Basic Restraint – Preventing Falls When Working at Height

When planning work at height, the safest approach is always to prevent the fall from happening in the first place.

Work restraint systems are designed to do exactly that.

Rather than catching a worker after a fall, restraint systems limit movement so the worker cannot reach the fall hazard at all.

In this REAX video, we explain the principles of basic restraint systems and demonstrate how simple configurations can be used to safely control access to edges.

Watch the full video:

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Work restraint is a form of fall prevention used in work at height systems.

The key principle is simple:

The system must prevent the worker from reaching the fall hazard.

This means the lanyard or restraint system must be set so that it physically stops the user reaching an edge or drop-off.

Unlike fall arrest systems, restraint systems do not rely on stopping a fall after it occurs. Instead, they are designed to remove the possibility of falling altogether.

When implemented correctly, restraint can be one of the safest and most effective control measures for work at height.

Practical Steps / Key Takeaways

When using a restraint system, several important factors must be considered:

• The system must prevent access to the fall hazard
• The restraint line should remain tight and under tension
• Anchor points must be secure and appropriately rated
• Equipment must be compatible and correctly configured
• Workers should be trained in how restraint systems function

A common mistake seen on site is allowing restraint systems to become too loose, which can allow the user to reach the fall hazard.

If the system allows access to the edge, it is no longer functioning as a restraint system.

We often encourage organisations to consider restraint systems early in the planning process.

In many situations, restraint can eliminate fall risk without the need for more complex fall arrest systems.

Simple restraint configurations can solve a large proportion of work at height challenges while keeping systems easy to manage and supervise.

Through training and consultancy, we help teams identify when restraint systems are appropriate and how they should be configured to maintain safe working practices.

Need help with your work at height safety?

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