Archives: FAQs

Archives: FAQs

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

OSHA frames it this way, “Individual components in a fall arrest or positioning device system may be made by different manufacturers as long as they meet the compatibility requirements.” They go on to callout both the evaluation by a competent person and the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

OSHA frames it this way, “Individual components in a fall arrest or positioning device system may be made by different manufacturers as long as they meet the compatibility requirements.” They go on to callout both the evaluation by a competent person and the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

Yes – provided [1] a competent person on-site has overseen the entire system to ensure compatibility, and [2] use of each component meets the manufacturer requirements for its individual use [3] The manufacturer’s instructions are read, understood, and followed for all components and subsystems in the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).

OSHA frames it this way, “Individual components in a fall arrest or positioning device system may be made by different manufacturers as long as they meet the compatibility requirements.” They go on to callout both the evaluation by a competent person and the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

Yes – provided [1] a competent person on-site has overseen the entire system to ensure compatibility, and [2] use of each component meets the manufacturer requirements for its individual use [3] The manufacturer’s instructions are read, understood, and followed for all components and subsystems in the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).

OSHA frames it this way, “Individual components in a fall arrest or positioning device system may be made by different manufacturers as long as they meet the compatibility requirements.” They go on to callout both the evaluation by a competent person and the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

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The most important factors to consider when wearing a safety harness are the same whether it is one issued to a single worker or one that will be shared by multiple workers.

  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the person wearing it. While every worker should check their harness for fit before each use, sharing a harness may mean it will need to be fully readjusted every time. Tongue buckle leg connections are often preferred for easier adjustment on a shared harness. Employees should be trained on how to properly fit the harness they will need to wear for the job.
  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the work environment. A harness may be shared between workers but not necessarily between functions. What works for one application may not work in another and could even create a greater hazard. For instance, a padded shoulder may add comfort in construction but be too hot in a factory. Even more critical, a construction harness would not be safe to use in a welding or arc flash environment.

The most important factors to consider when wearing a safety harness are the same whether it is one issued to a single worker or one that will be shared by multiple workers.

  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the person wearing it. While every worker should check their harness for fit before each use, sharing a harness may mean it will need to be fully readjusted every time. Tongue buckle leg connections are often preferred for easier adjustment on a shared harness. Employees should be trained on how to properly fit the harness they will need to wear for the job.
  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the work environment. A harness may be shared between workers but not necessarily between functions. What works for one application may not work in another and could even create a greater hazard. For instance, a padded shoulder may add comfort in construction but be too hot in a factory. Even more critical, a construction harness would not be safe to use in a welding or arc flash environment.

Yes. OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection for each employee exposed to fall hazards. They do not, however, require each worker to have their own equipment. A harness with universal sizing has five areas of adjustment – chest strap, two torso adjusters and two leg buckles – to provide for different body shapes and sizes when different workers may share the same harness.

The most important factors to consider when wearing a safety harness are the same whether it is one issued to a single worker or one that will be shared by multiple workers.

  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the person wearing it. While every worker should check their harness for fit before each use, sharing a harness may mean it will need to be fully readjusted every time. Tongue buckle leg connections are often preferred for easier adjustment on a shared harness. Employees should be trained on how to properly fit the harness they will need to wear for the job.
  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the work environment. A harness may be shared between workers but not necessarily between functions. What works for one application may not work in another and could even create a greater hazard. For instance, a padded shoulder may add comfort in construction but be too hot in a factory. Even more critical, a construction harness would not be safe to use in a welding or arc flash environment.

Yes. OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection for each employee exposed to fall hazards. They do not, however, require each worker to have their own equipment. A harness with universal sizing has five areas of adjustment – chest strap, two torso adjusters and two leg buckles – to provide for different body shapes and sizes when different workers may share the same harness.

The most important factors to consider when wearing a safety harness are the same whether it is one issued to a single worker or one that will be shared by multiple workers.

  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the person wearing it. While every worker should check their harness for fit before each use, sharing a harness may mean it will need to be fully readjusted every time. Tongue buckle leg connections are often preferred for easier adjustment on a shared harness. Employees should be trained on how to properly fit the harness they will need to wear for the job.
  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the work environment. A harness may be shared between workers but not necessarily between functions. What works for one application may not work in another and could even create a greater hazard. For instance, a padded shoulder may add comfort in construction but be too hot in a factory. Even more critical, a construction harness would not be safe to use in a welding or arc flash environment.

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A VLL must be securely attached at the top and may or a not be attached at the bottom depending on application. They can be designed for use by one or multiple workers who use a positioning device, such as a rope grab, attached at the sternal (front) D-ring to control the worker’s movement up and down. The bottom end of the lifeline must be designed to ensure the rope grab does not slip off the lifeline and all VLLs must meet the OSHA guideline for minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. These lifelines provide security in fall arrest and fall restraint for ladder and tower climbing as well as in roofing and general construction.

A VLL must be securely attached at the top and may or a not be attached at the bottom depending on application. They can be designed for use by one or multiple workers who use a positioning device, such as a rope grab, attached at the sternal (front) D-ring to control the worker’s movement up and down. The bottom end of the lifeline must be designed to ensure the rope grab does not slip off the lifeline and all VLLs must meet the OSHA guideline for minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. These lifelines provide security in fall arrest and fall restraint for ladder and tower climbing as well as in roofing and general construction.

An HLL must be securely anchored at both ends and may also include intermediate anchor points. Designed for use by one or more workers, HLLs may be anchored overhead or at foot level. Connection is made with a device (Personal SRLs – SRL-Ps) that attaches the user to the HLL, or via an SRL that is anchored to the HLL and extended to connect to the user’s dorsal (back) D-ring. Connection to the HLL should be facilitated using an ANSI Z359.12-2019 compliant steel O-ring. User(s) should avoid direct connection to the HLL with a snap hook or carabiner as this may result in premature wear of lifeline components. All HLLs must comply with OSHA regulation 1926.502 and be, “designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two.” These systems can provide increased freedom of movement while working on rooftops and in construction as well as providing fall protection solutions for window-washing, confined space operations and scaffolding.

A VLL must be securely attached at the top and may or a not be attached at the bottom depending on application. They can be designed for use by one or multiple workers who use a positioning device, such as a rope grab, attached at the sternal (front) D-ring to control the worker’s movement up and down. The bottom end of the lifeline must be designed to ensure the rope grab does not slip off the lifeline and all VLLs must meet the OSHA guideline for minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. These lifelines provide security in fall arrest and fall restraint for ladder and tower climbing as well as in roofing and general construction.

An HLL must be securely anchored at both ends and may also include intermediate anchor points. Designed for use by one or more workers, HLLs may be anchored overhead or at foot level. Connection is made with a device (Personal SRLs – SRL-Ps) that attaches the user to the HLL, or via an SRL that is anchored to the HLL and extended to connect to the user’s dorsal (back) D-ring. Connection to the HLL should be facilitated using an ANSI Z359.12-2019 compliant steel O-ring. User(s) should avoid direct connection to the HLL with a snap hook or carabiner as this may result in premature wear of lifeline components. All HLLs must comply with OSHA regulation 1926.502 and be, “designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two.” These systems can provide increased freedom of movement while working on rooftops and in construction as well as providing fall protection solutions for window-washing, confined space operations and scaffolding.

A VLL must be securely attached at the top and may or a not be attached at the bottom depending on application. They can be designed for use by one or multiple workers who use a positioning device, such as a rope grab, attached at the sternal (front) D-ring to control the worker’s movement up and down. The bottom end of the lifeline must be designed to ensure the rope grab does not slip off the lifeline and all VLLs must meet the OSHA guideline for minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. These lifelines provide security in fall arrest and fall restraint for ladder and tower climbing as well as in roofing and general construction.

Horizontal lifelines, known as HLLs, and vertical lifelines, known as VLLs, are important tools used as part of a complete fall protection system, providing anchorage for use with the appropriate harness and connector. Both types of lifelines utilize high-strength cable or rope which acts as the secure attachment point for fall arrest or fall restraint. They can be permanent or temporary. As the names imply, an HLL runs side to side (horizontally) while a VLL runs up and down (vertically) offering the worker additional range and mobility.

An HLL must be securely anchored at both ends and may also include intermediate anchor points. Designed for use by one or more workers, HLLs may be anchored overhead or at foot level. Connection is made with a device (Personal SRLs – SRL-Ps) that attaches the user to the HLL, or via an SRL that is anchored to the HLL and extended to connect to the user’s dorsal (back) D-ring. Connection to the HLL should be facilitated using an ANSI Z359.12-2019 compliant steel O-ring. User(s) should avoid direct connection to the HLL with a snap hook or carabiner as this may result in premature wear of lifeline components. All HLLs must comply with OSHA regulation 1926.502 and be, “designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two.” These systems can provide increased freedom of movement while working on rooftops and in construction as well as providing fall protection solutions for window-washing, confined space operations and scaffolding.

A VLL must be securely attached at the top and may or a not be attached at the bottom depending on application. They can be designed for use by one or multiple workers who use a positioning device, such as a rope grab, attached at the sternal (front) D-ring to control the worker’s movement up and down. The bottom end of the lifeline must be designed to ensure the rope grab does not slip off the lifeline and all VLLs must meet the OSHA guideline for minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. These lifelines provide security in fall arrest and fall restraint for ladder and tower climbing as well as in roofing and general construction.

Horizontal lifelines, known as HLLs, and vertical lifelines, known as VLLs, are important tools used as part of a complete fall protection system, providing anchorage for use with the appropriate harness and connector. Both types of lifelines utilize high-strength cable or rope which acts as the secure attachment point for fall arrest or fall restraint. They can be permanent or temporary. As the names imply, an HLL runs side to side (horizontally) while a VLL runs up and down (vertically) offering the worker additional range and mobility.

An HLL must be securely anchored at both ends and may also include intermediate anchor points. Designed for use by one or more workers, HLLs may be anchored overhead or at foot level. Connection is made with a device (Personal SRLs – SRL-Ps) that attaches the user to the HLL, or via an SRL that is anchored to the HLL and extended to connect to the user’s dorsal (back) D-ring. Connection to the HLL should be facilitated using an ANSI Z359.12-2019 compliant steel O-ring. User(s) should avoid direct connection to the HLL with a snap hook or carabiner as this may result in premature wear of lifeline components. All HLLs must comply with OSHA regulation 1926.502 and be, “designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two.” These systems can provide increased freedom of movement while working on rooftops and in construction as well as providing fall protection solutions for window-washing, confined space operations and scaffolding.

A VLL must be securely attached at the top and may or a not be attached at the bottom depending on application. They can be designed for use by one or multiple workers who use a positioning device, such as a rope grab, attached at the sternal (front) D-ring to control the worker’s movement up and down. The bottom end of the lifeline must be designed to ensure the rope grab does not slip off the lifeline and all VLLs must meet the OSHA guideline for minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. These lifelines provide security in fall arrest and fall restraint for ladder and tower climbing as well as in roofing and general construction.

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OSHA requires that fall protection be provided for everyone working at and above elevations of:

  • 4’ in general industry workplaces
  • 5’ in shipyards
  • 6’ in the construction industry
  • 8’ in longshoring operations
  • 10’ on scaffolding
  • 15′ in steel erection

In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. Due to the variety of conditions that are specific for each individual jobsite, a Qualified or Competent Person should be consulted to ensure relevant standards and/or OSHA regulations are met.

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In a personal fall arrest system (PFAS), a lanyard connects your harness to an anchor point or to a horizontal or vertical lifeline, which acts as an intermediate connection to the anchor.

While lanyards are typically 6′ in length, shorter and longer options are available. Always select the shortest possible lanyard. Lanyards should be long enough to allow adequate job site work without creating undue free fall distance.

Even a minimal fall can create tremendous force. For example, a 200 lb. worker falling 10 feet is subject to 8,000 lbs. of force in an abrupt dynamic drop. A properly selected and installed PFAS lanyard can drastically reduce the force to below 1,800 lbs., preventing serious injury.

When selecting the best lanyard for the job, ask:

  • What is the fall clearance to the next level?
  • Where is the anchor point located, above or below the harness D-ring?
  • Will you plan for fall arrest or eliminate the hazard by using a positioning lanyard?
  • Will you be working near or over what ANSI defines as a leading edge?
  • What is the right material for your lanyard based on the environment?
  • What lanyard connectors do I need to properly tie off?

LANYARD MATERIALS

  • Webbing – The flexible and dependable choice for most applications.
  • Rope – For increased abrasion resistance and strength.
  • Cable – Ideal for high heat or leading edge environments.
  • Specialty – Coated webbing for protection against grease, oil, or other contaminants.
  • Aramid – Webbing for fire, welding, or arc flash conditions. 

CONNECTOR

  • Soft Loop – Chokes the lanyard harness attachment point.
  • Snap Hook – The most common option for small anchor points.
  • Carabiner – A twist lock gate alternative to hooks.
  • Scaffolding/Rebar Hook – Offers a larger gate opening for a variety of structural connections.
  • Tie-Back Hook – Specially built for applications where a standard anchor or connection is unavailable.

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A simple way to answer is to ask if there is any chance that the connecting device may come into contact with an edge. If the SRL or lanyard may hit the outer limit of a structure, such as the edge of a roof or side of a beam or deck, the answer is yes. OSHA 1926.751 states:

Leading edge means the unprotected side and edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor or other walking/working surface (such as deck) which changes location as additional floor, roof, decking or formwork sections are placed, formed or constructed.

Attributes:

  • Worker may be tied off below D-ring or at foot level
  • Often a sharp or abrasive unfinished part of working surface
  • Edge changes as the work continues or progresses

Hazards:

  • Rough edges may cut or fray device cable or webbing
  • Extreme force when connection hits edge can damage device
  • Worker subject to longer falls before fall arrest system activates
  • Worker subject to greater arrest forces due to isolated cable or webbing over the edge
  • Increased swing fall potential for fallen worker

Compliance:

  • PPE designed, tested and rated specifically for leading edge
  • OSHA requires specialized LE fall protection equipment for any work within 6’ of leading edge

Bottom Line: To ensure worker safety, use only fall protection equipment specifically labeled for leading edge in a leading edge situation.

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OSHA allows workers to tie off directly to a non-moving crane or below the hook attachment in construction applications. OSHA states that a personal fall arrest system is permitted to be anchored to the crane’s hook when the following requirement is met: a qualified person has determined that the setup and rated capacity of the crane including the hook, load line and rigging meets or exceeds the requirements outlined in 1926.1423(d)(15) as stated below: 

(15) Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached; or shall be designed, installed and used as follows:
(i) as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two
(ii) under the supervision of a qualified person

OSHA does not define how many workers can be tied off to the approved hook at one time. Most assume that it is only one and many companies limit the maximum number of workers to two. The safety professional in charge must use his or her professional judgment to determine what is safest for that particular application. 

For general industry, OSHA can allow direct attachment to a crane only if you are following OSHA’s hierarchy of controls. This means that the crane attachment point, crane controls and administrative controls must be engineered or validated by a qualified person. Contact your local OSHA office for proper clarifications. 

For fall protection coverage in linear work areas, a qualified engineer can add an enclosed track anchorage system along crane bridges. In this situation, the administrative controls require the crane to be locked out and tagged out before using its structure as a fall arrest anchorage point. 

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OSHA 1926.502(d)(20) states, “The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.” 

While this standard addresses the hazard of being suspended by the fall arrest system after an arrested fall, prompt rescue is not defined in the standard. How a rescue occurs to prevent serious injury to the worker is up to the employer. An in-depth analysis of the worksite to consider all potential risk factors associated with rescue is recommended. A written plan should be formulated and distributed to any potentially affected personnel.  

Simply relying on emergency services does not constitute an effective plan. This is especially true if high-angle rescue might be required or if there are other structural or environmental factors in place that could affect standard rescue procedures. 

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OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) are both important organizations focused on keeping workers safe. While there is overlap between the two, their roles are different. 

OSHA is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor charged with setting and enforcing safety regulations in the workplace. OSHA also provides training, outreach, education and assistance to workers in order to increase awareness and understanding of these regulations. OSHA regulations are governing law and therefore mandatory, meaning all workplaces and employers must comply. Those who do not comply can face serious consequences, including citations and hefty fines. OSHA regulations are established to ensure safe working conditions. Due to the lengthy process involved in making updates, they often fall short of delivering the most comprehensive and up-to-date safety information.  

ANSI is a non-governmental body which exists to promote and facilitate voluntary consensus standards (guidelines that are universally accepted). Some of these standards are aimed at improving worker safety on the job, such as the Z359 series for fall protection. ANSI standards are recommended guidelines which better represent the thinking of industry experts. They are more in-depth than OSHA regulations, generally more current and require revision or reaffirmation every five years. A significant number of ANSI recommendations relate to fall arrest equipment and PPE, acting to fill the gaps in OSHA’s fall protection regulations. There are cases where OSHA does not have published rules which address specific issues, so they often look to manufacturer guidelines. ANSI standards serve to fill those holes with best-practice, easy-to-understand guidelines. 

ANSI standards are not mandatory and following them is not required by law. While manufacturers and employers can choose to ignore ANSI standards without facing any monetary penalty, doing so could place worker safety in jeopardy. 

Even though OSHA and ANSI are separate organizations, the regulations and standards related to safety and health are of paramount consideration for both. In that sense, they are deeply intertwined and should be used together to enhance and strengthen the safety of workers. Worksites that truly put safety first are known to actively follow all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. 

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OSHA reports that fall protection continues to be the most frequently violated safety guideline year after year. Additionally, the CDC confirms that falls are the leading cause of construction-worker fatalities. 

There were over 6,000 violations of “Fall Protection – General Requirements 1926.501” in 2019, nearly double the amount of the next category. The top 10 violations also included Ladders (1926.1053) in 6th place and fall protection training requirements (1926.503) in 8th place. 

OSHA reports that over $71.5 million dollars in citations were issued for the 2019 fiscal year. Below are the maximum penalty amounts with the annual adjustment for inflation being charged after Jan. 15, 2021. (See OSHA Memo, Jan 8, 2021). 

  • Serious, Other-Than-Serious, Posting Requirements: $13,653 per violation
  • Failure to Abate: $13,653 per day beyond the abatement date
  • Willful or Repeated: $136,532 per violation

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