Safety in working at height is achieved not only by using equipment but by selecting the right equipment for the job. Construction, maintenance, energy, and industrial facilities involve different levels of risk, which means the same safety equipment combination may not be suitable for every site.

For this reason, equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, Retractable Fall Arrests, and carabiners should be selected by considering factors like working height, fall distance, and the position of Anchors. The correct combination of equipment creates an effective fall arrest system.

Why Is Working Height Important?

One of the most important factors in equipment selection is the working height. As the height increases, the potential impact of a fall also increases, making the performance of safety equipment more critical.

For example:

• At lower heights, lanyard systems may be sufficient.
• In higher and more dynamic working environments, Retractable Fall Arrests systems may be preferred.

Selecting equipment without properly analyzing the working height can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the fall arrest system.

How Is Fall Distance Calculated?

One of the most critical aspects of working at height safety is calculating the fall distance. During a fall, a worker does not only drop from their current position; the extension and elasticity of the equipment also affect the total fall distance.

When calculating fall distance, the following factors must be considered:

• Lanyard length
• Energy Absorbers deployment distance
• Harness connection point
• Anchor point height

For this reason, fall distance calculations are particularly important in systems that use an energy absorbing lanyard.

Which Harness Should Be Selected?

The most fundamental component of working at height equipment is the harness. However, the same harness model may not be suitable for every working environment.

One of the most commonly used models is the Safety harness. These harnesses:

• Include shoulder, waist, and leg supports
• Distribute fall forces evenly across the body
• Help the worker remain stable while suspended

In some working scenarios, a full body harness or a Full body and Positioning Harness may be more appropriate. Selecting the right harness is essential to ensure that the forces generated during a fall are safely distributed across the body.

Lanyard or Retractable Fall Arrests?

One of the most frequently asked questions in many workplaces is whether to use a lanyard or Retractable Fall Arrests system. These two types of equipment are designed for different working conditions.

Lanyard Systems

• Suitable for fixed work areas
• Can be used as Single legged lanyard or Double leg lanyard
• Provide direct connection to the anchor point

Retractable Fall Arrests Systems

• Suitable for more dynamic working environments
• Keep rope slack to a minimum
• Lock very quickly in the event of a sudden fall

For this reason, the required mobility in the working area should always be evaluated when selecting equipment.

Anchor and Carabiner Compatibility

In working at height safety systems, not only the main equipment but also the connection components play a critical role. Carabiners, in particular, form the most important connection points in the safety system.

When selecting carabiners, the following criteria should be considered:

• Locking mechanism
• Load capacity
• Material strength
• Intended use

Incorrect or unsuitable carabiners can become the weakest link in the entire fall arrest system.

Equipment Certification and Standards

Professional working at height equipment must comply with international safety standards. Certified equipment undergoes fall testing and durability checks.

Therefore, the following factors should be considered during equipment selection:

• Product certifications
• Testing standards
• Material quality
• Manufacturer reliability

Equipment that does not comply with these standards may fail to deliver the expected level of safety.

Choosing the Right Equipment with EKS Work Safety

Selecting the right work safety equipment for working at height requires both technical knowledge and field experience. EKS Work Safety provides solutions such as harnesses, lanyards, Retractable Fall Arrests, and carabiners as part of professional safety systems.

To learn more about the most suitable working at height equipment for your work environment and determine the correct equipment combination, you can contact us.

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