Fall Arrester Lifespan: What You Need to Know
When choosing fall protection equipment, safety and durability matter. One of the most frequent questions we get is:
How long does a fall arrester last?
What Is a Fall Arrester?
A fall arrester, also known as a fall arrest device, is a key part of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). It’s designed to stop a fall and limit impact force.
There are several types:
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Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs) — often called retractable lanyards or fall arrest blocks
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Webbing-type fall arresters
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Wire rope-type fall arresters
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Mobile fall arresters for vertical lifelines
Each type has a different expected lifespan depending on use and care.
Factors Affecting Lifespan
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Frequency of use
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UV exposure, humidity, chemicals
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Storage conditions
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Maintenance and inspection history
Standards such as EN 360 (Europe) and ANSI Z359 (USA) do not define exact lifespans, but require regular inspection by a competent person.
How Long Do Fall Arresters Last? Our Recommendation
At Red Wood Enterprise Co., Ltd., we define the service life of our fall arresters as 5 years under normal use. This applies to both webbing and wire rope models unless otherwise specified.
We take a safety-first approach, especially since we currently do not provide after-sales inspection or re-certification services.
User Best Practices
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Inspect before every use
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Schedule annual inspections
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Store in a clean, dry, UV-protected space
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Replace after 5 years, unless certified for longer use
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Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Have questions about choosing the right fall protection system?
Contact us or Check our Fall Arrester Products.