Fall arrest system - any advice

[aa44]

I have recently started to build my own house. The scaffolding is now up and I am wondering what safety equipment would be best. My biggest fear at the moment is falling off the scaffolding into the "hole" where the house will be. It's a very windy site.

I have been looking at fall arrest harnesses with a lanyard and scaffolding hook. Has anybody got any advice on what features to look for?

Thanks
AA

 

[Norcon]

The idea of scaffolding is to provide a safe working platform where you can move freely about. A brickie certainly wouldn't be wearing a safety harness which could snag him up and be the cause of an accident.

If you think you need a harness then you shouldn't be up there in the first place.

 

[stuartturbo]

The idea of scaffolding is to provide a safe working platform where you can move freely about. A brickie certainly wouldn't be wearing a safety harness which could snag him up and be the cause of an accident.

If you think you need a harness then you shouldn't be up there in the first place.

Correct If you need a harness the scaffolding is not build correctly.
The best bet is to ensure the guard rails are in place min 950mm and on in between.
If you wish to use a harness i would recommend a course to ensure they are fitted correctly. ( think of internals being external

 

[^woody^]

You tend to find that if you (or the builders) are quick enough, you build the walls up and this stops you falling inwards!

If anything you would have netting or inflatable bags inside, and avoid harnesses as they are a solution for a different situation

 

[IJWS15]

Fall arrest harnesses are designed to slow you down gently as you fall, and (in an empolyment situation) need to be inspected periodically i.e. if not cared for properly they don't work.

If it worries you either don't go up or just tie yourself on to the scaffold with a short length of rope so you can't fall.

Heights worry me but I could never work in a harness or tied on - working is different to mountain climbing.