Back to Glossary
Safety & OSHAaka: PFASaka: personal fall arrest systemaka: fall arrest

Fall Arrest System

In Plain English

A harness and lifeline system that catches a worker if they fall from height.

Definition

A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is a combination of an anchor point, body harness, and connecting device (lanyard or self-retracting lifeline) designed to stop a worker's fall before they hit the lower level or object. OSHA requires PFAS to limit maximum arresting force to 1,800 pounds, limit free fall to 6 feet, and ensure the worker is rescued promptly after arresting a fall. The total fall distance including deceleration must be calculated to ensure clearance.

Example

Ironworkers on the structural steel wore full-body harnesses connected to a horizontal lifeline as their fall arrest system.

Related Terms

Related Tools & Templates

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more than definitions?

Get AI-powered bid alerts, automated form filling, and proposal drafting.

Start Free Trial

© 2026 ConstructionBids.ai — A LaderaLabs Product