What is restraint?

Working in restraint allows an operative the access and mobility required to reach the leading edge (potential fall hazard) and carry out their tasks whilst preventing them from potentially falling.

Types of Restraint

There are 3 main types of restraint equipment found on construction sites:

• Fixed length restraint – A lanyard of a specific length preventing access beyond the fall hazard
• Adjustable restraint - A line with mechanical adjustment allowing the operative to personally adjust their equipment – for packages where edge exposure is not a constant distance from the anchorage.
• Running line restraint system – A horizontal lifeline used in conjunction with personal adjustable restraint – ensuring the anchorage remains directly behind the operative preventing pendulum.

Restraint versus Fall Arrest

The most fundamental difference between the two methods of work is the fall potential. Fall arrest allows the operative to fall and then ‘arrests’ this fall. Restraint, when used correctly, prevents the fall occurring. Working in restraint significantly reduces the risk of falling and therefore all the issues related to fall hazards:

Height clearance implications – with restraint, height clearance is not an issue as there is no fall to deal with. The problem with using fall arrest equipment is the clear height required to operate, e.g. a fall arrest lanyard clipped at foot level requires up to 6.75m to operate safely. When working between floor zones this is clearly unsuitable.

If a fall is interrupted by hitting the lower surface during the shock absorbing process, the force still left in the system with potentially fatal effects.

Special consideration should also be given where a lanyard is to be used in a situation where it could pass over an edge during a fall, e.g. formwork element, slab edge. There are no legal requirements for lanyards to be tested passing over an edge; as they are designed to fall into free space.

As a result the majority of lanyards, particularly flat webbing, are not capable of withstanding the increased forces created by the acute angle as the lanyard passes over the edge.

Rescue provision and method statements

When using fall arrest equipment on site, the contractor has to provide a suitable method statement detailing rescue provision. By working in fixed restraint, there is no fall to deal with, thus rescue provisions are not an issue. When using adjustable and running line restraint systems, provision for rescue needs to be provided, in the event of operator misuse.

Anchorage

One of the biggest problems in providing fall protection is the provision of suitable, adequate anchorage in the appropriate location. When using fixed restraint equipment the anchorage requirement can be as little as 3 times the weight of the user, typically 400kg because there is no possibility of falling. An example of this would be using a fixed restraint in the basket of a scissor lift.

If there is a 1% chance of a fall, then a fall arrest anchorage must be provided. Fall arrest anchorage points can be identified by a competent person. When using an adjustable restraint and a horizontal lifeline system the provision of suitable fall protection temporary or permanent anchorage point is required.

User comfort

Restraint greatly reduces the load (pull) applied to the operatives body compared to using an inertia reel (fall arrest block).

Work site projects and trades require workers to be trained to achieve a high standard of competence in order to work safely at height. In depth knowledge of the equipment and safety concerns can not only improve an operator’s confidence and efficiency but will also save lives and prevent serious injuries.

Leading Edge height safety training courses are specifically designed for anyone whose job requires them to work at height and involves using the necessary safety equipment required to do this.

For more information visit http://www.leadingedgesafety.co.uk