An Introduction To Fall Arrest Systems
The main purpose of fall arrest systems is to catch a person who is falling and prevent them from falling any further. They can be used in many different applications. For example, someone who is working on power lines from a bucket truck may use them to keep them from falling out and injuring themselves, same as people working in any type of lift platform. Hunters are also known to use them when hunting from trees and deer stands. It is incredibly important to use these devices as neglecting to do so could cost you your life.
In order for these personal fall arrest systems to work, they require a certain amount of energy absorption. It is like dropping an egg on a soft bed as opposed to on a hard floor. When dropped on the bed there is enough absorption to prevent the egg from breaking, unlike the hard floor which does not. The most common of these devices uses a lanyard that is sometimes referred to as a vertical lifeline. It works in a similar manner to the bungee cord which is used for entertainment purposes. It can keep you from falling and save your life.
There are actually several different types of personal fall arrest systems, but the two primary examples are fall restraint and fall guard. The former is designed to prevent a person from falling in an area that is specifically hazardous and a common example is the fall restraint lanyard. The fall guard is anything that prevents people from entering a hazardous fall area and an example are guard rails.
When purchasing fall arrest systems, there are four primary pieces that must be used in order for them to work successfully. When each of these four parts is being used correctly they all work together in order for the system to keep you from falling. These four important elements are as follows:
• Anchorage. This is a fixed structured that your fall arrest system must be connected to.
• Body Wear. These devices will typically require you to wear a full body harness in order to keep you attached to the system.
• Connector. This is a lanyard like device that is used to connect the body wear to the anchorage.
• Declaration Device. This issued to help weaken the forces that occur when a fall takes place.
There are as many companies that manufacture and sell fall arrest systems as there are those that develop intellegent lifting devices, so it can be difficult to choose the right product for you. It is perhaps most important that you find a company that has established a positive track record of providing safe, high quality products. When purchasing these devices you do not want to cut corners and purchase a poor piece of equipment just because you are trying to save money. Your life is at stake so you definitely only purchase a product that you have your full faith in.
