Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

OSHA requires fall protection for employees in a general industry setting that are exposed to a fall of 4 feet or more. For employees in a construction setting, OSHA requires fall protection for exposure to a fall of 6 feet or more. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. In both cases, the employer is responsible for determining the system that is most suitable. Situations in which an employee must work in an area where exposure to a fall hazard cannot be eliminated (e.g. roofs with slopes of a certain degree or greater), the employer must provide a fall arrest system.

Fall prevention systems exist to prevent a person from being exposed to, or getting near, a fall hazard. Fall arrest systems are installed in areas where an authorized person’s exposure to a fall cannot be eliminated. These systems are designed so that an employee cannot free fall more than 6 feet or make contact with any lower level.

Fall protection anchorage systems should be visually inspected every single time an authorized person prepares to tie-off to the anchor. OSHA states: “Personal fall arrest systems must be regularly inspected.” ANSI states: “Fall protection and rescue equipment shall be inspected on a regular basis not to exceed one year by a competent person to verify that the equipment is safe for use.” The manufacturer’s guidelines must be reviewed and adhered to. 

Since ANSI standards are not written laws or regulations, compliance with them is considered voluntary. However, these standards are widely recognized as being the minimum requirement to ensure safety and it is strongly encouraged to implement them alongside OSHA standards.

FIXFAST USA typically works through a network of approved partners. We do offer our KATTCARE Field Support program where we will send out a KATTCARE Technician to provide on-site support and supervise the installation. This program ensures we can provide ultimate peace of mind to our partners as well as the building owner. 

Our extensive range of safe access products and fall protection systems are primarily designed for rooftop applications. Since the roof environment is dangerous and workers are exposed to many fall hazards, our products are intended to ensure all workers subjected to working on rooftops receive the maximum amount of protection. 

Per OSHA, a form of fall protection is required on fixed ladders that ascend heights of 24 feet or greater.

With the new 1910 Subpart D Walking-Working Surface Standard having been published, there are several significant changes regarding cages on fixed ladders. For fixed ladders that extend more than 24ft, a form of fall protection must be in place. A fall protection cage is considered a compliant method of fall protection for any fixed ladder installed before November 19, 2018. A cage is not considered a form of fall protection on any fixed ladder installed on or after November 19, 2018. On and after November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders should be equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system. FIXFAST USA reccomends the KATTCLIMB Ladder Fall Arrest System. 

No. As per OSHA 1910.140(c)(13)(ii) and 1926.502 (d)(15)(i), OSHA states that anchor points can be designed, installed and used as a part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two. This has been a misunderstanding in the industry for years. Many roof substrates would fail when a 5000 lbs load is applied. Engineered fall arrest systems are typically designed and tested to meet twice the load applied. Significant engineering and testing are performed by reputable manufacturers to ensure maximum safety. We can offer 5000 lbs rated anchor points, but of most importance is the substrate to which the anchor is connected to.