Working at height presents significant risks across construction, maintenance and industrial environments. Employers must implement suitable safety measures to protect workers, particularly where eliminating the risk of falling is not reasonably practicable. Fall arrest bags hire provides a practical solution for businesses requiring temporary collective fall protection without the commitment of purchasing equipment outright.
At Fall-Pac, we specialise in supplying fall arrest systems for hire, helping businesses protect their workforce while managing project costs and operational requirements.
What Are Fall Arrest Bags and How Do They Work?
Fall arrest bags are soft landing systems positioned beneath elevated working areas to help reduce the consequences of a fall. They are designed to absorb impact energy and reduce the distance a person falls, potentially lowering the severity of injuries.
Unlike safety harnesses, which provide personal fall protection, fall arrest bags offer collective protection for workers operating above a designated landing area.
These systems are commonly used during roof truss installation, floor construction and other activities where workers could fall through an unprotected opening.
Fall arrest bags must be correctly positioned, installed and maintained to provide effective protection. Their suitability depends on factors including working height, available floor space and the manufacturer’s specifications.
Why Choose Fall Arrest Bags Hire Instead of Buying?
Hiring fall arrest equipment can offer considerable advantages for businesses undertaking temporary or changing projects.
Purchasing equipment may be appropriate for organisations requiring continuous fall protection. However, hiring allows contractors to access suitable systems for a defined period without investing in equipment that may remain unused between projects.
Fall arrest bags can also reduce long-term storage requirements and provide greater flexibility when working across multiple locations.
At Fall-Pac, our hire options accommodate different project durations, allowing businesses to obtain equipment suited to their working environment.
With competitive hire options available, we provide a cost-effective solution for contractors seeking reliable fall protection.
Understanding UK Working at Height Regulations
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to properly plan, supervise and carry out work at height using competent people and appropriate equipment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) establishes a hierarchy for managing working at height risks.
Where reasonably practicable, employers should avoid working at height altogether. Where this is unavoidable, measures that prevent falls, such as suitable guardrails or working platforms, should take priority.
If the risk of falling remains, appropriate measures must minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.
Soft landing systems, including fall arrest bags, can contribute to this final stage of protection.
However, hiring fall arrest bags does not automatically establish legal compliance. Equipment selection, installation, inspection and site-specific risk assessments remain essential responsibilities.
What Fall Arrest Bag Systems Does Fall-Pac Offer?
Fall-Pac supplies different fall protection systems designed to accommodate varying working environments and operational requirements.
Fall-Pac Polystyrene-Filled Units
Our traditional Fall-Pac units use specialised polystyrene filling to absorb impact energy.
Each standard unit measures approximately 2.5 metres long and 0.644 metres in diameter, providing around 1.61 square metres of coverage.
Manufactured with woven polypropylene casings, these units incorporate protective coatings to help reduce water ingress and improve durability.
Their relatively lightweight construction also supports efficient transportation and positioning on site.
Fall-Pac Air-Pocket Systems
Our air-pocket fall arrest systems use individually sealed air pockets rather than loose polystyrene filling.
Unlike systems requiring inflation on site, Fall-Pac Air units arrive ready-filled, removing the need for workers to manage inflation pressures during installation.
These systems provide an alternative for projects where handling requirements, installation efficiency and consistent product construction are important considerations.
Both options should be selected according to the specific application, permitted fall heights and relevant installation instructions.
Where Can Hired Fall Arrest Bags Be Used?
Fall arrest bags are particularly useful across construction projects involving exposed structural areas and temporary elevated working positions.
Common applications include timber frame construction, roof installation, refurbishment projects and maintenance work.
Specialist industries may also benefit from soft landing systems where conventional fall protection arrangements are difficult to implement.
Fall-Pac has experience supporting sectors including construction, aviation, aerospace, haulage, power generation and film production.
Each environment presents different hazards, making an appropriate assessment essential before selecting a fall arrest system.
How Often Should Fall Arrest Bags Be Inspected?
Regular inspections are essential for maintaining the effectiveness of soft landing systems.
HSE guidance states that these systems should be inspected by a competent person following installation, with a handover certificate confirming correct assembly and positioning.
Weekly inspections are also required while the system remains in use.
Additional checks may be necessary following damage, relocation or events that could affect performance.
At Fall-Pac, our products undergo monthly in-house testing against PAS 59:2014 requirements at our Wigan testing facilities.
We also provide on-site training and inspection support to help businesses understand correct equipment handling and safety procedures.
How Do You Choose the Right Fall Arrest Bags for Hire?
Selecting suitable equipment involves more than calculating the size of the working area.
Contractors should consider the maximum potential fall height, surrounding obstructions, installation space and the duration of the project.
The arrangement must provide appropriate coverage beneath the working area without creating gaps that could compromise protection.
Site managers should also establish who will install, inspect and remove the equipment, ensuring those responsible have the necessary competence.
Discussing these requirements with an experienced supplier helps identify a suitable system before work begins.
Why Hire Fall Arrest Bags from Fall-Pac?
Fall-Pac has been developing fall protection solutions since 2004, combining specialist product knowledge with ongoing testing and manufacturing expertise.
Our UK-manufactured systems are designed for practical site use, with options available for both short-term hire and longer-term requirements.
We offer technical advice, product guidance, training and inspection services, helping businesses make informed decisions about their working at height arrangements.
Our experience across multiple industries enables us to support projects with different operational and safety requirements.
Get a Quote for Fall Arrest Bags Hire Today
Protecting your workforce starts with choosing the right fall protection equipment. At Fall-Pac, we provide reliable fall arrest bags for hire, supported by specialist knowledge and practical guidance to help you meet your project’s safety requirements.
Whether you need fall arrest bags for a short-term construction project or ongoing site work, our team can help you find a suitable solution.
Contact Fall-Pac today through our website to discuss your requirements, explore our flexible hire options and request a tailored quotation for your next project.