Fall Protection Guide

Personal Fall Protection Equipment is a composite Personal Fall Protection System as defined in European Standard EN 363.

A Personal Fall Protection System protects the user against free fall from a height by:

• preventing a free fall (fall restraint / fall prevention), or
• arresting a free fall (fall arrest).

and consists of three components:

1. Anchor device (anchorage)
2. Harness (full body harness)
3. Connector (connecting device) – the component that links the harness to the anchor device.

and includes:

• a specific function, and
• components that comply with the EN standards defined in the system. Note that many components meet several EN standards and can therefore be compatible with multiple Personal Fall Protection Systems.

The Five Personal Fall Protection Systems

Fall Restraint Systems:

1. Restraint system (fall prevention system) – prevents the user from reaching a fall hazard.
2. Work positioning system – supports the user in a working position, leaving both hands free.
3. Rope access system – provides controlled access using ropes for ascent, descent, and positioning.
4. Rescue system – enables the recovery or evacuation of a person to safety.

Fall Arrest Systems:

5. Fall arrest system with energy absorption (shock-absorbing fall arrest system) – arrests a free fall and reduces impact forces on the body.

3. Equipment Guide with Tips and Solutions for Different Types of Work

Here we have gathered more knowledge for specific types of work, and you can also filter the equipment you need.

• Mobile work platforms – equipment such as scissor lifts or boom lifts where fall protection may be required.
• Metal structures, lattice towers, masts, rigging
• Rope access work – using rope systems for access, positioning, and safe work at height.
• Confined or enclosed spaces – environments with restricted access such as tanks, silos, or shafts, often requiring rescue solutions.
• Roofs, terraces, and sloped surfaces
• Scaffolding
• Tree climbing (arborist work)
• Pole climbing

4. What Risks Exist When Working in Environments with Fall Hazards?

There are many risks to consider when working where there is a risk of falling from height. Here we list the most common and essential risks you should be aware of.

• Clearance height (free height) – the minimum free space required below the worker to safely arrest a fall without impact with the ground or obstacles.
• Swing fall (pendulum fall) – occurs when a worker falls sideways and swings like a pendulum, potentially colliding with structures or the ground.
• Sharp edges – edges that can cut or damage lanyards, ropes, or lifelines during a fall, reducing their effectiveness.
• Orthostatic shock (suspension trauma) – a dangerous condition that can occur when a person remains suspended motionless in a harness for too long.
• Fall factors – the ratio between the fall distance and the length of the lanyard, indicating the severity of a potential fall.

5. What Does the Law Say About Work Involving the Risk of Falling from Height?

According to the Swedish Work Environment Act, employers must take measures to protect workers from fall accidents when working at height. This includes conducting risk assessments and implementing preventive measures such as Personal Fall Protection Systems, especially at fall heights of two meters or more. See the link below for more details.

• What does the law say?

6. When is a Rescue Plan/Work Environment Plan Required?

A rescue plan must be part of your work environment plan when working with Personal Fall Protection Systems. If you have chosen to use a rescue system that is included in the five Personal Fall Protection Systems, it is recommended to select a rescue system where the casualty can be rescued from a distance.

Requirements for a rescue plan when working with Personal Fall Protection Systems are primarily stated in the Swedish Work Environment Authority regulations AFS 2023:11, which govern how personal fall protection equipment must be used, and that all work involving the risk of a free fall must be planned to be carried out safely. AFS 2023:1 on systematic work environment management and the Work Environment Act are also relevant, as they require employers to ensure that fall protection solutions, including rescue plans, are in place where there is a risk of falling from height.

• (There is no official English translation for this link) AFS 2023:11 Swedish Work Environment Authority regulations and general guidelines on work equipment and personal protective equipment – safe use
• (There is no official English translation for this link) AFS 2023:1 Systematic Work Environment Management – basic employer obligations
• (There is no official English translation for this link, but an unofficial translation can be found here) Work Environment Act 1977:1160

7. What Does the Law Say About the Inspection of Personal Fall Protection Equipment?

By law, Personal Fall Protection Systems must undergo periodic inspection at least once per year by a competent person. This inspection, also called a thorough examination, must be documented and is more comprehensive than the daily checks the user performs before and after work. The employer is responsible for ensuring this is carried out. AFS 2023:11 defines who is responsible, and EN 365 specifies what a periodic inspection entails. Read more in the link below.

• Periodic inspection

8. What Does the Law Say About Training Requirements for Working with Personal Fall Protection Equipment?

Training requirements for work with Personal Fall Protection Systems are stated in the Swedish Work Environment Authority regulations:

• (There is no official English translation for this link) AFS 2023:11 Swedish Work Environment Authority regulations and general guidelines on work equipment and personal protective equipment – safe use
• (There is no official English translation for this link) AFS 2023:1 Systematic Work Environment Management – basic employer obligations
• (There is no official English translation for this link, but an unofficial translation can be found here) Work Environment Act 1977:1160

These regulations and laws state that the employer is obliged to ensure that staff have sufficient training and information to use personal protective equipment safely.

9. What Training Do I Need?

The employer is responsible for ensuring that workers have the necessary knowledge to avoid risks in the work environment. For work at height where there is a risk of falling, the user must understand the hazards, and be able to use Personal Fall Protection Systems and rescue systems correctly and safely. The same applies to work in confined spaces, where many hazards exist and knowledge is essential. Our experienced instructors teach you how to work with a wide variety of personal fall protection and rescue equipment, building trust in the equipment and helping you realize its full potential.

• Fall Protection and Rescue – 1 day
• Competent Person – 1 day
• Rope Access – 3 days
• Mast Certificate – 2 days
• Mast Certificate – Refresher – 1 day
• Confined Space Work and Rescue – Basic – 1 day
• Confined Space Work and Rescue – Advanced – 2 days
• Pole Climbing and Rescue – 1 day
• Pole Climbing and Rescue – Refresher – ½ day

10. What is an EN Standard?

When a product complies with an EN standard, it means it has been tested and meets the requirements and specifications defined in the European standard. This ensures the product is safe, reliable, and meets common requirements. EN standards only apply within Europe. There are also standards in other regions, such as ANSI in North America. In addition, there are other standards covering, for example, products approved for sharp edges. We have listed the most relevant standards concerning work with Personal Fall Protection Systems and rescue equipment.

• EN standards and other standards