Personal fall arrest systems are a key component of workplace fall protection safety. Fall arrest systems, also known as safety systems, are designed for when other types of fall protection are not practical or feasible. In the event of a fall, personal fall arrest systems are meant to keep workers from hitting a lower floor level or other objects. These systems typically include an anchor point or series of anchor points, a safety lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, and a harness. This system must be designed to “arrest” or stop you before hitting the lower surface in the case of a fall, ensuring the safety of workers in hazardous environments. Safety nets and other components may also be used depending on the specific workplace requirements. Regular inspection and maintenance of all components are essential to ensure their effectiveness in preventing falls and protecting workers at heights. Employers must provide proper training on the use of fall arrest systems to ensure that workers understand how to properly wear and utilize the equipment to stay safe while working at elevated levels. Remember, safety should always be the top priority in any work environment, and using a fall arrest system should be your last resort.

Every personal fall arrest system is made up of four components:

• A full body harness
• Connecting device (lanyard or lifeline)
• An anchorage point
• A rescue plan

Full Body Harnesses

The body harness is worn by the person working at great heights. The harness distributes the forces of a fall evenly across the body and provides support to the person during and after a fall. It typically includes straps that go over the shoulders, around the torso, and around the legs.

British Columbia’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation states that workers need to wear a full body harness when using a personal fall protection system for fall arrest.

Connecting Device (Lanyard or Lifeline)

The connecting device is the link between the harness and the anchorage point. This allows the worker to move around while still being connected to the anchor point. In the event of a fall, the connecting device, such as a lanyard or lifeline, absorbs the energy, reducing the worker’s impact. The length of the lanyard, as well as the length of the energy absorber (when deployed), are important factors to consider, along with the worker’s height and potential D-ring shifting. This information, along with the worker’s height and potential D-ring shifting, are crucial in determining the effectiveness of the fall arrest system. Additionally, it is important to consult with a safety association, such as the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, for proper guidelines and regulations when using a fall arrest system.

Anchorage Point

This is the secure point of attachment for the fall arrest system. It must be capable of supporting the potential forces generated during a fall. Anchorage points can include things like a structural beam, a secure hook, or a specially designed anchor point.

Rescue Plan

An adequate form of rescue is just as vital as wearing the harness itself. Rescue plans do not get the appropriate attention they need. An appropriate rescue plan serves as a critical safeguard against unforeseen emergencies, providing a structured response in the event of accidents or equipment failures. This plan outlines precise steps and protocols for rescuing workers stranded or injured at elevated positions, ensuring their safe and swift extraction. A rescue plan bolsters worker safety and enhances overall site preparedness by establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures. It minimizes response times, reduces potential hazards, and instills confidence in the workforce, creating a secure environment conducive to efficient and successful operations.

Fall arrest system vs fall restraint system

The difference between a fall arrest system and a fall restraint system is their primary functions and levels of freedom for the worker. A fall arrest system is designed to safely stop workers in free fall, minimizing the impact forces on their bodies during a fall. On the other hand, a fall restraint system prevents the worker from reaching the edge or potential fall hazard of the work area, providing more restricted movement but eliminating the risk of a free fall. Both types of fall protection systems, fall arrest and fall restraint, play crucial roles in ensuring worker safety at heights, with their effectiveness determined by various factors such as anchor points, lanyard length, and rescue plans.

When to use fall protection

Employers must ensure that a fall protection system is used when work is being done at a place where a fall from 3 meters (10 feet) or more may occur or where a fall from a height of fewer than 3 meters that can involve a risk of injury greater than the risk of injury from the impact on a flat surface or a lower level, including considerations for fall clearance.

Industries that use fall protection

Personal fall protection systems are used in a variety of work environments and situations where there is a risk of falling from an elevated height.

These industries include:

Construction sites

This is one of the most common environments for using personal fall protection systems. Construction workers often work on scaffolding, roofs, ladders, and other elevated surfaces.

Maintenance and repair work

Whether it’s fixing a roof, painting a building, or conducting maintenance on machinery, workers often need to access elevated areas where there is a risk of falling.

Utility work

Workers in utilities, such as electricity, telecommunications, and cable often need to work on elevated platforms or poles.

Window washing

Window washers frequently work on the sides of tall buildings, requiring fall protection to prevent accidents.

Logging and foresty

Workers in forestry and logging may work in trees or on elevated platforms and need fall protection to prevent falls.

Warehouse and distribution centres

Employees working on high shelves or in elevated areas of warehouses need fall protection.

Agricultural work

Workers may need fall protection in agriculture when working in elevated areas such as silos or on tall equipment.

Rescue and emergency services

Professionals in these fields often work in elevated positions or conduct rescues from heights.

Transportation and loading docks

Workers involved in loading and unloading cargo from trucks and ships often require fall protection.

Telecommunications and broadcasting

Technicians who install or repair antennas and broadcasting equipment often work at heights

Wind Energy

Workers in the wind energy industry are often at elevated positions on wind turbines and require fall protection.

Bridge and structural maintenance

Workers who maintain bridges and other large structures need fall protection when working at heights.

Roofing

Roofers work at elevated positions and require fall protection to prevent accidents.

It is important that fall protection measures are accessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific hazards and requirements of each job site. Employers are responsible for identifying potential fall hazards and ensuring that workers use appropriate fall protection systems..

Clockwork Training’s Fall Protection Training is designed to be completed within one day. Based on Part 11 of BC regulations & CSA z259 & Z359 standards, this course involves in-depth theory training and hands-on exercises perfect for any worker at any skill level.

To learn more about how we can help your BC business be safe, check out all of our course offerings, or contact us with any questions.

• A full body harness
• Connecting device (lanyard or lifeline)
• An anchorage point
• A rescue plan