Fall protection equipment must be set up safely. Limiting the user’s movements relative to the anchor point is important to avoid dangerous pendulum falls.
When working at height, choosing an anchor point above the user’s head is always preferable to minimise fall factor. However it is also necessary to limit lateral movements in order to prevent collisions with other structures in the event of a fall.
If the user is positioned to the left or right of the anchor point, the pendulum effect will create a swing fall trajectory.
The distance travelled left or right from the anchor point is referred to as ‘lateral offset’. Exceeding safe lateral offset distances can result in a pendulum swing past the vertical, risking impacts with obstacles or structures in the fall path.
A pendulum fall puts the user at risk of impact injuries and repeated collisions, increasing the likelihood of losing consciousness, potentially resulting in being seriously injured and unable to call for help.
Limitations apply to lateral offset distances, as well as the angle at which certain types of fall arrest equipment can be used. This determines the safe working area and prevents pendulum falls past the vertical.
Product markings and user instruction leaflets detail maximum angles and lateral offset for applicable equipment.
JSP self-retractable lifelines and sharp edge fall arrest lanyards are limited to a maximum angle of 40° from vertical with a maximum lateral offset of 1.5m.
Watch the full video on fall clearance
Visit the JSP-GO™ website to use the new fall clearance calculators. Enter the information relevant to your application to calculate the required clearance and plan for the pendulum effect.
Accounting for the pendulum effect is crucial to prevent dangerous swing falls that put the user at risk of serious injuries. Make sure equipment is set up correctly by checking maximum lateral offset distances and angles to keep operatives safe while working at height. For help calculating clearance and planning for the pendulum effect contact the JSP Technical team.