Question 1

A bosun proposes using a convenient pipe railing as an anchor point for a fall-arrest lanyard, since 'it looks sturdy and is in a good position'. What should the Chief Officer require before approving this?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the railing is a certified anchor point (e.g. rated to EN 795 / 12kN equivalent) or otherwise verified by engineering assessment — 'looks sturdy' is not a substitute for a known rating Visual assessment cannot detect internal corrosion, weld fatigue, or inadequate original design load — an anchor point needs a known, verifiable rating, not an appearance-based judgement, especially given the dynamic forces involved in arresting a fall.

Question 2

What is the fundamental difference between 'fall restraint' and 'fall arrest'?

Accepted Answer

Fall restraint physically prevents the worker from reaching a fall hazard at all; fall arrest allows the worker to fall but stops/arrests that fall before they hit a lower level Restraint is higher in the hierarchy of controls because it removes the possibility of a fall occurring at all — the worker simply cannot get close enough to the edge. Fall arrest accepts a fall may happen and focuses on limiting its consequences, which is why fall arrest (and only fall arrest) requires a rescue plan.

Question 3

Why does a fall restraint system NOT require a rescue plan in the way a fall arrest system does?

Accepted Answer

Because if correctly set up, restraint prevents the worker reaching the fall hazard in the first place, so there is no fall event and no suspended casualty to rescue This is precisely why restraint is preferred wherever the task allows it — it eliminates the suspension trauma/rescue problem altogether rather than managing it after the fact, which is a significant operational and safety advantage on a vessel with limited onboard rescue resources.