Fall arrest equipment is designed to prevent or mitigate the injuries that can occur from a fall. It can help to save lives and prevent serious injuries. 

There are several types of fall arrest equipment available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of fall arrest equipment used on construction projects include: 

• Harnesses: Harnesses are worn by the worker and are attached to the fall arrest system. They help to distribute the force of a fall across the worker’s body, which can help to prevent serious injuries. 

• Lanyards: Lanyards are the ropes or straps that connect the harness to the anchor point. They come in a variety of lengths and materials, and they can be either shock-absorbing or non-shock-absorbing. 
• Anchor points: Anchor points are the points where the lanyard or lifeline is attached. They can be fixed or adjustable, and they must be strong enough to support the weight of the worker in the event of a fall. 
• Lifelines: Lifelines are long ropes or cables that are attached to an anchor point and run along the edge of a work area. Workers can attach their lanyards to the lifeline to prevent them from falling over the edge. 
• Deceleration devices: Deceleration devices are used to slow down the fall of a worker. They can help to prevent serious injuries by reducing the impact force. 

It is important to choose the right type of fall arrest equipment for the specific jobsite conditions. The equipment should be properly inspected and maintained, and workers should be trained on how to use it safely and effectively. 

Additional tips for using fall arrest equipment on construction projects: 

• Ensure the equipment is properly sized for the worker. 
• Check the equipment for damage before use. 
• Never use damaged equipment. 
• Attach the lanyard to the anchor point in a safe and secure manner. 

• Make sure the lifeline is properly secured to the anchor point. 
• If you are using a deceleration device, make sure it is properly adjusted. 
• Train workers on how to use the fall arrest equipment properly. 

Factors to consider when choosing and using fall arrest equipment: 

• The type of work being done. Some jobs, such as roofing or window cleaning, require more specialised fall arrest equipment than others. 

• The height of the work area. The higher the work area, the more important it is to use fall arrest equipment. 
• The weather conditions. Inclement weather can make it more difficult to use fall arrest equipment safely. 
• The worker’s physical condition. Workers who are pregnant or have other physical limitations may need to use special fall arrest equipment. 

Consult with a qualified safety professional to choose the right fall arrest equipment for your specific construction project. By taking the time to choose and use fall arrest equipment properly, you can help to keep your workers safe from falls. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on construction safety 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering working at height 
• Management system to document control the policy on using fall arrest equipment 

• Method Statement module for the creation of work activity working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on working at height 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving working at height on site both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding using fall arrest equipment on site to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software