retractable is designed with stainless steel wire rope and is great for concrete construction, welding, steel erection, food processing, and warehouse applications. It packs 9 ft. of cable and it's got the balls of a rh... You get the idea.

9. Guardian Daytona Big Block - The Big Block has a couple of things going for it. One, it's easy to identify on the job site, so it won't get lost. It also has a great handle to carry it around. Any retractable that's easy to get to the job is a friend of mine. (We're just friends.)

8. DBI/SALA Rebel - The Rebel Retractable is lightweight, affordable, and features a web lifeline. Available in 11 or 20 ft. this is a great entry level retractable for lanyards lovers ready to make a switch to retractable land.

7. Miller Scorpion - The Scorpion is another lanyard alternative. The web lifeline is 9 ft. long and requires no annual re-certification. That is a plus. Talk about bridging the gap between lanyards and retractables.

6. Miller MightyLite - Now we're talking about the big boys. This bad boy comes with a lifeline choice of web, galvanized steel, or stainless steel cable. Through in the lengths up to 65' and you've got yourself one sturdy bastard.

5. DBI/SALA Ultra-Lok - The Ultra-Lok by DBI/SALA comes with lifelines of web or cable up to 50 ft. The Ultra-Lok stands out because it's got a twin brake system. And you know what they say about twins... Two is always better than one, unless they're ugly.

4. Guardian Edge Retractable - The Guardian Edge Retractables are nice mid-range retractables. They offer lengths up to 30 ft. and is affordably priced. Just a great retractable. It is what it is, and that's not bad.

3. Miller Falcon - Possibly one of the most well known retractables in the world. This thing is a work horse. It comes in all of standard lifelines at all the standard lengths. The Falcon gets the edge because it's tough as hell. I've seen a van drive over this thing, and it didn't dent the housing. That's balls.

2. French Creek Retractable - I'd like to call this one ole' reliable. It is just what you expect at a great price. That goes a long way in my book. It is what it is. A great retractable.

1. Guardian Aardvark - This little guy takes the cake in my book. Why? It's extremely cost-effective, and it comes with all of the options you need. One of the biggest hurdles to becoming a retractable user is the price, and when a product like this comes along and breaks down that barrier. You can't beat it.

There's my list. Like it or hate, I don't care. Actually, I do. Tell me what you think. Did I miss one? What retractables do you use?

Well, let me start off by saying that some manufacturers claim to have harnesses rated at 400 lbs.   This isn't technically true.  Most harnesses support 310 lbs. of weight. What they should really say is that they support 310 lbs. of force.

Hell, the webbing that makes up most harnesses could support an elephant. You're not an elephant, are you? Didn't think so. The problem comes in when a 350 lb. dude falls. A standard lanyard cannot keep the arresting forces under the 900 lbs. required by OSHA. It has nothing to do with the harness.

What this means is that with the proper lanyard, your harness can be rated to handle 400 lbs. (This includes worker and equipment combined weight)

So what harness do you need? One that fits. Take a look at the harnesses that offer an XXL size. (Make sure you read the sizing charts)  For example, the Guardian Edge Series Harness.

As far as the lanyard are concerned here are your options...  the Guardian Heavy Duty Lanyard, the Guardian Monster Edge Lanyard, or the DBI/SALA Force 2 Lanyard.

If you've got a weight-related fall protection question, or you need advice on equipment that will work. Give us a call @ (888) 412-7289.

Too often, I think we're embarrassed to ask questions because we may be perceived as dumb. Especially, in the safety industry. Lord, knows I don't know everything. But I continue to ask questions and I continue to learn. That's why I'd like to offer you the following proposition...

You can ask me any fall protection question you'd like, and I won't think you're stupid. I may not even know the answer myself. But damn it, I will pull my resources together to find an answer. There is nothing worse than assuming. You know, it makes an "Ass" of "U" and "Me." So ask away in the comments section or give me a call @ 888-412-7289.

Swing falls occur when a worker is not directly below an anchor point when a fall occurs. Here's an extreme example...

Imagine you are working on a steel beam that if 40 ft. long and 10 ft. off the ground. You have a 50 ft. retractable placed at one end of the beam and you are tied off. A train leaving Boston.... kidding. You begin to work your way down the beam and find yourself 30 ft. down the beam with 30 ft. of cable from your retractable. If you fall you are going to hit the ground. You will swing back near the anchor point and because you're only 10 ft. off the ground... CRUNCH!

I hope that makes sense.

The important part to remember in all of this is that you should try to stay directly underneath your anchor point as best you can. If you find yourself stretching 30 ft. to one side of your anchor, it's time to move your anchor or put a new one closer to where you're working

Now, in case some of this didn't make sense. I've attached a fancy little chart from the folks at DBI/SALA. It explains... well you can read a chart right?

Swing

Edge Series Harness

Manufacturer: Guardian Fall Protection Price Range: $139 - $299 (Scores out of 5)

Features: What's included? (4.5) The Guardian Edge Series Harness comes with all of the features you would expect from a high-end harness. You can get Side D-Rings or a waist buckle if you'd like. Some of the more standout features? Well, how about slots for your crap. As in a place to hold your sunglasses, walkie-talkies, or cell phone. Another nice feature? A lot of the webbing is protected by weatherproof Hypolon (Strong Material). This keeps your webbing around longer. Another nice option available is the quick connect buckles, which makes donning this harness a snap.

Usability: How easy is it to use? (4.7) Outside of a vest harness, which is by far the easiest harness I've ever tried to use, the Edge Harness comes in a close second. The jacket style makes this thing easy to put on. Best of all, the jacket style keeps your webs from tangling. This harness makes sure you don't look like a jackass on the job. There really isn't a whole lot you can say about a harness that's easy to use. It just works.

Durability: How long will this last me? (4.5) In addition to the web protection we discussed earlier, I can definitely say that this harness is substantial. It looks and feels sturdy. The odds are pretty good that this harness will be with your crew for a while. Besides, this harness looks so nice, you'll want to take care of it. That doesn't happen too often.

Value: Is it appropriately priced? (4.5) This harness is priced competitively in the high end market.  In fact, it's priced better than lesser alternatives. With this harness you're getting solid features on a solid harness. The tipping point? This is one of the most comfortable harnesses you will ever wear. It's like wearing a new pair of shoes. Great product. Great price. ____________________________________________________

Overall: 4.6

Our Recommendation If you are in the market for a high end harness, this is the direction you want to go. You may find some harnesses that are cheaper, but they won't be as comfortable. If you're in the market for a low end harness, this is probably out of your league. Let me just put it this way. If you want a harness that is going to be comfortable for an eight hour work day, get the Guardian Edge Series Harness.

Have you used a Guardian Edge Harness? What did you think?

Fall Prevention - This processes refers to systems that eliminate the possibility of a fall. Fall prevention is usually handled by guardrails and warning lines. This is also commonly referred to as passive fall protection, as it requires very little effort from the workers.

Fall Restraint - This application is used to keep workers from reaching the edge. There are no guardrails set up. The worker attaches to an anchor point, wears a harness, and uses a non-shock absorbing lanyard that doesn't allow the worker to reach the edge. Imagine a dog on a leash in a yard. This application is very similar to positioning lanyards that allow workers to use both hands. This method does not arrest falls.

Fall Arrest - Fall arrest is the most frequently thought of fall protection application. You have a personal fall protection system that protects you if you fall. In fall arrest, you can reach the edge and potentially fall. This is often referred to as active fall protection because the worker is heavily involved making it work properly. This application has all of your favorite players including roof anchors, safety harnesses, retractables, lanyards, etc...

Suspension - Suspension systems are primarily used for window washers and painters. In a suspension system, workers are suspended in mid-air (usually with a chair or cradle seat). The fall protection keeps them from falling and allows them a hands-free work environment.

Retrieval - The retrieval systems are most commonly used in confined spaces, where workers are lowered into position. These setups can also be used to evacuate employees during an emergency. You'll often see tripods, material winches, and 3 way retractables in use for retrieval systems.

There you have the five basic uses of fall protection. Am I missing any? Which ones do you use most often? Let us know!

Webbing - You are inspecting the webbing for frays, cuts, and broken fibers. You'll also want to look for full-blown tears, burns, mold, and heavy soiling or discoloration. Another thing, if the webbing has impact indicators, make sure you check those. If it's been in a fall it shouldn't be in another one. A good way to inspect webbing is to hold it with your hands spaced about 8 inches apart. Then, bring your hands together to make an inverted "U" shape. This technique makes it easier to see frays and rips.

Hardware - After the webbing, you'll want to inspect the hardware. The hardware consists of all of the metal components of your harness. Such as...

* D-Rings - Check the metal for distortion, burrs, cracks, and worn parts. Make sure there are no sharp edges either. The D-RIng should move freely and have a solid connection to the harness back pad.

* Mating Buckles - In addition to checking for cracks and burrs, you want to make sure that the buckle is not bent or distorted. This can have serious consequences if left unchecked.

* Tongue Buckles - For tongue buckles, again no cracks or distortion. Also, you want to make sure that the buckle operates as it should. Another thing with the tongue buckles, make sure there are no broken grommets and that the webbing does not have additional punched holes. That would be bad.

* Quick Connect Buckles - With quick connect buckles you want to make sure you again inspect for cracks and whatnot. Make sure everything is straight. You don't want any bends on this buckle. Also, make sure that the dual tab release is working properly and the mechanism is free of debris and engages properly.

Labels - The last component... Make sure your inspection labels are visible and legible. Now is not the time to show off your old English calligraphy font. Print, please.

Once you get used to it, this is a very simple process that won't take up gobs of time. If any part of your harness fails to meet inspection or you feel uncomfortable with it, remove the harness from service and get a new one. Don't chance it. If you fall, it may be too late.

Well, technically, according to OSHA any time a worker is at a greater height than 4 ft. a fall hazard exists. Wow! 4 ft. Doesn't seem like much, but I'm pretty confident that some folks have been seriously messed up on a fall from this height.

A lot of times when talking fall protection, we assume death when a fall occurs, but breaking an arm, leg, or neck can be a bitch too. Keep that in mind. If someone gets hurt, it costs time and money.

Now, if you identify a hazard you've got two options. Eliminate the hazard or protect against the hazard.

Ideally, you want to eliminate the hazard, but sometimes that's just not possible. For example, standing on a steel beam 40 ft in the air. That is pretty hard to eliminate. So, in that case you'll need to get an anchor, harness, and lanyard.

I know this wasn't a huge post, but I know people often overlook minor falls. Hell, some of you overlook major falls. But if you know how to identify the fall hazards, you can protect against them.

Fall clearance is a very important calculation because if it's not properly determined, you'll be hitting the ground. Fall clearance calculations can help you select the proper fall protection as well. Let's start with the components of our formula.

1. Total Distance (TD) - This is the total distance from the position of your anchor to the nearest obstruction.

2. Required Distance (RD) - This is the total fall distance with your equipment. The required distance must be less than the total distance or you'll go splat.

3. Lanyard Length (L) - The length of your lanyard. Got a 6 ft. lanyard? You'd use 6 ft. for this portion of the equation.

4. Deceleration Distance (D) - This is the elongation of the deceleration device when it's deployed. For example, the shock pack on your lanyard. It is customary to allow 3.5 ft. for this distance. You can check your manufacturer's instructions for exact distances. (A retractable may only add a foot of deceleration distance, but you should always use the 3.5 ft. when calculating)

5. D-Ring Height (H) - This is the distance from the workers' feet to the harness dorsal D-ring.

6. Extra Clearance (C) - The distance from the obstruction after a fall. You must include 1 1/2 ft. for required clearance and an extra 1 ft. for D-ring movement and system material stretch. So you need to have 2 1/2 ft. clearance to the obstruction.

So the magic formula looks like this...

L + D (3.5 ft) + H + C (2.5 ft) = RD (Required Distance)

and...

RD (Required Distance) is less than TD (Total Distance)

If you have any questions don't hesitate to let us know.

10. Miller Techline Horizontal Lifeline System - Every good concrete construction site needs a horizontal lifeline system. The Miller Techline Horizontal Rope Lifeline System is easy to install, lightweight, and portable. It is available as a one or two person system at 30' or 60' long. Plus, concrete splatter should flake right off.

9. DBI Vertical Debris Netting - Keeping a job site's personnel and debris contained is a huge challenge. The Vertical Net Debris Containment System protects your worksite from falling debris and serves as a guardrail near building edges for your employees.

8. Guardian C-Slab Grabber - Sometimes the simplest solution to fall protection is a guardrail. The C-Slab Grabber is the quick and easy to install solution for installing guardrails during concrete decking operations.

7. French Creek Concrete Anchor - Putting an anchor into concrete shouldn't be difficult. This one isn't. The Concrete Anchor by French Creek has a stainless steel anchor plate, six-ply webbing, and a plated steel D-ring.

6. Guardian Parapet Anchor System - Do you need a single tie-off point or a guardrail? Who cares, get both in one. The Parapet Anchor System is a durable and reusable system that can be used to create a single point tie off anchor or a guardrail system.

5. French Creek Overhead Anchor - Getting a concrete anchor to work overhead can be a chore. Not anymore. This Concrete Anchor by French Creek is placed through a hole in the concrete floor, providing the workers on the lower level with an over-head anchor.

4. Guardian CB-18 Anchor - This thing is a beast. What's your CB handle? Mine is Thunder Bear. The CB-18 is durable roof anchor designed for concrete applications and is ideal for horizontal lifeline systems.

3. French Creek Column Anchor - If you're working with concrete, there are probably columns near you. Use them. The Concrete Column Anchor by French Creek is a reusable two-person anchor point for concrete columns.

2. Guardian Pre Cast Anchor - Working with precast concrete used to be a pain in the ass. And tying off to them? Forget about it. Finally, the reusable PreCast Hollow Core Concrete Anchor allows a single user to safely tie-off to precast concrete.

1. Guardian Concrete Anchor - This is what we call super easy Mr. versatile. The Concrete Anchor from Guardian is a reusable anchor point designed for use in cured concrete for single user connection.

There she is. Are there concrete fall protection products you can't live without? What are they?

OSHA describes a "competent" person as someone "...who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them."

On the other hand, a "qualified" person is someone "...who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, work or the project."

I won't read what they officially say about "dumb ass" persons.

The point of this post is that these two classifications are in my opinion, stupid. A competent person is someone that can see something is dangerous and fix it. I don't know many employers that wouldn't allow their employees to correct something unsafe.

Secondly, apparently, a qualified person merely has to have a professional standing, experience, or the ability to solve safety problems in the workplace. That sounds like it could be almost anyone. So, I hereby state that you are both qualified and competent to remove yourself from unsafe working conditions and take measures to prevent fall hazards.

For those of you that have been living under a pet rock, you can save money on your company's fall protection by sending in a fall protection fail picture to this website. What is a fall protection fail? Check it out HERE.

Join the club and send us your picture. Here is an example I found online.

Um?

A written fall protection plan is a good thing to have on hand for safety and is evidence that a company gives a crap about its employees. We recommend you have one.   OSHA says that a fall protection plan must be developed by a qualified person, made specific for each site, and most importantly, kept up to date. Here are a couple steps for creating your fall protection plan.

1. Determine and identify the areas of risk and hazard.

2. If possible, engineer out or eliminate the hazard entirely.

3. If you can't eliminate the hazard, implement fall prevention equipment such as guardrails and warning lines.

4. For the remaining hazard areas select appropriate fall arrest equipment for your site and crew.

5. Use experts to properly install appropriate anchors as well as lifeline systems.

6. Prepare rescue equipment for every possible fall.

7. Train your employees on the correct way to install and use your fall protection equipment as well as rescue equipment.

8. Put all of the stuff from the previous steps into a written plan including a statement of policy, description of measures being taken, the delegation of ongoing inspection and maintenance, equipment replacement, and incident reporting.

9. Put someone in charge of updating the fall protection plan for each job site.

10. Get to work safely.

There you go. 10 simple steps to get your fall protection plan up and running. If you're using fall protection, you need a fall protection plan. Don't become one of those "duh?" companies that OSHA has to write a paper on and charge you for it. You're better than that.

Anywho, here it is, enjoy, and if you like it please pass share it with your friends.

Like the harness featured in this video? It's the Guardian Edge Construction Harness.

Fall Prevention usually comes first. Think about it. When you are engaged in fall prevention you're attempting to keep a fall from occurring. You'd be trying to "prevent a fall." Which makes perfect sense.

You might solve this problem, by eliminating the fall hazard completely, or installing guardrails. In other words, a fall may be technically possible, but you'd have to be extremely negligent for it to happen (which could be quite possible.) We're talking about deliberately jumping over a railing here, that sort of stuff.

Fall Protection, in addition to referring to the overall industry, is more precisely defined as protecting someone if they do fall. The fall potential couldn't be eliminated, but you'll be protected if it does happen.

I hope that makes sense. One prevents falls, the other protects during falls. It's simple, right? I know these two terms are commonly used interchangeably, but in this case, they really shouldn't be.

Making sure everyone's vocabulary is on the same page could save a life. What fall protection terminology trips you up? Let us know and we'll try to straighten it up for you.

Have You Seen A Fall Protection Fail?

Thanks for checking in. What did you think?

Nothing.  They are the exact same thing... essentially.   The basic components are the same.  They're simply two strips of metal that connect together.  One is male and the other is female.  And when a man buckle loves a woman buckle...  Um, is this getting uncomfortable?  Go ask your mother.

Basically, one side of the mating buckle has an opening that allows the other side of the buckle to go through.  (That didn't sound much better did it?)  After the buckle is connected, it is virtually impossible to disconnect them unless you slide the male side back through perpendicular to the female buckle.  So in the case of a fall, when pressure is put on the buckle, they press together back to back and you stay in your crotch restrictor.

So that's a mating buckle.  The pass-thru buckles work the same way, except they have a courtesy notch at the top and bottom of the female side to make it easier to connect.  It's really nothing special.  In fact, most people use these phrases interchangeably.  I do.  So if you ever have a question about whether a particular harness has the extra notch let me know and I'll let you know.

So, as you spend time searching online and you come across these variations, you'll know what they're talking about.

P.S. This is one of the most common buckles in harness production.  You've probably used this buckle before without even noticing it.

Compliance In A Can

Manufacturer: DBI/SALA Price Range: $190 - $240 (Scores out of 5)

Features: What's included? (3.0) The Compliance in a Can is another basic harness roofing kit. It includes an anchor, a vertical lifeline, and a basic harness all wrapped up in a single bucket. Yippee! That's where the good news ends. I'm not really impressed with the anchor options available for this kit. So much so, that we only offer one in our store. As far as the anchor is concerned, nothing to write home about. As far as the lifeline is concerned, it's nice that the kit includes a 50 ft. model, but I still enjoy the 25 ft. option provided by Guardian's. Lastly, the harness. The harness in this kit is upgradeable to a 5 point harness. The kit includes a 3 point harness. I recommend the upgrade.

Usability: How easy is it to use? (4.5) This kit, like any other roofing kit, is easy to understand and install. It is possibly the simplest system around. And if you still don't know what the hell you're doing, it comes with instructions. I wish I could elaborate more about this, but it's just so damn simple.

Durability: How long will this last me? (4.0) The Compliance in a Can bucket keeps all of your equipment safe when you're not using it. The fact that it has a case only increases the durability. However, this kit is full of basic components. You're not getting Cadillacs and Bling here, but you already knew that. A huge plus is that the anchor is reusable. So, as far as durability is concerned, it's above average. But don't expect it jump through hoops for you.

Value: Is it appropriately priced? (2.5) The big let down for this product? The price. It's hard to justify the price of this roofing kit, when there are better options available for about $60 less. If I know anything about roofers, they don't want to buy fall protection, so a higher price is not going to work. It is what it is. You must have to pay for the name on the side of the bucket, because this kit seems overpriced. ____________________________________________________

Overall: 3.5

Our Recommendation If you have used the Compliance in a Can kit for years, don't let me persuade you from using equipment that you're comfortable with. If the rest of your equipment is from DBI/SALA and you're worrying about compatibility issues, by all means, pick this kit up. My official recommendation? If you're hell bent on using DBI, go for the Compliance In a Can Kit - Light. It includes a harness and a lanyard in a bucket. Then you can get the anchor point you really need. If you're looking for an all in one solution, skip past this product and get the Guardian Bucket of Safety.

Have you used Compliance In a Can? What did you think of it?

Miller

10. Nomex Revolution Harness - The Nomex Revolution Harness from Miller Fall Protection offers increased durability for harsh work environments. And for those of you that think steel erectors don't have a harsh work environment, you probably have brain damage. You may want to get that checked out. Oh, and this harness is pretty damn comfortable as well.

Cable

9. Cable Lifeline System - You can get cable lifelines from a couple of manufacturers, including Guardian and Miller. A cable lifeline, especially when used with a product like the Guardian Beamguard, can save you a lot of time on the job site. And the steel cable is sure to remain durable. If you can figure out a way to get this system on your next job, don't hesitate.

Beamguard

8. Beamguard - Guardian's Beamguard offers three very unique qualities. One, it can be used to create a horizontal lifeline system (Something most beam anchors are incapable of). Two, it doesn't obstruct the beam you're working on. Three, it has a name that sounds like a prophylactic. Nuff said.  This thing is durable, dependable, and 99.9% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Girder

7. Girder Anchor - French Creek makes this kick ass girder anchor. I have no doubt that this thing would really come in handy for steel erectors. After all, it can be operated with one hand. Seriously, it doesn't get much easier than this. Find a hole, and stick it in. This guy is a beam whore, and he's reusable, so you can keep sticking him in holes, as long as you'd like.

Miller

6. Falcon Retractable - Retractable lifelines go very well with steel construction. They're like Tango and Cash. The Miller Falcon SRL is a great option. It comes in a wide variety of lengths and is available with galvanized and stainless steel cable lifelines. This thing will stop you faster than you can say, "Oh, crap I'm falling agai...."

Beam

5. Sliding Beam Anchor - Sliding beam anchors are everywhere. The concept is simple. Your anchor fits over your flange and rolls with you as you move. It's easy to install, operate, and remove. It's a classic. This French Creek model has a great price. This may very well be the most popular type of beam anchor around, but it's not the Cadillac.

Vertical

4. Vertical Beamer - Sure, beam anchors are a dime a dozen, but those all work on the top or bottom flange of a steel beam. What if you've got a diagonal or vertical steel beam? I can tell you that a sliding beam anchor isn't worth a hill of beans. Guardian's vertical beam gets the 4th spot because of its uniqueness and versatility. This anchor can get you out of a pinch.

Tie

3. Shockwave Tie Back Lanyard - Looking to save money? Look no further. Tie back lanyards are very nice on the wallet. Why? Because if you've got a tie back lanyard, you eliminate the need for a separate anchor and lanyard. Two become one, and what God has brought together none shall tear apart. Heck the DBI/SALA Shockwave Tie Back Lanyard even stretches so you don't trip over your gear. This thing is a workhorse, just tie it around your beam and "boom" you're set to go.

Monster

2. Monster Edge Heavy Duty 5' Lanyard - The Monster Edge is designed to be used with beam anchors when tying off at your feet. The 5 ft. makes up the distance you lose by not tying off overhead, and it's got so much shock absorption you'll blush. This thing will catch you fast. Therefore, I think this is a great solution anytime you're working with steel construction. It doesn't hurt to stop quicker.

Beamer

1. Beamer 2000 - The coolest and most elegantly designed steel beam anchor, the Guardian Beamer 2000, turns heads and saves lives. I love this product. You can operate it with one hand, it glides smoothly across a beam, and it resists welding splatter. Do I need to say anything else? I didn't think so. But I will.  It's a great reusable product, deserving of the top spot.

So there you have it the best fall protection equipment for steel erectors. Disagree? Want to fight about it? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments section.

If you can, buy a tie back lanyard instead of an anchor and shock absorbing lanyard separately.

What exactly is a tie back lanyard? Good question. Let me consult my fall protection cheat sheet. Right. A Tie Back Lanyard is essentially an anchor and lanyard in one.

All you need is to find a 5,000 lb. anchorage point, like normal, and then wrap the lanyard around it and hook it to your safety harness. The key is making sure that you really have an anchorage point (Read the Instructions). This setup works great on most I or H-beams, for example.

The picture should help explain this better than I can.

In other words, here's a nice solution for those of you looking to shed costs in these economic times.  However, costs should never keep you from protecting yourself or your employees.  Take a look at some Tie Back Lanyards.

Have you used tie back lanyards as anchors before? How did it work? Did you like them?

Look at this dude, painting like a pro.  Sure, he doesn't have fall protection, no biggie.  I mean it's not like he's on the top floor or anything.  Oh wait, he is.  My bad.  To get a better idea of how obscenely dangerous this is, take a look at the far shot.  Um...

Photo Submitted By Kyle D.

Don't end up as a Fall Protection Fail.  Get some Guardian Gear to stay safe.

Get YOUR fall protection discount - Submit Your Photo

1. Inspect Harness The first step is to inspect your safety harness for wear & tear. Make sure all of the webbing is intact and the hardware isn't bent, damaged, or cracked. This step is easier to do with your harness off. I tried it with the harness on once and I looked like a jackass and wasn't very thorough. Make sure you take the time to do this step. In the next week or so, we'll have a feature on inspecting your harness, so make sure to stop back and check that out.

2. Back D-Ring Next, grab your harness by the back D-ring (dorsal D-ring). Make sure it's not a side D-ring. Once you've found it, shake the hell out of the harness so all of your straps dangle below. This will help you detangle your harness and you'll begin to see it take shape. If any of your buckles are buckled, unbuckle them. I think I just set the record for saying a form of the word buckle in one sentence.

3. Shoulder Straps After shaking the blue hell out of your harness, locate the shoulder straps. Slide into them like you're putting on a jacket or suspenders. Make sure that none of the webbing is twisted. It should lay flat when properly worn. I think that about covers that.

4. Leg Straps Next, you'll want to grab the straps hanging between your legs. I said straps, not strap, smart ass. Pull each strap between your leg and connect it. Note: Make sure that the leg strap webbing is not tangled. If it is, and you fall, your nuts are going to get the pinch of a lifetime. Yeow. In this step, you'll also want to tighten your leg straps and tuck the excess webbing into the leg strap holders. You don't want these dangling while you work.

5. Chest Buckle Leg strap's connected to the chest strap... No, it isn't, but after you finish connecting your leg straps, you'll move onto your chest buckle. All you do is buckle it and tighten it. No more, no less. Hook the damn thing up and move onto the next step.

6. Waist Buckle (If Applicable) If your harness has a waist buckle. Now would be the time to buckle it. If you've spent any time in your life wearing a belt, this step shouldn't be too difficult. Again make sure to tuck in extra webbing and strap so it doesn't interfere with your work. Moving on.

7. Adjust Fit Now that your harness is on and the buckles are connected and fastened, look over your harness. Make sure that all of the straps are adjusted. You want your harness to be snug, but not tight. You don't want it restricting your movement. HOWEVER, a loose a harness will seriously mess you up or kill you in a fall. The visual of somebody slipping out of a harness may seem funny, like a watermelon falling through a wet paper towel, but it isn't. Make sure your harness fits securely to your body.

8. Work Your Ass Off Finally, with your harness on, it's time to bust your ass and get to work. We're not paying you to stand around playing with and adjusting yourself.

Once you get used to doing this, it doesn't take long, but doing it (and doing it properly) is key. Follow these steps and you'll be safe. Keep an eye out for our instructional video about this, and our upcoming post about inspecting your harness.

Bucket of Safety

Manufacturer: Guardian Fall Protection Price Range: $130 - $228

Features: What's included? (5.0) The Guardian Bucket of Safety is loaded with features by its simple nature. This is a kit with everything you need to create a single fall protection system for an individual (that would be one) worker. The kit includes a residential roof anchor of your choice, a universal harness, and your choice of a 25' or 50' vertical lifeline assembly. And it all comes in a 5 gallon bucket for easy storage and transportation. That's a pretty nice set. So, what's with the high score here? It has everything to do with the options. The option to choose between four of the most popular roof anchors (5 Snappy Anchors, 2 Reusable Anchors, 1 Temper Anchor, or 1 SP-Anchor) is nice. And the fact that you can select your lifeline length? Another plus. Most products tend to have a limited feature set, the Bucket of safety it tucked full of them.

Usability: How easy is it to use? (4.5) This is a pretty simple setup to install and to understand. It truly follows the ABC's of Fall Protection scale. The harness is a basic universal harness so that shouldn't be a problem. The anchor installation is, of course, anchor dependent, but we're talking about some pretty basic anchors here. The trickiest part about this setup is probably the lifeline assembly, but we're confident you can handle it with a quick read of the instructions. This kit lost a couple points based on the fact that there are three separate components.

Durability: How long will this last me? (4.0) We won't lie, this kit can be a workhorse, and that's why it gets a four. The plastic bucket keeps your equipment protected when it's not in use, which will keep your gear from accumulating unnecessary damage. However, there are two components working against us. First, the harness is a basic safety harness. Do I need to say more? It'll certainly be around a while, but keep an eye on it. The second issue, depending on your anchor choice, you may need to buy more anchors sooner than later. We'd always recommend buying a reusable anchor if at all possible.

Value: Is it appropriately priced? (5.0) This bucket is priced right for two reasons. One is that the upgrade to the 50' vertical lifeline model is free. That's pretty damn nice. Especially, considering that some 50' vertical lifeline assemblies cost more than this kit by themselves. The second part? If you bought all of these components separately, you'd be paying about $250 - $300. So at $130, this kit is the steal of a lifetime.

____________________________________________________

Overall: 4.6

Our Recommendation There aren't too many bad things you can say about this kit. Does it have a few minor flaws? Sure, but most products do. If you're a residential roofer looking to outfit your crew with the proper safety equipment quickly and cheaply you'd be hard pressed to find a better solution. We recommend this kit wholeheartedly. In fact we wish a couple of other kits we've reviewed had faired as well as this one did. Keep an eye out for those reviews in the coming weeks.

Have you used Guardian's Bucket of Safety? What did you think of it?

Apparently, over the past couple of months, while rest of us where trying to figure out what the hell the season finale of Lost was about, Miller Fall Protection was voluntarily removing shock absorbing safety lanyards (various manufacturers) from job sites for safety tests. The disturbing part? 85% of these lanyards FAILED standard safety tests (ANSI Standards). WTF? 85%!!!! Seriously, guys, you might as well head out to the job site in a jock strap with those results. What's the problem?

Well, it's not that these products were manufactured poorly. It turns out that people aren't getting new equipment when they should be. Fall Protection Equipment is not like a baseball card from the 1950's, it doesn't become more valuable with age. They're like people, when they get old you've got to throw them out. (I'm kidding, about the throwing old people part, but not the fall protection part.) Want some more disgusting stats?

100% of the fall protection lanyards failed visual inspection. Yikes! At least run a hand over your lanyard if you're too busy to look at your safety equipment.

6% of the lanyards had previously been deployed and were still in service. Come on, guys. If it's in a fall it's done. You need new equipment. Let me set up an example of what this is like. Imagine you get in a car accident, and luckily the airbag deploys and you survive. In fact, you don't even have a scratch on you. Then rather than replacing the airbag, you decide to leave it deployed. And so the bag isn't just dangling there, you duct tape it to your steering wheel. Is this safe? I rest my case, your honor.

What happened when they tested these lanyards? 6% had webbing that actually broke, 24% elongated past the 42" standard, 83% had fall arrest forces over 900 lbs. (illegal), and 9% had snap hooks that opened during the fall. I hope these statistics speak for themselves.

So, if you've got old equipment, get rid of it. Old fall protection could be deadly. Take the time to inspect your gear and as Miller says, "when in doubt, throw it out." Not only does that work with fall protection, it also applies to refrigerator food and old underwear.

But first, a quick disclosure. This list may be updated in the future, but as things stand right now, this is what I feel are the best products available today. These have been unscientifically ranked by the following qualifications: Bang For Your Buck, Ease of Use, Cuteness, and Reliability. So here we go, the Top 8 Residential Roofing Safety Products...

Titan

8. Miller Titan Harness - The Mr. Irrelevant spot belongs to the Miller Titan Harness. This is a basic harness manufactured by one of the biggest players in the game, and at around $50, this harness fits easily into any budget. Are you going to get a lot of frills and pretty things to look at? Hell no. This is a basic harness. It's gonna get the job done though. Classics belong on the list, my friend.

Seraph

7. Guardian Seraph Harness - Right after the classic, we've got an angel. Or is seraph latin for infection? Anyway, this harness adds the comfort missing from the Titan Harness, yet only increases the price marginally. Now I could be wrong in this, but it's my understanding that residential roofers don't enjoy spending money on safety. It's probably why most of them don't even use fall protection. So, even though there are more comfortable harnesses available, this is the highest ranked harness on this list. If you were expecting to see Guardian's Edge or Miller's Revolution, you'll have to come back for another list.

Compliance

6. Compliance in a Can Light - This little number from DBI/SALA or Protecta uses the assumption that you've already got an anchor for your next roofing job, and we're okay with that. After all, with the economy being a sluggish overweight turtle, a reusable anchor should already be on your to-buy list. So what do you get? A harness and a lanyard in a bucket. Along with a stale piece of gum (Oh wait that was baseball cards in the 80's). So if you've got yourself a roof anchor, this might be a good pickup for you.

Tiger

5. Guardian Tiger Tail Lanyard - Anyone who has seen National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation knows that getting tangled up on the roof and tripping is disastrous. That's why the Tiger Tail comes into the 5 hole. The tiger tail is a stretch lanyard that won't drag across the roof while you're wearing it. It also has a separate shock pack for added comfort during what could potentially be the most frightening experience of your life. I'm sure you'll feel it and remember afterwards... "You know, that was such a comfortable fall, I'd do it again. Maybe next time I won't poo."

Permanent

4. French Creek Permanent Roof Anchor - This roof anchor looks a lot like other roof anchors on the market. Why is it on the list? It's a nice affordable solution. This anchor is permanent, so it will stay with the house, but at least you can cover it with shingles and make this guy damn near invisible. It's definitely a great buy, and an added bonus, when you can say, "Hey Homeowner, I'm gonna leave this here for you!" Probably shouldn't shout it though. This roof anchor is nice inexpensive no-frills solution. Besides who want's frills in their fall protection?

Guardian

3. Guardian Skyhook Anchor - I love this anchor, and it may be affecting my relationship with the misses. I digress. Why is this anchor so great to be in the number 3 spot? Well, it can be used on metal or wood, which is nice. It can also be ordered to accommodate almost any roof pitch, including flat roofs, which is beautiful. The Guardian Skyhook can be used to create a horizontal lifeline system, which can be handy. The downsides? Well it's permanent so that may rub people the wrong way (which by the way is usually on the inner thigh). It also costs about $100. BUT you can buy flashing accessories and cover this bad boy up! So hah!

Removable

2. French Creek Reusable Anchor - This anchor looks like a lot of other roof anchors. Why? Because it's a lot like other roof anchors. That being said, this is one of the most versatile anchors around and a must have for any residential roofer. This thing fits any pitched roof like a glove or some sort of giant roof hat. Secondly, this anchor is entirely reusable. And to a money saver like myself, that's music to me ears. Having a flexible and reusable anchor like this should be standard protocol when starting a roofing company.

Bucket

1. Guardian's Bucket of Safety - Claiming the top spot for the first year in a row, this kit is by far the best kit available today. I like to call it the kit for lazy employers because it includes a roof anchor, vertical lifeline assembly (VLA), and a harness in one plastic bucket. It really doesn't get better than this. You can choose the type of anchor you want and you can double the rope in your VLA for no extra cost. At $130, you can't get a simpler solution. Order in bulk and you'll save even more. I recommend this as the #1 residential roofing product known to man. It's easy, convenient, inexpensive, and doesn't make you think, which is exactly what the best safety equipment does.  Stay tuned for a full review next week.

I hope you enjoyed the list. Take a look at some of these products, and make sure your job site and your employees stay protected. Disagree with my rankings? Let me know. Seriously, put your thoughts in the comments and we'll fight about it.

Not an easy question to answer, but with my somewhat elevated intelligence, I think I've cracked the code. My answer? It depends... on a couple of crucial factors such as reusability, metal roof type, astrological sign, etc...

Let's tackle reusability, shall we? Simple question do you want your metal roof anchor to be permanent or reusable? Keep that in the back of your mind. A rule of thumb (What the hell does that even mean? Comment if you know) The rule of thumb is that a reusable anchor is usually more expensive than a permanent one. Why? Because if manufacturers know you can reuse it, you probably won't be buying another anchor for a bit, ipso facto they make less money. Now, like I said, keep that in the back of your mind.

The next issue... What kind of metal roof do you have? A standing seam roof? A pitched roof? Aluminum foil roof? (What are you Pee Wee Herman?)

With these two pieces of information, you can begin the selection process. Here are some examples...

If you've got a standing seam roof, please ask it to sit down and then think about the following options. Most standing seam roof anchors are reusable. Primarily because people with standing seam roofs are like people with asphalt driveways, they're weirdos... I mean they don' t like getting them scratched.

French

Two examples? Well, the Guardian Standing Seam Roof Clamp is a nice reusable solution that won't damage your roof. These usually cost around $280, but like I said it is completely reusable. The downside? It doesn't include a retractable lifeline, so that could add an extra cost.

The French Creek Rooftract Standing Seam Roof System, is a bit more expensive, about $1,350 Why? Because it actually includes the retractable, 50 ft. of it to be exact.

Now Doug, I don't have a standing seam roof, what the hell do I do? First, calm down Kimosabe. If you don't have a standing seam roof, you've got three quality options. All of them are permanent, however.

The first guy on the list? DBI/SALA offers the Rooftop Anchor that works on metal sheathing (the metal must be 22 gauge or thicker). It can also only be used flat, which sucks for those of you with pitched roofs. These guys will set you back around $320. The great thing about this anchor is that it can be used in a horizontal lifeline system, which is definitely a plus to have on the roof permanently.

Another product very similar to the last, the Guardian CB-12. Like the last anchor, the CB-12 is permanent, installs onto flat roofs, and it can be used in a horizontal lifeline. These galvanized beauties usually clock in at $315.

Guardian

However, if you've got a metal roof that's 20 gauge metal or thicker, I'd recommend the Guardian SkyHook. That bad boy is available for pretty much any pitched roof (including flat roofs), it can be used in a lifeline system, and it's a permanent anchor. The kicker though? The under $100 price tag. Wow Wow We Wow. Definitely your best bang for the buck.  Definitely get this if it suits your needs.

Anywho, hopefully, we've helped you on your path to metal roof anchors. If you have any questions comment below. What is your favorite metal roof anchor? If we don't carry it we'll try to.

Check out these idiots installing an air conditioner on the top floor of an apartment building without fall protection. They even have a damn ladder on the ledge.  I soiled my pants just thinking about this.  Yikes.

Photo Submitted By Jesse S.

Don't end up as a Fall Protection Fail.  Get some Guardian Gear to stay safe.

Get YOUR fall protection discount - Submit Your Photo