Introduction
Fall arrest equipment is designed to protect workers from the risks associated with working at height. Full-body harnesses, fall arrest lanyards, and fall arrest blocks each play a vital role in preventing injury during a fall. A full-body harness secures the worker by distributing the forces of a fall across the body, while a fall arrest lanyard connects the harness to an anchor point, limiting fall distance and reducing impact forces. A fall arrest block (or self-retracting lifeline) is a retractable device that automatically adjusts to the worker’s movement, locking in place if a fall occurs to stop the descent. Together, these components form a comprehensive fall protection system that ensures safety and mobility for workers at height.
Fall Arrest Lanyard
A fall arrest lanyard is a piece of equipment used to stop a worker’s fall when attached to a personal fall arrest system. It connects the worker’s harness to an anchor point, preventing a fall from reaching the ground. Lanyards are designed to limit the fall distance, reducing the impact forces on the body.
The lanyard is typically made from materials like nylon, polyester, or Kevlar, and consists of a connector, often a carabiner or snap hook, that links the lanyard to both the harness and the anchor point. Many lanyards come with a shock-absorbing feature that stretches upon impact, helping to reduce the force on the worker’s body during a fall.
Rockall Safety offer a range of fall arrest lanyards, click here to view the range: Safety Lanyards | Accessories | Rockall Safety
Safety Harness
A full-body harness is a type of personal protective equipment worn by workers to prevent injury in case of a fall. It is made of straps that fit around the shoulders, waist, and thighs, and is designed to keep the worker secure during activities at height. The harness is attached to a fall arrest system, which typically includes a lanyard or lifeline. When a fall occurs, the harness helps distribute the impact forces across the body, reducing the risk of injury.
The harness includes attachment points, usually metal D-rings, where the lanyard or lifeline connects. These D-rings are commonly located on the back, though front and side attachment points can also be used depending on the type of work. The back D-ring is most often used for fall arrest, while the front may be used for tasks like controlled descent.
Harnesses are adjustable, allowing them to fit a variety of body types. The straps are typically made from strong, durable materials like nylon or polyester, and may include padding for extra comfort during long periods of wear. Some harnesses come with reflective strips for better visibility in low-light conditions, or impact indicators to show whether the harness has been exposed to a fall.
There are different types of full-body harnesses, such as standard models for general use, comfort versions for longer work periods, and rescue versions designed with extra attachment points for easier recovery after a fall.
Rockall Safety offer a range of harnesses, view our range here: Safety Harnesses | Fall Arrest Harnesses | Height Safety
Fall Arrest Blocks / Lifelines
A fall arrest block, also known as a self-retracting lifeline (SRL), is a piece of equipment used to arrest a fall. It consists of a retractable line housed in a compact casing, allowing the worker to move freely while being attached to a secure anchor point. When a fall occurs, the block automatically locks and arrests the fall by rapidly retracting the line, preventing the worker from hitting the ground.
The retractable line is typically made of high-strength material like steel or synthetic fibers, and it extends and retracts as the worker moves. The speed-sensing mechanism in the block detects a fall and locks the line in place, stopping the descent. Many fall arrest blocks also include a shock-absorbing feature that helps reduce the force on the body during a fall.
Fall arrest blocks are commonly used in environments where workers need to move freely while staying connected to a fall protection system. These systems are often preferred over traditional lanyards due to their ability to automatically adjust the length of the line, eliminating slack and keeping the worker within a safe range of movement.
These devices come in various sizes and designs, with some models being more compact and lightweight for use in tight spaces, while others are larger for more demanding environments. Fall arrest blocks should be regularly inspected for damage, wear, or malfunction to ensure they function properly when needed.
Rockall Safety offer a range of fall arrest blocks, see the full range here: Retractable Grabs Blocks & Pulleys | Fall Arrest | Rockall Safety
