Very few of these posts in this thread are on
track!
In a theater where construction takes place (i.e. sets) I would say that falls under Construction Industry regulations for
OSHA. Here is what you should know:
Always have some form of fall protection anywhere a person could fall 6 or more feet. This could be simply in the form of guardrails engineered to withstand a 200lb force and toeboard, a
safety net (yeah right) or personal fall protection.
Personal fall protection must be engineered as a whole
system, with no component rated for less than 5,000 lbs. This means use only pre-approved stuff, or stuff you get approved.
Anchorages and lifelines must be rated for 5,000 lbs per person attached. Vertical rope grabs must be inspected annualy.
Harnesses must be full body,
OSHA approved for fall protection. Rock climbing harness are not allowed, and for a good reason. With a rock harness you are attached on the front at your waist. If you fall, that will be your pivot
point. If you have any spin you could end up upside down, which poses at least 2 problems. First off, you could slip out of the harness, and second, your head is in a prime position to be hit. Plus all the damage it can do to your spine. On a fall harness, the attachment
point is on your back closer to your shoulders, so you hang upright. If nothing else, this is at least more comfortable.
Lanyards may be no longer than 6ft, and generally incorporate a
shock absorber. If there isn't a
shock absorber on the
lanyard, it must be appropriately incorporated elsewhere to effectively do it's job. Retractable lifelines generally do not incorporate a
shock absorber, therefore you must include one yourself.
Though you are not required to wear fall protection on a
portable ladder as it is often not possible, if you can
drop a
line from the
grid or an i-beam, it is recommended. Why? Because it hurts alot less if you fall with protection than without. Especially on really tall ladders.
All rigging components must be rated.
Fixed ladders (permanently attached) over 25ft must have some form of fall protection.
Vehicle mounted personnel liftswear a harness and a
lanyard attached to the lift, ALWAYS USE OUTRIGGERS!!!
Have a rescue plan. For ladders, this can be as simple as 'if you fall grab the ladder and get to
safety' or out in the open '
call local fire dept to get a ladder or lift'. Have a plan.
You do NOT need special certification to use fall protection, you must simply be trained in proper use. This can be as simple as having a co-worker properly explain, or even reading the manuals, as long as you fully grasp it.
They make combination fall/sit harnesses. These are used for work positioning. The
lanyard MUST be attached to the back
point. The front/side ones can be used for getting into position/staying there. This includes
belaying, rappelling, and straight out climbing. However, you must always be attached to a lifeline, or in other words, the fall protection (not work positioning) must be continuous. Any rigging/anchorage for work positioning must be able to hold 3,000 lbs minimum.
Again, fall protection must be continuous, so you must be at EVERY SINGLE SECOND attached to fall protection where protection is required. This includes when transitioning between lifelines. Use a lifeline with 2 hooks on 1 end.
Your employer is the one responsible for implementing and training, but you are responsible for following their rules.
I suggest looking at what equipment is available to see what components are commonly used.
I do not sell this stuff, I just know the rules. I am not liable for your misuse of this information.
If you want to know more feel free to contact me. I am a wealth of information.