Working at height involves major risks: accidental falls, loss of balance, slipping… These situations can have serious, even fatal, consequences. This is why the use of a fall-protection system is mandatory as soon as a worker is exposed to a risk of falling from height, especially above 2 meters.

Fall protection aims to:

• Prevent the fall (restraint systems)

• Stop the fall safely (fall-arrest systems)

• Rescue the user in case of an accident (rescue and evacuation systems)

A complete fall-protection system is made up of three essential elements (EN 363 standard):

1. The safety harness (PPE worn by the user)

2. The connecting system (lanyard with energy absorber, self-retracting lifeline, etc.)

3. The anchorage system (fixed or mobile anchor point, lifeline, temporary or permanent anchor)

Each element must be compatible with the others and comply with current standards (EN 361, EN 355, EN 795, etc.).

The choice of equipment depends on several factors:

• The working height

• The frequency of use

• The environment (outdoors, ATEX, presence of chemicals, etc.)

• The type of tasks performed (fixed or mobile, need for freedom of movement)

Examples:

• For roof work: harness with energy-absorbing lanyard and lifeline

• For work on pylons: self-retracting lifeline with integrated fall arrester

• For scaffolding: restraint system to prevent approaching the edge

The harness is the foundation of any fall-protection equipment. It must be comfortable, properly adjusted to the user’s body shape, and equipped with suitable attachment points (sternal, dorsal, lateral).

The lanyard must include an energy absorber to limit the impact force transmitted to the body in the event of a fall. Its length must not exceed 2 meters for standard systems.

Tip: choose models with a fall indicator, which shows whether the equipment has already been subjected to a fall.

A fall-protection PPE must be checked before each use. An annual periodic inspection by a competent person is also mandatory.

You must check:

• The absence of cuts, tears, or worn stitching

• The proper functioning of carabiners and self-retracting devices

• The readability of labels and serial numbers

At GazDetect, we offer inspection and traceability solutions for class 3 PPE, as well as personalized support for your working-at-height projects.

Choosing the right fall-protection equipment means ensuring the safety of operators working at height. This involves carefully selecting the equipment, providing proper training on its use, and performing regular maintenance.

GazDetect supports you in selecting, complying with, and maintaining your fall-protection devices, in line with the industry’s most demanding standards.