FALL PROTECTION

Fall protection is a category of devices and systems designed to prevent or arrest falls from heights, ensuring the safety of workers operating at heights. These systems are essential in various sectors such as construction, industrial maintenance, roof and bridge work, and any other activity that requires operations at great heights.

Types of Fall Protection Devices

Safety Harnesses (Fall Arrest Harnesses)

  • Description : Devices worn by workers that wrap around the body and are equipped with attachment points for connection to lifelines or fall arrest devices.
  • Use : They distribute the force of a fall over a large area of ​​the body to reduce the risk of injury.

Ropes and Lifelines

  • Description : Strong ropes or cables anchored to fixed or movable points, which allow the safe movement of workers along a vertical or inclined surface.
  • Use : They provide an attachment point for harness carabiners, allowing the worker to move without losing protection.

Retractable Devices

  • Description : Self-retracting rope systems that automatically extend and retract as the worker moves, always maintaining adequate tension.
  • Use : They limit the free fall distance and reduce the risk of collision with obstacles during the fall.

Anchoring Systems

  • Description : Devices fixed to secure structures that serve as attachment points for lifelines and other safety devices.
  • Use : Provide a stable and secure attachment point for personal protective equipment.

Safety Helmets

  • Description : Helmets designed to protect the worker's head from impacts during a fall or collision with objects.
  • Use : Protect against head injuries in fall and impact situations.

Fall Arrest Systems

  • Description : Integrated systems that combine harnesses, lifelines, retractable devices and anchors to arrest a worker's fall in a safe and controlled manner.
  • Use : They stop the fall by minimizing the distance and impact energy.

Regulations and Standards

Fall protection must conform to specific regulations and standards to ensure safety and reliability. Some of the main standards include:

  • EN 361 : European standard for safety harnesses.
  • EN 795 : Standard for anchoring devices.
  • EN 363 : General requirements for fall protection systems.