Fall arrest refers to which of the following definitions?

Fall arrest refers to which of the following definitions?

• A. A system that stops a fall once it has started
• B. A system that prevents a fall from happening
• C. A device used to slow a fall
• D. A barrier that prevents access to edges

Answer: (A)

Fall arrest is a system designed to stop a fall after it has started. It uses a full‑body harness connected to a securely rated anchor via a lanyard or deceleration device, often with an energy absorber, so the fall is brought to a controlled stop and forces on the worker stay within safe limits. This distinguishes it from fall prevention, which aims to keep a fall from happening in the first place through barriers, guardrails, and safe work practices. It’s also not simply about slowing a fall or about a barrier that prevents edge access; those describe different approaches. In backstage practice, fall arrest is used when the fall hazard can’t be eliminated but its consequences can be controlled by stopping the fall promptly and safely.

Fall arrest is a system designed to stop a fall after it has started. It uses a full‑body harness connected to a securely rated anchor via a lanyard or deceleration device, often with an energy absorber, so the fall is brought to a controlled stop and forces on the worker stay within safe limits. This distinguishes it from fall prevention, which aims to keep a fall from happening in the first place through barriers, guardrails, and safe work practices. It’s also not simply about slowing a fall or about a barrier that prevents edge access; those describe different approaches. In backstage practice, fall arrest is used when the fall hazard can’t be eliminated but its consequences can be controlled by stopping the fall promptly and safely.