Fall arrester Types & 4 types of fall protection

Fall arrester Types & 4 types of fall protection

When it comes working at heights, even the best height-access equipment can’t free workers from using other safety systems.

Fall protection is critical to workplace safety, particularly in industries such as construction, roofing, and manufacturing, where employees are exposed to heights.

Fall Arrest

Fall arrest systems are designed to prevent workers from hitting the ground or other lower surfaces in the event of a fall. They typically consist of a shock-absorbing lanyard, a full-body harness, and an anchor point. 

Workers wear the harness and it is attached to the anchor point, securely fastened to a structure or other stable point.

If the worker falls, the shock-absorbing lanyard will deploy and stop the worker's fall before it hits the ground. Fall arrest systems are often used in construction, roofing, and other industries where workers must work at heights.

Guardrails

Guardrails are physical barriers that prevent workers from accidentally falling off elevated platforms, roofs, or edges. They consist of a top rail, mid-rail, and board and can be made of various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. 

Guardrails are often used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries where workers must work at heights. They provide a passive form of protection, meaning that they do not require any action from the worker to be effective.

Guardrails are relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for fall protection. They also have the added benefit of providing a visual reminder to workers to be cautious and aware of their surroundings. 

However, it's important to note that guardrails do not provide complete protection and may not be suitable for all situations.

Fall Restraint

Fall restraint systems are similar to fall arrest systems, but instead of stopping a fall, they prevent falls from occurring in the first place. 

Fall restraint systems typically involve a full-body harness, a lanyard, and an anchor point. The worker's harness is connected to the anchor point, preventing them from getting too close to an unprotected edge.

Fall restraint systems are often used when workers are required to work near unprotected edges or where the risk of a fall is high. They provide an active form of protection, meaning that the worker must actively ensure their safety.

Fall Prevention

Fall prevention systems are designed to eliminate the risk of falls altogether by providing a safe working environment. These systems typically involve engineering controls such as platforms, scaffolds, or lifts that allow workers to work at heights without the risk of falling. 

Fall prevention systems are beneficial for tasks that require workers to work at heights for extended periods, such as painting or window cleaning. Fall prevention systems are often more expensive and require more planning and preparation than other fall protection systems. However, they can effectively reduce the risk of falls and ensure worker safety.

Falls from a relatively low height can result in severe injury or death, so employers must implement proper fall protection measures.