When working at height, every piece of safety equipment matters. A fall arrest system is designed to save lives by cushioning a person’s impact if they fall. It is a vital part of construction and maintenance site safety.
There are two main types of fall arrest systems: air inflated and pre filled. Both have the same goal, but there are big differences in how they work, how reliable they are, and whether they meet industry safety standards.
What is PAS 59 and Why It Matters
PAS 59 is a safety standard that sets out the testing and performance requirements for collective fall arrest soft landing systems. These systems protect people who work at height by reducing the impact when they fall. The goal is to make sure the landing force never goes above 14 g, keeping the risk of serious injury as low as possible.
PAS 59 describes how these systems must be tested and installed, and it ensures that only reliable and properly designed products are used on site. However, it also makes it clear which products are not covered by the standard.
The PAS 59 document states that it does not apply to air or gas filled systems that are inflated or deflated on site. It also excludes any systems with cell volumes larger than 0.5 percent of the module they are part of. This means that air inflated fall arrest systems cannot be certified under PAS 59, which is an important factor for safety and compliance.
The Problem with Air Inflated Fall Arrest Systems
Air inflated fall arrest systems are delivered to site deflated and must be blown up using equipment such as an air blower. The air pressure inside the system is what allows it to absorb impact energy safely. To work properly, that pressure must be exact.
Research from Caledonian University shows that 20 kilopascals is the correct standard pressure for these systems. If the pressure drops below this, the unit may not absorb enough energy during a fall. That could lead to a higher risk of injury or even death. If the pressure is too high, the surface can become too firm and lose its shock absorbing ability.
The real problem is responsibility. Who checks that the pressure is correct every day? Is it the supplier who provides the equipment or the site team who uses it? Air pressure can change depending on temperature or weather conditions, which makes it difficult to maintain the correct level. Without regular and accurate checks, safety can quickly be compromised.
These systems also raise other issues such as the need for constant monitoring, the use of extra equipment to inflate them, and the risk of leaks. All of this makes them less reliable in the long run.
The Benefits of Pre Filled Fall Arrest Systems
Pre filled fall arrest systems work differently. They are fully filled, sealed, and tested before they leave the factory. This means they arrive on site ready to use, with no need for any inflation or adjustment.
Every pre filled system from Safety Pack is tested to meet PAS 59 requirements before it is dispatched. Each unit is filled to the correct level, tested for performance, and inspected to make sure it meets strict standards. Customers are given clear guidelines for regular checks, and a final visual inspection takes place when the product is returned after hire.
This process ensures complete reliability. The system’s pressure stays stable, and there is no risk of under or over inflation. There is also no confusion about who is responsible for checking it because the system arrives already compliant and ready to go.
In short, pre filled fall arrest systems provide consistency, reliability, and peace of mind from the moment they reach the site.
Safer and More Practical for Every Site
On busy sites, there is no time to waste. Workers need safety systems they can trust straight away. Pre filled fall arrest units make this possible because they are simple to set up, require no extra equipment, and perform reliably in all conditions.
Unlike air inflated systems, pre filled units do not rely on air pumps, power sources, or constant monitoring. They hold their pressure, even in extreme temperatures or challenging environments. This makes them perfect for large construction projects, temporary works, and maintenance sites where conditions can change quickly.
By meeting PAS 59 standards, Safety Pack’s pre filled systems also prove compliance with recognised safety regulations. This is important not just for worker protection but also for demonstrating that a company is following the correct legal and industry guidelines.
Why Safety Pack is the Smarter Choice
Safety Pack has built its reputation on quality, safety, and reliability. Every fall arrest product is designed with careful attention to detail and tested to meet or exceed the required standards.
By choosing Safety Pack’s pre filled fall arrest systems, you are choosing equipment that arrives on site fully prepared, fully compliant, and ready for immediate use. There is no guesswork and no complicated setup process. Everything is managed to ensure the highest possible level of protection.
This commitment to safety helps reduce risks, saves time, and improves confidence for everyone working at height. It also means you can focus on the job knowing your safety system is performing as it should.
The Clear Choice for Safer Work at Height
When comparing air inflated and pre filled fall arrest systems, the choice is simple. Air inflated systems depend on perfect inflation, constant checking, and careful maintenance. Pre filled systems, like those supplied by Safety Pack, arrive ready to use, have been tested to the PAS 59 standard, and offer consistent, reliable performance.
They remove uncertainty, reduce setup time, and give workers the protection they deserve. If you are serious about keeping your site safe, choose the solution that never cuts corners.
Contact Safety Pack today to find out more about our fully compliant fall arrest systems and discover how we can help you make your site safer for everyone.