When using a roof-mounted fall protection system, it is often necessary to move far beyond a distance of two metres from the anchorage point. For this reason, a standard 2-metre energy-absorbing lanyard is no longer sufficient to ensure safe working conditions.
To overcome this limitation, additional PPE can be used, such as the guided type fall arrester. This system consists of a rope, whose material and diameter may vary depending on the manufacturer, and a self-locking mobile slider connected to the worker’s harness.
The key feature of this device is that it follows the user automatically without requiring manual adjustment during upward movement, while locking automatically in the event of a fall. This significantly improves the ergonomics of the system, allowing the operator to work with both hands free.
Furthermore, the continuous adjustment of the device ensures constant tension between the anchorage system and the harness, improving the user’s perception of the working area and maintaining restraint conditions.
The guided type device falls within the scope of the European PPE Regulation and therefore bears the CE marking. It complies with the harmonised technical standard EN 353-2, which defines its design requirements and performance criteria. In particular, this system is intended for restraint applications or for the arrest of limited falls (less than 60 cm).
As with all PPE for work at height, this device may only be used by properly trained and informed personnel, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Equally important is ensuring operational efficiency through scheduled maintenance and inspections, which must be carried out at least annually, as required by the European PPE Regulation.
