FALL ARREST EQUIPMENT Before selecting a fall protection system, it is necessary to assess the hazards and conditions present in a workplace. This risk analysis will help you determine the appropriate options to protect against secondary hazards which may be present in the work environment.

1. 1
2
3
FALL ARREST
EQUIPMENT
Before selecting a fall protection system, it is necessary to assess the
hazards and conditions present in a workplace. This risk analysis
will help you determine the appropriate options to protect against
secondary hazards which may be present in the work environment.
It is estimated that you need a fall protection at a working height above
2 metres. Two main elements must be taken into consideration when
choosing fall equipment:
The fall factor: what is the position of the anchorage point in
relation to that of the operator?
Is the anchorage point situated above head level with lanyard
stretched above the person; to the back anchorage point
of the harness; or below the back anchorage point of the
harness?
The fall clearance: necessary distance between anchorage point
and the ground to avoid crashing into the ground.
These elements will help you to determine the correct fall arrest
system and attachment. The higher the fall risk, the greater the
distance required is to arrest the fall.
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
A fall arrest system contains 3 parts. The anchorage point, a connecting device (lanyard
or Self-Retracting Lanyards) and a full body harness. The goal of a fall arrest system
is to arrest a fall and reduce the impact of a fall to minimum (using shock absorption
lanyards).
FALL ARREST SYSTEM
Anchorage
Anchorage Connector
Body Wear
Connecting Device
The full body harness is a body support primarily for fall arrest purposes. It may comprise straps, fittings, buckles or other elements, suitably
arranged and assembled to support the whole body of a person and to restrain the wearer during a fall and after the arrest of a fall. HSL (harness
single lane) systems have one lanyard attached to the harness, whereas HDL (harness double lane) systems have two lanyards to protect the worker
against the risk of swinging.
FULL BODY HARNESSES
Example of a full body harness with back attachment
for fall arrest and attachment for work positioning
1 Shoulder strap
2 Secondary strap
3 Sit strap (Primary strap)
4 Thigh strap
5 Back support for work positioning
6 Adjustment element
7 Fall arrest attachment element
8 Buckle
9 Attachment element for work positioning
a Identification/recognition marks for health & safety
b Letter “A” = attachment element
1
2
6
9
8
4
9
9
a
b
5
3
1 7
PLEASE TURN OVER

2. LEGISLATION
EN 361: 2002 is the European standard which specifies the requirements for personal protective equipment against falls from a height – full
body harnesses.
The requirements include test methods for design and ergonomics, materials and construction, static strength and dynamic performance.
Specific standards for fall arrest equipment are listed below.
EN 341 2011 Descender Devices
EN 360 2002 Retractable Type Fall Arresters
EN 361 2002 / SANS 50361 Full Body Harnesses
EN 362 2004 Connectors
EN 795 2012 Anchor Points
EN 813 2008 Sit Harnesses
EN ISO 12401 2009 Deck Safety Harness And Safety Line for Use on Recreational Craft
EN 1497 2007 Rescue Harnesses
EN 1498 2006 Rescue Loops
EN 358 2000 Work Positioning Belts
SANS 50354 South African National Standards for Lanyards
SANS 50355 South African National Standards for Energy Absorbers
SANS 50809 Safety Belts
SANS 50362 Safety Carabiners