When we talk about Fall Protection, the image that often comes to mind is a worker using a full body harness, ie a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).

This is actually the last method to consider when you plan work at height. Your first step should be trying to eliminate the fall hazard altogether.

AVOID work at height –– (also called engineering out the hazard) meaning working as much as possible from the ground, using extending tools instead of a ladder, lowering something to ground level before repairing it, or for example using drones to get high vantage points.

This can require modifying the work process or work area to eliminate the need to work at height.

PREVENT a fall using Collective Fall Prevention systems collective fall prevention systems such as guardrails, handrails, ladder cages, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP)...

PREVENT a fall using Personal Fall Prevention systems fall restraint systems, to prevent people getting close to an unprotected area

The logic of the hierarchy of controls favours permanent rather than temporary equipment in collective protection. Similarly, CPE take precedence over PPE.

MINIMIZE consequences of a fall (Fall Arrest)– with a Personnal Fall Arrest Systems using a harness, energy absorbing lanyard and anchor point to minimise the risks and consequencs of a fall (especially the arresting force).

Fall arrest equipment will not prevent a fall from occurring and Personnal Fall Arrest systems are therefore the least preferred methods of working at height.

They should be used in situations where it is not practicable to arrange for the work to be done from a more suited surface, such as fixed or temporary work platform.

Personnal Fall Arrest Systems with limited freefall should be favored. For example working with an anchor point located directly above the head and using a self-retracting lifeline rather than working with a shock absorbing lanyard connected at foot level.