Fall restraint is a fall protection strategy that prevents workers from reaching—and tumbling over—an unprotected leading edge. With a travel restraint system, the user is restricted from moving too close to the edge.
Fall restraint systems ensure the safety of workers at height, and are a critical component of any safety plan. Working at heights poses a number of risks, from falling to slips, trips and slips, and even from objects that can fall from above. A fall restraint system helps to protect workers from these risks, limiting their exposure to hazardous conditions and ensuring a safe working environment. This blog post will discuss the key features and benefits of fall restraint systems, and will lay out the various types of systems available. We will also discuss how to properly install a fall restraint system and the potential risks associated with using one. With the right set up and training, a fall restraint system can help keep workers safe and limit the risk of injury.
Fall Restraint vs. Fall Arrest in Construction
Who uses a fall restraint system?
If they work close to fall hazards like roof ledges, cliffs, or the outside of tall buildings, many people use fall restraint systems in their careers. To protect workers, the following occupations frequently use fall restraint systems:
What is a fall restraint system?
A fall restraint system is a device that deters people from approaching fall hazards like ledges too closely. These systems are frequently used by people who perform their jobs near or on top of tall structures in order to keep themselves safe while doing so. There are two types of fall restraint systems: passive restraints and active restraints. Fall restraint systems can be many different sizes and shapes. Guardrails and other passive fall protection devices prevent people from getting too close to edges and nudge them to maintain a safe distance.
However, active restraints, such as safety harnesses, prevent movement beyond a predetermined distance. This physically restrains them from getting close enough to fall. Active restraints, such as a harness attached to a fixed-length rope or lanyard with an anchorage point on the other end, are typically used by workers who are around fall hazards. Active fall restraint systems require a specific separation from hazards, so they perform best on flat, even surfaces with space to move around.
Benefits of a fall restraint system
Some benefits of using a fall restraint system are:
What’s the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest?
You are both prevented from falling by fall restraint and fall arrest systems, which typically use harnesses and ropes, but they function in different ways. Fall prevention systems don’t stop falls, but they do catch you as you fall to prevent you from hurting yourself. To understand how to use each, compare the following aspects of fall restraint and fall arrest systems:
Preparation
When preparing fall protection systems, there are various approaches and factors to take into account. When using a typical harness restraint system, you must first establish an anchorage point close to the work area and then calculate the distance to the closest fall hazard. The length of the lanyard that attaches to your harness and prevents you from stumbling or walking too close to a fall hazard is determined by this distance.
An anchorage point, a harness, and a lanyard are all required for the setup of a fall arrest system; however, the lanyard may instead be a bungee cord. You can choose a length of bungee cord that will allow you to bounce without hitting the ground by first measuring the distance between the anchorage point and the ground. By doing this, you can avoid getting hurt when you fall and hang safely in the air while awaiting help.
Movement
Fall restraint systems typically place more movement restrictions on you than arrest systems do. This is so that you can move around freely without worrying about falling, thanks to restraint systems that keep you in a safe area. Because they prevent movement outside of the designated safe zone, restraint systems work best with projects that have level surfaces and easy access to the work you need to do.
However, since fall arrest systems don’t confine you to specific areas, they let you move around freely wherever you want. With an arrest system, you can more easily reach confined spaces and work on surfaces that are sloped, uneven, or narrow. This might make it simpler for you to complete tasks that require you to approach fall hazards, like climbing tall ladders.
Safety
Although both systems guard against fall-related injuries, many safety experts believe restraint systems to be the safer choice. This is due to the fact that restraint systems completely eliminate falling, which virtually eliminates the risk of injury. Additionally, fall restraint systems are simpler to use, making them more accessible and useful for you and your team in achieving the highest levels of safety.
Fall arrest systems are still very safe for their use cases, even though fall restraint should frequently be your first option. You and your coworkers can comprehend the dangers associated with arrest systems and design rescue strategies in the event of a fall with careful planning and training. When using arrest systems, preparation and knowledge are essential to achieving successful results and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Focus
Because fall protection systems offer various levels of interaction, their users must pay different levels of attention to them. Because restraint systems will keep you away from dangers, you can focus on your work without worrying about your safety. This enables you to pay closer attention to detail and effectively carry out your duties. However, it’s crucial to pay attention to any changes in your restraint equipment, such as if it suddenly feels loose, so you can address any problems as soon as they arise.
You usually need to pay more attention to where you’re going and how close potential fall hazards are when using fall arrest systems. Although an arrest system aims to prevent injuries, it may be safer to prevent falls altogether, which requires more focus. Similar to restraint systems, try to spot equipment problems before a fall occurs.
FAQ
What is an example of fall restraint?
Fall restraint systems use single point anchors, horizontal lifelines with rope grabs, and limiting length lanyards to prevent workers from falling off the edge while performing tasks at heights. Horizontal lifelines and single point anchors are a couple of examples of fall restraint systems.
What are the requirements for fall restraint?
OSHA mandates that fall protection be available in workplaces for general industry at elevations of four feet, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction sector, and eight feet in longshoring operations.
