Fall Protection Systems on Kingspan Roofing

What do we mean by Fall Restraint and Fall Arrest?

“Fall restraint” and “fall arrest” are terms used in the context of working at heights and fall protection. While they share similarities, there are distinct differences between the two:

Fall Restraint

Fall restraint systems are designed to prevent workers from reaching the edge or fall hazard altogether. These systems use physical barriers, such as guardrails and walkways, to restrict a person’s movement and keep them a safe distance away from the hazard. Fall restraint systems are intended to eliminate the risk of a fall by preventing workers from accessing dangerous areas near edges or openings.

Fall Arrest

Fall arrest systems are designed to protect workers in the event of a fall. These systems are typically comprised of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. If a fall occurs, the fall arrest system activates and safely stops the fall, minimizing the impact and reducing the risk of injury. Fall arrest systems are reactive measures intended to mitigate the consequences of a fall rather than preventing the fall itself.

In summary, fall restraint focuses on preventing falls by creating barriers and restricting access to fall hazards, while fall arrest systems are designed to protect workers after a fall has occurred. Fall restraint is a proactive approach to eliminate or minimize fall risks, while fall arrest provides a safety net in case a fall does happen. 

Both fall restraint and fall arrest are important components of an effective fall protection system, and their implementation depends on the specific hazards and requirements of the work environment.