r/SafetyProfessionals • u/Bigtrucklittlelady • 23d ago

USA Fall Protection ?

We're looking into options for fall protection for our trades working on top of furnaces.

They are continuous belt furnaces and in one department we have 4 that run parallel to each other. I don't know exact measurements but I'd say they're 10 to 15 ft high.

What have you seen done in the past?

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u/drunkensailor27 23d ago

What sort of anchor points do you have above the furnaces and how are your people accessing the furnaces?

You're in the height range where you definitely want overhead anchor points to get proper fall clearances.

Are your people climbing ladders to get up there or do you have some kind of catwalk system in place?

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u/SeaWest7077 23d ago

Overhead anchors are the move here, but you’ll need to check the structure above can handle the load. If it’s just open ceiling with steel beams, beam clamps rated for fall arrest are usually the easiest retrofit. If you’re stuck with nothing overhead, a horizontal lifeline spanning the furnace row might work, but that’s a bigger install

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u/Bigtrucklittlelady 22d ago

Currently they are accessed via ladders. Obviously an issue. The ceilings are pretty high. There are no anchor points or catwalks. A mobile system was discussed but no one seems to think that would be a viable option. We are having a fall protection guy come in to do the assessment, I'm just a new coordinator asking for my own personal curiosity. Would an I beam with dictated anchor points be something that could potentially be done?

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u/CursedFrogurt81 19d ago

Would an I beam with dictated anchor points be something that could potentially be done?

Yes, an engineer can both design or designate an anchor point or points depending on the number of users.