Fall arrest and fall restraint are two fundamentally different approaches to personal fall protection. Understanding the difference could save your life, and choosing the wrong system could result in serious injury, prosecution, or both.
Which fall protection system do you currently use?
Let's make sure it's the right approach
What is fall restraint?
Fall restraint is a system that prevents you from reaching a position where you could fall. It physically stops you before you get to the edge or hazard.
How it works:
The system uses a short lanyard or adjustable system that is configured so the worker cannot reach the fall hazard. The length of the connecting equipment is calculated to ensure the user physically cannot get close enough to the edge to fall.
Key characteristics:
- Prevents falls from occurring
- Worker cannot reach the fall hazard
- No free fall distance
- No shock absorption needed
- Simpler rescue procedures (person hasn't fallen)
With fall restraint, the system is set up so a fall is physically impossible. The worker is "restrained" from reaching the danger zone. This is fundamentally safer than allowing someone to reach the edge and relying on equipment to arrest their fall.
Examples of fall restraint systems:
Fixed-length short lanyard:
- Connected to a secure anchor point
- Length prevents worker reaching the edge
- Typically 1-2 metres long
- Worker can move within a safe zone
Adjustable restraint lanyard:
- Can be shortened to prevent edge access
- Locked at appropriate length for the task
- Requires training to adjust correctly
- Must be checked before each use
Horizontal lifeline with travel restraint:
- Overhead or side-mounted line
- Worker connected via short lanyard
- Provides lateral movement but prevents edge access
- Requires proper tensioning and anchor points
Work positioning systems:
- Supports worker in position
- Used with additional restraint or arrest backup
- Common in telecom and utility work
- Requires specialist training
Think of fall restraint like a dog on a short lead. The lead is short enough that the dog cannot reach the road, so it can't get hit by a car. The length of the restraint makes the hazard unreachable.
What is fall arrest?
Fall arrest is a system that stops a fall after it has begun. It allows the worker to reach the edge or hazard area, but arrests (stops) their fall if they go over the edge.
How it works:
The worker wears a full-body harness connected to an anchor point via a lanyard with a shock absorber or a self-retracting lifeline. If they fall, the system arrests the fall, limiting the fall distance and reducing the forces on the body.
Key characteristics:
- Allows worker to reach fall hazards
- Arrests falls after they begin
- Free fall distance occurs (though limited)
- Shock absorber essential to reduce impact forces
- Worker ends up suspended after a fall
- Rescue plan mandatory
Fall arrest doesn't prevent you from falling - it stops you hitting the ground. You will still fall, experience arrest forces, and be left suspended. This creates significant risks including suspension trauma, which can be fatal within minutes.
Examples of fall arrest systems:
Lanyard with shock absorber:
- Fixed or adjustable length (typically 2m)
- Shock absorber deploys during fall to reduce forces
- Single-use shock absorber (must be replaced after fall)
- Simple and reliable
- Requires calculation of free fall distance
Self-retracting lifeline (SRL):
- Automatically extends and retracts
- Locks rapidly when a fall is detected
- Shorter fall distances than lanyards
- More freedom of movement
- More expensive but safer
- Requires regular inspection and servicing
Horizontal lifeline with fall arrest:
- Allows lateral movement along a span
- Multiple users possible (if designed for it)
- Energy absorbers required
- Must be engineered for loads and sag
- Common on roofs and structural work
Vertical lifeline systems:
- Fixed or temporary vertical lines
- Mobile fall arrester travels with worker
- Used on ladders, towers, masts
- Requires proper tensioning
- Guided type or flexible type systems
After a fall arrest event, the worker is suspended in their harness. Suspension trauma can cause unconsciousness within 20 minutes and death shortly after. You MUST have a rescue plan and trained personnel able to rescue the person quickly.
Key differences
Fall Arrest vs Fall Restraint
Fall Restraint
Recommended- •Prevents falls from occurring
- •Worker cannot reach the edge
- •No free fall distance
- •No shock absorber needed
- •Simpler rescue (person hasn't fallen)
- •Lower risk of injury
- •Preferred when practicable
Fall Arrest
- •Stops falls after they begin
- •Worker can reach the edge
- •Free fall distance occurs
- •Shock absorber essential
- •Rescue plan mandatory
- •Risk of suspension trauma
- •Only when restraint not possible
Bottom line: Fall restraint is always preferable when the work allows it. Fall arrest should only be used when the nature of the work means the worker must be able to reach the edge or fall hazard.
Equipment differences:
| Feature | Fall Restraint | Fall Arrest |
|---|---|---|
| Harness | Full-body harness (dorsal attachment) | Full-body harness (dorsal attachment) |
| Lanyard | Short, fixed-length (prevents edge access) | Longer lanyard or SRL (allows edge access) |
| Shock absorber | Not required (no fall occurs) | Essential (reduces arrest forces) |
| Anchor point rating | Can be lower (no dynamic loads) | Must be rated for fall arrest (minimum 15kN) |
| Free fall distance | Zero (fall prevented) | Occurs (but limited by system) |
| Rescue equipment | Simpler (worker hasn't fallen) | Complex (worker is suspended) |
Training differences:
Fall restraint training covers:
- How the system prevents falls
- Calculating safe working zones
- Setting appropriate lanyard lengths
- Understanding system limitations
- What to do if equipment reaches its limit
Fall arrest training covers:
- How the system arrests falls
- Understanding fall clearance calculations
- Shock absorber function and inspection
- Suspension trauma symptoms and timeline
- Emergency rescue procedures
- Using rescue equipment
Both systems require comprehensive training, but fall arrest training is more complex due to the additional risks of suspension trauma and the need for rescue procedures. Training should be practical, not just classroom-based.
When to use fall restraint
Fall restraint is the preferred option whenever the work allows it. Use fall restraint when:
The work area allows restriction:
- Working on a flat roof away from edges
- Maintenance work in a defined safe zone
- Tasks that don't require edge access
- Work where the hazard area can be isolated
The task characteristics suit restraint:
- Worker doesn't need to access the edge or hazard
- Movement can be limited without hindering work
- Anchor points can be positioned appropriately
- Work duration makes restraint practical
Examples of suitable restraint applications:
Flat roof HVAC maintenance:
- Equipment located away from edges
- Anchor points near equipment
- Short lanyards prevent edge access
- Worker can move around equipment safely
Cleaning roof-mounted solar panels:
- Panels in the center of the roof
- Horizontal lifeline down the middle
- Workers connected with short lanyards
- Cannot reach roof edges
Internal steelwork inspection:
- Working on wide beams or platforms
- Fall hazards to sides
- Work positioning with restraint backup
- No need to access edge areas
Distribution center switches to fall restraint for roof access
A distribution center had maintenance workers accessing the flat roof monthly using fall arrest systems. Workers reported feeling unsafe and rescue planning was inadequate.
Workers felt safer knowing they couldn't reach the edge. Eliminated suspension trauma risk. Simplified rescue procedures. Reduced training complexity. Improved compliance with monthly roof access tasks.
When work doesn't require edge access, fall restraint is simpler, safer, and more appropriate than fall arrest. Assess whether your workers really need to reach the edge, or if the work can be done from a safe zone.
When to use fall arrest
Fall arrest is only appropriate when the nature of the work means the worker must be able to access the edge or fall hazard, and fall restraint is not practicable.
Situations requiring fall arrest:
Edge work:
- Installing guttering or fascias
- Roof edge repairs
- Window cleaning from above
- Building facade work
Unpredictable fall hazards:
- Working on fragile roofs (fragile areas scattered)
- Demolition work
- Emergency repair work
- Investigation or survey work where hazards unknown
Mobile work across large areas:
- Large roof surveys requiring full coverage
- Steelwork erection
- Bridge inspection and maintenance
- Communication tower work
Specialist access:
- Rope access technicians
- Abseiling for building maintenance
- Confined space with overhead access
- Rescue operations
Just because work is "at height" doesn't mean fall arrest is needed. Always ask: "Can this work be done with fall restraint instead?" You must be able to justify why fall arrest is necessary rather than restraint.
Requirements for fall arrest systems:
Before using fall arrest, you MUST have:
-
Suitable anchor points
- Rated for fall arrest (minimum 15kN per person)
- Positioned to minimize fall distance
- Certified and regularly inspected
- Positioned to prevent swing falls
-
Proper equipment
- Full-body harness (CE marked, in date)
- Shock-absorbing lanyard or SRL
- All equipment inspected and maintained
- Appropriate for the specific work environment
-
Trained personnel
- Comprehensive training in fall arrest use
- Understanding of fall clearance calculations
- Awareness of suspension trauma
- Competent in pre-use inspections
-
Rescue plan
- Documented procedure for rescue
- Trained rescue personnel available
- Rescue equipment readily accessible
- Regular rescue drills (at least annually)
- Emergency communication procedures
-
Fall clearance calculation
- Free fall distance
- Lanyard/SRL deployment distance
- Worker height
- Safety margin
- Must not hit ground or lower level
Using fall arrest equipment without a rescue plan is illegal and potentially fatal. Suspension trauma can cause death within 20-30 minutes. You must be able to rescue a suspended person quickly - "call the fire brigade" is not an adequate rescue plan.
Hierarchy of fall protection
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require you to follow this hierarchy - fall restraint and fall arrest are both low on the list:
1. Avoid work at height entirely
- Use long-reach tools from ground level
- Bring equipment down for maintenance
- Design out height access needs
- Use technology (drones, cameras, remote controls)
2. Prevent falls with collective protection
- Guardrails and edge protection
- Scaffolding with barriers
- MEWPs with guardrails
- Safety nets
- Working platforms
3. Minimize fall distance and consequences
- Fall restraint (preferred personal protection)
- Safety nets positioned close to work
- Airbags and soft landing systems
- Fall arrest (last resort for personal protection)
Hierarchy of Fall Protection - Work Through This Order
Use ground-level methods, long-reach tools, or bring equipment down
Guardrails, scaffolding, MEWPs - protects everyone automatically
Prevents falls from occurring - preferred personal protection
Only when work requires edge access and other options not practicable
Personal fall protection (whether restraint or arrest) is never the first choice. You must demonstrate that collective protection measures are not reasonably practicable before using personal protection systems.
Equipment requirements for both systems
Full-body harness (required for both)
Essential features:
- Dorsal D-ring for attachment (between shoulder blades)
- CE marked to EN 361
- Correct size and fit for the user
- All straps and buckles in good condition
- In-date (typically 5-10 years from manufacture)
- Inspected before each use
Harness fitting:
- Shoulder straps snug but not restrictive
- Leg loops secure around thighs
- Chest strap positioned mid-chest
- All buckles fastened and adjusted
- No twists in webbing
- Dorsal D-ring positioned between shoulder blades
A harness that doesn't fit properly is extremely dangerous. Loose harnesses can allow the user to slip out during a fall. Too-tight harnesses restrict movement and breathing. Always ensure proper fitting - take the time to adjust correctly.
Lanyards and connectors
For fall restraint:
- Fixed-length lanyard (typically 1-2m)
- Shock absorber not required (but not harmful if present)
- Length calculated to prevent edge access
- Strong enough for static loads
- Connectors that can't accidentally open
For fall arrest:
- Lanyard with integrated shock absorber, OR
- Self-retracting lifeline (SRL)
- Rated for dynamic fall arrest loads
- Shock absorber essential
- Must be compatible with anchor points
Anchor points
For fall restraint:
- Must support static loads
- Minimum 10kN typical
- Can use structural features if adequate
- Positioned to keep worker in safe zone
For fall arrest:
- Must withstand dynamic loads
- Minimum 15kN per person (typically 22kN for redundancy)
- Purpose-designed and tested
- Positioned to minimize fall distance
- Located to prevent swing falls
- Regular inspection (6-12 months)
Never use scaffolding tubes, pipes, guttering, or unrated structural elements as anchor points for fall arrest. Only purpose-designed, load-tested anchor points are acceptable. For fall restraint, the requirements may be less stringent, but the anchor must still be adequate for the loads involved.
Inspection and maintenance
Both fall restraint and fall arrest systems require rigorous inspection:
Detailed periodic inspection
Frequency:
- Light use: Every 6 months
- Regular use: Every 3 months
- Heavy use or harsh conditions: Monthly
- After any fall event: Immediate inspection, likely withdrawal
By competent person:
- Formal training in equipment inspection
- Knowledge of deterioration modes
- Authority to withdraw equipment
- Understanding of relevant standards
Records must include:
- Date of inspection
- Equipment description and serial numbers
- Defects found
- Action taken (pass/fail, repairs, withdrawal)
- Next inspection due date
- Inspector name and signature
When to withdraw equipment
Mandatory withdrawal:
- After arresting any fall (shock absorbers are single-use)
- Webbing cuts, burns, or significant wear
- Broken or loose stitching
- Damaged buckles or connectors
- Out of date (beyond service life)
- Unknown history or no labels
- Chemical contamination or UV damage
Suspension trauma and rescue
This is critical for fall arrest systems, but less relevant for fall restraint (where no fall occurs).
What is suspension trauma?
When a person is suspended vertically in a harness after a fall arrest, blood pools in the legs. The body cannot circulate blood properly, leading to:
- Unconsciousness within 20-30 minutes
- Cardiac arrest shortly after
- Death if not rescued promptly
- Even short suspension (5-10 minutes) causes distress
Suspension trauma is why fall arrest systems require a comprehensive rescue plan. Calling emergency services is not fast enough - they may take 30-60 minutes to arrive. You need an immediate rescue capability.
Rescue plan requirements
Your rescue plan must cover:
-
Detection
- How you'll know a fall has occurred
- Communication systems in place
- Lone worker monitoring
-
Response
- Who responds and how quickly
- Rescue equipment location and readiness
- Emergency service contact procedures
-
Rescue method
- Descent devices for lowering the person
- Access equipment to reach them
- Backup systems if primary fails
-
Post-rescue care
- First aid procedures
- Monitoring for suspension trauma effects
- Medical assessment requirements
-
Training and drills
- Regular rescue practice (at least annually)
- All team members trained
- Scenarios practiced, not just theory
The best rescue is the fastest rescue. Every minute of suspension increases the risk. Your rescue plan should aim for rescue within 5-10 minutes maximum. If you cannot achieve this, reconsider whether fall arrest is appropriate or if collective protection should be used instead.
Training requirements
Fall restraint training
Duration: Typically 1 day
Must cover:
- Difference between restraint and arrest
- How restraint systems prevent falls
- Calculating safe working zones
- Selecting appropriate lanyard lengths
- Harness fitting and adjustment
- Pre-use inspection procedures
- Understanding system limitations
- What to do if equipment is inadequate
Practical elements:
- Harness donning and adjustment
- Connecting to anchor points
- Working within restraint limitations
- Recognizing when restraint is not suitable
Fall arrest training
Duration: Typically 2-3 days
Must cover all fall restraint topics, plus:
- Fall clearance calculations
- Shock absorber function
- Free fall distance concepts
- Swing fall hazards
- Suspension trauma symptoms and timeline
- Emergency procedures
- Rescue techniques
- Post-fall procedures
- Accident reporting
Practical elements:
- All restraint practicals, plus:
- Rescue practice (recovering suspended person)
- Using descent devices
- Emergency communication
- Suspension relief techniques
- Trauma strap deployment
Training should be refreshed every 2-3 years minimum, or more frequently if equipment or procedures change. Workers who use fall protection infrequently (less than monthly) should have refresher training more often to maintain competence.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Using fall arrest when restraint would work
The mistake: Defaulting to fall arrest systems because "that's what we've always used" or because the equipment is already available.
Why it's wrong: Fall arrest is higher risk (suspension trauma, complex rescue) and should only be used when restraint is not possible.
The fix: Assess each task individually. Ask "Does the worker need to reach the edge?" If no, use restraint.
2. Not having a rescue plan for fall arrest
The mistake: Assuming "call 999" is an adequate rescue plan, or thinking emergency services can rescue quickly enough.
Why it's wrong: Emergency services typically take 30-60 minutes. Suspension trauma can be fatal in 20 minutes. You need immediate rescue capability.
The fix: Develop a documented rescue plan, train personnel, conduct regular drills, and have rescue equipment readily available.
3. Inadequate anchor points
The mistake: Using scaffolding tubes, pipes, or structural elements not designed for fall protection as anchor points.
Why it's wrong: These may not withstand fall arrest forces (15kN+) and could fail, leading to fatality.
The fix: Use only purpose-designed, load-tested anchor points with current certification. Have anchors inspected regularly by competent persons.
4. Poor harness fit
The mistake: Workers using harnesses that are too loose, too tight, or incorrectly adjusted to save time.
Why it's wrong: Loose harnesses can allow the user to slip out during a fall. Poor fit can cause serious injury even if the system arrests the fall.
The fix: Train workers in proper fitting. Allow time for adjustment. Check harness fit before each use. Consider having harnesses individually assigned and adjusted.
5. Not calculating fall clearance
The mistake: Using fall arrest equipment without calculating whether there's sufficient clearance below to arrest the fall safely.
Why it's wrong: The person could hit the ground or a lower level during fall arrest, resulting in death or serious injury.
The fix: Calculate fall clearance for every fall arrest setup:
- Free fall distance (max 1.5-2m typically)
- Lanyard deployment (shock absorber extends ~1-1.5m)
- Worker height (~2m)
- Safety margin (~1m)
- Total clearance needed: ~6m minimum
Worker strikes ground during fall arrest - inadequate clearance
A roofing contractor was working on a single-story building using a 2m lanyard with shock absorber. He fell from the roof edge. The fall arrest system activated, but there was insufficient clearance.
- ✗No fall clearance calculation performed
- ✗Building was only 3.5m high - insufficient for the equipment used
- ✗Shock absorber deployment meant total fall distance was ~5m
- ✗Worker struck the ground before fall was fully arrested
- ✗Supervisor assumed any fall arrest equipment would work
Worker sustained serious spinal injuries from ground impact. HSE prosecution resulted in £80,000 fine. Company required to implement fall clearance calculation procedures for all work at height.
Fall arrest equipment needs space to work. Always calculate total fall distance including shock absorber deployment. On low buildings, fall arrest may not be suitable - use collective protection or fall restraint instead.
UK legal requirements
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Key requirements for personal fall protection:
- Must follow the hierarchy (avoid height → collective protection → personal protection)
- Must select appropriate equipment for the task
- Equipment must be suitable and properly maintained
- Users must be trained and competent
- Work must be properly planned and supervised
- Rescue procedures must be in place (for fall arrest)
Penalties for non-compliance:
- Unlimited fines
- Imprisonment up to 2 years
- Prohibition notices
- Personal liability for directors and managers
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
Requirements:
- Fall protection equipment provided free of charge
- CE marked and conforming to relevant standards
- Suitable for the specific risks
- Properly maintained and replaced when necessary
- Training provided in correct use
- Accommodation for storage when not in use
Relevant British/European Standards
EN 361 - Full body harnesses EN 362 - Connectors (karabiners, hooks) EN 355 - Shock absorbers EN 353 - Guided type fall arresters (vertical lifelines) EN 360 - Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) EN 795 - Anchor devices
All personal fall protection equipment must be CE marked and conform to the relevant EN standard. Equipment designed for sport climbing or other non-industrial use is not acceptable for workplace fall protection.
Frequently asked questions
Fall restraint prevents you from reaching a position where you could fall - it's physically impossible to reach the edge. Fall arrest allows you to reach the edge but stops your fall if you go over. Restraint prevents falls; arrest stops them after they begin.
Fall restraint is safer because no fall occurs. With fall arrest, you still experience a fall, arrest forces, and suspension trauma risk. Fall restraint should always be used when the work allows it. Fall arrest is only for situations where the worker must be able to access the edge.
No, shock absorbers are not required for fall restraint systems because no fall occurs (the system prevents you reaching the edge). However, having a shock absorber present doesn't cause harm, so equipment can have shock absorbers even when used for restraint.
Suspension trauma occurs when a person hangs vertically in a harness after a fall. Blood pools in the legs, and the person can lose consciousness within 20-30 minutes and die shortly after if not rescued. This is why fall arrest systems require immediate rescue capability, not just 'call emergency services'.
Yes, the same harness and basic equipment can often be used for both, but the configuration differs. Fall restraint uses short lanyards that prevent edge access. Fall arrest uses longer lanyards or SRLs with shock absorbers. The key difference is the length and setup, not the equipment itself.
Measure the distance from the anchor point to the nearest edge or fall hazard. The lanyard length (plus reach distance of the worker) must be shorter than this distance, ensuring the worker cannot reach the hazard. Include a safety margin of at least 0.5-1 metre.
Rescue planning is less critical for fall restraint because no fall occurs - the worker remains at working level. However, you should still have procedures for assisting a worker who becomes distressed or needs help. For fall arrest, a comprehensive rescue plan is legally mandatory.
Typically 6 metres minimum. This includes: free fall distance (~1.5-2m), shock absorber deployment (~1-1.5m), your height (~2m), plus safety margin (~1m). The exact calculation depends on your specific equipment and setup. Always calculate clearance before using fall arrest equipment.
No. Work at height equipment must be CE marked for industrial use and conform to EN 361 (for harnesses). Sport climbing equipment is designed for different loading patterns and is not suitable or legal for workplace fall protection.
Implement your rescue plan immediately - seconds count. Keep the person calm, communicate constantly, and rescue them as quickly as possible (target 5-10 minutes maximum). Once rescued, keep them horizontal (not upright) and seek immediate medical attention even if they seem fine - suspension trauma effects can be delayed.
Next steps
If you're planning work at height requiring personal fall protection, start by determining whether restraint or arrest is appropriate:
Working at Height Risk Assessment Tool →
Review your current fall protection measures to ensure you're using the most appropriate system:
Work at Height Compliance Checker →
If you're not sure which system you need:
Need expert advice on fall arrest vs fall restraint for your specific work activities? A qualified working at height specialist can assess your risks, calculate clearances, recommend appropriate systems, and ensure you're compliant with UK regulations.
Related articles:
- Do I Need Fall Protection? When and What Type
- What is Working at Height?
- Ladder Safety Guidance
- Roof Work Safety
Useful tools: