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:
  • Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs) — often called retractable lanyards or fall arrest blocks
  • Webbing-type fall arresters
  • Wire rope-type fall arresters
  • Mobile fall arresters for vertical lifelines
Each type has a different expected lifespan depending on use and care.

Factors Affecting Lifespan

  • Frequency of use
  • UV exposure, humidity, chemicals
  • Storage conditions
  • 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

  • Inspect before every use
  • Schedule annual inspections
  • Store in a clean, dry, UV-protected space
  • Replace after 5 years, unless certified for longer use
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions

Have questions about choosing the right fall protection system?
Check our Fall Arrester Products.