Fall protection

Safe at heights: For effective fall protection in the workplace

What is PSAgA?

PSAgA refers to personal protective equipment against falls. It protects individuals working at heights from falling or mitigates the impact of a fall. This prevents severe injuries and ensures workplace safety even during tasks performed at height.

When must fall protection be worn?

Fall protection must always be worn during work conducted above or near water or other liquid substances.
For work in traffic areas (open stairwells or any other types of wall openings), fall protection must be worn at a height of 1 meter or more.
For all other tasks, such as work on roofs or windows, fall protection is required at a height of 2 meters or more.

What different systems are available?

Restraint system

PPE for restraint, which keeps the user away from areas where there is a risk of falling, thereby preventing the fall (EN 358). This includes a harness, a connecting device, and an anchor point.

Fall arrest system

Catches the falling person and must support the entire body so that it is held securely both during the fall and afterwards.

There are four different variants: Fall arrest system with energy absorber (EN 354 / EN 355), fall arrest system with retractable type fall arrester (EN 360), fall arrest system with fall arrester with fixed guide (EN 353-1) and fall arrest system with guided type fall arrester including movable guide (EN 353-2).

What components are there and what are their functions?

Safety harnesses

> The harness consists of straps that encircle the body. Its purpose is to catch the falling person, transfer the impact forces to suitable parts of the body, and then hold the person in a way that minimizes injuries.

> The harness has at least one rear attachment loop, but it can also have multiple loops:

Rear attachment loop: For securing to anchor points above the head or behind the body
Front attachment loop: For securing to anchor points in front of the body
Climbing protection loop: For securing to climbing systems
Side attachment loop: For positioning in unstable standing conditions
Other loops: For attaching tools, carabiners, etc.

Anchor points

Anchor points can either be permanently installed (e.g., steel beams, supports, roof beams, etc.) or portable.

Connecting devices

Lanyard with shock absorber
Consists of a lanyard (max. 2 meters long), a shock absorber, and a connecting element (e.g., carabiner). The shock absorber reduces the impact forces exerted on the person in the event of a fall.
Running fall arrest device
Consists of a rope runner, a shock absorber, and a movable guide (rope). It is a connecting device that moves with the user and stops during sudden movements or at a certain speed, preventing the fall from continuing or stopping the fall completely.
Fall limiter
Is a fall arrest device with an automatic locking function that activates at an extension speed of 1 m/s. Inside, there is a drum equipped with a strap or rope. This moves with the person's movements, allowing a larger work radius. In the event of a fall, the lock is triggered, and the fall is stopped.
Connecting elements
This includes all types of hooks (e.g., carabiners, climbing hooks, etc.).

Did you know that PSAgA must be regularly inspected?

The inspection of fall protection is a mandatory requirement for all users and must be carried out regularly by qualified experts. Additionally, a visual inspection is required before each use. Find out in the HAHN+KOLB online shop how often PSAgA needs to be inspected.

How often do I need to inspect my PSAgA?

PSAgA must be inspected by experts as needed, but at least once every 12 months.

Additionally, a visual inspection must be carried out by the user before each use.

It is also important that training is conducted once every 12 months, or more frequently if needed (e.g., after an accident).

Our PPE specialists are happy to provide advice tailored to the specific needs of your company. Please contact your HAHN+KOLB representative or send us your inquiry via email.