Norsemen Safety – Fall Arrest Systems & Equipment

Working at height carries serious risks — a fall from even a modest height can lead to severe injury or worse. That’s why the right fall arrest equipment is not just useful — it’s essential. At Norsemen Safety, we provide a full range of high‑quality fall arrest gear and systems designed to safeguard your workforce while working at elevation, across industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy, telecoms and maintenance.

What is Fall Arrest?

A fall arrest system is a type of personal safety protection designed to catch a worker in the event of a fall — arresting the fall before impact and minimising risk of injury.

Unlike fall‑restraint or fall‑prevention systems which aim to block access to fall hazards, a fall arrest setup allows freedom of movement but intervenes if a fall happens.

Core Components of a Fall Arrest System

A reliable fall arrest system relies on a combination of carefully selected components working together:

• Full‑Body Harness — distributes the force of a fall across the body’s strongest parts (shoulders, thighs, pelvis), reducing impact injury risk.

• Lanyards, Shock Absorbers & Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs) — connect the harness to a secure anchor; energy‑absorbing elements slow the fall and reduce force, while SRLs adapt to movement and minimise free‑fall distance.

• Anchorage Points / Anchor Systems — secure points (fixed or portable) capable of bearing the expected load, ensuring the fall arrest system is effective.

• Connectors, Hooks, Carabiners, Lifelines — components that link harness, lanyard/SRL and anchor, all rated and tested for strength and durability.

Fall Arrest vs Other Fall Protection Approaches

In the hierarchy of fall protection, safety experts and regulations generally encourage fall prevention or collective protection (e.g. guardrails, scaffolding, safe access platforms) as the first option — because preventing falls avoids risk entirely.

However, where collective or preventive measures aren’t feasible — for example during maintenance on roofs, towers, scaffolding, confined spaces, or irregular structures — fall arrest systems become essential as a robust last line of defense.

Compliance, Standards & Legal Responsibility

Using a fall arrest system isn’t just about buying the gear: it must comply with relevant safety regulations and standards. Under regulations like the Work at Height Regulations 2005 in the UK, employers and duty-holders must assess risk, provide suitable fall protection, and ensure all equipment is inspected and maintained.

Standards such as BS EN 363, BS EN 365, and the UK‑specific BS 7883:2019 provide detailed guidance on equipment selection, inspection, maintenance, and use — including compatibility, correct installation and regular re‑certification.

Moreover, fall arrest equipment must be regularly inspected. Pre‑use checks should be done before every shift, while comprehensive inspections at intervals (often every 6‑12 months) by a competent person are mandatory to ensure integrity and compliance.

Why Choose Norsemen Safety for Fall Arrest Solutions

• Comprehensive, Certified Equipment Range — we supply full fall arrest systems including harnesses, lanyards, SRLs, anchors, connectors and rescue gear — all compliant with relevant UK/EU standards.

• Expert Guidance & Support — not just product supply, but professional advice on selecting the right system for your environment, ensuring correct setup, and maintaining compliance.

• Flexible Options for Many Industries — whether roofing, construction, telecoms, maintenance, oil & gas, warehouse, or industrial — we can help identify the right system for your specific needs.

• Longevity & Safety Assurance — with proper maintenance, inspection and recertification schedules, the systems we supply remain reliable and compliant long‑term.

Explore Related Safety Categories & Accessories

To build a comprehensive work‑at‑height safety setup, we recommend also considering these related categories on Norsemen Safety:

• Safety Helmets & Head Protection — essential when working at height to protect against falling objects or head injuries.

• Safety Footwear & Work Boots — provides stable footing, slip resistance and protection on ladders, scaffolding, or uneven surfaces.

• High‑Visibility Clothing & Workwear — improves visibility of workers on-site, particularly in low light or busy environments.

• General PPE & Work Gloves — for hand protection and improved grip, particularly important when handling tools or climbing.