Ladder Fall Arrest Systems

What does this mean to you, as an employer or safety manager?

When there is an external ladder and the distance to the lower level is 4’ or more, fall protection must be used. If a personal fall arrest or restraint system is used (active fall protection) nothing else is required. If the perimeter is enclosed with guardrail, a self-closing gate is required due to the 19” or greater gap the ladder creates in the perimeter (both guardrail and self-closing gates are considered passive fall protection). If neither is used, then a ladder guard with a self-closing gate is required. Ladder guards with self-closing gates that are 6 ft. in length force the worker beyond the 6’ zone near the leading edge and protect them when accessing the ladder within this 6’ zone. Note that where application heights exceed 24 ft., a form of active fall protection is required.

Active Ladder Fall Arrest Systems require worker involvement to function. These systems typically include harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines that must be properly worn and attached by the worker before climbing. Active systems provide flexibility and mobility while ensuring workers are protected from falls during ascent and descent. However, proper training and consistent usage are critical for their effectiveness.

Passive Ladder Fall Arrest Systems do not require any action from the worker once installed. These systems include solutions like guardrails, cages, self-closing gates or fixed ladder safety systems that offer continuous protection without the need for worker engagement. Passive systems are ideal for areas where fall hazards are constant and where ongoing safety without user interaction is necessary.

To satisfy requirements where heights exceed 24 ft., W.W. Cannon offers active, fixed ladder personal fall arrest systems that provide hands-free fall protection. These kits easily install on vertical fixed ladders and can be retrofitted to most existing OSHA-compliant fixed ladders. The kits include: stainless steel cable (to suit height requirements), ladder mounting bracket system, tensioner device, termination device, and cable guides for heights over 26 ft. Not included in the kits but required to complete your personal ladder fall arrest system are: a traveler device and a full body harness with front D-ring.

We also offer the following passive fall protection systems:

• Ladder Guards – this provides safe passage from the ladder onto the roof, protecting workers from the leading edge until they are 6 ft. beyond the work zone.
• Self-Closing Safety Gates – add these to the ladder guard. Spring-loaded self-closing gate fits openings from 17”-48” wide. Can be post or wall mounted.
• Cages – fixed ladder cages are generally located at the top of the fixed ladder and include walk-thru handrails and flared bottom openings for easy entry. Note: Cages are no longer considered compliant fall protection in newly installed or replacement fixed ladders extending higher than 24 feet.
• Rooftop Handrail/Guardrail and Warning Line Systems – these systems are not connected to the fixed ladder but are additional safety systems once a worker reaches the rooftop or the top of the machinery being accessed. Read more about rooftop handrail/guardrail  and warning line systems here.

These solutions offer comprehensive protection for your team, preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. At W.W. Cannon, we not only provide these fall protection systems, but we also handle the installation and ongoing service, giving you peace of mind that your facility is always secure. Give us a call or Contact Us and let our knowledgeable staff guide you through the selection process.