How to choose fall arresters and descenders: a complete guide for technicians working at height

In the world of work at height and access by rope, correctly choose the safety equipment it's not just a matter of comfort: it's a decision that can save lives.
Two of the most important devices are the Fall arresters And the descenders. In this guide, we explain what they are, what they are for, the types that exist and how to choose the most suitable one for your professional work.

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El Fall arresters It's a safety device designed to stop a fall in a controlled manner, preventing the worker from impacting the ground or a lower surface.
It forms an essential part of any complete fall arrest system, together with the harness, the rope or cable, the connectors and the anchor points.

Fall arresters allow the free movement during work, but if They lock automatically in the event of a fall or sudden acceleration, reducing impact distance and injuries.

Types of fall arresters and their uses

In EASTAV we have a wide range of fall arresters for different work contexts, with more than 10 internationally recognized brands, among them STEC and PETZL.

Fall arresters for rope

Designed for flexible vertical lines, these devices slide on the rope when the user ascends or descends, but They block instantly in the face of a fall. Ideal for work on rope access, façade cleaning, maintenance and rescue.

Cable fall arresters

Used in vertical lifelines or permanent steel cable systems, very common in towers, metal structures and wind farms. They provide great durability and resistance in industrial or marine environments.

Retractable fall arresters

They work with a retractable tape or cable system which is automatically extended and collected, offering freedom of movement and Immediate blockade in the face of a fall. Perfect for jobs in platforms, roofs, tall structures or industrial maintenance.

Recommendation: Always check the compatibility of the fall arrester with the harness and the life line, and make sure that it complies with the EN 353 or EN 360 standard, depending on the type.

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El Descender It's a mechanical device that allows you to control the descent on a rope in a safe and progressive way. It is used in operations of rope access, industrial rescue and emergency evacuations, providing the technician full control of the download speed and the ability to stop at any point.

In EASTAV We have more than 10 brands of descents, among them CMC, Protecttion and STEC, renowned for their performance and reliability in vertical work and rescue operations.

Types of descenders and their applications

Automatic descenders

They allow a controlled descent with automatic brake system. They are ideal for rescue or evacuations, where safety and control are priorities.

Manual descenders

The user controls the descent by means of a Lever or lever, which allows greater precision and maneuverability. Widely used in vertical work, maintenance or cleaning at height.

Advice: Make sure that the descender is certified according to EN 341 or EN 12841, and always select the model suitable for the rope diameter that you use in your work.