Safety Harnesses
The full body harness is the primary body support component of the system. It distributes fall arrest forces across the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders. The dorsal D-ring, at center back near shoulder level, is the primary attachment point for fall arrest. Additional D-rings at the front, hips, or shoulders serve positioning, rescue, and travel restraint functions.
Fit is part of the equipment. Straps should be snug, buckles engaged, and the dorsal D-ring centered each time the harness goes on. Amick supplies full body safety harnesses for construction, steel erection, rooftop work, tower climbing, industrial maintenance, confined space work, and aerial lift operations.
Lanyards
The lanyard is the flexible connection between the harness and the anchor point or lifeline. Shock-absorbing lanyards are the standard for fall arrest. An integrated energy absorber deploys in a controlled manner to decelerate the fall and reduce the force that reaches the worker.
Amick offers shock-absorbing lanyards in two configurations:
Single-leg for connection to one anchor point or lifeline.
Twin-leg (Y-style) for 100% tie-off, so the worker stays connected while moving between anchor points.
Lengths run up to 6 feet, with 3, 4, and 5 foot options for applications where fall clearance is limited. The energy absorber adds to total fall distance when it deploys, so that deceleration distance belongs in every clearance calculation. The selection includes the Powerstop Lanyard and the TyBak® Series from SafeWaze®.
Retractable Lifelines
Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) extend and retract as the worker moves, keeping slack to a minimum. When a fall occurs, an internal braking mechanism locks the lifeline within inches. That shortens total fall distance, lowers the arrest force on the body, and reduces the clearance required below the work surface.
Amick supplies retractable lifelines in web and cable types for steel erection, rooftop work, plant maintenance, confined space entry, and aerial lift work. Anchorage position determines which class of device the job calls for, so the manufacturer's instructions drive the selection. SRLs contain internal mechanical components that need regular inspection and manufacturer-recommended maintenance, and Amick provides inspection and repair from its Pittsburgh facility.
Anchor Points
The anchor point is the foundation of the system, and its strength determines the strength of everything connected to it. OSHA requires anchorages used for personal fall arrest to support at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached, or to be designed, installed, and used as part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two under the supervision of a qualified person.
Placement matters as much as strength. Anchors should be independent of any anchorage supporting a work platform, and located at or above the dorsal D-ring whenever possible to keep free fall distance short. Amick supplies anchorage connectors and anchor point systems, provides professional installation, and inspects and recertifies existing anchor points.
Permanent Horizontal Systems
A permanent horizontal lifeline gives workers continuous protection along a defined work path. The worker stays connected for the full length of the system, with no disconnecting and reconnecting between single anchor points.
A typical system includes end anchors, intermediate supports, a tensioned cable or rail, and energy-absorbing components. These are engineered systems. The design must be done by a qualified person or professional engineer and must account for the number of workers on the system, the span between supports, the load-bearing capacity of the structure, and energy absorption in a fall event. Amick provides design, installation, inspection, and recertification for permanent horizontal lifeline systems on rooftops, elevated walkways, structural steel, platforms, and tank tops.
Inspection, Recertification, and Repair
Every component, from the harness to the anchor, is inspected before each use and goes through documented periodic inspections. Any component that has arrested a fall comes out of service. Amick's certified inspectors perform periodic evaluations, and Amick installs horizontal lifeline systems and anchor points and repairs fall protection equipment.
That covers a single worker or an entire facility, with products, installation, and ongoing service from one source.
To equip a crew, schedule an inspection, or plan an installed system, call Amick at 412-429-1212.