Fall arresters – how to choose the right one for your work
A fall arrest device is a small component of fall protection equipment, but one that plays a very important role. In this guide, we’ll look at what a fall arrest device does, the different types available, how to consider free fall height, and the standards you should be aware of.
You’ll also find practical recommendations for different areas of use and guidance on when the equipment should be inspected or disposed of. Personligt Fallskydd helps you find fall protection that suits both the job and the actual working environment!
What is a shock absorber?
If a fall occurs, the fall arrester should reduce the force exerted on the body and help to control the fall. Therefore, choosing a fall arrester is not just a question of length, hook or price. It is about the working environment, freedom of movement, anchorage, working height and the type of work to be carried out.
For many people who work at height, the fall arrest lanyard – or simply ‘lanyard’ as it is often called – is one of the most commonly used components in the system. It connects the harness to an anchor point, wire rope, rail or other approved solution. However, not all fall arrest lanyards are suitable for every type of work. A lanyard that works well when working on a roof may be the wrong choice when climbing a mast, working on a mobile work platform or working where there is a risk of sharp edges.
When is a fall arrest device required?
A shock absorber is used in a fall protection system where there is a risk of a fall. It is designed to absorb and reduce the energy generated when a person falls. Without fall arrest, the load on the body, the harness and the anchor point can become very high. With the correct fall arrest device, the impact force is limited and the fall is slowed in a more controlled manner.
A fall arrestor often consists of an absorbent assembly, such as a sewn webbing construction that tears open in stages when under load. It may be integrated into a fall arrest lanyard or fitted as a separate component within the system. When activated, the fall arrester extends, which is an important factor to take into account when assessing the free fall height.
Fall arresters and fall protection systems
- Fall arrestor This is normally required when the equipment is used to arrest a fall, i.e. in fall protection situations where the user may fall before the system stops the fall. This differs from fall prevention, where the system is designed so that the user cannot reach an edge or a fall hazard zone.
- Fall prevention system ais used to prevent a person from reaching a place where a fall could occur. Fall protection systems are used when there is a risk that a person might actually fall and needs to be caught.
A fall arrest lanyard is intended for use in the latter context. It must be used in conjunction with an approved full-body harness and an anchor point suitable for fall protection. It must also be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, as details such as maximum length, user weight, connection points and anchor height affect safety
Where are shock absorbers used?
Common jobs where fall arresters may be required include:
- work on roofs
- scaffolding
- masts & towers
- mobile work platform
- industrial structures
- wind turbine
- servicing or installation work
However, you can never choose a fall arrest device based solely on the industry. You always need to consider the task at hand, the risk of a fall and the need for movement!
Different types of shock absorbers
Fall arresters come in a variety of designs. The differences between them include the number of lanyards, length, materials, hooks, elasticity and how they are used in practice. Here are the most common types:
Single-line with shock absorber
A single-strand lanyard is a fall-arrest lanyard with a connector at each end. It is used when the user can remain attached to a fixed anchor point or a secure structure throughout the entire task. It is simple, straightforward and suitable for many tasks where there is no need to re-attach the lanyard constantly.
A single-line lanyard can be a good choice for certain types of work on roofs, in aerial work platforms, at service points or in environments where the anchor point is close by and easy to reach. The disadvantage is that the user may need to unclip themselves to change anchor points. If this is done incorrectly, there may be a moment when the person is not secured.
Twin-leg, double shock-absorbing line or Y-line
A twin-leg lanyard has two legs and a shared fall arrester. It is used when the user needs to be able to move about whilst remaining attached at all times. The idea is to connect one leg to the next anchor point before unclipping the other. This allows the user to work whilst continuously secured.
Twinleg is commonly used when climbing masts and towers, on scaffolding, in industrial environments and for other tasks where you need to move between different points. It is a good choice when freedom of movement and a constant connection are important.
However, it is important that twin-leg lanyards are used correctly. The two legs must not be attached haphazardly, and the free leg must be handled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Incorrect use may affect how the fall arrester functions in the event of a fall.
Adjustable fall arrest lanyard
An adjustable fall arrest lanyard allows the length to be adjusted to suit the task at hand. This can be advantageous when you want to reduce slack in the system or work closer to the anchor point. Less slack can reduce the fall distance, but the equipment must still be used within the limits specified by the manufacturer.
Adjustable models can be useful for roof work, industrial maintenance, working near edges or in situations where the anchor point varies. At the same time, they require the user to understand how length adjustment affects headroom and the risk of a fall.
Elastic fall-arrest lanyard
An elastic fall-arrest lanyard retracts when it is not under load. This often makes the lanyard feel more flexible and reduces the risk of it getting in the way, becoming snagged or creating unnecessary slack. It can be particularly useful when the user is moving around a lot.
Elastic lanyards are commonly used in construction, industry, scaffolding and mobile work platforms. They offer good freedom of movement but must still be selected on the basis of the working environment. Even an elastic lanyard has a maximum length and requires sufficient headroom.
Lanyard – what does the word mean?
‘Lanyard’ is the English word often used to refer to a safety lanyard or connecting lanyard. In the context of fall protection, it usually refers to the line between the harness and the anchor point. A lanyard may or may not have a fall arrest device, so it is important to check exactly which product is involved.
If the lanyard is to be used to catch a fall, it must normally be fitted with an approved fall arrest device. A standard lanyard without a fall arrest device must not be used as a fall protection lanyard if there is a risk of a free fall.
Clear height and how to calculate it
Clearance is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a fall arrest device. It is not enough for the equipment to be approved. There must also be sufficient space beneath the user to allow a fall to be arrested without the person striking the ground, a floor joist, a beam, a machine or any other structure.
When a fall arrest device is activated, it extends. That is the whole point – it absorbs energy by opening or extending in a controlled manner.
However, the extra length must be taken into account. So too must the length of the lanyard, the user’s position, the harness’s displacement, body length and the safety margin. A fall arrest device only provides protection if there is sufficient space for the system to function. Please do read our supplementary guide on free fall height!
In practice, there are several things you need to consider:
- Total length of the rope
- Maximum extension of the shock absorber
- The distance from the attachment point on the harness to the user’s feet
- Position of the anchor point
- Any slack
- Safety margin to the nearest obstacle or ground level
That is why the same fall-arrest lanyard may be suitable in one place but unsuitable in another. If the anchor point is positioned high up, the fall distance may be shorter.
If the anchor point is at foot level, the fall distance may be considerably longer, in which case much more headroom is required. This is particularly important when working on roofs, in aerial work platforms, on scaffolding and in industrial environments where there may be obstacles beneath the work surface.
Standards – EN 354 and EN 355
When choosing a fall arrest device and a fall arrest lanyard, you need to check which standards the product has been tested and certified against. Two important standards in this context are EN 354 and EN 355.
EN 354 – lanyards
EN 354 applies to lanyards, i.e. lanyards used as part of a personal fall protection system. The standard covers, amongst other things, requirements relating to materials, strength and labelling. However, a lanyard complying with EN 354 is not automatically a complete fall arrest solution for catching a fall. If it is to be used in a fall protection system, it normally needs to be combined with or integrated into a fall arrest device.
Always check whether the product is intended for fall prevention, positioning or fall protection with fall arrest.
EN 355 – fall arresters
EN 355 applies to fall arresters. The standard sets out requirements for how the fall arrester should function, be tested, labelled and used as part of a fall protection system. A fall arrest lanyard designed to arrest a fall is often marked in accordance with both EN 354 and EN 355, depending on its design.
The labelling helps you to understand what the product is intended for, but it does not replace a risk assessment or instructions. You still need to ensure that the equipment is suitable for the user’s weight, the working environment, the anchor point, the clearance height and the work to be carried out.
Top tip! Always refer to the product manual. This sets out, amongst other things, permitted uses, restrictions, service life, inspection requirements and how connections should be made.
Our recommendation by area of use
The best choice always depends on the task at hand. Here are some general recommendations to help you get it right from the start.
Work on roofs
When carrying out roof work, it is often important to minimise the risk of reaching the edge, rather than planning for a fall. Therefore, one should, where possible, prioritise working in a way that prevents falls. If there is a risk of a fall, the fall arrest lanyard must be selected with careful consideration of the free fall height, edge load and the position of the anchor point.
For many roofing work An adjustable solution may be a good option, as it makes it easier to keep the line taut and minimise unnecessary slack. If there is a risk of working over a edge, the equipment must be approved for that type of use.
Work on scaffolding and in construction
When working on scaffolding or at a construction site, twin-leg lanyards are often used, particularly when the user needs to move between different anchor points. This makes it possible to remain connected whilst moving.
Elastic twin-leg lanyards can be practical as they reduce slack and provide greater freedom of movement. Choose hooks that are suitable for the structure to which the user will be attached, and ensure that the anchor points are approved.
Work involving climbing masts, towers and poles
When climbing masts, towers or poles, continuous belaying is essential. In such situations, the twin-leg system is often the natural choice. The user can switch belays step by step without being unsecured.
It is important to choose a solution that is compatible with the working method, structure and rescue plan. This type of work often requires several components within the system, such as positioning equipment, fall protection and rescue equipment.
Work on mobile work platforms
On mobile work platforms, shorter fall arrest lanyards or specialised solutions designed for aerial work are often used. The aim is to reduce the risk of being thrown out of the basket or falling. In this context, it is particularly important to follow both the aerial work platform’s instructions and the fall protection equipment’s manual.
Headroom may be limited, which means not all fall arresters are suitable for use in a lift. Please seek advice before choosing your equipment.
Work in industry, services and maintenance
Conditions in industrial environments vary considerably. This may involve working on machinery, overhead crane runways, platforms, tanks, roofs or fixed systems. Often, a combination of fall arresters, slide locks, rails, wire rope systems or other solutions is required.
In this regard, we recommend that the choice be based on a clear risk assessment. Consider how the user moves, where the anchor point is located, whether there are any obstacles beneath the work area, and how a rescue operation would be carried out.
Working on sharp edges
When working near sharp edges, it is not enough to simply choose any fall arrest lanyard. The lanyard may be subjected to a load across an edge in the event of a fall, which places specific demands on the product. In such cases, you need to choose equipment that has been tested and approved for edge loading in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Please note: This is an area where the wrong choice can have serious consequences. Please contact us if you are in any doubt.
Inspection and when the shock absorber should be replaced
A fall arrest device must be inspected regularly. The user should carry out a visual inspection before each use, and the equipment must also undergo periodic inspections in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable procedures.
A fall arrest device must be discarded if it has been involved in a fall or if it has been activated. It must also be taken out of service if it is damaged, if the markings are illegible, if its history is unknown, or if it has exceeded its permitted service life as specified by the manufacturer.
Please note! Never take any chances with your fall protection equipment. If you are unsure, the product must be taken out of service until it has been checked by a competent person.
Personligt Fallskydd offers not only products, but also advice, service, inspections and training. This means you can get help with the entire process – from choosing the right equipment to procedures for safe use and inspection.
When checking shock absorbers, you should look for:
- Damage to straps, laces or seams
- Signs of wear and tear, cuts or burn marks
- Chemical damage or discolouration
- Deformed or damaged hooks
- Problems with locking or opening couplings
- Damaged labelling or an illegible label
- Signs that the shock absorber has started to open
- Damp, mould or other effects caused by storage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about shock absorbers
What is the difference between a fall arrester and a fall arrest lanyard?
What does ‘lanyard’ mean?
Can I use a standard rope as a fall-arrest rope?
When should I choose twin-leg?
How long can a fall arrest lanyard be?
What is headroom?
Do shock absorbers need to be inspected?
When should a shock absorber be replaced?
Can I use the same fall arrest device for all jobs?
Get help choosing the right shock absorber
The right fall arrest device makes work safer, smoother and better suited to the realities of the workplace. At Personligt Fallskydd, we can help you choose the equipment that suits your work – whether it involves roof work, scaffolding, masts, aerial work platforms, industrial settings, confined spaces or working near sharp edges.
We offer products from leading manufacturers and help you to choose the right harness, lanyard, connectors and anchor points. You’ll not only receive the equipment, but also guidance on how to use it safely and in accordance with the law.