Fall Restraint System Versus Fall Arrest System: Which One Is Safer?

Personal protective equipment has become a necessity today, and every company needs to have them to adhere to the standard protocol set by the authorities. Fall arrest and fall restraint systems are mostly used in the manufacturing units and software companies. If you compare any fall arrest system and fall restraint system, both look similar in terms of structure, features, and the overall functioning. Many businesses often get confused between these two systems because they don’t know the key differences.

Are you also planning to have such systems on your premises? If yes, then you should know the key differences between these two systems. Both systems will protect you from falling, but the real-life applications are pretty dissimilar.

Let’s go deeper and understand the key differences between these two systems.

Overview of  The Fall Arrest Systems

You must know about the key components of fall arrest system; it includes a self-retracting lifeline, multiple anchor points, and harness. This system’s primary objective is to stop you from falling before you reach the ground without any consequences. Thus, you’ll never have a fear of falling from next-level heights while working round the clock.

A fall arrest system is useful when you are working in a workspace are pretty narrow, and you can make movements without any hassle. In other words, you should have full access to your workspace without any professional help. If your working space is relatively narrow and less edgy, you can consider this system over the fall restraint systems.

If your job is to arrange ladders or working above the railcars, fall arrest systems are highly recommended. Nevertheless, you should remember that none of the systems in this universe claims to protect you 100% from falling. Hence, fall arrest or fall restraint systems will only try to grab you before you hit the ground.

Restraint Systems: What Should You Know?

Fall restraint systems protect you from touching the ground at the last minute. Fall restraint systems are quite useful in terms of functioning because you can work without having a fear of falling in mind.

You are free to do your work because the fall restraint system is there to safeguard you from falling. The components of fall restraint systems are PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), also known as safety harness, lanyard, and anchor points.

Fall restraint systems are best when working on the rooftops where the chances of falling are pretty low. While working with this system, you’ll use a ladder for safe climbing, attach yourself to a lifeline, and clip your body to an anchor point.

Fall Arrest Systems VS Fall Restraint Systems

Both these systems area part of fallprotection. However, their area of use may vary. But, if you are considering to choose a safe option between the two, then in Our opinion, you should work in a surrounding where there are fewer chances of falling. In such cases, working with the fall restraint system is recommended. On the contrary, the fall arrest system boasts the same structure and safety level, but while getting your body arrested, you might hit the walls or any bumpy area.

Falling from the heights are unpredictable, and you cannot blindly rely on any of these systems. According to the experts, you should always have a safe rescue plan under your belt.

Final Words

Working with fall arrest systems is not 100% safe because there is no guarantee whether you’ll be safe or not. On the hand, a fall restraint system will restrict your falling movements, and there are fewer chances of getting injured. Lastly, you should select the best active fall protection system according to your daily routine and projects.