Fall Protection and Rescue Flashcards

A tower technician experiences a fall and is suspended in their full-body harness. Which of the following is the MOST critical, time-sensitive condition that must be addressed to prevent serious injury or death?

Answer: Suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance)

Suspension trauma, or orthostatic intolerance, is a life-threatening condition that can occur when a person is suspended motionless in a harness. Blood pools in the legs, reducing blood flow to the heart and brain, which can lead to unconsciousness and death in a matter of minutes. Prompt rescue is critical.

When calculating the total fall clearance distance for a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) using a 6-foot shock-absorbing lanyard, which of the following components is NOT typically included in the calculation?

Answer: The breaking strength of the anchorage point

The calculation for total fall clearance involves adding the lanyard length, deceleration distance, harness stretch/D-ring shift, D-ring height, and a safety factor. The anchorage point's breaking strength (which must meet a minimum requirement, typically 5,000 lbs) is a prerequisite for the system's validity but is not a variable in the clearance distance calculation itself.

According to OSHA and ANSI standards applicable to the telecommunications industry, a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) must be used when working at heights of how many feet or more on tower structures?

Answer: 6 feet

OSHA's construction standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, generally requires fall protection for construction work at heights of 6 feet or greater. While some specific standards exist, 6 feet is the commonly enforced threshold for requiring fall protection on telecommunication tower sites during construction and maintenance activities.

A rescue plan is a critical component of any fall protection program. Which of the following is the primary goal of a written, site-specific rescue plan?

Answer: To ensure the prompt and safe retrieval of a fallen worker.

The primary purpose of a rescue plan is to ensure that a worker who has fallen can be retrieved promptly and safely. OSHA requires employers to provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall. A well-developed plan minimizes suspension time and addresses potential hazards during the rescue operation.

A competent person inspects a full-body harness and discovers a frayed stitch on a load-bearing strap. What is the correct course of action?

Answer: Use a lighter to carefully melt the frayed ends of the stitch.

According to ANSI Z359 standards and manufacturer requirements, any fall protection equipment that shows signs of wear, damage, or defects such as fraying, cuts, or chemical damage must be immediately removed from service. The harness should be tagged as unusable and preferably destroyed to ensure it cannot be accidentally used again.

During a rescue operation of a conscious suspended worker, what action can the worker take to help mitigate the effects of suspension trauma while awaiting rescue?

Answer: Push against a structure or use suspension trauma relief straps to create a foothold.

Using leg muscles by pushing against a surface or using specially designed suspension trauma relief straps helps to pump blood back toward the heart. This muscular contraction counteracts the venous pooling in the legs that causes suspension trauma. Remaining still is the worst thing a suspended worker can do.