Citation

Lan A, Arteau J, Sirard C. Safety Sci. 2004; 42(6): 493-517.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents a method for validating safety systems with several components. A fall arrest system for billposters is one example. It includes a Canadian Standards Association certified harness, shock absorber and self-retracting lanyard, a hand-made hook, a horizontal lifeline and noncertified anchorage. Since no regulations exist for verifying a multi-component assembly made up of certified and hand-made components, we present a method for verifying a multi-component system. The verification applies the limit states design method. By applying the concepts of this method to fall arrest systems, resistance and performance requirements can be differentiated. Dynamic strength tests maximize the impact forces in the assembly in order to determine the strength of the assembly; these tests are performed using a rigid compact mass attached to a wire rope lanyard. They therefore verify the ultimate limit states. Dynamic performance tests are carried out by reproducing the actual conditions of use as closely as possible, only the person is replaced by a rigid torso. They verify the serviceability limit states. Only the total fall distance is verified. This distinction between dynamic strength and performance tests enables to identify the proper dynamic drop tests that must be performed in certifying components or an assembly.