Fall Arrest Equipment
For effective protection against falls while
working at height, and to conform to
European legislation (EN 363),
a fall arrest system must be made up of
the 4 following elements:
- Anchorage point : This is the point at which the fall arrest system is safely attached. The choice of anchorage point is vital for the users Safety. The type of anchorage varies depending on the Available structure, and should be chosen to suit the work That is to be carried out, the method of protection required (Fall arrest or positioning) and the PPE in use (compatibility of Clearance, usage restrictions, etc.). You should ensure that the anchorage is strong enough To support the strain placed on it by a fall. As a general rule, an anchorage point should not have a resistance of
less than 10 kN (around 1000kg). For anchorage points, It is best to use devices (fixed or mobile) that comply with the EN795 standard. - Fall arrest harness: The fall arrest harness is the structure that prevents damage to the body in the case of a fall. Its design should ensure that the shock is spread out equally across the whole body, so that the risk of injury caused by a fall is completely eliminated. It is fitted with one or more ‘D’s, or attachment rings, meaning that the user can be connected to the rest of the fall arrest
system. The harness should be chosen to suit the work that is to be carried out, and should comply with the EN361 standard. The fall arrest harness can also include a device to position the user correctly for the work (positioning belt and lanyard), leaving his or her hands free for work. In order to ensure the best possible use of the fall arrest system, it is vital that all the elements (anchorage point, fall arrest harness, connecting element and shock absorber) are compatible with each other. - Connecting element: The connecting element links the user (via his or her harness) to the anchorage point. This equipment (lanyard, rope-grab fall arrester, self retracting fall arrester etc.) should be chosen with attention to the freedom of movement it offers to the user whilst guaranteeing his or her safety in the event of a
fall. It is important that you verify the connecting element is compatible with the working environment (clearance, presence of steep ridges, risk of pendular effect, etc.) and with the type of work that is to be carried out (for example welding or painting may damage the equipment if it is not suited to these tasks). This element should always include a shock absorbing device to guarantee that the user is not injured when his or her fall is broken (impact less than 600 daN in the event of a fall). It is vital that you use only equipment bearing the CE mark; various standards are applicable, depending on
the equipment chosen: EN 360, EN355, EN 353-2, EN353-1. - Rescue procedure: In every situation, before using a fall arrest system, you must make arrangements as to how a rescue operation will be carried out if this is necessary. In the event of a fall, the user may be suspended in the harness and unable to get down without help. The procedure should take account of the working environment, the means at your disposal, and the speed of implementation. There are different systems for above and below ground pplications in order for us to offer the correct product for the job contact sales@impact-workwear.co.uk