Guided type fall arresters

Guided type fall arrester: securing vertical movement on rope

A guided type fall arrester, often called a rope grab, travels along a rope, the flexible anchor line, and follows the user without manual intervention. In the event of a fall, it locks onto the rope and stops the descent. KRATOS SAFETY offers guided type fall arresters on braided or laid rope, supplied alone or as a set with their anchor line, for example for façade access, pylons, sloping roofs or rope access work.

Choosing a guided type fall arrester for your configuration

• Occasional vertical access: a fall arrester with an integrated energy absorber limits the force transmitted to the body when the fall is arrested.
• Sloping surfaces: a model fitted with a locking catch stops the sliding motion and lets the user work in a stable position on a pitched roof.
• Rope access work: some fall arresters are also certified as rope adjustment devices (EN 12841 type A), for use on the safety line.
• Rescue: some models are approved up to 200 kg for rescue use, to evacuate a casualty together with the rescuer.

A guided type fall arrester may only be used with the rope type and diameter stated in its user instructions: the fall arrester and rope are certified as a unit. The models in the range cannot be used at fall factor 2: the anchor point must be above the user. A counterweight keeps the rope taut, and edge protectors protect it where it runs over an edge.

Standards and regulations for guided type fall arresters

The reference standard is EN 353-2, which covers guided type fall arresters including a flexible anchor line. Depending on the features, the following also applies:

• EN 12841 type A for models that can be used for rope access work.

Every guided type fall arrester sold in the European Union falls under Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The Documents tab of each product page gives access to the user instructions, the technical data sheet, the EU type-examination certificate, the declaration of conformity and, for some products, the inspection guide. Guided type fall arresters on permanently installed rails or cables (EN 353-1) are presented in our permanent fall protection systems.

Completing your equipment: from fall arrester to fall arrest system

• A fall arrest harness connected to the fall arrester by the attachment point stated in the user instructions,
• a compatible anchor line, attached to an anchor point sized for the load,
• a counterweight and edge protectors depending on the workstation configuration.

Some fall arrest kits already include a guided type fall arrester and compatible components.

Maintenance and inspection of a guided type fall arrester

• Before each use: check locking on the rope, the condition of the fall arrester and its connector, then the whole length of the rope (sheath, core, terminations).
• Periodic examination at least once a year by a competent person, as required by national regulations, using the inspection guide and the inspection log.
• After an arrested fall: withdraw the fall arrester and the rope from service immediately.

The service life of each product is stated on the KRATOS SAFETY product service life page.

For workstations where the user also moves horizontally, see our self-retracting lifelines.