Fall Protection Explained: Harnesses, Lanyards, Anchors and Rescue
Falls from height are one of the leading causes of death at work, on construction sites and everywhere else. A harness alone does not prevent them. Fall protection is a system, and it only works when every part of it is right: the anchor, the harness, the connection between them, the space below, and a plan to get the worker down.
The short answer: remember A–B–C: an Anchor strong enough to hold a fall (EN 795), a full Body harness (EN 361), and a Connector between them: an energy-absorbing lanyard (EN 355) where there is plenty of space below, or a retractable fall arrester (EN 360) where there is not. Then plan the rescue before anyone goes up.
First: can the fall be prevented?
Harnesses are the last line of defence. Before choosing one, check whether the work can be done from the ground, from a scaffold or mobile platform with guardrails, or with edge protection. A guardrail protects everyone, all the time, without relying on each worker clipping on. Your site rules decide the height at which fall protection is required, and many sites use 2 metres.
The A–B–C of fall arrest
| Part | What it does | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor | The fixed point the system is attached to | EN 795 |
| Body harness | Spreads the force of a fall across the thighs, hips and chest | EN 361 |
| Connector | Links the harness to the anchor and absorbs the shock | EN 355 (lanyard), EN 360 (retractable), EN 362 (hooks and karabiners) |
Anchor
The anchor must be strong enough to hold a falling worker, and EN 795 anchors are tested to at least 12 kN for one person. Beams, purpose-made anchor points and certified slings are suitable. Handrails, pipes, ladders and scaffold tubes not designed for it are not. Place the anchor above the worker whenever possible: it shortens the fall and reduces dangerous swinging.
Body harness
Only a full body harness (EN 361) may be used to stop a fall. Attach to the back (dorsal) D-ring for fall arrest, or to front loops marked "A" where the manufacturer allows. Adjust it so you can fit a flat hand, but not a fist, under the leg straps. A loose harness can let the worker slip out.
A work positioning belt (EN 358) holds a worker in place, for example on a pole, so they can use both hands. It is not fall arrest and must be used with a harness and a separate fall-arrest line.
Connector: lanyard or retractable?
An energy-absorbing lanyard (EN 355) has a pack that tears open in a fall to cut the force on the body. It needs a lot of space below to work.
A retractable fall arrester (EN 360) works like a seatbelt: the line follows the worker and locks within a short distance in a fall. It needs much less clearance and gives more freedom to move.
Fall clearance: the most common mistake
A worker on a 2-metre energy-absorbing lanyard needs about 6 metres of clear space below the anchor, roughly:
- 2 m lanyard length;
- up to 1.75 m for the energy absorber to open;
- about 1.5 m from the D-ring to the worker's feet;
- about 1 m safety margin.
If the floor, a lower level or machinery is closer than that, the worker hits it before the lanyard stops them. On low structures, roofs of a single storey and the first few metres of any climb, use a retractable fall arrester instead.
Browse harnesses, lanyards and fall arresters
Rescue: plan it before the work starts
A worker hanging still in a harness can lose consciousness from suspension trauma, as blood pools in the legs. Rescue must be possible within minutes, not after waiting for outside help. For every job at height, decide in advance:
- who will carry out the rescue, and are they trained;
- what equipment they will use: a rescue tripod and winch (EN 1496) for confined spaces and shafts, or a descender (EN 341) for lowering;
- how the alarm will be raised.
See the working at height guide and construction PPE.
Inspection and replacement
- Before every use: the worker checks webbing for cuts, burns, fraying and chemical damage, stitching, buckles, the D-ring, the absorber pack, and the label.
- At least every 12 months: a detailed inspection by a competent person (EN 365), recorded for each item. Hot, dusty or chemical sites may need more frequent checks.
- After any fall: take the harness, lanyard and connectors out of service, even if they look fine.
- Store clean, dry and out of the sun, since UV weakens webbing.
Special cases
- Electrical work: use a dielectric harness with non-conductive fittings.
- Rope access and descent: systems to EN 12841 and EN 341 need specific training.
- Confined spaces: a tripod and winch over the opening, with a harness on the worker before they enter.
Questions buyers ask us
Can I use a belt instead of a harness?
No. A belt cannot be used to arrest a fall. It can cause serious internal injuries and the worker can slip out. Use a full body harness.
How long does a harness last?
Follow the manufacturer's maximum life, and retire it sooner if inspection finds damage. Heat and sun in Egypt shorten webbing life, so storage matters.
Can two workers share one anchor?
Only if the anchor is rated for two people. Each worker needs their own lanyard or fall arrester.
Buying for a team
A complete kit per worker is a harness plus a connector suited to the clearance on your site, with anchors and a rescue kit for the team. Send us your site details through For Companies and we will quote within 24 working hours, with bulk prices from 20 pieces.