What is involved in a 'fall arrest system'?

A fall arrest system encompasses a comprehensive set of equipment and procedures designed to prevent falls from heights and to safely manage situations where a fall may occur. This system is critical in various working environments, particularly where employees are at risk of falling while performing tasks at elevated levels.

The core components of a fall arrest system typically include harnesses, lanyards, anchor points, and specialized equipment designed to absorb the energy of a fall and reduce the impact on the person falling. Additionally, the procedures associated with these systems include training, proper use of equipment, and protocols to ensure that all measures are in place before work at height begins.

While emergency response plans are vital for managing accidents when they occur, and regular inspections of equipment are necessary for safety compliance, they are not the primary definition of a fall arrest system. Instead, they support the overall safety framework that a fall arrest system forms part of. Thus, the focus on both the equipment and the procedures to prevent falls emphasizes the system's role in ensuring workplace safety.