What Does
First-Man-Up System Mean?
The First-Man-Up system is a component of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) used in cases where overhead installations are required. It assists in the installation and removal of anchorage connectors and vertical lifelines where access to the anchorage point is not available. It can also be used for attaching a lifeline or similar device to an overhead anchorage point.
Safeopedia Explains First-Man-Up System
A safe anchorage point is essential for workers to carry out work at height. When the approved anchorage point is overhead and out of reach, the First-Man-Up system is designed for connecting to it. It uses a telescoping pole and adaptor tool that places and securely anchors a tie-off adaptor to an overhead anchorage point. It also includes a snap hook connector tool to attach a vertical lifeline or other devices securely to the tie-off adaptor.
The First-Man-Up fall protection system is designed to keep a worker connected to an anchored fall arrest device while making the initial ascent. The first worker up will anchor a lifeline for future climbs, after which a rope grab system can be used to maintain fall arrest protection, especially when multiple climbs are required.
Advantages of Using a First-Man-Up System
Advantages of using the First-Man-Up system include:
- The adjustable pole allows flexibility while anchoring a lifeline at different heights
- The tie-off adaptor is a versatile anchor and is simply choked off to the anchorage structure providing an efficient and safe tie-off
- The tie-off adaptor installation and removal tool provides an efficient and easy way to tie off the adaptor and retrieve it after the job
- Allows for free-climbing steel structures while maintaining 100% fall protection
- Enables installation of anchor and lifeline from the ground to the top of the steel structure before the worker leaves the ground
- Allows movement of the worker while climbing around and over nearby obstructions without having to attach or detach