Why Can’t I Use My Fall Protection System To Lift Things?

Because of the similar structure of material handling cranes and engineered track fall protection systems, it can seem more efficient to use a fall protection system for the purposes of material handling. However, there are unique design differences between equipment used for fall protection and material handling. The design difference largely has to do with the fact that each system serves a specific function.

Fall protection equipment is designed to take an impulse load. Depending upon the situation, the fall protection system may need to be replaced. Impulse loads can loosely be defined as a sharp increase of force in a brief period of time. When someone experiences an unintended loss of balance while attached to a fall protection system, the process of activating fall arrest will result in an impulse load on the system. Fall protection equipment is designed to withstand that sudden, blunt force of a falling person. However, a fall protection system is not designed to withstand the constant forces associated with material handling. 

Material handling equipment is designed to withstand fatigue. When a facility needs to move heavy materials regularly, a material handling system is installed to be used frequently and consistently over a set period of time. Depending upon how material handling occurs, there are different duty cycles that are used as part of a material handling equipment rating system. There are six different service ratings that are generally lumped between Class-A and Class-F.  Class-A Service is usually defined as lightweight and relatively low frequency needs for material movement. On the other hand, Class-F Service is defined as daily, continuous loads that are almost equal to the crane’s capacity. 

Generally speaking, fall protection systems cannot be used for lifting and moving heavy objects because the process of material handling tends to cause noticeable equipment material fatigue. Since impulse loads are exerted on a fall protection system during the event of fall arrest, it would not be a safe idea to potentially reduce the strength of the fall protection system by exposing it to the material fatigue caused by material handling processes.

Until the next time, stay safe up there!

Are there other functions that you want your fall protection system to have? Tell us about it in the comment box below!