Retractable Inertia Reel Fall Arrestors

Some height safety applications require the use of a retractable inertia reel fall arrester. These blocks act a lot like a seatbelt in terms of how they operate; they can feed out either a cord or strap to which you are anchored; if you fall, the mechanism quickly locks, preventing you from travelling any further. These excellent systems are perfect for use above ladders and other fixed hazards. Some specialist units incorporate a built-in winch, which can be used in rescue operations to extract injured parties from sewers and other excavations.

Fall Arrest Blocks & Retractable Fall Arrest Lanyards

These fall arrest devices are ideal for both permanent and temporary applications. You can use them in many applications; for example, you can install them at the top of a ladder for use whenever access is required or during roofing maintenance to catch falls before they gain any real momentum.

These retractable type fall arresters feature an inertia reel in a rugged plastic housing reel around which a long lanyard is wound. During regular operation, the reel block steadily releases and retracts the lanyard as required. However, if you slip, trip or fall and abruptly try to draw out the lanyard, the lifeline locks up much the same way as a car seatbelt. This allows these retractable lanyards to catch a fall before it builds up any real momentum.

The ability to quickly catch falls makes retractable fall arrester blocks ideal for use in areas with limited fall space, which would rule out using a traditional shock absorber fall arrest lanyard. We carry a selection of these quality fall protection blocks on the shelf in sizes up to 20m in length.

Example Retractable Fall Protection Use Cases

Building & Construction

When working in areas where you would constantly be adjusting your lanyard to remain safe, a retractable lifeline will always try and stay as short as possible, improving the safety and practicality of your workflow.

Utilities & Rescue

Retractable lanyards with integrated winches can be used in rescue applications to raise or lower incapacitated workers. These are often used in utility applications where workers are lowered into sewers and narrow access passages.

Heavy Manufacturing

When suspended from the ceiling of a factory, these retractable fall arrest systems can be used to safely prevent workers from falling from the machinery they are working on. For example, while maintaining an aircraft wing within a hanger.

Worker Attached To A Wire Lifeline Climbing A Ladder

Access & Maintenance

You can place these blocks at the top of ladders allowing maintenance workers to safely ascend and descend without using a twin tail fall arrest lanyard or similar alternative.

Key Retractable Fall Arrest Lanyard Features & Considerations

Shock Absorber

These are primarily found on fall arrest blocks with a horizontal functionality.

Self-Retractable Lifeline Used Horizontally

Horizontal Use

These can be used anchored to the floor or wall behind where you are working instead of directly above you, and this makes them ideal for use in areas where there is no structure above where you are working.

Fall Indicator On Self Retractable Wire Lifeline

Fall Indicators

Many retractable blocks we provide feature fall indicators. These trigger in the event of a fall, indicating that the fall limiter needs servicing or replacing.

Lifeline Material

The lifeline section of these fall-limiting blocks can be manufactured from either wire rope or fabric webbing.

Size Comparison Of A Small And A Large Block

Size & Weight

When making your purchase keep in mind the size and weight of the block.

Carry Handle On A Heavy FAR0712 20m Block

Carry Handles

Some of the larger fall limiters have carry handles positioned on their side, making them easier to carry to the point where they will be installed.

Winch Fitting

Some blocks come with an integrated winch option, allowing you to lower or raise other workers in a controlled manner.

Block Attached Onto Building With A Steel Sling

Connectors

Ensure that you have suitable connectors to attach the block properly to where you are working. Consider if you need additional slings to fit the block into position safely.

Serviceability

You can send off many of our blocks for servicing to renew their inner workings ensuring they are safe for further use. Remember that you still need to inspect your fall arrest block before each use, as you would with all fall equipment.

Other Fall Protection Systems We Have Available

If you are looking for other height safety protection equipment, you are in the right place; we sell more than fall safety harnesses. Some different categories and products you may find of interest include;

Evolite Skyworker Climbing Safety Helmet

Hard Hats

We have specific ranges for working at heights, including our Linesman, Skyworker, and VISTAlens Dualswitch helmets.

Lanyards

These come in various shapes and sizes and include arrest lanyards, restraint lanyards and positioning lanyards.

Retractable Blocks

These blocks feature self-retracting lines that you can use to limit falls.

Harness Kits

These come with lanyards and bags to keep all your height safety equipment safely contained and together.

Slings

use these to create anchor points around trees, posts and other fixed structures.

Hooks & Karabiners

Within this range you can find the connectors you need to tie everything together in your height safety setup.

Need help finding the right product?

Give our trained sales team a call on +44 (0)1905 794875, they will help you in choosing a suitable system for your needs and will also be happy to discuss discounts for bulk quantity requirements and special delivery need.

Why buy from Start Safety?

We have the full range shown above in stock on the shelf ready to ship out next day, we offer special delivery services and can even arrange same day delivery on many products.