Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, even for public works employees who may work on roofs, ladders, elevated platforms, pump stations, bridges, or the beds of large trucks. Understanding fall protection systems, how to use a personal fall arrest system (PFAS), and the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest is essential for preventing serious injury. This guide provides a clear overview for crews who work at heights or near edges.
By the end of this training, workers should be able to:
• Understand when fall protection is required.
• Identify the components of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
• Explain the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest.
• Inspect harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points.
• Use fall protection systems correctly and safely.
• Recognize fall hazards and take preventive measures.
• Full body harness
• Lanyards (shock absorbing and restraint type)
• Self retracting lifeline (SRL)
• Anchors or anchor point examples
• Damaged or worn components for inspection practice
• Handouts summarizing PFAS inspection steps
"Good morning everyone. Today we are covering fall protection basics. Falls can happen quickly and without warning, and even short distances can lead to serious injuries. We will talk about when fall protection is required, the equipment we use, and how to inspect and use it correctly. Understanding the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest is important for choosing the right system for the job. Our goal is to prevent falls before they happen."
• Working near unprotected edges
• Climbing on trucks, tanks, or equipment
• Working at heights without proper anchorage
• Using damaged or improperly adjusted harnesses
• Anchoring to non structural or unsafe points
• Inadequate clearance for a fall arrest system
• Weather conditions increasing slip risk
Know when fall protection is required. Use fall protection at heights specified by OSHA or local policy.
Understand PFAS components:
• Full body harness
• Lanyard or self retracting lifeline
• Certified anchor point capable of supporting required loads
Fall restraint vs. fall arrest:
• Fall restraint prevents a worker from reaching an edge. It stops the fall before it occurs.
• Fall arrest stops a fall after it begins. It requires adequate clearance, energy absorption, and proper anchorage.
Harness use:
• Adjust harness snugly, with chest strap at mid chest.
• D ring should sit between the shoulder blades.
• Ensure leg straps are secure and not twisted.
Selecting and using anchors:
• Use only rated anchor points.
• Never anchor to pipes, railings, or equipment handles.
• Use manufacturer approved anchor devices when needed.
Lanyards and SRLs:
• Use shock absorbing lanyards for fall arrest.
• Use fixed length lanyards for restraint systems.
• SRLs reduce fall distance and are ideal for vertical movement.
Ensure proper fall clearance. Verify that total fall distance, including deceleration, will not allow the worker to contact lower levels.
Keep work surfaces clean and dry. Reduce slip hazards when working at heights or near edges.
Never modify fall protection equipment. Do not tie knots, extend components, or alter harnesses or lanyards.
Remove equipment from service if damaged or after a fall event.
• Demonstrate proper donning and adjustment of a full body harness.
• Show the correct placement of the D ring and chest strap.
• Demonstrate the difference between a restraint lanyard and a fall arrest lanyard.
• Show how to connect to a certified anchor point.
• Demonstrate calculating fall clearance for a fall arrest system.
• Walk the crew through a full inspection of harnesses, lanyards, and SRLs.
• Have workers inspect provided harnesses and identify defects.
• Ask crews to demonstrate putting on and adjusting a harness correctly.
• Provide various scenarios and have workers choose restraint or fall arrest.
• Set up sample anchor points and ask workers to determine which are safe.
• Practice fall clearance calculations using typical equipment.
• What fall hazards do we encounter most often in our daily work?
• When should fall restraint be used instead of fall arrest?
• What are the consequences of anchoring to an unsuitable structure?
• How can weather increase fall risk?
• Why is daily equipment inspection important?
Insert your agency specific fall protection plan, required training frequency, anchor point locations, equipment issuance and storage rules, and any OSHA or state requirements that apply.
• Full body harness when required
• Shock absorbing or restraint lanyard
• Self retracting lifeline when appropriate
• Hard hat when working near overhead hazards
• Non slip footwear
• Gloves for handling equipment and anchors
• Fall protection is required anytime workers are at risky heights.
• PFAS systems include a harness, connector, and anchor point.
• Fall restraint prevents falls. Fall arrest stops falls after they occur.
• Proper inspection, adjustment, and anchorage are essential.
• Remove any damaged or worn equipment from service immediately.
What are the three main components of a personal fall arrest system?
(Short answer)
Fall restraint is designed to:
a. Stop a fall after it begins
b. Prevent a worker from reaching an edge
c. Increase mobility at heights
True or False: A harness can be used even if the webbing is slightly frayed as long as the buckles are secure.
What is one thing you should inspect on a lanyard before use?
(Short answer)
Why is fall clearance important when using a fall arrest system?
a. To ensure there is room for deceleration
b. To keep tools from falling
c. To reduce harness adjustments
Here is a job safety analysis for Working at Heights.
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