FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

FALL ARREST SYSTEMS
Masts
Gangways
Work
outboard
Sector specific
guidance
Flip for
Danish
version
The Danish
Maritime
Occupational
Health Service

Sector specific guidance
FALL
ARREST
SYSTEMS
Masts
Gangways
Work outboard
The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service
2000

© The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service
ISBN 87-986883-7-5
Print: JBK Offset ApS, Ishøj, Denmark
Text: Eva Thoft, CASA, Copenhagen
Drawings: Pelle Søeborg
Production: Tegneriet ApS, Copenhagen
Translation: Joanna Thompson
Published by
Sales and distribution from
The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service
Amaliegade 33 B
DK-1256 Copenhagen K
Tel: 045-33 11 18 33
Fax: 045-33 11 14 60
E-Mail: info@seahealth.dk
Iver C. Weilbach & Co. A/S
Toldbodgade 35
DK-1253 Copenhagen K
Tel: 045-33 13 59 27
Fax: 045-33 93 59 27
E-Mail: nautical@weilbach.dk

Why publish sector specific guidance
on fall arrest systems?
Fortunately, it does not happen so often that seamen
experience falls from masts, gangways or in
connection with outboard work. Nevertheless,
when it happens, the injuries sustained can be serious
ones. There is a real danger that these injuries
can be long-term, thereby preventing the victim
from working and in the worst cases, falls can be
fatal.
In order to avoid persons being exposed to potential
injury, it is important that precautions to prevent
falls are taken. Current legislation, however, does
not provide any detailed guidance as to how to
prevent falls, so it can be difficult to find out how to
live up to the law’s requirements in practice. Consequently,
the two sides of the labour market in the
maritime sector have decided to publish their own
sector specific guidance, which is relevant to the
shipping industry. This sector specific guidance
states exactly what the two parties agree upon, as
well as what they recommend as sound practice
with regard to the prevention of falls.
The sector specific guidance is not intended to replace
the vessel’s workplace evaluation. Both
sides of the labour market recommend that a workplace
evaluation always be prepared whenever
anyone has to work at any great height.
The concept "fall arrest systems" in this sector
specific guidance is a broad term and covers any
measures that prevent or limit falls. Examples of
some of these measures include back braces, rails
as well as rigid and flexible anchorage lines etc.
This guidance has been submitted to the Danish
Maritime Authority in order to ensure that it complies
with current legislation and any comments are
included in the text.
Legislation
The guidelines are based upon the following technical regulations:
TheDanish Maritime AuthorityTechnical Regulation A no. 2 of 26th August 1996 on the performance of
work on board ships.
The Danish Maritime Authority’s Technical Regulation A no. 3 of 26th August 1996 on the use of personal
protection on board ships.
The Danish Maritime Authority’s Notice B chapter II-4 (comes into effect on 1st January 2001).
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service:
Fall Arrest Systems – Why publish sector specific guidance on fall arrest systems?
3

When you should use fall arrest measures
Working on ladders:
Fall arrest measures should be carried out if the
ladder is more than 5 metres high and has a degree
of inclination that exceeds 70 degrees in relation to
the horizontal plane surface.
Risk of free falls:
Fall arrest measures should be carried out if there
is a risk of a free fall of over 2 metres.
Both sides of the maritime labour market recommend
that foremen and seamen should always
make an assessment of each individual case. It is
possible that fall arrest measures are necessary at
lower heights, e.g. if there is ice on surfaces, if the
work has to be done in rough seas or if there are
any other circumstances, which increase the risk of
falls occurring.
See example 1 on page 14.
5 metre
5 meter
2 metre
2 meter
70°
Fall arrest measures should be established
here.
Fall arrest measures should be established
here.
How you should use fall arrest measures
There are several methods to prevent falls: rails,
back braces or fall arrest systems.
Back braces are only relevant where work on ladders
is concerned.
When carrying out work on the mast over a long
period inside the braces, a belt with some form of
back support should also be worn. The lines
should always be secured to a point higher than
the user, so that a fall is impossible.
In the case that work on the mast has to be done
outside a back brace, a full harness must always
be used.
N.B.
It is important to be aware that support belts
are not fall arrest measures – if you only use a
support belt, there is a risk of breaking your
back in a fall.
Always use an approved full harness with
a seat strap.
4
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service:
Fall Arrest Systems – When you should use fall arrest measures/How you should use fall arrest measures

Ladders with back braces
Max. 50 cm
Max. 200 cm
A
Deck/resting-platform
Dæk/hvileplatform
36°
A
18°
60 cm
Section Snit A-A A-A
Max. 200 cm
Max. 220/250 cm
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service:
Fall Arrest Systems – Ladders with back braces
5

Fall arrest on ladders
Back braces
Back braces should start at a height of 2.2 metres
above the lowest plane surface. If the back braces
have been in use before the year 2000, the Danish
Maritime Authority accepts that they can start at a
height of 2.5 metres above the lowest plane surface.
If the lowest plane surface is a resting-platform, the
back brace should start at a height of 2 metres over
the platform. The back brace should have a division
of max. 2 metres and the two parts should be
connected internally by a minimum of 4 vertical
rods. The rods should be no further than 170 mm
apart from each other. The requirements as to existing
back braces are described in the Danish
Shipyard Standard (50027).
Back braces
Rigid anchorage
line
Rigid and flexible anchorage
line system
Flexible
anchorage
line
See example 2 on page 14.
Requirements for newbuildings and reconditioning,
see page 12.
Fall arrest systems
Fall arrest measures must be established from a
height of max. 2 metres. There are two kinds of fall
arrest system, which can be fitted onto ladders: the
rigid anchorage line and the flexible anchorage
line.
Both systems consist of a slide valve that can
move up and down a vertical line or band. In the
case of a fall, both of these block immediately. The
slide valve is secured to the harness by a strap,
which should be as short as possible. The glide
valve should only be used with the lines or tracks
that it is designed for.
The flexible anchorage system is less sensitive
than the rigid anchorage system with regard to salt
coating, rough treatment and wear and tear. Therefore,
the two parties on the maritime labour market
recommend the use of the flexible anchorage line
outdoor.
See example 3 on page 15.
For requirements as to newbuildings and reconditioning,
see page 12.
The new, more stringent requirements of the Danish Maritime Authority
If the vessel has ladders without any form of fall arrest measures, some form of fall arrest system must
be established.
If the shipping company chooses back braces, platforms should be established at 5-metre intervals.
If the shipping company chooses a solution with flexible or rigid anchorage systems, platforms should
be established at 15-metre intervals.
(The Danish Maritime Authority’s Notice B, chapter II-4, Rule no. 7).
6
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service: Fall Arrest Systems – Fall arrest on ladders

Fall arrest on crane jibs
The two parties of the maritime labour market are
not as yet familiar with many practical examples of
the establishment of fall arrest measures on crane
jibs, but the following possibilities exist:
It is recommended that precautions against falls
should be taken by fitting a fixed rail that runs the
entire length of the crane jib.
See example 4 on page 15.
Crane jib with fixed rail
On existing vessels, there can be practical circumstances
that make it extremely difficult to fit fixed
rails. In these cases it is recommended to try a solution
by which the person working can be protected
by means of a wire stretched along the
stanchion to which the fall arrest system can be
connected. Two short lines with snap hooks should
be used, so that one of them is securely fixed when
the other is loosened when passing a stanchion.
Wire extended by means of
stanchion
Finally, a fall arrest system can be established by
means of a wire, that is to say, a wire that is
stretched out on the crane jib at e.g. a height of 10
cm. The fall arrest system can then be coupled to
this wire. This system should only be considered,
however, if practical reasons prevent the utilisation
of the other possibilities mentioned on this page.
Wire fitted at a height of 10 cm
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service: Fall Arrest Systems – Fall arrest on crane jibs
7

Fall arrest on gangways
In the case of the rigging and dismantling of gangways,
drop tackle is particularly suitable for fall arrest.
A drop tackle works in the same way as a safety
belt in a car. The wire/webbing slides slowly in and
out as long as a person moves at normal speed,
but a fall will instantly block the wire/webbing. An
in-built sliding brake (energy-absorber) wards off
the shock of a fall. The blockading is automatically
broken off when the pull stops. The drop tackle is
secured to an anchor point – preferably hung vertically
over the place of work.
See example 5 on page 16.
Drop tackle
Requirements as to fall arrest equipment
Fall arrest measures must live up to a number of
safety requirements. Fall arrest equipment purchased
within the EU countries complies with
these requirements if it has a CE label. Equipment
purchased outside the EU must also comply with
the same standards. If it proves impossible to obtain
CE-labelled equipment, you should ask the
supplier if the equipment meets the same requirements
as the CE-labelled equipment.
Harnesses
It is absolutely necessary to wear a proper harness
in order to stop a free fall. The harness should be
the full harness, which has straps that go over the
chest, waist, seat and thighs. The harness should
be fastened in such a way that the person wearing
it hangs upright after a fall. The harness should sit
tightly on the person using it and loose clothing
should not be worn under the harness.
Full harness
8
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service:
Fall Arrest Systems – Fall arrest on gangways/Requirements as to fall arrest equipment

Lines
There are two types of line:
Elasticised lines are suitable for stopping a free fall
as they extend in the case of a fall. When they bear
a load weighing 1,000 kg, they should be between
30% and 60% longer than their original, unloaded
length.
Un-elasticised lines may only be used together
with a sliding brake (energy-absorber). When using
an energy-absorber, it is important always to know
the fully extended length of this.
See example 6 on page 16.
The line should always be secured to the ship – i.e.
to a fixed anchor point. Persons or loose objects
cannot stop a person’s fall.
Securing the line
Drop tackle
As described under »Fall arrest for gangways«,
drop tackle works in the same way as a safety belt.
The line should be secured to a point that you are
absolutely certain can stand the load it will have to
bear in the case of a fall. This load has been calculated
to weigh 1,000 kg.
The length of the free fall must be limited as much
as possible, so it is important to secure the line to
a point that is higher up than the user, as well as not
being too far out to the side.
See example 5 on page 16.
Securing the line
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service:
Fall Arrest Systems – Requirements as to fall arrest equipment
9

Checking before use
Fall arrest equipment should always be checked
before use. The supplier can illustrate how the
equipment can be checked. Guard and sliding systems
should be kept clean.
Equipment should be thrown out or
should be given an authorised service if:
• it has already stopped a fall
• any defects which impair the functioning of
the equipment are discovered
The supplier or other experts should carry
out any necessary repairs.
Maintenance and service
In order to work properly, harnesses, slide valves
and other loose equipment should be kept clean,
stored in a dry place and protected against direct
sunlight.
Fall arrest equipment should be
inspected at least once a year:
• Harnesses and belts should be inspected
for breakage, cracks, wear and tear and
other damage.
• Buckles, shackles, snap hooks and drop
tackle should be tested to see if they work
properly and inspected for wear and tear
and damage.
• Wires and lines should be inspected for
wear and tear and damage.
• Splices should be inspected for wear and
tear and damage.
• Welds on anchor points should be
checked.
• Tracks should be inspected for wear and
tear and damage.
• The results of the inspection should be registered
on board and signed by a person
in a position of responsibility.
Part of the inspection can be carried out on board
the vessel, since it can be inconvenient or even impossible
to allow an authorised repairman to inspect
all the equipment every year. By this is meant
those parts of the equipment that do not have mechanical
parts (wires and harnesses) as well as the
stationary parts of the fall arrest system. It is necessary
to keep records on board concerning
maintenace and service of the equipment. It should
be made clear, which person on board has the responsibility
for making sure that these checks and
inspections are carried out. The shipping company
ought to enter into an agreement with the supplier
as to which parts of the equipment that the personnel
on board are allowed to check. Furthermore,
the supplier should also give instructions as
to how the equipment should be properly checked.
10
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service:
Fall Arrest Systems – Checking before use/Maintenance and service

Whose job is it?
The shipping company should make sure that
suitable fall arrest equipment is provided on board.
The foreman should:
• Make sure that fall arrest precautions are
taken when necessary.
• Give instructions and train seamen in the
use, adjustment, maintenance and storage
of fall arrest equipment, based on the supplier’s
directions for use.
• Provide information on the dangers of not
using fall arrest equipment.
• Be responsible for checking and inspecting
fall arrest equipment.
The supplier of the fall arrest equipment should
provide directions for use, including the necessary
information as to the special characteristics,
adjustment, correct use, maintenance and storage
of the equipment.
The Safety Committee is responsible for drafting
workplace evaluations. In the case of vessels without
a safety organisation, it is the responsibility of
the master to prepare workplace evaluations.
The individual seaman:
• Should make use of the fall arrest equipment
when it is required.
• Check the equipment before use.
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service: Fall Arrest Systems – Whose job is it?
11

Newbuildings and reconditioning
The two sides of the maritime labour market recommend
that, as far as possible, the shipping
companies should include the best possible solutions
from this sector specific guidance when new
vessels are built or when existing ships are reconditioned.
The ship’s workplace evaluation can reveal where
it is appropriate to make minor changes when a
ship is being reconditioned. These could, for instance,
include the establishment of new anchorage
points for fall arrest systems, platforms or rails
– e.g. on crane jibs.
The shipping company should consider establishing
back braces when a ship is to be built or reconditioned.
With back braces, there is always
some protection to ward off a fall.
The different characteristics of back braces and fall arrest systems:
BACK BRACES
Fall arrest is always at hand –
even when simple jobs have to be done,
e.g. changing light bulbs in the lanterns.
They ward off a fall but do not break
it if a person is unconscious.
Are not suitable on all ships
Can only be used in connection with ladders
and are not suitable for all working functions.
A fall arrest system has to be used anyway if
there is work to be done outside the back
brace or if the work is a major job and takes
a long time.
FALL ARREST SYSTEMS
Fall arrest systems still require instruction and
monitoring as well as a great deal of preparation
and checking – all this can seem to be too
much trouble if it is only a simple job that has
to be done.
Break the fall regardless of whether the person
is unconscious or not.
Can be adapted to the individual ship.
Can be adapted to the individual working
function.
New requirements as to back braces
Back braces should be fitted from 2.2 metres
above the level surface. Back braces should go at
least 1 meter above the surface plane to which the
ladder leads, so that falls are arrested when work is
to be carried out at the very top.
Platforms should be established at 5 metre intervals
and the sections of the ladder should be staggered
at least 90 degrees in relation to each other.
The platforms should be of an appropriate size – at
least 600 mm x 600 mm. They should be covered
with a non-slip surface and have a 1-metre high rail
around them. The rail should have knee and foot
lists.
These requirements are described in the Danish
Maritime Authority’s Notice B, chapter II-4, rule
no. 7. Requirements as to the dimensions of the
back braces are described in the Danish Shipyard
Standard DVS 50027.
Please note that although DVS 50027 states that
back braces should start at a height of 2.5 metres,
the required height at present according to the
Danish Maritime Authority is 2.2 metres.
12
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service:
Fall Arrest Systems – Newbuildings and reconditioning

Requirements as to anchorage points for fall
arrest equipment
Anchorage points such as wires or bands should
be fitted uninterruptedly along the entire length of
the access route and at least 1 metre over the level
that the ladder leads to.
Platforms should be established at 15-metre intervals.
The platforms should be constructed in the
same way as for back braces.
Anchorage points that are used for drop tackle
should be able to withstand a load of 1,000 kg. The
anchorage point should be positioned directly over
the place where the work is carried out.
Read more about it
Regulations and standards:
1. The Danish Maritime Authority’s Technical Regulation
A, no. 2 of 26th August 1996 on the performance
of work on board ships
2. The Danish Maritime Authority’s Technical Regulation
A, no. 3 of 26th August 1996 on the use of
personal protection on board ships
3. The Danish Maritime Authority’s Notice B, chapter
II-4, Rule no. 7
4. The Danish Working Enviromental Authority's
AT-Notice no. 4.09.2 on fall arrest – this can be
found on the Danish Working Enviromental Authority's
home page: www.at.dk
8. The Working Environment Manual issued by
the Danish Maritime Occupational Health
Service contains guidelines for working at
heights. Here you can see the other forms of
protection that can be relevant. There is also
some good advice on planning and giving instructions
where working on scaffolding etc.
is concerned.
The Working Environmental Manual is regularly
brought up to date, so it is possible that
some time in the future new sections, which
are relevant in connection with fall prevention,
may be added.
5. The Danish Working Enviromental Authority's instruction
no. 2.2.0.1 on machines and machinery
– this can be found on the Danish Working
Enviromental Authority's home page: www.at.dk
6. Danish Standard DS/EN363
7. Danish Shipyards’ Standardisation Committee’s
Shipyard Standard DVS 50027.
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service:
Fall Arrest Systems – Newbuildings and reconditioning/Read more about it
13

Examples
Example 1 - fall arrest by fixed railings
Example 2 – back braces
The platform positioned forward on the ship for the
radar scanner. When working on this platform,
there is a risk of a free fall of over two metres, which
is why fall arrest precautions should be employed.
Normally in such cases, the Danish Maritime Authority
would require rails. The ladders that lead up
to the platform are less than 5 metres, so no fall arrest
precautions are required here.
The vessel is a Danish passenger ship built in 1994.
The back braces have been introduced to comply
with DVS 50027. The starting point for back braces
is less than 2.5 metres measured from the breakwater.
In this case it is the platform that is the starting
point for the measuring. For simple tasks that
can be quickly carried out, no further fall arrest
measures are necessary, provided that the person
concerned works inside the back brace.
The vessel is a Danish drycargo carrier, built in
1992.
14
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service: Fall Arrest Systems - Examples

Example 3 - wire system
Example 4 – fall arrest on crane jib
The ladder on the ship’s forward mast was not
equipped with any form of fall arrest measures at
all. A wire system has later been fitted to the ladder.
When anyone needs to climb the mast, they
must always wear a full harness. The person concerned
is connected to the wire by means of a line
and a slide valve. The line is equipped with an integrated
shock absorber.
The ship’s crane jib is equipped with a rail, so it is
possible for the person to move around without
further fall arrest precautions. Access to the crane
is equipped with back braces in compliance with
DVS 50027. If a person moves outside the rail or
back brace, he must use a harness and line.
The vessel is a Danish drycargo carrier built in
1989.
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service: Fall Arrest Systems – Examples 15

Example 5 – rigging of gangway
Example 6 – risk of free fall
Here, drop tackle along with a harness is used. In
order to make sure that the securing point is always
vertically above the person working, a horizontal
wire running the entire length of the gangway
has been fitted on the deck. In this way, it is
certain that the drop tackle will follow the person
on the gangway. The person in the photo is wearing
both a life jacket and a harness. Make sure that
the line is always secured to the full harness – not
to the life jacket.
Here is an example of fall arrest when there is a risk
of a free fall of more than 2 metres. The person
working is wearing a full harness which, by means
of a sliding lock, is secured to the line. The sliding
lock has an integrated shock absorber. The line
should be firmly secured to a fixed anchorage
point.
16
Sector specific guidance The Danish Maritime Occupational Health Service: Fall Arrest Systems – Examples