What type of safety equipment must be worn by workers at elevations over 6 feet?

The requirement for workers to wear personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) at elevations over 6 feet is a critical safety measure dictated by regulations and industry standards. PFAS are designed to prevent workers from falling and to safely arrest their fall if one occurs. This equipment typically includes harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points, which together create a secure system that minimizes the risk of serious injury or death from falls.

In construction and other industries where working at heights is commonplace, the use of PFAS becomes essential to safeguard personnel. They are specifically engineered to withstand the forces generated during a fall and to distribute that force across the body to prevent injury. The regulations emphasize PFAS for anyone working above 6 feet as this height is where the risk of serious injury significantly increases.

The other options, while important for overall worker safety, do not specifically address the fall hazard that arises when working at elevations. Industrial helmets protect against head injuries from falling objects, gloves and safety boots enhance grip and protect extremities, and heavy-duty safety goggles shield the eyes from particulates or chemicals. However, none of these items provide the necessary fall protection that PFAS offers, making the correct choice a fundamental requirement for ensuring safety at heights.