Do I Need Less Clearance When Using a Fall Arrest Block?

Understanding Clearance Requirements for Fall Arrest Blocks

The clearance required to the ground when using a fall arrest block depends on the specific equipment and its features, such as whether it includes a shock absorber. Here's how to calculate the clearance needed:

Fall Arrest Block Without Shock Absorber:

A fall arrest block without a shock absorber operates similarly to a car seat belt, meaning it will activate and stop the fall after approximately 400 mm of movement, provided it is used correctly.

You will also need to account for an additional 1 meter of clearance below your feet for extra safety.

Fall Arrest Block With Shock Absorber:

For fall arrest blocks with a shock absorber, the clearance calculation is the same as above, but you must also include the length of the deployed shock absorber. This information should be provided by the manufacturer.

In general, a fall arrest block may allow you to work in areas with less clearance compared to using a fall arrest lanyard. However, if there is any doubt about the specific requirements for your equipment, it is always best to consult the manufacturer for precise information.

Key points:

Fall arrest block without shock absorber: Requires 400 mm to activate and 1 meter of clearance below the user.

Fall arrest block with shock absorber: Requires the same clearance as above, plus the length of the deployed shock absorber (provided by the manufacturer).

Fall arrest blocks may require less clearance than fall arrest lanyards.

Always consult the manufacturer if unsure about clearance requirements.

If you need further support, please contact our Technical Support Team using the email: technical@jspsafety.com or contact us via our WhatsApp.


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