Fall Protection

FAQs

• What is fall protection PPE?

  Fall protection PPE refers to personal protective equipment designed to prevent or arrest falls from height.

  It forms part of a wider height safety system that safeguards workers during elevated tasks.

  Typical components include:

  • Lanyards and shock absorbers - reduce impact forces during a fall.
  • Full body harnesses - for safe suspension and even weight distribution.
  • Fall restraint systems - prevent workers from reaching hazardous edges.
  • Anchorage points and connectors - provide a secure connection to fixed structures.

  Each element works together to ensure maximum safety and compliance across all working-at-height scenarios.

• Who needs fall protection PPE?

  Fall protection PPE is mandatory for any worker exposed to potential height-related hazards. 

  It’s used across a wide range of industries, including:

  • Construction and roofing - for scaffolding, ladders, and elevated platforms.
  • Telecommunications and utilities - for pole climbing and tower maintenance.
  • Maintenance and warehousing - where access to elevated storage or structures is required.

  SMI provides tailored solutions for every sector, ensuring teams stay protected and compliant.

• Where to buy fall protection PPE?

  The safest and most reliable way to purchase height safety gear is through a trusted, certified supplier.

  At SMI, you’ll find:

  • Expert support from our technical team
  • Competitive pricing and trade account options
  • Fast, UK-wide delivery for all safety equipment
  • A complete fall protection PPE range, from harnesses to anchors
• What safety standards apply to fall protection PPE?

  To ensure safety and legal compliance, all fall protection equipment must meet strict UK and international standards.

  The key standards include:

  • EN 354 - Lanyards
  • EN 355 - Energy absorbers
  • EN 363 - Fall arrest systems
  • EN 361 - Full body harnesses
  • EN 358 - Work positioning systems
  • EN 362 - Connectors and carabiners
  • EN 360 - Retractable-type fall arresters

  Every fall protection product supplied by SMI meets these standards and carries full UKCA and CE certification, giving you complete confidence in quality and compliance.

  Take a look at our full PPE range.

• What types of fall protection equipment are available?

  SMI offers a wide selection of fall protection PPE to suit every role and environment.

  Our main product categories include:

  • Anchorage points and connectors - ensure reliable attachment at height
  • Full body harnesses - designed for comfort, flexibility, and compliance with EN 361
  • Fall restraint and retrieval systems - maintain safety and allow for post-fall recovery
  • Lanyards and shock absorbers - absorb kinetic energy and reduce impact during falls

  All SMI fall protection PPE is built for long-lasting performance and certified to meet UK and EU safety standards.

• What is the difference between fall protection and fall arrest?

  While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes:

  • Fall arrest refers to systems that stop a fall once it begins, minimising injury through shock absorption and harness support.
  • Fall protection includes systems designed to prevent a fall from occurring - for example, restraint systems and secure anchorage setups.

  Explore SMI’s range of fall arrest equipment to find fully certified options for every working environment.