In the context of fall protection, what is the purpose of a Personal Fall Arrest System?

In the context of fall protection, what is the purpose of a Personal Fall Arrest System?

• A. To prevent slips and trips
• B. To stop a fall before reaching a lower surface
• C. To provide a cushion during a fall
• D. To facilitate self-rescue

Answer: (B)

A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is designed specifically to stop a fall before the worker reaches a lower surface, such as the ground or a lower level of a structure. This system typically includes components such as an anchorage, connectors, and a full-body harness, all working together to restrain the fall of a worker engaged in activities at height. By effectively limiting the distance and impact of a fall, PFAS plays a crucial role in fall protection strategies in construction and other industries where working at elevation is common. While other options mention important safety concepts like preventing slips and trips or providing cushioning, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a PFAS, which is directly to arrest a fall and harness the worker to prevent injury from falling. Thus, option B correctly defines the core purpose of a Personal Fall Arrest System.

A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is designed specifically to stop a fall before the worker reaches a lower surface, such as the ground or a lower level of a structure. This system typically includes components such as an anchorage, connectors, and a full-body harness, all working together to restrain the fall of a worker engaged in activities at height. By effectively limiting the distance and impact of a fall, PFAS plays a crucial role in fall protection strategies in construction and other industries where working at elevation is common.

While other options mention important safety concepts like preventing slips and trips or providing cushioning, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a PFAS, which is directly to arrest a fall and harness the worker to prevent injury from falling. Thus, option B correctly defines the core purpose of a Personal Fall Arrest System.