Fall arrest systems

System Function:

• This system does not prevent a free fall, nor does it stop the user from reaching areas where a free fall risk exists. Instead, it arrests the fall when it occurs and limits the fall distance with an energy absorber that brakes the fall and reduces the arrest force to a maximum of 6 kN (600 kg).
• Once the system has arrested the fall, the user remains suspended and must await rescue.
• The system’s connector may only be attached to the harness attachment point at the chest or back (marked A or A2).

System Components:

1. Anchor Device in accordance with EN 795, including one of the following:
   • Type A – Permanent anchor point
   • Type B – Temporary anchor point
   • Type C – Horizontal lifeline system with flexible line (wire rope or kernmantle rope), permanent or temporary
   • Type D – Horizontal lifeline system with rigid rail, permanent installation
   • Type E – Counterweight anchor device, maximum 15° inclination
2. Harness in accordance with one of the following:
   • EN 361 Full Body Harness
   • EN 361 Full Body Harness with integrated EN 358 Work Positioning Belt and EN 813 Sit Harness
3. Connector that links the harness to the anchor device, in accordance with:
   • EN 355 Energy Absorber Lanyard
   • EN 360 Retractable Fall Arrest Block (Self-Retracting Lifeline, SRL)
   • EN 353-2 Guided Type Fall Arrestor on a Flexible Anchor Line (EN 1891 Type A rope)
   • EN 353-1 Guided Type Fall Arrestor on a Rigid Anchor Line (wire rope or rail, permanent installation)

Note: Connectors must be attached to both the anchor device and the harness using a connector in accordance with EN 362. If the user connects directly with an EN 362 connector to a static structural element (e.g., scaffolding tube, ladder rung, or truss brace), and not to an EN 795 anchor device, it is critical to ensure the minimum structural strength. The required minimum strength is specified in the connector’s user instructions and is at least 10 kN (1000 kg).

Important: Free clearance is the minimum vertical safety distance below the user that a fall arrest system requires in order to brake and stop a fall before the user strikes the ground or any obstacle. The required free clearance is stated in the connector’s user instructions, either measured from the anchor point or from the user’s foot level. Note that if the anchor device deflects (stretches, bends, or otherwise extends the fall distance), this must be added to the required free clearance.