Ensuring Safety at Heights With Fall Arrest Systems

Modern technology and architecture often require a professional to work at heights. It can be for a construction project, maintaining telecommunication services, or rescuing someone. Working at heights usually comes with plenty of risks. Therefore, enhancing the safety of the workers becomes a priority. Fall arrest systems have presented a fantastic opportunity to improve the safety of professionals working at heights.

Everyone can benefit from fall arrest systems in construction, cleaning, pruning, or some other industry. From preventing injuries to compliance with the regulations, fall safety equipment helps in many ways. Let’s learn a bit more about them for your ease of use:

A Quick Guide To Personal Fall Arrest System

A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is an individual’s PPE kit. It is a complete collection of necessary components and gears to work safely at heights. Therefore, a Fall arrest system contains:

1. Anchorage

Anchorage is the fixed structure where the fall arrest system is attached to support the load. For example, it can be an iron pole at a construction site for a person. The objective of anchorage is to remain sturdy even if the person falls. A fall arrest system will have anchorage connectors like D-rings, anchor straps and lifelines to connect to the anchorage.

2. Body Wear

A body wear in the fall arrest system is a harness that covers a person’s body, usually the shoulder, chest, and legs. It evenly distributes the force with the harness to ensure that a person doesn’t face any concussion or jerk that could cause trauma. Bodywear also comes in a vest form. The necessary aspect of the body wear is the fitting, or the ability to adjust for proper fitting.

3. Connectors

Connectors are the components that link the harness to the anchorage. These are different from the above-mentioned connectors. You will receive lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, and rope grabs. These are all used to secure the fall further and prevent accidents.

4. Deceleration Device

A deceleration device doesn’t work as a braking system but as a cushion system. It dissipates the energy generated during the fall. Shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, and fall arrest blocks are some examples of deceleration devices.

A Note on Fall Arrest Systems

Depending on the price, the Fall Arrest System can make additional innovations and tools available. However, the above-given list of components is indispensable in all fall arrest systems.

The Training Requirement & Emergency Plans

All working professionals (who use the Fall Arrest System) must learn how to use the equipment properly. They will also learn how to help themselves or rescue others if needed. Moreover, inspection, maintenance and hazard awareness also become integral to all workers’ learning. Additional emergency equipment and plans are also necessary for the workers to learn and understand the worst-case scenario.

How To Select The Right Fall Arrest System?

The first step to selecting the proper fall arrest system is to check regulatory compliance. For example, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification is often necessary for the U.S. fall arrest systems. Other factors that you need to consider are:

• The specific work environment and requirements. Different professions require different fall arrest systems. Factors like flexibility, mobility, comfort, etc., will play a vital role in determining the proper fall arrest system for the job.
• Check for the reviews of the products, and if there are manufacturer’s guidelines and numbers available, consult with them.

If you’re new to buying a fall arrest system for yourself or your workforce, consult a professional for the best advice.