Fall arrest system is name given to the group of equipment, components, and systems used to arrest (stop) a fall when a worker is working at heights.

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A fall arrest system should only be used when other methods of fall protection are not available or possible, including engineering controls (e.g., elevated platform), guardrails, safety nets, or travel restraint. Fall arrest systems should:

• be designed to keep the free fall distance as short as possible,

• keep the forces of the fall on the worker reasonable,

• be designed to protect the worker from striking other surfaces when falling, and

• protect from pendulum or swing falls.