The Height Safety Engineers team continue to explore and explain some of the complex jargon that exists in the world of height safety.
Looking for a term that starts with the letters A, B or C? They can be found over here. Also, H. I, J, K and L are here.
D
Descender – A device that can be attached to a line allowing an operator to travel from an upper to lower level at a controlled rate and in a controlled manner.
Diversion anchor – An anchor used to change the direction of the operator’s connecting system without making a fixed connection.
For example, an operator may be connecting to a line of anchors, and then divert off that line to access the corner of a roof area.
Double-action device – A self-closing hook or carabiner with a latch that requires two distinct actions to open.
For example, a carabiner that requires the latch be first twisted and then pushed to open.
E
Energy absorber – Also called a shock absorber. An attachment to a fall protection system which, by design, reduces the kinetic forces on both the operator and the anchorage generated in an arrested fall.
For example, an energy absorber could take the form of a shock pack that connects between an operator’s harness and their rope line. Some roof anchors are also designed with energy absorbing properties.
F
Fall arrest device – A self-locking device with a function to arrest a fall.
For example, a self-retracting lanyard or the shuttle on a vertical ladder line.
Fall clearance – The straight line distance between an anchor and the ground or obstacle that can be struck by an operator in the event of a fall.
Fall indicator – A visual reference on a device that is displayed after a device has been used in the arrest of a fall.
For example, the deployment of the webbing of a shock absorber or the deformation of a force-absorbing anchor.
Fall protection system – A series of interconnected components – including anchorage, anchor, harness and others – that work together to mitigate the risks of a fall of an operator while in a work area.
For example, an operator’s harness, personal shock absorber, lanyard and anchor points when used correctly form a fall protection system.
Free fall – The unimpeded downward motion of an operator under the influence of gravity.
Free fall arrest – The act of decelerating and stopping the free fall of an operator.
Friction fastener – Structural fixing held in the anchorage through the application of mechanical force.
Full body harness – A wearable component consisting of interconnected straps, buckles and attachment points. Straps cover an operator’s shoulders and their legs. It is designed to allow an operator to connect to a fall protection system and to distribute the forces generated in a fall across their body.
Full body harnesses can be made of different materials to suit different environments (for example wet or hot work) and with different attachment points for different uses.
