Fall protection PPE: how to choose and use them?

Falls from heights are one of the biggest causes of fatal accidents on the construction site, where protection has become paramount at all times. In addition, the Labor Code strongly recommends opting for collective protection over individual protection, since it prevents falling into a void. The latter should only take priority when collective protection is impossible. Currently, the Fall Protection PPE offer has expanded and making the right choice is not certainly not an easy task.

What is a fall arrest system or a roof fall arrest kit?

This system allows the wearer to reach positions or areas presenting a risk of falling. This equipment is therefore used to arrest a fall when it occurs while ensuring the suspension of the operator after the fall has stopped.

Generally, it consists of three essential elements, including the anchor point and the harness fall arrester linked to the anchor point using a connecting element equipped with an energy absorbing function.

When to use a fall arrester or an anti-fall safety system?

Any work at height is considered a risky activity. Among the most exposed sectors, we can distinguish those of maintenance and construction. In the professional world, one in ten accidents is linked to a fall from a height.

To ensure the safety of workers on the construction site, it is mandatory to implement protection systems suitable for each area of ??activity. To avoid any accident when working at height, the use of a fall arrester or a system consisting of fall protection kit is mandatory. The worker must also bring a harness, a rope, carabiners, a lifeline and lanyards.

What PPE or fall protection is essential for working at height?

Here are some essential components of fall protection:

NF EN 795 standard anchor points and fall arrest rope

Regardless of its type, the anchoring of the fall protection system must be reliable and resistant in order to stop and retain the user in the event of a fall from a height. Indeed, this equipment is framed by the standard NF EN 795. Before use, its resistance must be checked by a competent person.

The EN 361 standard fall protection harness

It is a body grabbing device recommended in fall arrest systems. Made up of buckles, straps and other elements, this personal protective equipment must be adjusted to the body of the user for the maintain during the fall and to better distribute the forces due to the arrest of the fall. It is subject to the NF EN 361 standard.

The EN 358 standard fall absorber lanyard

This is a connection system equipped with a lanyard approximately two meters long and two connectors. When used on an anchor point, this equipment must be equipped with an energy absorber.

Its elongation during the fall requires the presence of an air gap to be checked before any intervention. If the lanyards comply with standard NF EN 358, the connectors must be standardized NF EN 362. The energy absorber is subject to the NF EN 355 standard.

Self-retracting fall arresters

These fall protection equipment are used as system components for connecting the harness to a fixed anchor point. It is a retractable lanyard wound on a drum equipped with an automatic blocking function in the event of a fall, and an automatic recall and tensioning system.

Mobile fall arresters

They consist of a vertical belay support such as the metal rail, the metal cable and the synthetic rope, on which a movable slider runs combined with the support. This slider will be blocked automatically in the event of a fall.

How to choose and use PPE or fall arrest device to work at height?

Fall protection PPE must be adapted to each work situation. Saving time, comfort and safety are the essential elements to take into account when buying this material.

• If you work in hazardous areas, choose a restraint system. The freedom of movement of the wearer remains restricted and his safety is ensured by a connecting element linked to a secure anchor point. Compliant with NF EN 358 standard, this device must be equipped with a harness or a positioning belt adapted to the height and weight of the combined user to a lanyard with adjustable length.
• In addition, the positioning system is recommended for employees working in support or suspension. When working at height, the user is suspended in the air thanks to an adjustable connecting element.
• Finally, if you work in a cluttered environment, choose a fall arrest system. Admittedly, this equipment does not prevent you from falling, however, you can arrest the fall using a NF EN 361 standard fall arrest harness or a automatic fall arrester bound to an anchor.