Why does my training program need Lifehook® products?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Safety Council, fall protection, or lack thereof, is one of the most cited safety violations and a leading cause of workplace injury and fatality.
Training an apprentice lineworker to climb to dangerous heights on a utility pole without fall protection may be putting the worker's life at risk and is in violation of OSHA regulations.
Innovations exclusive to Lifehook® products make them the safest fall protection systems you can provide your apprentice lineworkers. Lifehook® products will protect your apprentice lineworkers from falls helping to eliminate fall-related injuries, injuries from striking the pole, and potential fatalities.
Lifehook® products assist the apprentice to learn proper pole climbing techniques quickly while overcoming his or her fear of falling. Instructors using Lifehook® products have claimed a 20% increase in the number of successful climbers in their training programs with at least a 30% reduction in injury claims.
Does OSHA require fall protection in my lineman training program? [ Top of page ]
Yes. As part of 29 CFR 1910.269 Subpart R introduced in 1995, OSHA has not considered apprentice lineworkers, or "employees undergoing training" as qualified employees, therefore, "unqualified employees (including trainees) are required to use fall protection any time they are more than 4 feet (1.2m) above the ground" on poles, towers, or similar structures.
What are important safety factors to consider when evaluating pole climber safety systems? [ Top of page ]
There are several safety factors to consider in evaluating Lifehook® products against competing products as not all safety systems are created equal. Start by considering how securely a product installs to the utility pole; is it fastened with hardware or is it clamped on? Which product is better able to distribute fall arrest forces?
As a swing fall will not occur if the self-retracting lifeline remains aligned with the climber, which product can react faster to the climber's movements? Will the product remain level with continued use or will it need to be adjusted after it arrests a fall? Which product is better able to prevent the climber from striking the pole at the onset of a fall?
Think about strength and durability, and consider which product has a higher minimum breakage strength rating? Is the product tested to certify compliance with OSHA standards? Which product is better able to resist rust and wear for a longer service life? Are maintenance and recertification services available to keep the product in compliance and working properly?
What size utility pole will Lifehook® products fit? [ Top of page ]
Lifehook® L55 units are adjustable to fit utility poles with pole top diameters between 6 and 10.5 inches. In some cases, a slight amount of pole shaving might be required by the user on larger diameter poles, or shimming for poles that are slightly out-of-round.
Lifehook® FB6 units can be mounted at any height on a utility pole with a diameter between 6 and 9 inches. Please refer to the utility pole size guide at the bottom of the [ Specifications ] page for more information.
What is included with each Lifehook® system?
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Lifehook® L55 units feature an adjustable mounting bracket, a permanently installed eyebolt for convenient lifting during installation, a comprehensive warranty, and include easy to follow instructions. The L55 is installed using standard hardware most users already have, and therefore is not included. Installation hardware is available separately.
Lifehook® FB6 units include a fully assembled rotating anchor and mounting bracket, two metal bracket straps, complete installation hardware, a comprehensive warranty, and easy to follow instructions.
What services are available for Lifehook® products? [ Top of page ]
To keep a Lifehook® product in top operating condition for the duration of its service life, we recommend having it serviced at regular intervals. Typical service to a Lifehook® product may include compliance recertification, bearing maintenance, and minor refinishing. During the term of the warranty, these services are provided at no cost other than shipping to and from the Lifehook® factory.
Replacement parts and reconditioning services are available for all Lifehook® products manufactured after January 1, 1995. Estimates are provided prior to performing any work. Contact us with Lifehook® model and serial number to make arrangements for service.
What other components must I have to complete a fall protection system?
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With a Lifehook® product, you will need a carabiner, a
self-retracting lifeline, and a full-body fall arrest harness. Contact us for information on purchasing these items as a complete package. If purchasing these items separately or using equipment on hand, consider the following:
Carabiner: Should meet current applicable OSHA and ANSI standards and be of the self-locking type.
Self-retracting Lifeline: Should meet current applicable OSHA and ANSI standards, be at least as long as the distance between the height of Lifehook® installation and ground level, and have a stop distance of 24" or less.
Fall Arrest Harness: Should meet current applicable OSHA and ANSI standards, be of the full-body type, sized appropriately for the apprentice climber, and feature a sub-pelvic strap and sliding back D-ring.
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