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 2 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 main difference between an arrest and a restraint system is that fall restraint physically prevents a fall, while fall arrest allows the fall but minimises potential injury. To explain further, a fall restraint system will prevent an individual from accessing fall hazards through a tie-off or work positioning system. The user is physically restrained from reaching a fall edge and so can not physically fall. Alternatively, a fall arrest system will not prevent the initial fall from occurring, instead focusing on promptly arresting the fall and minimising injuries.

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.

Fall Arrest Systems

A fall arrest system is a safety mechanism designed to protect workers in the event of a fall from heights of 2 meters or more. It is specifically designed to arrest or stop the fall after it has occurred and minimise the impact forces exerted on the worker’s body.

Fall arrest systems are organised into 2 categories; General and personal. General fall arrest systems must be used in every circumstance possible. These systems include catch platforms and safety nets positioned to safely arrest a person’s fall within 2 meters for netting or 1 meter for platforms.

Personal fall arrest systems require specific height safety PPE including full body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. The lanyard is attached to a fall arrest-rated and certified anchor point or pole strap, ensuring the system arrests the fall within 1 meter and avoids the pendulum effect. Proper positioning of roof anchor points is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers using a personal fall arrest system

A full-body harness must be worn at all times when using a fall arrest system under Australian standards. It is important that the harness meets Australian standards, has been certified and is comfortable enough for the worker to wear all day. The fall arrest line or lanyard should be attached to the point on the harness that will provide the most appropriate protection for the situation.

An overhead rail system may be used when working above machinery or for facade access. When a retracting lifeline is attached, it prevents the worker from falling and ensures they remain in a restrained position.

An individual arrest system must only be used when circumstances do not permit a higher level of control. They rely on workers to take safety into their own hands and require specific training as well as thorough checks and testing before each use.

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Fall Restraint Systems

A fall restraint system is a safety measure designed to prevent workers from reaching and falling from an edge at heights of 2 meters or more. Sometimes referred to as a work positioning system, the user is physically restricted from accessing a fall edge, typically through the use of harnesses, lanyards, and some form of anchoring device.

Fall restraint systems require specific height safety PPE including full-body harnesses and lanyards of specific length to ensure the worker is always in a restraint position and unable to access a fall edge. The lanyard must be connected at all times to a certified anchor point, static line or overhead rail system.

A full-body harness is recommended to be worn when using a fall restraint system. It is important that the harness meets Australian standards, has been certified and is comfortable enough for the worker to wear all day.

Proper positioning of anchoring devices is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers. Anchor points should be strategically placed in areas that are easily accessible to workers and provide maximum coverage for fall protection.

Because of their higher safety factor compared to fall arrest systems, fall restraint is often used on rooftops and in construction work as a cost-effective and safe way to manage the risk of falls where regular access is required.

The difference between fall arrest and fall restraint systems is quite significant. However, both are designed to keep workers safe and reduce fatalities when undertaking work at heights. It is important to make a full assessment of every individual situation to determine which system is best.

When is fall protection required? If you’re unsure, the team at Anchor Safe have a wealth of experience and are more than happy to help. If your business is looking for a solution to ensure the safety of your workers, feel free to get in contact with us today.

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