Fall Arrest Systems for Construction & Other Industries

Fall Arrest Systems for Construction & Other Industries

Webb-Rite Safety is a dedicated provider of high-quality, dependable fall protection equipment and systems. For over 20 years, we have provided superior fall protection systems to customers in both large- and small-scale work sites.

Regardless of the size of your project, the safety of your workers is our priority! We offer a range of services to ensure our customers have the fall protection they need, from state-of-the art design and engineering to precision manufacturing and reliable installation.

Webb-Rite offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge fall protection equipment and systems, including everything from harnesses, lanyards, and hooks to fully customized arrest systems. Our highly knowledgeable team of designers, engineers, and specialists can help you design the perfect system to ensure the safety of your work site.

What’s the Difference Between Fall Arrest System and Fall Restraint System?

A fall arrest system will stop a person when they are already falling; a fall restraint system, on the other hand, is engineered to keep people from falling in the first place.

Fall arrest systems will usually include one or more anchor points to which you can attach a lifeline or lanyard. The lifeline is attached to an individual’s harness and catches them if they happen to fall. This allows workers greater freedom of movement that might not be available with fall protection systems—but it can leave them vulnerable to potential injuries caused during the arrest.

Fall restraint systems, usually use a lanyard, harness, and anchor to keep people from getting too close to dangerous edges. They work like a horizontal staked tie-out by anchoring workers to a surface and keeping them within range of the tether. Workers can work comfortably without worrying about accidentally falling over an edge.

Which Is Safer, Fall Restraint or Fall Arrest Equipment?

Depending on the jobsite and intended application, a fall arrest system might be the only viable option because it lets workers travel across more surface area. It also makes it easier to work alongside the edges of a structure, and it’s possible to use on ladders and in locations that are narrow.

However, it’s always safer to prevent a fall rather than to arrest it. Even with the highest quality fall arrest equipment, a worker can become injured during the arresting process. When either system will work for the environment, fall restraint systems are preferable over fall arrest equipment to maximize worksite safety.

OSHA Guidelines for Using Fall Arrest Systems

OSHA offers a set of regulations for fall arrest systems to ensure workers stay as safe as possible. Fall arrest systems must adhere to weight, force, and impact guidelines. Additionally, OSHA has operational guidelines, including the following:

• In the event of a fall, the employee must be rescued promptly, and the arrest system must be immediately removed. A technician must inspect the equipment before resuming use.
• Systems should also be inspected regularly for damage and wear, and defective or deteriorated components have to be removed and replaced.
• Arrest systems must not be attached to guardrails or hoists.
• Arrest systems need to be adjusted to prevent workers from going past the edge of the work surface in hoisting applications

3 Main Components of a Fall Arrest System

Fall arrest systems consist of three major components:

• Harness: The harness is used to support an individual’s body in the event of a fall.
• Connecting Device: The harness is connected to a self-retracting lifeline or lanyard, which is used to stop a person’s fall at a specific distance, based on OSHA guidelines.
• Anchor: The connecting device links the harness to a solid anchor that can support the force of a person’s body, in the event of a fall.

Equipment Available at Webb-Rite Safety

At Webb-Rite, we pride ourselves on providing workplace safety solutions for customers in a broad range of industries. Our selection of fall arrest equipment and fall protection systems include:

Horizontal Lifelines

Webb-Rite’s horizontal lifelines are cost-effective for projects of any size and can be used to arrest or prevent falls. They are low-profile and easy to install, and they can be tailored to meet the particular needs of your work area. On the most basic level, horizontal lifelines consist of a cable attached to a series of anchors in fall-risk areas, such as high platforms, outdoor construction sites, rooftops, and bridges.

Vertical Systems

Our top-of-the-line vertical systems are specifically designed to assist workers in climbing applications. Webb-Rite offers both VertLine and Ladder Rail vertical systems to support workers during ascent and descent. The VertLine system features vertical cable and corrosion-resistant components that attach at the top and bottom of the line for secure, hands-free support. The Ladder Rail vertical system uses a lightweight trolley with a dynamic brake. The trolley design allows the user to connect to the system at multiple points along the rail.

Rigid Rail Systems

Webb-Rite offers a patented Webb-Rail system which uses an enclosed track for protection from the elements. It is useful for both indoor and outdoor applications, and it’s usually composed of a wheeled trolley with sealed bearings for smooth mobility along the rail system. It is available in both Trolley-Beam and Motorized designs.

Tie-Back Anchors

Webb-Rite’s tie-back anchors offer a reliable permanent anchor for a variety of suspended access applications. They are manufactured using hot-dip galvanized mild carbon steel in accordance with ASTM A123 standards, for a highly durable and weatherproof anchor. They are capable of withstanding stationary loads up to 5,000 lbs. in all directions, and they range in size from 12″ to 36″.

Choose Reliable Fall Protection Systems From Webb-Rite Safety

Webb-Rite Safety is committed to providing top-quality, reliable fall protection and fall arrest systems for customers around the world. Whether you need a simple horizontal lifeline or a complex motorized rail system, Webb-Rite has the expertise to create a system that’s tailored to your specifications. To learn more about how our fall arrest equipment and fall protection systems can improve your worksite safety, contact us today.