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When it comes to working at height, understanding the difference between fall prevention and fall arrest is critical. Fall prevention, also called fall restraint, stops you from being able to fall in the first place. Think of it as keeping you safely away from the edge. Fall arrest, on the other hand, is a backup plan, it doesn’t prevent the fall from happening, but catches you if one happens, reducing the risk of death to injuries that are survivable, depending on what you hit.
This blog explores fall arrest systems, covering the gear, techniques, and best practices to prevent falls or reduce injuries if a fall happens. To make it even easier to follow, we’ve included short videos demonstrating each step. Let’s break it all down.

Is Your Gear Rated and Reliable?

Not all gear is created equal! In fall arrest situations, quality isn’t optional – it’s life-saving. In New Zealand and Australia, fall arrest equipment must meet at least AS/NZS Standards.
 
Before anything else, confirm that your equipment complies with these standards, and if it’s something else like EN or ISO standards stop and ask questions, if you’re not sure who to ask then call us on 0800 555 339. Look for labels or certifications and ensure you’re using gear designed for fall arrest and not just general-purpose climbing equipment, because yes, there is a big difference!

Start at the Foundations: Anchors

A fall arrest system is only as strong as its weakest point. Just like building a house, the foundation must be solid. Your anchor point must be able to withstand the forces generated during a fall – this typically means being rated for at least 15kN (1,500kg) for 1 person 21kN (2,100kg) for 2 people.
Ask yourself:

• Is the anchor secure and in good condition?
• Can it handle the load of the system and any potential forces from a fall?
• Is it in the best place for your tasks, will it cause me to pendulum/swing?

Connectors: Small but Critical

Connectors are often overlooked, but they’re a vital part of your system. Use auto-locking karabiners over traditional screw gates – they’re faster to secure and less prone to accidental opening. As can be seen in the video showing the differences between manual and autolocking gates.

Be mindful of your connector positioning to avoid “roll-out.” Roll-out occurs when a karabiner rotates under pressure, such as a fall! Forcing the gate open. The video here should get you thinking…. Am I actually protected? Or do I just look protected?

The key takeaway is to ensure:

• Gates are locked and orientated with thought given to how the loads would shift.
• Connectors are checked for damage or wear before use.

What’s Between You & Your Anchor?

When selecting the thing between yourself and the anchor, you have three main options:

• Rope: Lightweight and flexible, ideal for most situations. You can also add knots in the line to prevent you from reaching a place where a fall is possible.
• Webbing: Lightweight and strong, but susceptible to cuts, heat, UV/sun damage, and abrasion, this cannot be knotted or tied to help you set limits.
• Steel wire: Highly durable, suited for harsh environments but less forgiving on weight and movement.

Each material type has its unique advantages and limitations, so consult an expert if you’re unsure about the best choice for your work situation.

Fall Arrest Devices & Shock Absorbers: The Brakes on Your System

Fall Arrest Devices come in 3 types. Most commonly you will see the “roofers kits” in the safety shops, these have a type 1 device that will move towards your anchor but not away from it without your input.
A type 2 is much like a seatbelt, they are Self Retracting Lanyards also known as SRLs, these are pretty easy to understand, and they will have their limitations printed on the device.
Type 3 fall arrest devices are like type 2 but the key difference is that they are retractable, these are what most people use for confined space entries where the entrant may have to be “winched” to safety if they pass out

All Lanyards that are the link between you and the device must include a shock absorber also known as a personal energy absorber. It’s like the brakes on a car, it slows your fall gradually, reducing the impact on your body. Without one, it would be like using a concrete wall to stop your car! Stopping that fast can generate forces over 4kN (400kg), which is enough to seriously injure or even kill by doing serious damage to your neck.
Shock absorbers are designed to limit the force put through your body to less than 4kN (400kg), protecting your neck, spine, and internal organs.

Harness Fit: Where Comfort Meets Safety

Your harness is a major piece of the puzzle, and proper fit is everything! Harnesses come in different sizes (S, M, L, XL), so check the manufacturer’s instructions for their size chart to ensure it’s the right size so you can fit it properly.

Key fitting tips:

• Sub-pelvic strap: This you will see in the video, it’s the link between the two leg loops. It must sit at the junction of your butt cheek and hamstring. This way the strap spreads force like a seat, if it’s not positioned right then guess where all the force goes…
• Chest attachment (front): Align around your nipple line.
• Dorsal attachment (rear): Should sit between your shoulder blades with straps forming an “X.”
• Leg straps: Tight enough to fit a flat hand under while standing, but not loose enough to pull a clenched fist through.

A poorly adjusted harness can turn a fall arrest into a painful or life-threatening situation.

Tethering your Tools

When working at height, it’s not just your safety that’s at stake – it’s the safety of everyone around you. One small slip of a tool can lead to serious injuries, property damage, or expensive delays.
Here’s why it matters:

• Preventing Falls & Protecting Others: When you’re working at height, dropping a tool isn’t just inconvenient – it’s dangerous. Tethering your tools ensures that if something slips from your grip, it won’t fall far, keeping you and everyone below safer.
• Saving Costs: Tool tethering doesn’t just protect people; it protects your budget too. It helps avoid costly tool replacements and prevents damage to equipment or work areas caused by falling tools.

Don’t Forget Your Head!

In fall arrest scenarios, gravity isn’t your friend! Because your fall is uncontrolled, there’s the risk of striking whatever objects are in your path on the way down. A standard hard hat simply won’t cut it here. Use a safety helmet with a modified chin strap to keep it securely in place during a fall. A good helmet can make all the difference between walking away and serious injury that stays with you for life.

Final Thoughts: Safety Is in the Details

Setting up a fall arrest system isn’t just about having the right gear or looking good.
It’s about understanding how each component works together to keep you safe. Follow the steps above, inspect your equipment regularly, don’t cut corners, and never work alone when using harnesses as you will need a solid rescue plan!
If you’re unsure about which equipment is right for your situation or need help finding out about setting up your systems, get in touch with our qualified H&S advisors.

It’s better to ask questions now than face the consequences later.
We are here ready to talk when you are 0800 555 339
advisory@hazardco.com