NWSA - National Wireless Safety Alliance Fall Protection and Rescue Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA and ANSI Z359 standards, a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) anchorage point must be capable of supporting a minimum of how many pounds per attached worker?
- 2,500 lbs
- 3,600 lbs
- 5,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- 1,800 lbs
Correct answer: 5,000 lbs
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268(g) and ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2016 require that anchorages used for personal fall arrest systems must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or be designed, installed, and used as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person.
Question 2: A tower technician is preparing for a rescue operation. According to ANSI Z359.2, which role is defined as a person assigned by the employer to perform fall protection rescue, who has been trained to do so?
- Competent Person
- Qualified Rescuer
- Authorized Rescuer (Correct answer)
- Rescue Supervisor
Correct answer: Authorized Rescuer
ANSI Z359.2 defines an 'Authorized Rescuer' as a person assigned by the employer to perform fall protection rescue. This person must be trained and proficient in the specific rescue procedures for their work environment. A 'Competent Rescuer' has a broader role involving the implementation and supervision of the entire rescue program.
Question 3: During a pre-use inspection of a full-body harness, which of the following findings would require the harness to be immediately removed from service?
- A slightly faded manufacturer's label that is still legible
- Frayed or broken stitches on a load-bearing strap (Correct answer)
- Minor discoloration on the webbing from sun exposure
- A dorsal D-ring that pivots freely
Correct answer: Frayed or broken stitches on a load-bearing strap
Frayed, broken, or pulled stitches indicate a critical failure of a load-bearing component. According to inspection guidelines, any damage to the structural integrity of the webbing or stitching requires the harness to be immediately removed from service. Minor fading or a pivoting D-ring are generally acceptable if all other components are sound.
Question 4: A technician is using a personal fall arrest system while working on a tower. What is the maximum allowable free-fall distance permitted by OSHA and ANSI standards?
- 2 feet
- 12 feet
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 6 feet
Both OSHA (e.g., 29 CFR 1926.502) and ANSI Z359 standards specify that a personal fall arrest system must be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 6 feet. Positioning device systems are limited to a 2-foot free fall.
Question 5: A rescue plan has been activated for a suspended worker. Which of the following is the MOST critical and immediate concern for the rescue team?
- Retrieving the worker's tools
- Notifying the company's main office
- The onset of suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance) (Correct answer)
- Completing an incident report
Correct answer: The onset of suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance)
Suspension trauma, or orthostatic intolerance, is a life-threatening condition that can occur when a person is suspended motionless in a harness. Blood can pool in the legs, reducing circulation to the heart and brain. Prompt rescue is critical to prevent serious injury or death.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'fall restraint' system?
- A system that arrests a worker's fall after it has begun
- A system designed to lower a worker at a controlled speed
- A system that prevents a worker from reaching a fall hazard (Correct answer)
- A net system designed to catch a falling worker
Correct answer: A system that prevents a worker from reaching a fall hazard
A fall restraint system is designed to prevent the worker from reaching an edge or other area where a fall could occur. It typically consists of a body harness, a lanyard of a specific length, and an anchorage, which physically prevents the worker from stepping off the edge. This is different from a fall arrest system, which stops a fall in progress.
NWSA - National Wireless Safety Alliance Fall Protection and Rescue Questions and Answers 1
According to OSHA and ANSI Z359 standards, a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) anchorage point must be capable of supporting a minimum of how many pounds per attached worker?