What is Fall Arrest?
Fall arrest refers to any system that mitigates the result of a fall either by limiting the distance of the fall or limiting the impact that would result from the fall.
Fall arrest is the least preferred option in the hierarchy of fall protection.
- Work from the ground if at all possible
- If there is no alternative to working at height, use equipment to prevent a fall
- Use specialised equipment to minimise the distance and the possible consequences of a fall
Fall arrest is quite obviously the least preferred solution because once a body is in free-fall the potential for injury increases dramatically. Add to this the fact that the body accelerates whilst falling and it is clear that minimising the distance of the fall is also very important.
Different working heights generate different risks.