Types Of Fall Protection Activities : Fall Arrest, Fall Restraint, Positioning Etc

All fall protection can be broken down into two main categories - Active and Passive. A passive fall protection system is the preferred one, referring to a stationary system that does not move or adapt or change when in or out of use. It does not require the use of PPE or active participation from the worker, e.g. Guardrails or Netting Systems.
An active fall protection system which is dynamic and requires the use of PPE is the next solution when a passive solution is not practical. Here are different types of active fall protection.

FALL ARREST: A full-body harness is used to arrest a user in a fall from a working surface, in conjunction with an anchorage and a shock-absorbing lanyard, before hitting the ground. This body device secures a user in a manner to distribute the fall arrest forces over the body parts. For a 100kg user, the max. arrest force is 6 kN according to European standardization [max. 8 kN according to American one].
FALL RESTRAINT: Workers are restrained from reaching a fall hazard. A harness is connected with a fall restraint lanyard, preventing the worker from reaching the leading edge. Compared to Fall Arrest, this is a preferred fall protection solution.
POSITIONING: A positioning lanyard connects the side D-rings of a harness to an anchor to secure a user in place while performing delicate tasks with two hands. It is commonly used in tying rebar, installing a cellular antenna high on a steel pole. A back-up fall arrest system is required
RETRIEVAL: It is one of the most frequent operations found in confined space work where a worker is lowered or raised through a manhole or other vertically-accessible opening. A retrieval line is attached to your harness by a D-ring(s)
SUSPENSION/CONTROLLED DESCENT: Suspension equipment systems are able to lower and support workers for working comfortably in suspension. This system is widely utilized by window washers and painters. A fall arrest system must be used alongside the suspension system.