Do I Need Fall Protection? When and What Type

Fall protection is required whenever work at height creates a risk of falling that could cause injury. Understanding when you need it, what type to use, and how to implement it correctly is essential for compliance and safety.

When is fall protection required?

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, fall protection is required whenever:

There is work at height where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury, and precautions are needed to prevent or minimize the consequences of a fall.

This means fall protection is required for virtually all work at height activities, including:

• Working on roofs (flat or pitched)
• Working on scaffolding or platforms
• Working near unprotected edges
• Working on MEWPs (mobile elevated work platforms)
• Working above fragile surfaces
• Working in excavations with drop hazards
• Loading bays and raised platforms
• Maintenance work at height

What counts as "liable to cause injury"?

Any fall that could result in:

• Fractures or broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Cuts or lacerations
• Bruising or sprains requiring medical attention

In practice, falls from even low heights (1-2 metres) can cause serious injury, especially if landing on hard surfaces, equipment, or sharp objects.

Hierarchy of fall protection

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require you to follow this hierarchy in order:

1. Avoid work at height

The best fall protection is not working at height at all.

Ask yourself:

• Can the task be done from ground level?
• Can equipment be brought down for maintenance?
• Can technology eliminate the need for access? (e.g., cameras for inspections, remote controls, long-reach tools)
• Can design changes reduce or eliminate height access needs?

Example: Installing motorised roof vents that can be serviced from ground level eliminates routine roof access for maintenance.

2. Prevent falls

If you must work at height, use equipment that prevents falls from happening.

This is collective protection — it protects everyone automatically:

• Guardrails and edge protection
• Scaffolding with proper barriers
• MEWPs with guardrails
• Working platforms with edge protection
• Safety screens and barriers

This is the preferred approach because it doesn't rely on individual behavior, training, or equipment fitting correctly.

3. Minimize the distance and consequences of falls

Only if prevention isn't possible, use equipment to minimize fall consequences.

This includes:

• Safety nets positioned to catch falls
• Airbags or soft landing systems
• Personal fall arrest systems (harnesses)
• Rope access systems

Collective vs personal protection

Understanding the difference is critical for compliance and safety.

Collective protection (preferred)

Protects everyone in the area automatically, without relying on individual actions.

Examples:

• Guardrails and edge protection systems
• Scaffolding with toe boards and barriers
• Safety nets positioned below work areas
• Covered openings and holes
• Working platforms with barriers
• Perimeter fencing around excavations

Advantages:

• Protects everyone, including visitors or unauthorized persons
• No fitting or adjustment required
• Can't be used incorrectly or forgotten
• Protects against falls before they happen
• No rescue plan needed (people don't fall)
• No special training required to be protected

When collective protection is required:

• Long-duration work (hours or days)
• Multiple workers in the area
• Repeated access to the same location
• Work where both hands are needed
• Publicly accessible areas

Personal protection (last resort)

Equipment worn by individual workers to arrest falls.

Examples:

• Full-body harnesses
• Lanyards (with or without shock absorbers)
• Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs)
• Rope access systems
• Anchor points and fixing systems

When personal protection may be acceptable:

• Very short-duration work where collective protection can't be installed
• Emergency rescue operations
• Specialist work (e.g., rope access, steeplejacks)
• Temporary situations where collective protection installation isn't possible
• Always with documented justification

Requirements for personal fall protection:

• Suitable anchor points (tested and rated)
• Properly fitted equipment (CE marked, in date)
• Comprehensive training in use and fitting
• Pre-use inspection procedures
• Mandatory rescue plan (how to get someone down if suspended)
• Medical clearance (suspension trauma awareness)
• Regular equipment inspection and servicing

Types of fall protection equipment

Guardrails and edge protection

The most common form of collective fall protection.

Standard requirements:

• Top guardrail: 950mm-1150mm above working surface
• Intermediate guardrail: Midway between top rail and toe board
• Toe board: Minimum 150mm high (prevents materials falling)
• Maximum gap: 470mm between toe board and intermediate rail
• Strength: Must withstand a person falling against it

Where required:

• Scaffolding platforms
• Flat roofs during maintenance
• Mezzanine floors and raised walkways
• Loading bays and platform edges
• Around floor openings and edges
• Excavation perimeters (if fall risk >2m)

Materials:

• Steel or aluminium tube
• Proprietary guardrail systems
• Solid barriers (mesh, boards)
• Must be rigid and secure (not rope or chain alone)

Safety nets

Collective fall protection that catches people and materials if they fall.

Types:

Type S (Safety nets):

• Positioned directly below work (maximum 2m drop)
• Small mesh size
• For catching people

Type T (Debris nets):

• Larger mesh
• For catching falling materials
• Not suitable as sole fall protection for people

Requirements:

• Must be installed by trained, competent persons
• Regular inspection (weekly minimum)
• Tested after installation
• Positioned to minimize fall distance
• Secured adequately to prevent collapse
• Clear below nets (nothing to hit on the way down)

When safety nets are appropriate:

• Structural steelwork installation
• Large roof areas where edge protection is impractical
• Building construction and renovation
• Areas where harnesses would restrict movement

Advantages:

• Collective protection (protects everyone)
• No individual fitting or training required
• Allows freedom of movement
• Prevents serious injury from falls

Limitations:

• Requires proper support structure
• Installation needs specialist contractors
• Must be positioned close to work area
• Regular inspection and maintenance needed

Personal fall arrest systems (harnesses)

Full-body harnesses:

Modern fall arrest harnesses distribute fall forces across:

• Shoulders
• Chest
• Pelvis
• Thighs

NEVER use:

• Belt-type harnesses (waist only) — illegal for fall arrest
• Climbing harnesses designed for sport use
• Damaged or out-of-date harnesses

Components of a fall arrest system:

1. Anchor point: Secure fixing point rated for fall arrest loads (typically 15kN per person)
2. Harness: Full-body harness, correctly fitted and adjusted
3. Connector: Lanyard, self-retracting lifeline, or rope system
4. Shock absorber: Reduces force on the body when a fall is arrested

Types of lanyards:

Fixed-length lanyard:

• Set length (typically 1.5m-2m)
• With or without shock absorber
• Simple and reliable
• Limits working area

Adjustable lanyard:

• Length can be adjusted
• Allows positioning flexibility
• Requires training to use correctly

Self-retracting lifeline (SRL):

• Automatically extends and retracts
• Locks quickly when a fall occurs
• Greater freedom of movement
• More expensive but safer

Shock absorbers:

• Tears or deploys to reduce fall arrest forces
• Single-use — must be replaced after arresting a fall
• Reduces peak force from ~12kN to ~6kN
• Essential for protecting the body

Anchor points

Permanent anchor points:

• Fixed to building structure
• Load-tested and certified
• Clearly marked with identification and load rating
• Inspected regularly (6-12 months)
• Examples: roof anchors, structural beams, fixing eyes

Temporary anchor points:

• Portable or movable anchors
• Must still be rated for fall arrest
• Examples: beam clamps, tripods, deadweight anchors
• Must be positioned correctly to prevent swing falls

Requirements:

• Minimum 15kN load rating per person
• Independent of the structure being worked on
• Positioned to minimize fall distance
• Located to prevent swing falls into obstacles
• Inspected before each use
• Certification and testing records available

Edge protection requirements

Edge protection is required where people could fall 2 metres or more (though best practice is to protect any edge where injury could occur).

When edge protection is required:

Flat roofs:

• All edges during maintenance or construction
• Around roof lights and openings
• Near plant and equipment access areas
• Temporary edge protection for short-term work
• Permanent edge protection for regular access

Scaffolding:

• All open sides of platforms
• Ends of scaffolding
• Gaps in platforms
• Access openings (except ladder access points)

Mezzanine floors and raised platforms:

• All edges where people could fall
• Loading bays and dock levellers
• Raised walkways and gantries

Excavations:

• Edges where fall exceeds 2 metres
• Near operating machinery or traffic routes
• Public or employee access areas

Temporary vs permanent edge protection:

Temporary (for specific work periods):

• Free-standing guardrail systems
• Weighted base systems
• Scaffold tube barriers
• Can be removed when work is complete

Permanent (for regular access):

• Fixed guardrails on flat roofs
• Permanently installed barriers on platforms
• Built-in edge protection on mezzanines
• Must comply with building regulations

Roof work considerations

Roof work presents specific fall protection challenges due to:

• Slopes and fragile materials
• Weather exposure
• Access difficulties
• Varied surface types

Flat roofs:

Hazards:

• Unprotected edges
• Roof lights (fragile)
• Openings and penetrations
• Slippery surfaces when wet
• Access hatches

Fall protection requirements:

• Edge protection around perimeter (guardrails or barriers)
• Protection over or around roof lights
• Barriers around openings
• Non-slip walkways to equipment
• Safe access (not ladders for regular access)

Best practice:

• Install permanent edge protection if access is regular
• Mark fragile areas clearly
• Create designated safe routes
• Use crawling boards over fragile materials
• Weather restrictions (no work in high wind, ice, or heavy rain)

Pitched roofs:

Additional hazards:

• Slope increases slide risk
• Limited stable working positions
• Weather exposure (wind, rain)
• Tile and slate fragility

Fall protection requirements:

• Scaffolding with roof edge protection
• Safety nets positioned below roof
• Roof ladders or crawling boards
• Personal fall arrest as last resort (with rescue plan)

Never acceptable:

• Working on pitched roofs without fall protection
• Relying on "being careful" or experience
• Using ladders as working platforms on roofs
• Working alone without supervision

Fragile roof materials:

Common fragile materials:

• Plastic or glass roof lights
• Asbestos cement sheets (also a health hazard)
• Metal liner panels
• Old corroded roof sheets
• Chipboard or plywood
• Individual slates or tiles without support

Requirements:

• Identify fragile surfaces before access (desktop survey)
• Mark or cover fragile materials
• Use crawling boards, roof ladders, or platforms
• Install safety nets or barriers below
• Never walk directly on fragile materials
• Consider non-access alternatives (drones for inspections)

Training requirements for fall protection equipment

General awareness training (all workers):

Must understand:

• What working at height means
• The hierarchy of fall protection
• Hazards of working at height
• When to stop work and ask for help
• How to report defects or unsafe conditions

Provided to:

• Anyone working at height
• Supervisors and managers
• Refreshed every 2-3 years

Equipment-specific training:

For guardrails and edge protection:

• How to inspect for damage
• Reporting defects
• Not removing or altering protection
• Using gates and access points correctly

For safety nets:

• Installation and removal (specialist contractors only)
• Inspection requirements
• Testing procedures
• Record-keeping

For harnesses and fall arrest:

• Selecting correct equipment
• Fitting and adjusting harnesses
• Pre-use inspection
• Connecting to anchor points
• Calculating free fall distance
• Understanding swing fall risks
• Emergency procedures and suspension trauma
• Rescue procedures

Rescue training:

If using personal fall arrest equipment, you MUST have:

• Documented rescue plan
• Trained rescue personnel on-site or immediately available
• Rescue equipment (descent devices, backup harnesses, first aid)
• Regular rescue drills (at least annually)
• Emergency communication procedures

Suspension trauma awareness:

• Symptoms and timeline (unconsciousness in 20+ minutes)
• Importance of rapid rescue
• First aid for rescued persons
• Trauma straps and relief techniques

Inspection and maintenance requirements

Daily inspections (pre-use checks):

Guardrails and edge protection:

• All components in place and secure
• No obvious damage or corrosion
• Toe boards in position
• Gates and access points functioning

Safety nets:

• No visible damage to mesh
• Secure fixings
• Nothing stored on nets
• Clear fall area below

Harnesses and lanyards:

• Webbing intact (no cuts, burns, or fraying)
• Stitching in good condition
• Buckles and adjusters working
• Labels legible and in-date
• Shock absorbers not deployed
• No chemical contamination or UV damage

Periodic detailed inspections:

Frequency depends on use:

• Light use: Every 6 months
• Regular use: Every 3 months
• Heavy use or harsh conditions: Monthly
• After any fall or impact: Immediate inspection, likely withdrawal

By competent person:

• Formal training in inspection
• Knowledge of equipment and deterioration modes
• Authority to withdraw equipment from service

Records must include:

• Date of inspection
• Description and serial number of equipment
• Defects identified
• Action taken (pass/fail, repair, withdrawn)
• Inspector name and signature
• Next inspection due date

Withdrawal and disposal:

Equipment must be withdrawn if:

• Damaged beyond repair
• Exceeds manufacturer's service life
• Has arrested a fall (shock absorbers are single-use)
• No longer has legible identification or date markings
• Contaminated with chemicals or excessive UV exposure
• Inspection reveals unsafe deterioration

How to withdraw equipment:

1. Tag with "DO NOT USE" label
2. Remove from service area immediately
3. Record withdrawal in inspection log
4. Destroy equipment (cut webbing) to prevent accidental reuse
5. Order replacement
6. Never attempt DIY repairs to life-safety equipment

UK regulatory context

Work at Height Regulations 2005

The primary legislation covering fall protection in the UK.

Key requirements:

• Avoid work at height where possible
• Use work equipment to prevent falls (collective protection)
• Minimize fall distance and consequences if prevention not possible (personal protection)
• Ensure work is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons
• Ensure equipment is inspected and maintained

Penalties for non-compliance:

• Unlimited fines
• Imprisonment up to 2 years
• Prohibition notices (work stops immediately)
• Improvement notices
• Personal liability for directors and managers

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

Covers:

• Harnesses and fall arrest equipment (when used as PPE)
• Provision of equipment free of charge
• Training in correct use
• Maintenance and inspection
• Replacement when needed

Key point: Fall protection equipment must be:

• CE marked
• Suitable for the specific task
• Properly fitted to the individual
• Maintained in good condition

HSE guidance and approved codes of practice

Key HSE publications:

• HSG33: Health and safety in roof work
• INDG401: Working at height — a brief guide
• INDG403: Working on roofs
• GEIS: General access scaffolds and work platforms

Legal status:

• Approved Codes of Practice have special legal status
• Failure to follow ACoP used as evidence in prosecutions
• You can deviate from ACoP if you can demonstrate equivalent or better controls

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

If you're planning work at height, start by conducting a risk assessment that considers the hierarchy of fall protection:

Working at Height Risk Assessment Tool →

Review whether your current fall protection measures follow the hierarchy of controls:

Work at Height Compliance Checker →

If you're not sure what fall protection you need:

Related articles:

• What is Working at Height?
• Ladder Safety Guidance
• Scaffold Requirements and Inspections
• Roof Work Safety

Useful tools:

• Work at Height Checker
• Risk Assessment Tool
• Equipment Inspection Tracker