Fall arrest and fall restraint, these are the two basic types of fall protection system configurations. Which type works best for a specific situation and which lanyard has to be used, depends on the demands of the user and the situation.
FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Preventing the user to get into an unsafe position
With a restraint system, the length of the lanyard prevents a user from getting close to the edge of the working platform. The safest way to do this is to use a lanyard with a fixed length (usually ≤ 2,0 m).
In this case, the length of the lanyard is based on the distance between the attachment point and the roof edge. For situations where the distance to the edge varies, an adjustable lanyard is used. In that case, the user manually adjusts the lanyard to the desired length. Of course, this entails a greater risk of human error. To be certain a worker is safe when an error is made, an adjustable lanyard can be equipped with an integrated shock absorber to minimize impact on the body after a fall.
12 mm kernmantle rope with thimbles, a steel snap hook on one side and a blue aluminium scaffold hook on the other side.
Restraint 12 mm kernmantle lifeline with thimbles and steel screw lock karabiners.
Adjustable 12 mm restraint line with steel snap hook and screw karabiner with minimum length of 1,2 m.
12 mm, 1,5 m long kernmantle rope with thimbles. Steel snap hook on one side and two blue aluminium scaffold hooks
Kernmantle rope lanyard (5,0 m) with thimble, rope grab and steel snap hook. Used to adjust positioning
FALL ARREST SYSTEM
Stopping a fall and minimizing the impact on the user
A fall arrest system allows full movement while managing the consequences of a fall by arresting it before the user reaches the ground. It minimizes the forces exerted on the user’s body after stopping the fall through the integration of a shock absorber in the lanyard or an automatic fall arrest device. Fall arrest lanyards are typically 1.5 to 2.0 meters long and always include an energy absorber.
Forked fall arrest line with energy absorber and 12 mm, sharp edge resistant, kernmantle rope.
Extendable lanyard which is 1,5 m in rest and 2,0 m when stretched. Equipped with aluminium screw lock karabiner
Extendable lanyard of 1,5 m in rest and 2,0 m when fully stretched. Equipped with aluminium screw lock carabiner.
Flame and heat resistant lanyard (up until 371 °C) with two anodized safety hooks and screw lock carabiner.
12 mm kernmantle, sharp edge fall arrest line (2,0 m). Equipped with aluminium screw lock carabiner and aluminium scaffold hook.
The configuration of a fall arrester attached to a kernmantle rope can be used as an adjustable fall restraint system for ranges longer than 2,0 meters. Other applications are possible as well, like vertical use.
The rope grab clamps to the wire rope. The Robe Grab can be used with 11 mm wire rope.
If a fall is arrested, the attached energy absorber actively reduces the impact force to 6kN.
Kernmantle rope is suitable for use with the Rope Grab and has a load-bearing core.
