Help choosing a fall arrest device
Help with choosing
A fall arrest system is part of a personal protective equipment (PPE) system, comprising an anchor point, a lanyard, a body harness and the connecting components that link everything together. Learning how to choose the right fall arrest system is therefore essential, and this article provides you with everything you need to know!
The fall protection standards
EN 353-1:
A sliding fall arrester on a rigid lifeline is a device that automatically locks and comes to a halt on the vertical lifeline in the event of the user falling. The lifeline may consist of a (tensioned) cable or a rail. Breaking strength of these systems >15 kN.
EN353-2:
A sliding fall arrest device on a flexible support is a device that automatically locks and comes to a halt on the vertical support in the event of the user falling. The support may be a cable or a rope (braided or stranded). These flexible supports must be weighted with a counterweight. Breaking strength of these systems >15 kN.
EN 360:
A self-retracting fall arrest system is a device fitted with a lanyard (cable or webbing) that is kept constantly under tension and follows the user’s movements. The system automatically locks and comes to a halt in the event of a fall. They are available in various lengths. Breaking strength > 12 kN (cable lanyard) or > 15 kN (textile lanyard). Whichever fall arrest system is chosen (sliding fall arrest device, self-retracting fall arrest device, energy-absorbing lanyard), it guarantees that the fall will be stopped, limiting the impact on the human body to a maximum of 6 kN.
How do you choose a fall arrest system?
The choice of fall arrest system must be based on the movements to be carried out. Naturally, when selecting a fall arrest system, the position of the anchor point must be considered: if the movement is purely vertical (along a ladder, for example), a sliding fall arrest device on a safety rail should always be preferred. These have the advantage that some can be permanently installed on the structure.
If movements may be both horizontal and vertical, a self-retracting fall arrest device is preferable. This is the fall arrest device that offers the greatest freedom of movement.
With this guide, you now have everything you need to choose the right fall arrest system for working at height comfortably and safely every day. Choose KRATOS SAFETY today.
