[SML] Featherweight techs & fall arrest w/ shock absorbinglanyards? (Stephen Lee)

[bruce at ledworklights.com]

>It is a cause of concern. Most product test standards for fall arrest
apply >only to workers who weight 130 lbs or more. The shock absorbers are
designed to >limit the maximium arresting force to 1800 lbs. That might be
too great for a >lighter person. Some researchers that injury risk might be
proportional to >G-Froces rather than to a specific force. You would
experience a greater >G-force than a heavier worker.

  Some other things to consider:

    1.Utilizing shorter lanyards [i.e. 4.5 ft vs 6.0 ft] to minimize the
fall distance and thus the time available for momentum to build.  Personal
SRLs are really nice, but not applicable to every situation.

    2.Investigating lanyards with an elastic component that would absorb
force before the rip-out pack activation.  The DBI/SALA Shockwave 2 is my
personal favorite, but I know others make them.  The elastic isn't
specifically intended as part of the shock absorber, but my analysis of the
physics says it could help.  You need to make your own decisions, however.

  The whole idea is to either spread the force over as long a period of
time as possible to minimize it's effects on the human body or shorten the
fall distance to short-circuit the momentum buildup.

  Or just wear a buoyancy belt whenever you're in Fall Arrest gear?

:Bruce Cooper
--
Currently searching for someone to put him back on the road.


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