Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of how many pounds?

The requirement for lifelines to be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 4,300 pounds is based on safety standards set by OSHA for fall protection systems. Specifically, this standard is designed to ensure that the anchorage point is sufficiently strong to withstand the forces that may occur during a fall, as well as to provide a buffer for dynamic loading scenarios.

The choice of 4,300 pounds is derived from the calculation of potential fall dynamics, which take into account the weight of a typical worker, equipment, and the force of a fall, which is greater than just the weight of the person falling. By utilizing an anchorage that can support at least this amount, the system is designed to prevent catastrophic failure and ensure worker safety in elevated work situations.

In summary, the selection of 4,300 pounds reflects industry standards that prioritize worker safety by ensuring that lifelines and their anchorages are robust enough to handle the stresses associated with falls.