Climbing with Fall Arrest Equipment

Overview

Fall arrest equipment can be used to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, and is often used when preventing a fall from occurring is either not possible or impractical.

In a fall arrest system the user’s primary attachment to the structure is via their hands and feet and equipment is attached to prevent the user impacting the ground or structure, and limit the forces on the user and equipment should a fall occur.

Fall arrest equipment can generally be broken into two categories; Pre-installed systems and personal lanyards. An example of each is illustrated below.

Important Considerations

• Is climbing with fall arrest equipment a suitable method of access for the task?

• Are the anchors suitable?

• Is the equipment suitable?

• Correct use of harness and attachment points

• Fall factors and impact forces should be considered

• Consequences of a fall should be considered

• Clearance distance should be calculated and considered

• Difficulty of rescue should be assessed

• When climbing with twin legged lanyards, never store one of the hooks on a harness d ring – this can impede the function of the energy absorber in the event of a fall

Method

1. Fall arrest lanyards must be connected to the sternal or dorsal (chest or back) attachment point of a full body harness – with the karabiner secured

2. Place both hooks as high as possible on the ladder/structure

3. Climb the ladder, stopping before the fall arrest lanyards reach a fall factor 1 position (roughly shoulder height)

4. Move one of the hooks as high as you can comfortably reach (without increasing the likelihood of falling)

5. Climb the ladder again until the top hook is in or just above the fall factor 1 position

6. Move the lower of the two hooks as high as possible

7. To continue progression, repeat steps 4-5

8. If you find yourself in a situation where climbing cannot continue without exceeding fall factor one, you must be above the calculated clearance distance for your lanyard (See clearance distance)

Work positioning while climbing with fall arrest lanyards

If you need to arrange yourself in a work positioning set up when climbing with fall arrest lanyards, take a device lanyard/cow’s tail around the structure at roughly chest height and connect back to the main waist d-ring (ventral) – securing the karabiner once connected.

The cow’s tail should be supporting your weight, while the fall arrest lanyards should be placed high in case of the cow’s tail failing.

Work positioning could also be achieved using the two side or “hip” d-rings on the waist belt of the harness, using an adjustable positioning lanyard such as a grillion. When using this technique it is important that both side d-rings are used to support the user’s weight. For further guidance on this technique consult equipment user instructions or your instructor.