When working at heights, safety is just as important as the equipment you use. Johan du Toit, Managing Director of Height Safe 360, shares some of the most important things you need to know regarding a fall arrest.

What is a fall arrest?

A fall arrest is a system designed to stop a person safely while falling or after a fall while limiting the risk of further injury.

Several access methods can be used when working at height, including:

  • Ladders
  • Mobile elevated work platforms
  • Suspended platforms
  • Aluminium towers
  • Scaffolding
  • Rope access

A fall arrest can be used with all these access methods.

Fall-arrest system

A fall-arrest system can be explained using the A, B, C and D principle:

A: Anchor point

The user must be connected to a suitable temporary or permanent anchor point. This may include a sling around a structure, an installed anchor point or an anchor line fitted by a certified manufacturer or installer.

The applicable standard is EN 795:2012. Where an anchor point is used by more than one person, certification under TS 16415 is also required.

B: Full-body harness

A full-body harness with at least a dorsal attachment point is required. The dorsal attachment is positioned in line with the spine to help keep the user upright and distribute fall-arrest forces safely.

A harness with an additional chest attachment is recommended. When moving vertically or horizontally between anchor points or anchor lines, more than one fall-arrest device may be required.

The applicable standard is EN 361:2002.

C: Connector

Connectors join the components of the fall-arrest system. Examples include carabiners, quick links and double-action hooks.

The applicable standard is EN 362:2004.

D: Deceleration or fall-arrest device

A fall-arrest device stops the fall and limits the force placed on the user. The three main types are:

  • Energy-absorbing lanyard: Used where the worker needs to move around while connected. Standard: EN 355:2002.
  • Retractable lifeline: Used mainly for vertical movement where hands-free operation is required. Standard: EN 360.
  • Guided fall arrester on a flexible anchor line: Used during vertical climbing where both hands are needed. Standard: EN 353-2:2024.

Each device has a specific application and minimum fall-clearance requirement. Fall-arrest forces must be limited to below 6 kN, and there must be enough clearance to prevent the user from striking the ground or another obstacle.

Principles of using a fall-arrest system

Having the correct equipment is not enough; it must also be used correctly.

Workers must remain connected to at least one fall-arrest device whenever they are exposed to a fall risk. Connection must begin in a safe area and continue until the worker returns to safety. Do not wait until the position becomes dangerous before connecting.

Competency training should be completed through a certified and accredited training provider that can issue an Institute for Work at Height licence to operate.

The two basic unit standards for safe working at height are:

229998: Explain and perform fall-arrest techniques when working at height.

229995: Install, use and perform basic rescues from fall-arrest systems and implement a fall-protection plan.