Retractable 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.
DWR 040S
DWR 040HV
Podwójne urządzenie samohamowne z możliwością wchodzenia powyżej urządzenia
AC 011 BLOCMAX
Guided type fall arrester
LINOSTOP II
Guided type fall arrester
LINOSTOP II ED
Guided - type fall arrester
CR 110V
Self-locking device for vertical work with and extendable steel cable with a energy absorber and snap hook AZ 002ASI.
CR 255VG
Vertical self-locking device approved for use in potentially explosion-hazard areas.
CR 260HV
Self-braking device for vertical and horizontal operation with textile shock absorber
CR260 V
Self-locking device for vertical work
CRW 310
Fall arrester / Retractable rescue winch
DWR 040S
Double webbing retractor claiming the possibility to go above the device
ROLEX 4
Fall arrester for vertical work
ROLEX 5
Fall arrester for vertical work
ROLEX 6
Fall arrester for vertical work
WR 040S
WR 040HV
Self-braking device for use vertically and horizontally in situations where a fall over the edge may occur.
WR 040MEWP
Retractable type fall arrester for on basket platforms (MEWPs)
AY 070
Steel auxiliary rope for cooperation with self-locking devices.
DT 760
An auxiliary rope designed for use with self-braking devices.
AC 012
Guided type fall arrester
AC 040 SKR-BLOCK
Guided type fall arrester
AC 080
Guided type fall arrester
AC 081
Guided type fall arrester
AC 100
Work rope
AC 200
Work rop
AC 300
Work rope
CR 030
Fall arrester for vertical work
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.
Standards Governing Fall Arresters
Retractable fall arresters are tested to EN 360 or the updated EN 360:2023, which sets requirements for arrest distance, static strength, and braking force. Guided fall arresters on flexible lines must meet EN 353-2. Checking that your device carries the correct CE marking for its intended application is the first step before any deployment. A device that meets the standard for vertical use only cannot be substituted on a task that requires horizontal capability.
Inspection and Withdrawal from Service
Both device types require periodic examination by a competent person, typically every twelve months, and immediately after any fall event. A retractable fall arrester that has activated under load must be withdrawn from service and returned to the manufacturer for assessment, regardless of any visible damage. The internal braking mechanism may have been compromised in ways that surface inspection alone cannot detect.
Weight Ratings and System Compatibility
When selecting a retractable fall arrester, check the maximum user weight rating. Several PROTEKT models are rated to carry up to 140 kg, including clothing, tools, and equipment, which is important for trades where workers routinely carry heavy loads at height. For guided fall arresters, the rope diameter specified in the device's instructions must match the diameter of the anchor line installed on the structure.
Fall protection works as a complete system. A properly selected fall arrester, paired with a suitable energy absorber or lanyard, reduces the peak arrest force transmitted to the worker's body. For work over open voids or confined-space entry, a safety tripod provides the overhead anchor point needed to keep the device properly positioned above the user.
