On this week's episode of Dynamic Discussions, Greg and David tell us why it's better to work in fall restraint rather than fall arrest.
Fall arrest is when a worker is tied-off to a personal fall arrest system and has the ability to fall over an edge. Active fall restraint is when a worker is tied-off to a personal fall arrest system and cannot reach an edge. Passive fall restraint is when a worker physically cannot get over an edge because of a barrier, like guardrail. The hierarchy of fall protection outlines the preferred methods of fall safety. In order of most preferred to least preferred, the elements of the hierarchy or fall protection are:
1. Eliminate the Hazard
2. Passive Fall Restraint
3. Active Fall Restraint
4. Fall Arrest Systems
5. Controlled Access Zones
Fall prevention is the preferred method of protection and that involves completely removing the hazard. Fall restraint is the next most preferred method and that involves adding measures that protect against falling over the hazardous edge. Things like guardrail and safety netting are examples of passive fall restraint protection. Fall arrest is a scenario that involves wearing the components of the personal fall arrest system. Wearing the harness, anchor, and lifeline allow a worker to operate safely at heights and will catch, or arrest, the fall if an accident occurs.
Malta Dynamics Fall Protection Equipment: [ Ссылка ]
