Fall arrest blocks are an essential piece of equipment for safety when working at height or below ground, designed to help minimise the risk of injury or sometimes fatal accidents. Working in these conditions without appropriate safety measures in place such as a fall arrest system not only puts your own safety at danger but others' too.
Fall arrest blocks are made up of a retractable lifeline, made from either a synthetic rope or steel cable, which retracts up onto a reel stored within a protected housing. This housing is often manufactured from an anti-corrosive metal but in some cases, they can be made from plastic, like some of our G-Force Arrest Blocks, meaning that they are more lightweight and easier to carry. With portability being a real positive with plastic arrest blocks, one of the potential issues that may occur over time is damage as a result of the conditions that they're exposed to. This may propose a new element of risk as you should never use faulty or damaged safety equipment for obvious reasons.
One way you can combat this potential problem, however, is with a Weather Cover! These handy accessories are designed to protect your fall arrest block against extreme weather conditions and prolong the life of the retractable line. Perfect if you find yourself working outside in an area or country (like the UK) that always seems to be subject to abject weather. Take a look below to see some of the Weather Covers available for our G-Force Arrest Blocks!
Product Features:
. Clear transparent design allows Block to always been seen
. Dimensions - 500 x 335mm
. Suitable for the following G-Force Arrest Blocks: AH210/AH220/WR025/CR30/WR100/CR200/CR250
View Product >
Product Details:
. Dimensions - 500 x 390mm
. Suitable for the G-Force CR300 20mtr, 25mtr & 28mtr Fall Arrest Blocks
**Please note that Fall Arrest Blocks are sold separately** Click below to view our full range of Fall Arrest Blocks.
Browse Fall Arrest Blocks >
For more information on our collection of Weather Covers, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our customer services team today by calling 0117 9381 600 or emailing us at sales@safetyliftingear.com - we'd be happy to help!
There are some important differences between the terms fall restraint and fall arrest, and it's extremely important to understand these differences (and use the correct safety equipment) when working at height.
According to current height safety regulations, you must:
All fall protection systems - including fall restraints AND fall arrests - consist of three essential pieces of equipment: anchors, lanyards and harnesses.
Anchors Lanyards Harnesses
Let's take a closer look at the two different types of fall protection system...
Fall restraints prevent the worker from being able to reach fall hazards in the first place. Fall restraint systems normally includes a fixed-length lanyard connected to a suitable anchorage point at one end and the worker's safety harness at the other. The length of the lanyard is adjusted to prevent the worker from being able to reach a fall hazard. Fall restraint systems are also referred to as work restraint or simply restraint systems.
If you're interested in seeing what equipment is available for those looking to use a fall restraint system, click the link below to view SafetyLiftinGear's range of work positioning equipment and fall restraints.
Fall Restraint Products
A fall restraint system should always be considered before a fall arrest system (in accordance with the current working at height regulations) since fall restraints prevent falls from happening at all. A fall restraint system might also be considered where limited ground clearance is available below the work area. Restraint equipment typically requires less intervention from the worker as they're able to work continuously at a fixed distance from the anchorage point.
Fall restraints are also typically more cost-effective than fall arrest systems due to the fact that shock absorbers are not necessary, and you're not required to have a rescue plan in place for the duration of the work as there should be zero chance of the worker falling or being suspended in their harness.
A fall arrest system provides maximum freedom of movement for the worker - however, in doing so, it also enables the worker to reach a position where an accidental fall could occur. In the event of a fall, the fall arrest system ensures the worker will be caught before descending. Fall arrest equipment must be selected and positioned to limit the distance and consequences of the fall.
When using a fall arrest system, you will need to utilise a fall arrest harness and an appropriate lanyard. Fall arrest harnesses decelerate the momentum of a fall by absorbing the kinetic energy. Fall arrest harnesses are ergonomically designed to provide utmost comfort, both while working at height and in the event of a fall.
When using fall arrest systems, it's essential that you always use the correct equipment. Click the links below to browse the wide range of fall arrest anchors and fall arrest blocks available from SafetyLiftinGear.
Fall Arrest Anchors Fall Arrest Blocks
IMPORTANT: When choosing a fall arrest harness, you must ensure that it is fit for purpose. A fall protection harness that's designed to restrain the worker may not be able to safely halt a worker who has fallen from height. Choose a harness that's specifically designed to be used as part of a fall arrest system.
A fall arrest system should be used where it is not possible to restrict the worker from reaching a fall hazard. Fall arrest systems would typically be used when work needs to be completed on fragile surfaces, or when the worker is required to work over the leading edge of a fall hazard. If a worker is able to reach a fall hazard, fall arrest equipment (e.g. a fall arrest harness) must be used. Following a fall, consideration must be given to the rescue of the worker - leaving the worker suspended in the air for an extended period of time can result in suspension trauma.
If you want to get a better idea of the different types of equipment and accessories available that you can use within your fall arrest system, click on the link below to view our fall arrest products.
Fall Arrest Systems
The law states that when planning work at height, consideration must be given to a full and comprehensive rescue plan. The rescue plan is intended to reduce the risks associated with the worker being suspended after a fall has occurred, and must ensure that the rescue is completed in a prompt and safe manner. There are several methods of rescue available that are specific to the work environment and location of a fall. Here at SafetyLiftinGear, we offer variety of rescue systems to allow the fast and efficient rescue of a suspended worker.
Buy & Hire Rescue Equipment >
By understanding your working environment and the nature of any potential fall hazards, you will make it far easier to select the correct fall protection system.
If you are in need of such equipment, please visit our Fall Protection Equipment page, where we have a fantastic range of fall restraint equipment, fall arrest equipment and rescue gear available to buy and hire.
If you have any questions about our fall protection systems, don't hesitate to contact SafetyLiftinGear today.
Working at height comes with a number of risks and it is of vital importance that you take all the safety precautions you can. A rescue block can be what saves you from falling and injuring yourself, as they protect you from falling to the ground when working at height. The synthetic rope or cable that is wrapped around the reel of the block works like a retractable lifeline, which suspends you in the air in the event of a fall.
All the rescue blocks we supply are designed to be reliable and effective. The last thing you want to do is doubt the quality of your height safety equipment, so we make sure you don't have to. The rescue blocks have a shock-absorbing system that prevents injury in the event of a fall. The high-quality materials used for each rescue block allow them to be used year after year, as the durable cables can withstand strain time after time without eroding or snapping.
Of course, you must be sure to choose a rescue block that suits your requirements, as each is a different size and has different restrictions. Luckily, our extensive range of blocks means we are confident you will be able to find the product you need.
Browse Our Rescue Blocks >
(Lightweight Fall Arrest Block - G-Force)
(Fall Arrest Block with Recovery Winch)
If you have any questions about our range of rescue blocks or any of the other products we have, feel free to get in touch. Our helpful team is here to answer your questions and help you find the appropriate equipment for the job.
Contact Us >
0117 9381 600
