Ohio TechNet SAFE 215 Fall Arrest Systems — Part 1

Published: April 20, 2026 | Category: Course Guides | By Qualora Career Advisors

Ohio TechNet SAFE 215: Fall Arrest Systems — Part 1 provides comprehensive training on fall protection systems, anchorage, body support, and connecting devices. This course supports OSHA Safety Specialists in construction, general industry, and maintenance operations where fall hazards exist.

Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction and a major hazard across industries. Each year, hundreds of workers die and thousands are injured from falls at heights. These incidents are preventable with proper fall protection systems, training, and supervision.

OSHA's Fall Protection Standard (1926.501 for construction, 1910.28 for general industry) establishes height thresholds and control requirements. Yet compliance gaps persist — inadequate anchorage, improper equipment selection, insufficient training, and failure to address changing conditions.

OSHA Safety Specialists with fall protection expertise save lives. The SAFE 215 course provides technical knowledge for designing, implementing, and managing effective fall protection programs.

• Construction — scaffolding, steel erection, roofing, leading edges • General industry — platform work, elevated maintenance, ladder operations • Utilities — pole work, tower climbing, bucket trucks • Wind energy — turbine tower climbing and nacelle work • Telecommunications — antenna towers, rooftop equipment • Oil and gas — derrick work, platform maintenance • Manufacturing — elevated platforms, crane cabs, stack access

| Course Module | On-the-Job Application | |--------------|------------------------| | Fall hazard recognition | Identifying fall hazards and fall clearance calculations | | Anchorage systems | Designing and evaluating anchor points for various loads | | Body support | Harness selection, fitting, and inspection | | Connecting devices | Lanyards, SRLs, and energy absorber selection | | System design | Fall restraint versus arrest system selection | | Rescue planning | Post-fall rescue procedures and equipment |

A — Anchorage: Secure attachment point capable of supporting required loads (5,000 lbs per worker for fall arrest, or maintain safety factor of 2 under supervision of qualified person). Anchorages must be positioned to minimize fall distance and avoid swing falls.

B — Body Support: Full-body harnesses distribute forces across thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders in a fall. Body belts (waist-only) are prohibited for fall arrest due to injury potential. Harness fitting and adjustment are critical for effectiveness and comfort.

C — Connecting Device: Links the harness to anchorage — shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), rope grabs, or positioning devices. Selection depends on fall clearance, work mobility needs, and environmental conditions.

OSHA Safety Specialists must understand all three components to design effective systems and evaluate existing installations.

OSHA Construction — 1926 Subpart M: Fall protection required at 6 feet for construction work. Specific requirements for scaffolding, steel erection, leading edges, residential construction, and excavations. Competent person responsibilities for fall protection oversight.