6. FALL-ARREST SYSTEMS

A fall-arrest system is intended to safely stop a worker falling an uncontrolled distance and reduce the impact of the fall. This system must only be used if it is not reasonably practicable to use higher level controls or if higher level controls might not be fully effective in preventing a fall on their own.

All equipment used for fall-arrest should be designed, manufactured, selected and used in compliance with the AS1891 series of standards.

Key safety considerations in using fall arrest systems are:

• the correct selection, installation and use of the equipment
• that the equipment and anchorages are designed, manufactured and installed to be capable of withstanding the force applied to them as a result of a person’s fall
• that the system is designed and installed so that the person travels the shortest possible distance before having the fall stopped
• that workers using a fall-arrest system wear adequate head protection to protect them in the event of a fall
• that if the equipment has been used to arrest a fall it is not used again until it has been inspected and certified by a competent person as safe to use.