Why is it used?
It is not always possible to carry out the tasks using work restraint. In these cases whether it be due to the nature of the work area or the task actually being carried out we can look further down the PFPE hierarchy. Work position, allows the operator to enter the hazard and maintain a certain level of safety. This can be achieved in the following manner. The operator as with work restraint can work hands free when the equipment is used correctly and in a safe manner.
The fundamental difference between Work restraint and work position is this: Work restraint allows the operator to gain access to the work area without the facility to enter it. Work position allows the operator to enter the hazard and work hands free but relies on the PFPE to suspend/ support the operator while working. On other great difference is that the operator of a work position system should have two systems. Due to the fact that they are actually in the hazard in the unlikely event of a primary system failure they must have a secondary backup system.
Anchorages:
The anchorages can be the same as those used for work restraint but attention should be paid to the selection of anchorages that may be subjected to a shock load in the event of any system failure. For this it is normally accepted that the standard (en759) is adhered to.
Harnesses:
The harnesses should be manufactured to (en358) and any components used to achieve work position should when used together conform to the requirements of (en358).
In the case of pole workers, the most likely harness would be a full body harness that conforms to (en361) with a belt either sewn in or as add on component conforming to (en 358).
Roped access workers also operate in a form of work position but they are often separated into their own section within the hierarchy. In this method of work the harness may conform to a further standard of (en813) which is specifically aimed at sit harnesses that are used for positioning.
Lanyards/ Components:
Work Position Lanyards can be used when operating within this category. The most common way in which to use lanyards in work position is as follows: One work position lanyard conforming to (en358) to be used as the primary lanyard from which they are working and a further lanyard normally a fall arrest energy absorbing lanyard conforming to(en355) as a secondary or backup lanyard should there be a primary system failure.
As in the case of Roped access then the two ropes would act as the primary and backup in a similar way. One on which they descend and ascend and one to act as a backup system.
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Anchorages: