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If we look at the “or” clause in the standard and Any combined weight 310 lbs. or more would require
apply the safety factor of two, it means that in this a modification to the system to ensure it accommo-
scenario our anchor point only has to support 1800 dated the extra weight.
lbs. of force. That’s a huge difference from 5000 lbs.
Now, this doesn’t mean we can go tying-off to things
In reality, there may be many fixtures in your work all haphazardly. Whether reducing the capability re-
area that don’t meet the 5000 lb. requirement but sat- quirement of an anchor point for use with a fall arrest
isfy the 1800 lb. requirement - a roof truss, for exam- system or increasing it due to a heavy worker, it is
ple. By eliminating all potential anchorage points that vital that you don’t guess at capacities and imposed
do not meet 5000 lbs., we may be making a difficult forces.
situation unnecessarily more difficult. Documentation is the key. Rather than make assump-
tions, check the manufacturer’s paperwork to see
There is a flip-side, though. Consider the example: what the numbers actually are. If that doesn’t give
approximately 2500 lbs. of force is incurred when you the answers you need, have a PE perform the
a worker weighing 220 lbs. freefalls 6’. In this day necessary calculations to determine if what you plan
and age, many workers, with or without tools, weigh on doing is sufficient.
more than 220 lbs.
Keep in mind, you can always choose to keep it sim-
What force does someone ple and stick with the 5000 lb. requirement for your
over 220 lbs exert on the personnel and subcontractors (though you would still
system in a fall? need to make adjustments for any combined weights
310 lbs. and above). You can also choose to go above

Regardless of what it may be, we can assume it’s and beyond what OSHA requires.
MORE than 2500 lbs. Therefore, the 5000 lb. rule
would seem NOT to support anybody over 220 lbs. In this case, going above and beyond could reduce
the chance that something is done incorrectly. Fol-
In a note under 1926.502(d)(16)(v), OSHA addresses lowing the regulation as written, though potentially
this and states that your system will be deemed to be more complex, could open up new, perfectly safe
in compliance if the worker’s combined tool and body solutions that were never before an option.
weight is less than 310 lbs.

About the author

Josh Borowiec is a Safety Professional with OSHA training
and years of Fall Protection experience. He has a background
in sales and consults on workplace hazards, performs risk

assessments, and provides safe and compliant solutions
specific to his customer needs. In his spare time, he writes
for multiple blogs and loves taking photos.

https://simplifiedsafety.com/blog/the-myth-of-the-5000-lb-anchor-point/

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