Types of fall protection systems

Personal fall protection systems are made up of different components connected to operate in a specific way. These systems are designed to protect the user by either preventing or arresting a fall. Following the hierarchy of control, preventing a fall should always be first choice for carrying out work at height where possible.

Work Restraint

A system whereby a person is prevented from reaching zones that present a fall risk by using personal fall protection equipment (PFPE).

1.????? Limit of user’s movement

2.????? Harness attachment point

3.????? Anchor

4.????? Lanyard

5.????? Fall risk area

Work Positioning?

A system that enables a person to work supported by PFPE in tension, in such a way that a free fall is prevented. The work positioning device can entirely support the user (full support of weight by the device) or provide partial support.

Fall Arrest

A fall arrest system physically links the user to the workplace structure by a series of interconnected components which together protect the user, should a fall occur, by applying an arresting force and deceleration through a specified arrest distance.

In the event of a fall, the three objectives of a fall arrest system when used correctly are:?

• To prevent workers reaching a hazard by arresting the fall.
• Absorb the energy of the fall to reduce impact on the worker. Personal fall protection systems standard, EN 363, requires the impact force on the user to be no more than 6 kN.
• Have a minimum distance of deceleration: this distance will vary depending on the fall arrest system used.

Rope Access – Work in Suspension?

A form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in climbing and caving, which applies practical ropework to allow workers to safely access difficult-to-reach areas. Rope access technicians descend, ascend, and traverse ropes for access and work while suspended by their harness. A work seat may also be used. The support of the rope is intended to eliminate the fall risk, but a fall arrest system should always be used in conjunction as a redundancy system – this can be achieved by using two ropes, a movement line and a safety line.

Learn when height safety equipment is required at work.

Find out more on the HSE website.