CSA PLUS 1156 (1st ed. pub 2000)

Preface

This is the first edition of CSA Special Publication PLUS 1156, Fall-Arrest Systems - Practical Essentials. There are very few books on fall protection, in spite of considerable interest in the subject. PLUS 1156 is intended to respond to this interest and to assist fall-arrest system users in making the best po ssible use of the equipment provided by employers for their workers' safety. Users' safety was the main objective in the development of this book. As well, employers who encourage their workers to study this book should benefit from improved workers' safety through a reduction in injuries and fatalities, as well as the associated reduction in legal liability.

PLUS 1156 was designed to assist workers who have been trained in fall protection and are applying their newly acquired knowledge at work. It is not a replacement for, or an alte rnative to, proper training provided by a person competent in fall protection. A typical fall-arrest system consists of a variety of devices made of several different materials. Proper fall-protection training deals with many aspects of handling ropes and

materials; it is crucial for competent fall protection. For people who have already mastered these subjects, PLUS 1156 may serve as a refresher course and as a reference manual.

The format of this book was designed to provide both practical and theoretical information on fall-arrest systems. Clause 1 briefly describes the ten essential principles and their applicatio n; Clause 2, numbered in parallel with Clause 1, discusses the importance of the principles in more detail and provides background information and examples.

January 2000