2K FACTORIAL DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT FOR REQUIRED CLEARANCE OF PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

Abstract

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) are a commonly used risk control measure to protect workers against falls from height. However, in order to arrive at the decision to use such a system, one has to consider the wide range of factors that can influence the system and its ability to function as intended. The research conducted a sensitivity analysis for both the Vertical Lifeline (VLL) and Horizontal Lifeline (HLL) systems allowing for the identification of the factors to be studied in greater detail in the 2k factorial design of experiment. The results of the design of experiment, which was the effect of the factors on the outcome required clearance, were obtained through the use of simulation models and the results were analysed with the help of statistical tools. For the VLL system, it was revealed that the rope modulus of the lanyard is the most significant property of the system, followed by the length of the PEA and then the rope modulus of the VLL possessed the least significance of the three. In the HLL system, the height of the HLL above the platform was revealed to have the greatest effect on the system, followed by the rope modulus of the lanyard and the length of the Personal Energy Absorber (PEA). The results indicate the potential for further research into a wider range of situations to determine the appropriateness of the PFAS as a risk control measure.