What is a Fall-Arrest System?

What is a fall-arrest system?

Fall protection is required in general industrial jobs at altitudes 3 meters or more according to OSHA. Furthermore, OSHA mandates the use of fall protection when working near hazardous machinery and equipment, regardless of the circumstances. Serious work-related injuries and fatalities are frequently caused by falls. Working near openings or at heights may be hazardous, therefore fall protection planning can assist to prevent or reduce the dangers. Although there are many ways to incorporate fall protection, in this article we will be focusing on the personal fall-arrest system.

What is a fall-arrest system? 

A personal fall arrest system is a device that is used to stop an employee from falling off a walking or working surface. A body harness, anchoring, and connector are included. A lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or an appropriate combination of these may be used as a method of connection. If an employee were to fall, a fall-arresting device is designed to stop the fall and absorb the impact.

When should I be wearing a fall-arrest system?

If you’re operating from the following locations, you’ll need to employ a fall-arresting system:

• A work location that is more than 3 meters above the next safe level and is unprotected. 
• An unsecured workspace that is above any surface or anything that might injure you if it comes into touch with you. 
• Above every open-top tank, pit, or vat is an unsecured work area. 
• A work platform 3 meters above a fixed, safe level. 
• Any work environment where a health and safety officer has judged it is required. 

We all know those fall injuries may cost a company thousands of dollars in medical and legal costs, not to mention missed productivity. However, a history of fall-related wrongdoing can be damaging to your image. Fortunately, all of this may be avoided with proper planning.

This does not only entail having the appropriate safety equipment, such as harnesses, self-retracting lifelines, and guardrails, on hand and installed. It entails establishing a comprehensive strategy that includes awareness, safety training, and reporting. And no matter which option you select, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a safety-first culture in the workplace, as well as saving a life or lives, from the top of your management team to your newest recruit.

Your fall-arrest resources:  If you need fall protection equipment, Hercules SLR is your one-stop-shop.

We offer harnesses, lanyards and self-retracting devices with a variety of brands such as MSA, Tractel and 3M to choose from. If you are looking for a way to expand your team’s safety culture, check out Hercules Training Academy’s variety of courses such as: Fall Protection  Fall Rescue Systems  Confined Space Entrant & Attendant  Scaffolding Safety 

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The Hercules Group of Companies encompasses a wide portfolio of products and services across 7 diverse companies.