What must happen to fall arrest equipment before it can be approved by OSHA?

For fall arrest equipment to be approved by OSHA, one key requirement is that it must undergo rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand real-world conditions, including the unexpected dynamics of a fall. This involves passing a drop test, which evaluates how the equipment performs under conditions that simulate the force and impact of a fall. The drop test specifically measures the device's ability to safely manage energy and ensure the safety of the user.

Additionally, being arc tested ensures that the equipment can withstand electrical hazards, which is crucial for linemen working with overhead lines that may present both fall and electrical risks. This dual testing framework—drop test and arc test—ensures that the equipment meets the stringent safety standards necessary for its intended use, thus rendering it suitable for approval by OSHA.

While safety inspections, durability tests, and manufacturer certifications are indeed important for product quality and reliability, the specific combination of a drop test alongside arc testing plays a critical role in establishing the ability of fall arrest systems to provide safety in the hazardous environments often encountered by outside linemen.