Pendulum fall
The danger of a pendulum fall
Despite state-of-the-art fall protection systems, there is a risk that secured persons will be thrown back and forth uncontrollably in the event of a fall, which can lead to serious injuries. This dangerous phenomenon, known as a pendulum fall, can have serious health consequences that are potentially more risky than the original fall itself. In order to optimize safety precautions in the workplace, it is important to understand the mechanisms of the pendulum fall and take appropriate preventive measures.
What is a pendulum drop?
A pendulum fall occurs when a person does not fall directly vertically downwards after a fall. Instead, the body swings sideways due to gravity and the attachment of the safety harness, which can cause the restrained person to collide with obstacles or other structures nearby. This lateral movement can lead to injuries that are potentially worse than those caused by the fall itself due to the pendulum speed achieved during the fall.
Causes of the pendulum drop
The most common causes of pendulum falls are
- Incorrect attachment of the belay system: If the belay point is not positioned directly above the person being belayed, a pendulum fall can occur. This often happens if the secured person is too far from the edge of the fall. edge of the fall edge or the belay point has been positioned incorrectly.
- Movement during the fall: If the secured person moves during the fall or while working, this can also lead to a pendulum fall. These movements are often unpredictable and can significantly influence the direction of the fall.
Prevention through careful planning with LUX-top®
Careful planning of fall protection is essential to effectively prevent swinging falls. With LUX-top® we rely on the strategic choice of securing points to minimize the risks of a swinging fall. When planning and executing construction sites, architects and safety planners should ensure that the secured person is always at a constant distance from the safety system. This can be achieved by the following measures:
- Optimum positioning of the safety systems: Safety systems from LUX-top® should be installed so that they are directly above the potential fall line of the person being secured.
- Use of suitable safety systems: Our innovative rope system solutions enable the secured person to move safely and continuously along the edge of the fall while working.
The role of the LUX-top® cable system
A rope system is one of the most effective solutions for preventing pendulum falls. It allows the person being secured to move parallel to the edge of the fall, which means that the distance to the securing system can be kept constant. This continuous connection between the user and the fall arrest system significantly minimizes the risk of a pendulum fall.
Advantages of cable systems:
- Flexibility: Rope systems from LUX-top® can be used in different working environments and adapt to individual circumstances.
- Easy handling: Workers can move around safely and without restrictions during their activities, which increases efficiency.
- Reduction of the risk of injury: The risk of falls and swinging movements is significantly reduced due to the constant proximity to the safety system.
Restrictions on individual anchor points
In contrast to rope systems, single anchor points do not offer the same level of safety against swinging falls. Single anchor points are often static and do not allow the user to move flexibly in relation to the fall edge. This can impair the effectiveness of the pendulum protection, especially if the secured person is moved away from the anchor point.
Recommendations for the use of single anchor points:
- Regular training: People working with single anchor points should be trained regularly to be aware of the potential risks.
- Combination with other safety measures: Single anchor points should be used in combination with other safety measures from LUX-top® to minimize the risk of a pendulum fall.
Through the use of LUX-top®-products and observing the correct safety measures, companies can significantly reduce the risks of falls from a height and create a safe working environment.
Conclusion
A pendulum fall is a serious hazard for people working at heights. Sound planning and the use of suitable safety systems are essential to ensure safety in the workplace. Rope systems offer an effective solution to prevent swing falls and give employees the freedom of movement they need. By carefully considering the positioning of safety systems and using appropriate equipment, companies can significantly reduce the risk of swing falls and create a safe workplace for all employees.
