Personal protection equipment (PPE) for fall protection

Personal fall protection equipment (PPE)

When selecting the right fall protection system, you'll find a wide range of available solutions. A key distinction is between collective fall protection and personal fall protection equipment (PPE). But when should you use each? In this article, we explain the main applications, focusing this time on personal fall protection equipment.

When it comes to working at height, collective fall protection should always be the preferred solution. Collective systems are less dependent on user behaviour, less prone to human error, and generally easy for everyone to use, often requiring little more than a brief instruction.

What is PPE?

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment.

Unlike collective fall protection, PPE is designed for individual users. Personal fall protection equipment requires appropriate training and instruction to ensure it is used correctly and safely.

However, collective fall protection is not always feasible. In situations where collective measures cannot be implemented, the use of personal fall protection equipment becomes essential.

Our specialists are happy to advise you on the most suitable fall protection solution for your organisation. Contact one of our experts for tailored advice.

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Applications: the ABC of personal fall protection

Personal fall protection systems always consist of three essential components, commonly referred to as the ABC of personal fall protection:

• A – Anchor point

• B – Body support (full body harness)

• C – Connecting device (lanyard or connecting system)

A. Anchor points

The first step in any personal fall protection system is selecting a suitable anchor point.

Anchor points are available in various types, which are classified according to EN 795:2012, the European standard for personal fall protection anchor devices.

• Type A: Permanent anchor points (no longer classified as PPE)

  Type A anchor points are permanently fixed to a structure, such as a wall or roof. They are particularly suitable for locations that require regular access, for example for inspection, maintenance, or cleaning.

  Type B: Portable anchor points

  Not every workplace is suitable for permanent anchor points. In these situations, portable anchor points provide a flexible solution. They can be installed when required and removed after use.

  Examples include:

  • Tripods

  • Anchor slings

  • Beam clamps

  Type C: Horizontal lifeline systems (no longer classified as PPE)

  These systems consist of a horizontal steel cable supported by intermediate anchors.

  With basic systems, users must disconnect and reconnect when passing intermediate supports. More advanced systems allow users to move continuously along the lifeline without disconnecting.

  Horizontal lifeline systems are widely used on roofs, inside industrial buildings, and along walls.

  Type D: Horizontal rail systems (no longer classified as PPE)

  Horizontal rail systems serve a similar purpose to horizontal lifeline systems but generally provide smoother movement and virtually no deflection under load.

  For this reason, they are often preferred in situations where users regularly lean on the anchor system or where clearance between the anchor system and the ground is limited.

  Type E: Deadweight anchor systems

  Deadweight anchor systems rely on counterweights rather than structural fixings.

  They may only be used when all supplied counterweights are installed correctly. It is also essential to verify that the supporting structure is capable of carrying the additional load.

  Deadweight anchor systems are easy to install, easy to relocate, and are commonly used for temporary work where permanent anchor points are unavailable—for example on flat roofs or quay walls.

  Please note: a new standard is under development

  According to EN 795:2012, only anchor devices that are not permanently attached to a structure are classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

  Because Type A, Type C, and Type D anchor systems are permanently fixed to the structure, they are no longer classified as PPE under this standard. Consequently, these systems are not CE marked as PPE.

  A new European standard is currently being developed for these permanently installed anchor systems under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).

B. Body support (full body harnesses)

The body support element of a personal fall protection system refers to the full body harness worn when working at height or in confined spaces. Because harnesses are assigned to individual users, they are classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Full body harnesses are available in several configurations, depending on the application.

Basic harness

A basic full body harness is equipped with one attachment point on the back and/or chest and complies with EN 361.

Whether a basic harness is sufficient depends on the type of work being carried out. It is commonly used in mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) or for relatively straightforward work on flat surfaces.

Work restraint / work positioning harness

A work positioning harness features attachment points on the chest and back, as well as two side attachment points at the hips. These harnesses comply with EN 361 and EN 358.

They are commonly used for work on vertical structures such as lattice towers, wind turbines, and cranes, where the user needs to maintain a stable working position.

Sit harness / rope access harness

The most advanced type is the sit harness, designed for rope access applications.

These harnesses comply with EN 361, EN 358, and EN 813. In addition to the chest, back, and side attachment points, they feature a ventral attachment point at the front of the harness for rope access and suspension work.

They also provide increased comfort, making them suitable for prolonged suspension and specialist tasks such as rope access work and technical rescue operations.

Specialist harnesses

In addition to these standard harnesses, there are also specialist harnesses, including evacuation and rescue harnesses.

These are specifically designed for emergency evacuation and rescue operations.

C. Connecting devices

The final component of a personal fall protection system is the connecting device. This connects the user’s harness to the anchor point. There are several types of connecting devices, each designed for a specific application.

Lanyards without an energy absorber (EN 354 and EN 358)

These lanyards do not include an energy absorber, meaning they are not intended to arrest a fall.

They are suitable for work restraint applications, where the user is prevented from reaching a fall hazard, such as when working on flat roofs or from a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP).

Lanyards with an energy absorber (EN 354 and EN 355)

These lanyards incorporate an energy absorber, allowing them to safely arrest a fall. During a fall, the energy absorber deploys to reduce the forces transmitted to the user.

They are used wherever there is a genuine risk of falling and a work restraint system is not sufficient. A common application is roof work.

A twin-leg energy-absorbing lanyard is often used where workers need to remain continuously attached while climbing, for example on lattice towers, wind turbines, or cranes.

Self-retracting lifelines (EN 360)

A self-retracting lifeline (SRL) is installed between the harness and the anchor point.

If the user falls, the internal braking mechanism locks immediately, stopping the fall within a very short distance. SRLs are available in various sizes, and larger models may also incorporate integrated rescue or automatic descent functions.

The most suitable type depends on the application and the work environment.

Guided type fall arresters (EN 353-1)

A guided type fall arrester is used on vertical rail systems or vertical lifeline systems, for example when climbing a fixed ladder without a safety cage.

If the user falls backwards, the fall arrester locks onto the rail or cable, activating the braking mechanism within approximately 10 cm.

These systems are commonly installed on warehouse cranes, lattice towers, wind turbines, tower cranes, and lighting masts.

Temporary vertical lifeline systems are covered by EN 353-2.

Fall factor

Finally, if you use a lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, it is important to understand the fall factor.

The fall factor depends on the position of the anchor point relative to the user's attachment point:

• Fall factor 0: The anchor point is above the user's head. This is the safest configuration and should always be preferred.

• Fall factor 1: The anchor point is approximately at shoulder or harness attachment height. In the event of a fall, the user falls approximately the length of the lanyard.

• Fall factor 2: The anchor point is located at foot level. In this situation, the user can fall approximately twice the length of the lanyard before the fall arrest system engages. This is the least favourable configuration and should be avoided whenever possible.