By Finixio Digital 
When working at height, fall protection systems are crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and preventing accidents. Two commonly used systems are fall arrest and fall restraint systems. While both aim to protect workers from falls, they serve different purposes and are used in distinct scenarios. Understanding the key differences between these systems is vital for selecting the right height safety and roof access systems for specific work environments. In this article, we will explore the distinctions between fall arrest and fall restraint systems, including their applications, benefits, and safety features.
What is Fall Arrest?
Fall arrest refers to systems designed to stop a worker’s fall after it has occurred. The primary goal of a fall arrest system is to prevent workers from hitting the ground or any lower-level surfaces. These systems are typically used when a worker is exposed to a significant fall risk and there is a potential for a free fall.
Fall arrest systems are activated when a worker falls, with components like roof anchor points, lanyards, and shock absorbers working together to slow and stop the fall. The system is designed to minimize the force exerted on the worker’s body during the fall, preventing injuries.
Components of Fall Arrest Systems:
- Roof Anchor Points: Secure attachment points on a roof or structure that allow workers to connect their lanyards or safety harnesses.
- Safety Harnesses: Worn by workers to keep them attached to the anchor point.
- Lanyards: Flexible ropes or cables that connect the worker’s harness to the anchor point.
- Shock Absorbers: Devices designed to reduce the impact force during a fall by slowing the descent.
What is Fall Restraint?
Fall restraint systems, on the other hand, are designed to prevent a fall from occurring in the first place. Unlike fall arrest systems that stop a fall after it has begun, fall restraint systems limit the worker’s movement and keep them away from hazardous fall zones. The goal of fall restraint is to prevent workers from getting too close to the edge of a roof, ledge, or other elevated surfaces.
Fall restraint systems typically include safety harnesses and lanyards, but the lanyard is configured in such a way that it restricts the worker’s ability to reach areas where a fall might occur. This system keeps workers within a safe zone where they cannot access dangerous areas, such as the edge of a building or roof.
Components of Fall Restraint Systems:
- Safety Harnesses: Worn by workers to secure them to the restraint system.
- Lanyards: These are adjusted to a length that prevents workers from accessing hazardous areas.
- Anchor Points: Secure points that workers attach to, ensuring they cannot reach fall zones.
Key Differences Between Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint Systems
1. Purpose and Function
- Fall Arrest: The purpose of fall arrest systems is to stop a fall after it has occurred. These systems are used when workers are exposed to potential fall risks, and there is a possibility of a free fall from a height.
- Fall Restraint: The goal of fall restraint systems is to prevent a fall altogether by restricting the worker’s movement and ensuring they stay away from dangerous areas. These systems are designed to stop workers from reaching fall hazards.
2. Activation
- Fall Arrest: A fall arrest system is activated when a fall begins. Once a worker falls, the system will engage to slow down and eventually stop the fall, typically within a short distance.
- Fall Restraint: Fall restraint systems do not activate after a fall. Instead, they work by preventing the worker from accessing fall-prone areas in the first place, keeping them away from edges or drop-offs.
3. Fall Distance
- Fall Arrest: A fall arrest system allows for a certain amount of free fall before the system engages to stop the fall. This means that there is a risk of a fall occurring, but the system limits the distance a worker can fall.
- Fall Restraint: Fall restraint systems aim to eliminate any potential fall distance by preventing the worker from getting close to a fall hazard in the first place. There is no fall distance involved as the worker is kept away from the dangerous area.
4. Risk Level
- Fall Arrest: Fall arrest systems are used in situations where the risk of falling is high and unavoidable. For example, construction workers who are required to work on rooftops or elevated platforms may use fall arrest systems to protect them from falls.
- Fall Restraint: Fall restraint systems are used when there is a lower risk of falling, as the system is designed to keep workers away from fall hazards. These systems are often used for tasks where workers need to be close to edges but can be kept a safe distance away.
5. Compliance and Regulations
- Fall Arrest: In many industries, fall arrest systems are required by law for work at height when the risk of falling is significant. Regulatory standards such as AS1657 (in Australia) or OSHA (in the United States) mandate the use of fall arrest systems in high-risk fall environments.
- Fall Restraint: Fall restraint systems may not be required in every situation but are often used as an additional safety measure to prevent falls. In some industries, fall restraint systems may be preferred for tasks where workers are at lower heights or can be restricted from accessing dangerous zones.
6. Training and Maintenance
- Fall Arrest: Workers using fall arrest systems must be properly trained to ensure that the system is used correctly. Training typically includes how to safely connect to the roof anchor points, use safety harnesses, and react in the event of a fall. Regular maintenance and inspections of fall arrest systems are necessary to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
- Fall Restraint: While fall restraint systems also require worker training, the maintenance needs may be less complex compared to fall arrest systems. Training usually focuses on ensuring workers understand how to use lanyards and anchor points to prevent access to fall zones.
When to Use Fall Arrest vs. Fall Restraint Systems
Fall Arrest Systems should be used when:
- There is a risk of falling from a significant height, such as when workers are required to perform tasks on roofs, scaffolding, or elevated platforms.
- It is not possible to eliminate the fall hazard by restricting access, such as when workers must enter areas where a fall is possible.
Fall Restraint Systems should be used when:
- The goal is to prevent workers from reaching dangerous fall zones, such as edges, skylights, or openings.
- Workers need to access a roof or platform but can be restricted from accessing the edge or hazardous areas.
- The risk of falling can be minimized by simply controlling the worker’s movement and keeping them away from fall-prone zones.
Benefits of Fall Arrest Systems
- Enhanced Worker Safety: Fall arrest systems provide a high level of safety by preventing workers from hitting the ground if a fall occurs.
- Compliance: These systems are legally required in many high-risk industries, helping businesses stay compliant with OSHA or local regulations.
- Versatility: Fall arrest systems can be used in a wide range of work environments, including construction sites, maintenance tasks, and industrial settings.
Benefits of Fall Restraint Systems
- Prevention of Falls: Fall restraint systems actively prevent workers from falling by restricting their movement and keeping them away from danger zones.
- Simplicity: These systems are generally simpler to implement and maintain compared to fall arrest systems.
- Lower Risk: By eliminating the potential for a fall in the first place, fall restraint systems offer a more proactive approach to safety.
Conclusion
Both fall arrest and fall restraint systems are essential components of any comprehensive fall protection strategy, but they serve different purposes. Fall arrest systems are necessary when the risk of a fall is high, and workers must be protected after a fall occurs. On the other hand, fall restraint systems are ideal for preventing falls by restricting access to hazardous areas.
Understanding the key differences between these two systems and their appropriate applications is crucial for ensuring worker safety at height. By choosing the right system based on the specific needs of your workplace, you can create a safer environment and comply with relevant safety regulations.