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Home Fall Protection What's the Difference?

What's the difference between different types of fall protection?

  Fall Prevention Fall Restraint Fall Arrest
How does it protect? Prevents people from reaching the fall hazard by creating a barrier between the person and the fall hazard. Prevents people from reaching a fall hazard through a tie off system. Stops a fall that is in progress through a tie off system.
Equipment Needed No individual equipment Custom fitted equipment Custom fitted equipment
Training Needed None Yes, extensive and ongoing Yes, extensive and ongoing
Inspection After Install and Annually Every Use by the Individual Every use by the individual
Maintenance Annually Must be inspected and cared before and after every use. Must be inspected and cared before and after every use.
Potential for Injury None Mild High
Costs Higher up front costs. Lower initial costs but hidden costs might be: training, equipment maintenance, and setup time. Lower initial costs but hidden costs might be: training, equipment replacement, and setup time.
Burden to Laborer Little to none. Must inspect and properly wear their equipment. Must inspect and properly wear their equipment.
OSHA Preference Preferred because there is the least risk. Better than fall arrest.  
Example Products Guardrails and Skylight Screens
See more products		 A harness and lanyard tied off at a set length from a weighted tie off point.
See more products		 A harness and retractable tied off to an anchor point.
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