Fall Protection: Types of Fall Protection Equipment
There are several types of fall protection equipment available including fall arrest, travel restraints and guardrails.
It is important to understand the difference between a fall arrest system and travel restraint system. These are commonly used in the construction industry, but may apply to many other situations where employees must work at heights.
A worker may be required to wear a fall arrest system. A fall arrest system consists of a full body harness and a lanyard with a shock absorber. The fall arrest equipment may be attached directly to an anchorage or connected to an anchored lifeline.
Where guardrails have not been provided, a restraint system may be used to restrict a worker’s travel distance and prevents them from getting too close to the roof edge. Travel restraint equipment is comprised of an anchored lifeline or lanyard that attaches to the worker’s harness.
Guardrails are commonly used on construction sites, as they are a convenient means of protecting workers. Guardrails protect roof openings and the roof edge. Guardrails must be attached to the edge or as close to the open edge as possible. If rails must be removed for material handling, fall restraint equipment must be worn by the exposed worker(s).