Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
(OP)
Hello,
My company is doing some work in a plant that has an existing horizontal lifeline comprised of wire rope that runs to a turnbuckle which is connected to an anchor plate in concrete columns. I do not have any details on the embedment for the anchor bolts in the anchorage point and I was wondering if we could load test the horizontal lifeline to approve it as a tie-off point.
I did read in OSHA "Personal Fall Arrest Systems - Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(d)" that "Testing of installed lifelines and anchors prior to use is recommended."
What tests would you conduct, are they the same as those you would conduct for a body harness? The phrase "testing installed lifelines prior to use" implies that testing the system does not automatically exclude a tested system from being used in service.
What procedure would you all recommend for testing a lifeline to demonstrate its adequacy for service?
My company is doing some work in a plant that has an existing horizontal lifeline comprised of wire rope that runs to a turnbuckle which is connected to an anchor plate in concrete columns. I do not have any details on the embedment for the anchor bolts in the anchorage point and I was wondering if we could load test the horizontal lifeline to approve it as a tie-off point.
I did read in OSHA "Personal Fall Arrest Systems - Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(d)" that "Testing of installed lifelines and anchors prior to use is recommended."
What tests would you conduct, are they the same as those you would conduct for a body harness? The phrase "testing installed lifelines prior to use" implies that testing the system does not automatically exclude a tested system from being used in service.
What procedure would you all recommend for testing a lifeline to demonstrate its adequacy for service?






RE: Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
RE: Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
RE: Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
I believe it to be an engineered system, I am currently waiting on info from the owner that hopefully will provide the PE stamped drawings, and a maintenance schedule. This would make me feel better.
I have reverse engineered the system, but I still have two unknowns (sag at every span, and anchor embedment). I also don't know when this was installed although the components are all stainless and look to be in good condition from what I can reach.
My issue is, if I get no information from the owner, how can I test this system (if permitted) to feel warm and fuzzy letting the field use it? Do I just suspend 5000 lb load from the center span and for how long? Does a 5000 lb load test allow for more than one to be tie-off to the system (5000 lb/2 = 2500 lb with a 2:1 FOS). There have to be situations where an existing lifeline with no information available was tested in order to verify its adequacy.
Thanks in advance for input.
RE: Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
If the capacity of your anchors is less than 5000lbs in any direction, this must be stated on the drawings. If nothing is specified people will assume an anchor labelled as "Fall Arrest Anchor" will have a 5000lbs ultimate capacity.
RE: Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
I think I agree with your procedure, of testing the anchors themselves, and then inspecting the hardware and replacing any questionable or worn components.
RE: Testing Rquirements for Horizontal Lifelines
In my mind, you'd either need to test the entire system or adjust your anchorage test load accordingly. And I think the former is easier.