Fall arrest is one of the two main fall arrest systems used on a scaffold. The other main distinction is that a fall arrest prevents individuals accessing a fallback from a tie strap system, while fall arrest merely arrests the fall if a fall occurs. While it mostly depends on the specific environment, each fall arrest system has its advantages and uses in the field of a work at heights scenario. With fall arrest, an individual is immediately pinned down and prevents any further fall from occurring. There are several different types of fall arrest systems that can be used on a scaffold, and knowing them will allow one to select the most suitable system for their work.
The most common fall arrest systems are the tie-down and the fall arrest anchors. The former system offers more than a simple physical binding as it offers a physical barrier in front of an individual that they cannot fall through. The tie down system is normally used on smaller scaffolds which are frequently being worked on by a single person. The fall arrest systems allow for continuous monitoring even when an individual is walking or using a mobility lift in such situations.
The next in line is the safety ppe or personal fall arrest systems. The ppe is a lightweight piece of equipment which is attached to the working platform by a short lanyard. Once attached, this piece of safety equipment offers physical and psychological support to the individual being worked on by using a variety of fall arrest systems. The system does not require the use of ropes and harnesses.
The third in line is the fall restraint system used on a scaffold. As the name suggests, this is a safety system which holds the person in place while the scaffold is being used to safely build the tower or house. Some fall arrest systems are used in combination with one another to offer a very strong barrier against falling off the working surface or platform.
These safety devices can be used for all sorts of purposes. A fall arrest system is most effective when it is used in conjunction with fall arrest nets. When a scaffold is used for construction purposes then it is necessary to use all possible means of protection for workers. Using fall arrest systems to protect workers is the first line of defense. However, it does not mean that the worker has no options as far as personal safety is concerned.
All scaffolds being used for home and commercial projects have to abide by government standards and this is why all fall protection systems also have to be compliant. This ensures that the standards are followed in their design and implementation. In addition to this, there are several other important factors that need to be considered when designing a scaffolding system. The most important factor is the protection offered by the fall arrest feature.
When a worker is working on a scaffold, he has to make a lot of steady, focused efforts to do his work. This is because even the slightest slip can result in severe injuries. It is impossible to predict the exact position of the worker’s body in any given situation and therefore it becomes necessary for him to choose his techniques with utmost care and precision. Using a fall arrest system on the lower level arrest of the scaffold helps the worker to remain balanced and therefore he can complete the task with greater confidence.
If you are wondering what makes the difference between a standard fall arrest system and a self-retracting one, it is the difference in the way the system works. A standard system uses an air source to reduce the velocity of the fall while a self-retracting one uses gravity. A standard one uses a connector while the self-retracting model uses a diaphragm and a steel bar to stop the falling weight. Both these systems provide excellent fall protection and safety to the worker on the scaffold.