Sponsored by MSA

This presentation will focus on two key topics regarding fall protection: leading edge connecting devices and determining fall clearance with the large number of connection products on the market.

SRL-LE devices are a relatively new type of connector that are designed to be used in situations in which a worker’s lifeline may come into contact with a sharp edge in the event of a fall. This section will talk not only about the reason for needing a specialized unit for these situations, but also topics such as the types of products that exist (SRL and PFL), strength requirements that such devices must meet, and how figuring out anchor placement and fall clearance is different for them compared with traditional units.

With fall clearance, the many different types of fall-arrest lanyards and self-retracting lifelines on the market – with different operating distances when it comes to how far they take to stop a fall – have somewhat muddied the waters when it comes to gauging how much fall clearance is needed based on different situations. This discussion will start with figuring out fall clearance with a traditional energy-absorbing lanyard before explaining how the calculations change with newer lanyards, as well as when putting in values for large SRLs and smaller PFL units.

Speaker

Chris Irwin, Global Training Instructor and Safety Program Developer, MSA

Chris Irwin, ASHM, global training instructor and safety program developer with MSA, has worked in the development of both fall protection and confined space entry training programs for the company and within the field of health and safety since 2008. Chris, who has a bachelor’s degree in safety and health management, began his career at an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Star manufacturing facility as an environmental, health and safety specialist. He then moved on to work as a site safety supervisor for the general contractor of a construction company of 150 union boilermaker workers and the oversight of pipe fitters, iron workers, electricians and general laborers at a dual-cycle power plant build.

Since 2009, Chris has worked full time as a safety trainer for open enrollment and contractual trainings in everything from basic fall protection, competent person, and train-the-trainer programs to tower, wind turbine, and confined space rescue, where he holds a certification from CMC as a confined space rescue technician. In addition to training, he also has worked extensively carrying out onsite OSHA-style safety inspections pertaining to all areas of the 1910 and 1926 regulations, consulting with safety managers to establish corporate programs and policies. Within industry, he has worked in a diverse group of sectors, including power generation, automotive, steel and petrochemical production, while working with construction firms in the civil, residential, tower and city commercial construction projects. Chris also is a certified OSHA 10- and 30-hour trainer for both general industry and construction.

Moderator

Kevin Druley, Associate Editor, Safety+Health magazine.

Kevin covers worker safety for Safety+Health.