What is DGUV Rule 112-198?
DGUV Rule 112-198 is a sector-specific regulation of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) that defines detailed safety standards for the use of personal fall protection equipment (PPE). It defines requirements and recommendations for the selection, use, testing and maintenance of this protective equipment in order to protect employees from the risk of falling. The rule is binding for companies and organizations and serves to prevent accidents in the workplace and ensure the safety of employees.
Categories of fall arrest systems according to DGUV
DGUV Rule 112-198 basically defines four types of fall arrest systems. The types of fall arrest systems according to DGUV can be formulated as follows:
- Fall arrest system with moving fall arrester and movable guide
- Fall arrest system with moving fall arrester and fixed guide
- Fall arrest system with fall arrester
- Fall arrest system with energy absorber
Fall arrest system with moving fall arrester and movable guide
A fall arrest system with a moving fall arrester including a moving guide is a type of personal fall protection equipment (PPE) designed to catch and secure a worker in the event of a fall. In this system, the fall arrester moves along a guide that can also move to allow the user flexibility and freedom of movement. The moving guide helps to reduce the strain on the body during a fall and ensure effective fall protection, especially in situations where movement is required, such as on construction or industrial sites.
Fall arrest system with moving fall arrester and fixed guide
The fall arrest system with rotating fall arrester including fixed guide consists of a safety harness, a rotating fall arrester and a fixed guide along which the fall arrester slides. This guide is stationary and ensures a defined path for the fall arrester. In the event of a fall, the fall arrester automatically locks onto the fixed guide to keep the user safe and prevent them from falling. The system can also be connected to the harness via a connecting element or lanyard to ensure reliable securing.
Fall arrest system with fall arrester
A fall arrest system with a retractable type fall arrester consists of a harness and a retractable type fall arrester specially designed to secure workers at height. The fall arrester allows the user to move freely along a vertical line, while automatically locking in the event of a fall and keeping the user safe. This type of fall arrest system is particularly suitable for working at height, such as on scaffolding or masts, and provides reliable protection against falls.
Fall arrest system with shock absorber
A fall arrest system with energy absorber comprises a safety harness, a connecting element or means and a special energy absorber, which is either integrated into the connecting element or attached as a separate component. In the event of a fall, the energy absorber helps to absorb the energy of the fall by reducing the fall height or reducing the load on the user, minimizing potential injury on impact. This type of fall arrest system provides effective fall protection and is particularly suitable in situations where there is an increased risk of falling, such as working on roofs or near edges.
General information on the fall arrest system
A fall arrest system is an essential safety device used in working environments where there is a risk of falling. It protects workers by limiting the fall distance in the event of a fall and catching the person safely. The fallen person is held in a suspended position to await rescue. The selection and assembly of a fall arrest system requires precise coordination of the components, especially the energy-absorbing part such as a shock absorber, to ensure that it is designed for the expected load. The instructions for use will provide information on the recommended rated load and, if in doubt, advice should be sought from the manufacturer to ensure optimum safety.
Restraint systems and workplace positioning systems
In addition to fall arrest systems, the safety guideline also covers restraint systems and work positioning systems.
Workstation positioning system
A work positioning system consists of an anchorage device, a lanyard with a length adjustment device and a harness or safety harness. The ergonomic design of the components is particularly important, as the person may have to be held in one position for a long period of time. In order to meet both ergonomic and safety requirements and at the same time ensure protection against falling when accessing the workstation, the use of a full body harness with an integrated harness is recommended.
It is crucial that the components of the system are ergonomically designed to ensure the comfort of the user, especially if they have to work in a certain position for a long time. To ensure a safe working environment and facilitate workplace access, the use of a full body harness with an integrated harness is recommended.
Restraint system
The restraint system is made up of various components, including a safety harness, connecting elements and anchor points. Unlike a fall arrest system, which catches a free fall, the restraint system restricts the worker's movement and keeps them safely at their workstation without allowing the possibility of a fall. This device is particularly important in situations where there is an increased risk of falling, such as on construction sites or when working near precipices or open pits.
Choosing the right PPE
Choosing the right personal protective equipment against falls from a height (PPEgA) in accordance with the regulations of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) is crucial, as it not only ensures the safety of workers, but also allows for comprehensive consideration of various application scenarios and safety factors. The DGUV rule not only provides a list of the required markings on PPE, but also gives detailed recommendations for the optimal composition and use of the equipment. For example, it emphasizes that helmets with chin straps that meet the standards of DIN EN 397 can provide effective protection against serious head injuries that can occur as a result of a fall. In addition, the rule defines the required clearance height for the use of fall arrest systems, taking into account the sum of all relevant components and a safety distance to the nearest level. By strictly adhering to these guidelines, PPE can effectively help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of workers in working environments where there is a risk of falling.
Use and service life of PPE
Personal fall protection equipment (PPE) has a limited lifespan and useful life. To ensure that it can continue to be used safely, it is essential that it is inspected regularly by an expert. The responsibility for this inspection lies with the contractor, who must ensure that it complies with the applicable standards. The exact inspection interval depends on the specific conditions of use and operational circumstances. However, an initial inspection before first use and then at least every twelve months is mandatory to ensure user safety.
