Safety
Fall Arrest Systems
Select, inspect and correctly use fall-arrest systems when working at height.
Estimated time1 Hour
FormatOnline, self-paced
On completionCPD certificate
Course Overview
Fall Arrest Systems is an online, self-paced awareness and refresher course for electricians, communications techs and trades who work at heights. A fall-arrest system is the personal protective equipment that stops a worker safely after a fall has begun. It is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of fall control, used when a fall cannot be prevented by other means, and it only works when every component is selected, fitted, inspected and anchored correctly.
What fall-arrest equipment involves
The course walks through the system component by component: the full-body harness, lanyard, energy absorber and rated anchorage, and how they work together to arrest a fall. You will learn when fall arrest is required, the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest, why free-fall and clearance distances decide whether a system can actually save you, the risk of suspension trauma after an arrested fall, and the pre-use inspection habits that keep equipment reliable on site.
Who should take this course
- Electricians, communications and solar installers whose work takes them onto roofs, towers, EWPs or elevated structures
- Construction and maintenance trades who use harness-based systems, and the supervisors who plan that work
- Ticket holders who want a refresher between formal training, or teams inducting new starters into height work
How the course works
Delivered fully online and self-paced: one module of about an hour, available anytime on any device. A knowledge assessment confirms your understanding, and your certificate of completion is issued on passing, with CPD hours recorded. This is awareness and refresher training, ideal for induction and keeping knowledge current alongside any practical competency your role requires.
The working at heights pathway
Prevention sits higher than arrest in the hierarchy of controls, so pair this course with Fall Prevention Systems, and for ladder work see Ladder Safety. For the full picture across all three courses, visit Working at Heights Training.
What You’ll Learn
Understand how a fall-arrest system stops a fall as the last line of defence
Recognise when fall arrest is required and how it differs from fall restraint
Identify the main components: full-body harness, lanyard, energy absorber and rated anchorage
Describe free-fall and clearance distances and the risk of suspension trauma after a fall
Outline how to carry out a pre-use inspection and apply the hierarchy of controls
What’s Included
Self-paced online module
Knowledge assessment
Certificate on completion
Approx. 1 Hour
Counts toward CPD
Counts towards your CPD
On completion you’ll receive a certificate recording your CPD hours — ready to add to your professional development record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fall arrest and fall restraint?
Fall restraint prevents you from reaching a position where you could fall, while fall arrest stops a fall already in progress using a harness, energy absorber and anchor – and requires higher-rated anchors and a rescue plan.
What does fall arrest training cover?
Recognising fall hazards when working at heights, selecting and inspecting fall-arrest equipment (harness, lanyard and anchor points), safe use, and the importance of a rescue plan.
Who should do fall arrest training?
Electricians and trades who work at heights – on roofs, ladders, scaffolds, elevating work platforms or near unprotected edges.
Can I complete the theory online?
Yes – the theory component is online and self-paced through NECA Learn.
