Fall Protection Section Breakdown

During the early stages of fall protection education, I was under the impression that the track was the anchorage point. However, I was very wrong. After doing research and gaining more exposure to the world (and terminology) of fall protection, I have learned that there is a difference between the anchorage, the anchorage sub system, and the personal equipment that is used in a personal fall arrest system. When trying to install a fall protection system, it’s critical to have an understanding of all of the different components that apply to the system.  

In the 2009 version of the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code, there are multiple definitions for all of the terms that apply to anchorages and their associated components. This blog includes the most recent ANSI Z359 terms to the fall protection code definitions. Those terms are as follows:   

2.5-Anchorage-A secure connecting point or a terminating component of a fall protection system or rescue system capable of safely supporting the impact forces applied by a fall protection system or anchorage subsystem.

2.6-Anchorage Connector-A component or subsystem that functions as an interface between the anchorage and a fall protection, work positioning, rope access, or rescue system for the purpose of coupling the system to the anchorage. 

2.7-Anchorage Subsystem-A subsystem of a complete active fall protection system to which workers connect their personal equipment.

2.48-Energy Absorber, Personal-An energy absorber that is attached to a harness.

2.60-Fall Arrester-A device that travels on a lifeline and will automatically engage or lock onto the lifeline in the event of a fall. 

2.61-Fall Arrester Connecting Subsystem-The portion of a vertical lifeline fall protection system that is attached between the anchorage or anchorage connector and the fall arrest attachment on the harness

And, let’s not forget, the official ANSI Z359 definition for fall protection and fall protection systems are as follows:

2.67-Fall Protection-Any equipment, device, or system that prevents an accidental fall from elevation or that mitigates the effect of such a fall.

2.68-Fall Protection System-Any secondary system that prevents workers from falling or, if a fall occurs, arrests the fall.

These are the official definitions that ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code has identified for anyone who needs to use fall protection in the workplace. At the core, each fall protection system can be broken down into three basic sections: the anchorage, the anchorage sub-system, and the personal equipment. 

The anchorage for permanent systems is part of the physical structure of the building like the floor, ceiling, or wall, and the ground is considered the anchorage for portable systems. When the building is the anchorage point, it’s important for a structural engineer to determine that the building structure is sound and can be a reliable place for the anchorage sub-system to be attached.

Now, this next statement is pretty mind blowing, so prepare yourself. The track, mounting brackets, and all of the other components of the horizontal lifeline/fall arrest system are actually considered to be the anchorage sub-system. It’s a pretty common misconception that the track or other element that has the deceleration device attached to it is the “anchorage point.” However, that is a myth. And so, Rigid Ramblings will now officially dispel that myth: 

Let it be known that the location where you connect your deceleration device (essentially either a rip-stitch lanyard or an SRL) is the ANCHORAGE SUB-SYSTEM and not the anchorage point. 

So technically, within ANSI definition, Rigid Lifelines manufactures an anchorage sub-system. The sub-system consists of the hanging or mounting device (depending upon ceiling, wall, or floor applications), the actual track, and the trolley complete with the harness connection point. 

And finally, components such as harnesses, deceleration devices (either self-retracting lifelines or energy absorbing lanyards), and carabiners are all lumped into the category of personal equipment and/or the personal fall arrest system. Those pieces of equipment fall under a separate title than the actual system anchorage and anchorage subsystem components.   

Now that you know the official breakdown of these three different sections of fall protection systems, you can feel better prepared to talk to a fall protection sales representative during the consultation process. And if you’re ever questioning any of the official definitions for these systems, now you know where to look for a quick explanation.

Stay safe up there!

Hannah Addison