Fall Arrest, Suspension and Rescue
Restraint, arrest, anchors, compatibility, clearance, inspection, suspension harm and recovery.
How to prepare for SMSTS
Connect each legal and technical topic to a manager's planning, communication, verification and learning decisions, then practise the resource-timing and two-mark focus-area boundaries.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Work restraint that prevents reaching a fall edge is preferable to arresting a fall where suitable.
Exam cue: Calculate fall distance and clearance for the actual system.
Concept 2
Fall-arrest systems require compatible components, suitable anchors, enough clearance and competent inspection.
Exam cue: Protect anchors and connectors from misuse or substitution.
Concept 3
A suspended person needs prompt planned recovery; calling emergency services alone is not a complete rescue plan.
Exam cue: Rehearse rescue with available people and equipment.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Assuming any lanyard and anchor are compatible.
Guardrail: Do not use a signed form, course certificate or personal experience as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Ignoring swing-fall and edge risks.
Guardrail: Do not use a signed form, course certificate or personal experience as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Planning rescue only after a fall.
Guardrail: Do not use a signed form, course certificate or personal experience as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Memory anchors
Restraint Before Arrest
Prevent reaching the fall where practicable.
Anchor, Clearance, Compatibility
The whole system must work together.
Arrest Is Not Rescue
Stopping the fall does not end the emergency.
Rescue Before Rise
Plan recovery before exposure.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
What is Pass Harbor?
Completely free exam prep for 247 UK exams.
- Practice questions
- Flashcards
- Study guides
- Mock exams
- No registration
- No paywall
- Start instantly
“No more expensive exam prep. Quality study tools should be accessible to everyone.”