Personal protective equipmentRetractable type and guided type fall arresters

Retractable type and guided type fall arresters

Safety is one of the key factors when working at heights. An employee hanging on the rope or in the harness is exposed to the risk of falling from a dozen or more meters. In order to guarantee adequate protection and eliminate the risk of accidents resulting from carelessness or equipment failure, it’s recommended to use special retractable type and guided type fall arresters.

Retractable vs. Guided Fall Arresters: Which Do

You Need?

 

While both retractable and guided type fall arresters protect against falls, they are designed for very different applications. Understanding this distinction is the most critical step in selecting the correct equipment for your worksite.

 

Retractable Fall Arresters (SRLs)

 

A retractable fall arrester, or Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL), functions like a car seatbelt. It features a drum-wound lifeline (webbing or steel cable) that automatically extends and retracts, following the user's movement. This provides exceptional mobility within a defined work area. The device is anchored above the worker, and in the event of a fall, an internal braking mechanism locks the line, arresting the fall in just a few centimeters. This makes retractable fall arresters the ideal choice for working on platforms, rooftops, or machinery where horizontal and vertical movement is necessary.

 

Guided Type Fall Arresters

 

A guided type fall arrester, by contrast, is designed for vertical movement only. This device clamps onto a flexible (rope) or rigid (rail) anchor line and moves with the worker as they climb or descend. It's the standard solution for safely ascending and descending ladders, towers, and other vertical structures. The arrester is attached directly to the worker's full body harness and will lock onto the line in the event of a fall. These are often integrated into permanent anchorage systems on buildings or utility towers.

 

Ultimately, your choice depends on the connection point. Both types of devices must be connected to a certified anchor device capable of withstanding the fall forces.