A Fall Arrest Plan is not the same as a Fall Protection Plan.

Below is a summary of the most important differences between the two documents:


Fall Arrest Plan

1.Not necessarily documented

2.Describes procedure

3.Contains information on

• Fall arrest equipment
• Rescue equipment
• Rescue procedures
• Medical backup available within 15 minutes

4.Developer does not need to be appointed

5.No competency to draw it up is required

Fall Protection Plan

1.Must be documented

2.Describes policy

3.Contains information on:

• Risk assessment (specific to work at height
• Equipment inspection, testing and maintenance methods
• Medical and psychological examination procedure
• Must contain a training schedule

4.Developer must be appointed in writing, and must accept the appointment

5.May only be drawn up by a competent person

I hope this will assist you in understanding the differences in the two plans when it comes to employees working at heights.