2 answers
Damon
Student
Bremerton, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
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What kind of protection equipment do you wear to work on skyscrapers?
I'm most interested on things like the harness, cabling, and ropes, but I'm also interested on the other safety equipment such as the helmets
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2 answers
Jon-Paul Turek
Heavy Equipment Operator
1
Answer
New Boston, New Hampshire
Updated
Jon-Paul’s Answer
Hi Damon!
Working at height can be very dangerous. Thankfully the construction industry has many tools and pieces of safety equipment to mitigate those risks. Depending upon the job you are doing or your trade, the safety equipment your employer is required to provide can be different. For instance, and interior role, such as most carpentry and electrical work may only require the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) such as hard hats, safety toe boots, gloves, and safety glasses. An ANSI rated safety ladder may be the only fall protection they use.
I'm guessing you want to know more about what Ironworkers or Steel Erectors use when constructing the skeleton of a skyscraper. As for all of the other workers on one of these sites, basic PPE is a must, but their PPE will have some differences. We'll start from the ground up so to speak. First their boots. Most Iron workers will wear a safety toe boot with a wedge sole. It is a flat bottom with a light tread pattern and typically made of a softer rubber. This is for comfort and traction. You can imagine standing on solid metal or concrete all day can make your feet really sore. The traction helps to prevent slips, one of the most common injuries for a construction worker. Another difference may be hard hats. You can imagine having your hard hat fall off of your head 10s of stories off the ground being a big problem. Traditionally, workers have use lanyards or chin straps to keep their hard hats on or at least attached to their bodies. There is now a big push from agencies such as OSHA for all workers to use positive retention head protection, like climbing style hard hats.
But what about keeping the worker from falling? When you see an iron worker out on an open beam, they will usually be using a "beam clamp". Just what is sounds like, it is a temporary attachment point to a beam. For a single worker, it must be able to hold a 5000lbs (2267kg) load, per ANSI (American Nation Standards Institute). This gives the worker a safe, movable place to attach the lanyard from their body harness. Sometimes workers will attach to a "stringer cable", a safety wire attached between two points. It gives the workers far more flexiblity with their movements. The cable must be able to support the same 5000lbs (2267kg) for EACH worker attached to it. So, 10,000lbs for two workers, 15,000lbs for three and so on.
Now, you probably have seen safety nets on tall buildings, being built and during renovations. Typically those are either a last resort or meant to keep tools and building materials from falling on pedestrians. They can be used as fall protection, but there are very stringent rules on how far below a working level they can be. Since a fall accelerates due to gravity, you want to minimize the distance someone may fall before landing on a net.
Most fall arresting systems are designed to stop a fall in 6 feet. Lanyards attached to body harnesses are designed to rip apart to slow a fall to reduce the G force on your body. A 6 foot fall onto concrete can impart over 10,000lbs (4540kg) of force through your body. A properly designed AND used lanyard can reduce that to a few hundred pounds or kilograms. There also body positioning and retractable lanyards. These either prevent you from walking over an edge or "lock up" and prevent you from falling further once you have started to fall. They are normally used in situations were a short lanyard is impractical because your work area requires greater movement.
Another method you will see during building construction is guard rails and stand off cables. These are constructed to prevent falls into holes and over edges. Guard rails must be 42 inches tall and capable of holding 200lbs (90kg). There are also regulations for the top, mid, and toe boards. Stand off cables are used to keep workers from getting closer than 6 feet to an edge they might fall from. They do not need to support any weight, but they need to be highly visible and able to easily stop a person from walking through them.
I hope this helps. Always ask questions when you aren't sure of something.
Working at height can be very dangerous. Thankfully the construction industry has many tools and pieces of safety equipment to mitigate those risks. Depending upon the job you are doing or your trade, the safety equipment your employer is required to provide can be different. For instance, and interior role, such as most carpentry and electrical work may only require the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) such as hard hats, safety toe boots, gloves, and safety glasses. An ANSI rated safety ladder may be the only fall protection they use.
I'm guessing you want to know more about what Ironworkers or Steel Erectors use when constructing the skeleton of a skyscraper. As for all of the other workers on one of these sites, basic PPE is a must, but their PPE will have some differences. We'll start from the ground up so to speak. First their boots. Most Iron workers will wear a safety toe boot with a wedge sole. It is a flat bottom with a light tread pattern and typically made of a softer rubber. This is for comfort and traction. You can imagine standing on solid metal or concrete all day can make your feet really sore. The traction helps to prevent slips, one of the most common injuries for a construction worker. Another difference may be hard hats. You can imagine having your hard hat fall off of your head 10s of stories off the ground being a big problem. Traditionally, workers have use lanyards or chin straps to keep their hard hats on or at least attached to their bodies. There is now a big push from agencies such as OSHA for all workers to use positive retention head protection, like climbing style hard hats.
But what about keeping the worker from falling? When you see an iron worker out on an open beam, they will usually be using a "beam clamp". Just what is sounds like, it is a temporary attachment point to a beam. For a single worker, it must be able to hold a 5000lbs (2267kg) load, per ANSI (American Nation Standards Institute). This gives the worker a safe, movable place to attach the lanyard from their body harness. Sometimes workers will attach to a "stringer cable", a safety wire attached between two points. It gives the workers far more flexiblity with their movements. The cable must be able to support the same 5000lbs (2267kg) for EACH worker attached to it. So, 10,000lbs for two workers, 15,000lbs for three and so on.
Now, you probably have seen safety nets on tall buildings, being built and during renovations. Typically those are either a last resort or meant to keep tools and building materials from falling on pedestrians. They can be used as fall protection, but there are very stringent rules on how far below a working level they can be. Since a fall accelerates due to gravity, you want to minimize the distance someone may fall before landing on a net.
Most fall arresting systems are designed to stop a fall in 6 feet. Lanyards attached to body harnesses are designed to rip apart to slow a fall to reduce the G force on your body. A 6 foot fall onto concrete can impart over 10,000lbs (4540kg) of force through your body. A properly designed AND used lanyard can reduce that to a few hundred pounds or kilograms. There also body positioning and retractable lanyards. These either prevent you from walking over an edge or "lock up" and prevent you from falling further once you have started to fall. They are normally used in situations were a short lanyard is impractical because your work area requires greater movement.
Another method you will see during building construction is guard rails and stand off cables. These are constructed to prevent falls into holes and over edges. Guard rails must be 42 inches tall and capable of holding 200lbs (90kg). There are also regulations for the top, mid, and toe boards. Stand off cables are used to keep workers from getting closer than 6 feet to an edge they might fall from. They do not need to support any weight, but they need to be highly visible and able to easily stop a person from walking through them.
I hope this helps. Always ask questions when you aren't sure of something.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Damon,
So you’re curious about skyscraper safety gear? Man, this is like getting ready to battle gravity—but in a cool, safe way! You’re definitely right to be thinking about harnesses, ropes, and helmets because working on skyscrapers is not for the faint of heart. Here’s the breakdown of what they wear to avoid turning into a pancake, I almost did.
Safety Harness – The "Hug That Keeps You Alive" because it actually doe keep u alive.
The safety harness is like your personal bodyguard when working up high. It straps you in so that if you slip, you don’t get a one-way ticket to the ground. It attaches to a secure lanyard and is adjustable, because no one wants a harness that feels like a straightjacket! Basically, you’re locked in but in a good, "you’re not falling" way.
Ropes & Cabling – The "Spider-Man Setup"
Sticky, nah just holding!
So you’re not exactly swinging around like Spider-Man, but these ropes and cables are super important. They’re used to secure workers to certain areas, and they lock in place to keep them from falling. Some fall arrest systems are attached to the building itself, and lifelines are set up for workers to move safely up and down. It's like climbing a tree but not worrying about the fall (because, you know, it's a skyscraper).
Hard Hat
The hard hat is probably the most iconic piece of gear. It’s like a mini tank for your head—keeping falling debris from giving you an unexpected “visit.” These helmets aren’t just for looks, they’re shock-absorbing and can withstand some serious hits, making sure your brain stays safe while you're up there juggling life on a 100-story ledge.
Work Boots – "Boots with Grip and Attitude" you will need them.
These steel-toed boots have your back (and toes) when you're navigating high steel beams. They are slip-resistant, just in case you feel like doing a little skyscraper salsa in the rain. Plus, they’re made to be comfortable because you're basically walking on a tiny, wobbly balance beam all day.
Gloves – "Keeping Your Hands in One Piece"
For one I wouldn't want my hands to disappear into pieces.
If you’re climbing, gripping, and handling rough materials all day, gloves are essential. These are like your extra layer of protection, ensuring you don’t end up with blisters or worse—broken fingers. Think of them as your high-altitude mittens that are tough enough to handle it all.
Safety Glasses – "Eyes on the Prize, Not the Falling Debris"
Working at height means that you’ve got to protect your peepers from debris, dust, or flying objects. Safety goggles ensure you can see your work without risking your vision. Plus, no one wants to wear glasses after a random hammer drop.
Vests & High-Vis Clothing – "I’m Not Invisible!"
When you’re on a skyscraper, you need to make sure everyone sees you—especially at 50 stories up. Bright, reflective vests make you impossible to miss, which means you’re less likely to be accidentally hit by a crane or someone’s falling sandwich.
So yeah, Damon, working on skyscrapers is like prepping for a high-stakes action movie—but with a lot more safety equipment and a lot less freefall. You get the thrill of heights while being protected like a superhero, with gear that says, “Gravity, you’re not the boss of me!”
Good luck pal keep rocking with those curious questions.
So you’re curious about skyscraper safety gear? Man, this is like getting ready to battle gravity—but in a cool, safe way! You’re definitely right to be thinking about harnesses, ropes, and helmets because working on skyscrapers is not for the faint of heart. Here’s the breakdown of what they wear to avoid turning into a pancake, I almost did.
Safety Harness – The "Hug That Keeps You Alive" because it actually doe keep u alive.
The safety harness is like your personal bodyguard when working up high. It straps you in so that if you slip, you don’t get a one-way ticket to the ground. It attaches to a secure lanyard and is adjustable, because no one wants a harness that feels like a straightjacket! Basically, you’re locked in but in a good, "you’re not falling" way.
Ropes & Cabling – The "Spider-Man Setup"
Sticky, nah just holding!
So you’re not exactly swinging around like Spider-Man, but these ropes and cables are super important. They’re used to secure workers to certain areas, and they lock in place to keep them from falling. Some fall arrest systems are attached to the building itself, and lifelines are set up for workers to move safely up and down. It's like climbing a tree but not worrying about the fall (because, you know, it's a skyscraper).
Hard Hat
The hard hat is probably the most iconic piece of gear. It’s like a mini tank for your head—keeping falling debris from giving you an unexpected “visit.” These helmets aren’t just for looks, they’re shock-absorbing and can withstand some serious hits, making sure your brain stays safe while you're up there juggling life on a 100-story ledge.
Work Boots – "Boots with Grip and Attitude" you will need them.
These steel-toed boots have your back (and toes) when you're navigating high steel beams. They are slip-resistant, just in case you feel like doing a little skyscraper salsa in the rain. Plus, they’re made to be comfortable because you're basically walking on a tiny, wobbly balance beam all day.
Gloves – "Keeping Your Hands in One Piece"
For one I wouldn't want my hands to disappear into pieces.
If you’re climbing, gripping, and handling rough materials all day, gloves are essential. These are like your extra layer of protection, ensuring you don’t end up with blisters or worse—broken fingers. Think of them as your high-altitude mittens that are tough enough to handle it all.
Safety Glasses – "Eyes on the Prize, Not the Falling Debris"
Working at height means that you’ve got to protect your peepers from debris, dust, or flying objects. Safety goggles ensure you can see your work without risking your vision. Plus, no one wants to wear glasses after a random hammer drop.
Vests & High-Vis Clothing – "I’m Not Invisible!"
When you’re on a skyscraper, you need to make sure everyone sees you—especially at 50 stories up. Bright, reflective vests make you impossible to miss, which means you’re less likely to be accidentally hit by a crane or someone’s falling sandwich.
So yeah, Damon, working on skyscrapers is like prepping for a high-stakes action movie—but with a lot more safety equipment and a lot less freefall. You get the thrill of heights while being protected like a superhero, with gear that says, “Gravity, you’re not the boss of me!”
Good luck pal keep rocking with those curious questions.