How Does a Fall Arrest System Work?
Understanding how a fall arrest system works can help prevent workplace injuries and save lives.
Key Components of a Fall Arrest System
- Anchor Point: A secure attachment that absorbs some force and ensures stability.
- Full-Body Harness: Distributes arresting forces across the shoulders, thighs, and pelvis to minimize injury.
- Connecting Device: A lanyard or self-retracting lifeline (SRL) that stops the fall.
How It Works
When a worker falls, the connecting device engages:
- If using a lanyard, the shock absorber slows the descent, reducing impact force.
- If using an SRL, it locks instantly, limiting fall distance to a few inches.
Without a proper fall arrest system, the sudden stop of a free fall can result in severe injury or death. That’s why regular equipment inspections, proper training, and correct usage are critical.
Watch How a Fall Arrest System Works
See fall protection in action in this short video: