Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint Systems

Fall arrest and fall restraint are common height safety systems for protecting workers and ensuring regulatory compliance. On the surface, the terms ‘fall restraint’ and ‘fall arrest’ could be mistaken as the same concept. However, the two systems serve very specific purposes and should only be used under the right circumstances. Understanding the features of the equipment, what each system is used for and how it protects the worker, will guide the decision on which option is most suitable for your specific needs.

Fall Arrest vs Fall Restraint – What’s the Difference

The key difference between a fall arrest and a fall restraint system is that a fall restraint system prevents the worker from reaching the edge and falling, while a fall arrest system allows the fall to occur but stops it safely. A fall restraint system keeps the user at a safe distance using a tie-off or work positioning system. In contrast, a fall arrest system is designed to catch the worker after a fall and minimise the risk of serious injury.

Both safety systems rely heavily on correct installation and use, with training required to minimise the potential for user error or misuse. Because it is a preventative measure, fall restraint systems are deemed the preferred system in the height safety hierarchy of control measures. Fall arrest systems should only be used where risk elimination, passive fall prevention or fall restraint systems have been deemed not reasonably practicable.

Anchor Safe is Australia’s leading height safety services company offering a range of Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint systems as well as installation and certification services. Browse our product range or get in touch for a solution designed for your specific purposes.

Fall Arrest Systems

Fall Arrest Systems are designed to stop a person safely after a fall. They include a harness, lanyard or inertia reel, and an anchor point, protecting workers when a fall risk can’t be fully eliminated.

What is a Fall Arrest System?

A fall arrest system is a safety mechanism designed to protect workers in the event of a fall from heights of 2 metres or more. Unlike restraint systems that prevent a fall from occurring, fall arrest systems are specifically designed to stop a fall once it has happened and reduce the impact forces on the worker’s body. These systems are essential when work is carried out in areas where a fall risk cannot be fully eliminated.

Components of a Fall Arrest System

A complete fall arrest system includes several key components, each playing a vital role in protecting the worker:

• Harness: A full-body harness distributes fall forces across the body and keeps the worker upright after a fall.
• Anchor Point: A secure point of attachment capable of withstanding fall forces, such as a roof-mounted anchor or static line.
• Lanyard or Inertia Reel: Connects the harness to the anchor point. A lanyard provides a fixed connection, while an inertia reel allows for greater mobility and automatically locks in the event of a fall.
• Shock Absorber: Reduces the force of impact on the body by gradually decelerating the fall.

All components of a fall arrest system must be compatible with one another, correctly installed, and certified to meet relevant safety standards.

3 Types of Fall Arrest Systems

There are three types of fall arrest systems, each designed to suit different work environments and levels of risk. These include general systems such as safety nets and catch platforms, personal systems that rely on harnesses and lanyards, and cable-based systems such as horizontal or vertical static lines. Choosing the right system depends on the site conditions, task requirements, and the ability to control or minimise fall hazards.

General Fall Arrest Systems
These systems protect multiple workers at once and include safety nets and catch platforms. Positioned beneath the work area, they safely arrest a person’s fall within 2 metres (for nets) or 1 metre (for platforms). General systems should always be used where practical, as they offer a higher level of collective protection.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Used when general systems aren’t practical, personal fall arrest systems require certified PPE, including a full-body harness, shock-absorbing lanyard, and a fall arrest-rated anchor point or pole strap. The system must arrest the fall within 1 metre and be correctly positioned to prevent swing hazards (pendulum effect). Workers must be trained and wear the harness at all times, ensuring proper attachment for the specific task.

Cable-Based Systems (Static Lines)
Horizontal or vertical static lines, often referred to as cable systems, are commonly installed along roofs or facades. Used with a lanyard or retractable lifeline, they allow movement while keeping the user safely connected. Overhead rail systems are a type of cable system suited to tasks above machinery or in confined areas, enabling both mobility and fall protection.

Each of these fall arrest system types must be used with certified, compatible components and installed according to Australian standards to ensure reliable protection.

Example of a Fall Arrest System

An example of a fall arrest system is a roof-mounted static line combined with a fall arrest inertia reel and full-body harness. In this setup, the static line runs horizontally along the roof, allowing the worker to move freely while remaining securely attached. The inertia reel automatically retracts and extends the lifeline, locking immediately in the event of a fall to minimise impact. This type of system is commonly used for roof maintenance, offering continuous protection and mobility while ensuring compliance with height safety standards.

Fall Arrest Australian Standard

All fall arrest systems used in Australia must comply with AS/NZS 1891, the national standard for industrial fall-arrest systems and devices. This standard sets out the requirements for design, installation, and use to ensure maximum safety. At Anchor Safe, we ensure every system we install and certify meets or exceeds AS/NZS 1891 to keep workers protected and workplaces compliant.

Fall Arrest Inspection Requirements

Under AS/NZS 1891.4, fall arrest systems must be inspected regularly to ensure they remain compliant and safe for use. Harnesses, lanyards, and personal fall arrest equipment must be inspected by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 6 months. Users must also conduct a visual pre-use check before every use.

Permanent fall arrest systems, such as anchor points and static lines, must be inspected by a competent person at least every 12 months, or more frequently if exposed to harsh conditions.

At Anchor Safe, we specialise in fall arrest system inspections, delivering scheduled 6 and 12-month checks in line with Australian Standards. Our team ensures every system is thoroughly assessed, certified, and ready to keep workers safe.

View the Most Recent Case Studies on Our Fall Arrest Systems

Fall Restraint Systems

Fall Restraint Systems are designed to prevent a fall from happening in the first place. By using a harness, lanyard, and secure anchor point, the system physically restricts a worker’s movement so they cannot reach the edge or a fall hazard. This makes restraint a proactive safety measure, often preferred over fall arrest where possible.

What is a Fall Restraint System?

A fall restraint system is a safety solution designed to prevent a fall from occurring by restricting a worker’s movement so they cannot reach the edge or any fall hazard. Unlike a fall arrest system, which is intended to stop a fall after it happens, fall restraint works as a proactive measure by keeping the worker in a safe zone. These systems are often used for tasks such as roof maintenance or elevated platform work, where preventing access to the hazard is the safest and most effective option.

Components of a Fall Restraint System

The main components of a fall restraint system work together to restrict movement and keep the user safely away from an edge or fall hazard, not to catch them if they fall:

• Harness: A certified full-body harness worn by the worker, providing a secure attachment point for the system.
• Anchor Point: A fixed, rated attachment point that the worker connects to, ensuring the system holds securely.
• Lanyard (Fixed or Adjustable): Connects the harness to the anchor. A fixed-length lanyard limits movement to a safe distance, while an adjustable lanyard allows flexibility while still preventing access to the hazard.
• Connecting Hardware: Certified components such as carabiners and hooks that link the system together safely and securely.

Together, these components ensure the worker cannot reach a fall hazard, making prevention the key focus of fall restraint systems.

Types of Fall Restraint Systems

Fall restraint systems can be configured in different ways depending on the work environment. The goal in every case is the same: to restrict movement and keep the worker away from fall hazards.

Fixed-Length Lanyard Systems
A simple setup where a full-body harness is connected to an anchor point with a fixed-length lanyard. The lanyard is measured so the worker cannot physically reach the roof edge or hazard. This setup is commonly used on flat rooftops or elevated platforms where work is carried out in open but controlled spaces.

Adjustable Lanyard Systems
Similar to a fixed system but with an adjustable lanyard, giving workers more flexibility to move around while still restricting access to unsafe areas. This is often used on walkways or platforms where tasks may require some variation in reach but remain within a safe boundary.

Overhead Anchor Systems
In this setup, workers connect to an overhead anchor line or rail, which restricts lateral movement and ensures they stay clear of the edge. This is particularly useful when working along walkways, loading bays, or plant platforms, as it prevents workers from straying into hazardous zones.

Because fall restraint systems stop a worker from ever reaching the edge, they are especially suited to low-risk environments with controlled access, where fall hazards are predictable and can be eliminated through restricted movement rather than relying on fall arrest.

Work Positioning and Fall Restraint

Work positioning is a method of fall protection that allows a worker to be securely held in place while working at height, keeping both hands free to perform tasks. Unlike fall restraint, which is designed purely to stop a worker from reaching a fall hazard, a work positioning system actively supports and stabilises the worker in a specific position.

These systems typically use a full-body harness with side D-rings, combined with a work positioning lanyard or pole strap attached to a rated anchor point. The setup allows the worker to lean back safely, remain supported, and carry out tasks without needing to hold on for balance.

Common applications include ladder work, tower climbing, pole maintenance, and structural steel work, where workers need to be hands-free to use tools but also safely secured against a fall. While work positioning provides stability and comfort, it is usually combined with a backup fall arrest system in case the primary positioning setup fails.

Fall Restraint Standards and Compliance

All fall protection systems in Australia, including fall restraint and work positioning setups, must comply with the requirements of the AS/NZS 1891 series of standards:

• AS/NZS 1891.1 – Harnesses and ancillary equipment
• AS/NZS 1891.2 – Horizontal lifeline and rail systems
• AS/NZS 1891.3 – Fall-arrest devices (e.g. inertia reels)
• AS/NZS 1891.4 – Selection, use and maintenance of fall-arrest systems and devices

These standards set strict requirements for the design, testing, certification, installation, use, and inspection of fall protection equipment and systems.

It is essential that all equipment used is certified to AS/NZS 1891, and that systems are designed, installed, and inspected by trained, competent professionals. Using non-compliant or poorly installed systems creates significant risk, not only to worker safety but also to organisational liability in the event of an incident.

At Anchor Safe, compliance is at the core of what we do. With years of experience in height safety, we ensure every fall restraint, fall arrest, and work positioning system is designed, installed, and certified in full accordance with Australian Standards – giving clients complete confidence in the safety and reliability of their systems.

Fall Restraint System Inspections

To remain safe and compliant, all fall restraint, fall arrest, and work positioning systems must be inspected and maintained in line with AS/NZS 1891.4.

Pre-use checks: Workers must visually inspect their harnesses, lanyards, and connecting equipment before every use to identify any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction.

Periodic inspections: Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as harnesses and lanyards must be inspected by a competent person at least every 6 months, while permanent systems such as anchors and static lines require a formal inspection and recertification at least every 12 months.

Servicing and maintenance: Any defective or damaged equipment must be immediately removed from service and either repaired (if permitted by the manufacturer) or replaced.

Regular inspection and servicing are essential to ensure the integrity, reliability, and compliance of all fall protection systems.

At Anchor Safe, we specialise in delivering these inspection and maintenance services. Our team provides scheduled 6 and 12-month inspections, detailed reporting, and system recertification, ensuring your height safety systems are always safe, compliant, and ready for use.