24 Jun 2026
WHERE SHOULD A SHOCK ARRESTOR BE INSTALLED?
When working at height, understanding where to fit a shock arrestor is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant fall protection system. A shock arrestor, often referred to as a fall arrest shock absorber or energy absorbing lanyard component, is designed to reduce the forces generated during a fall and help protect both the user and the anchorage system.
However, even the best fall arrest equipment can be compromised if it is installed incorrectly.
So, where should a shock arrestor be installed? In most applications, it should be positioned as close to the anchor point as possible and ideally above the user. This helps minimise free-fall distance, reduce arrest forces and improve the effectiveness of the overall fall arrest system.
As part of a complete work-at-height solution, shock absorbers are commonly used alongside harnesses, lanyards, anchor devices and other fall arrest and restraint gear.
What Is a Shock Arrestor?
A shock arrestor is an energy-absorbing device used within a fall arrest system. Its primary purpose is to reduce the impact forces generated when a worker experiences a fall.
Without a shock absorber, those forces can be transmitted directly to the worker, harness and anchor point, potentially increasing the risk of serious injury and equipment damage.
Shock arrestors are commonly found in:
- Energy absorbing lanyards
- Shock absorbing lanyards
- Fall arrest systems
- Personal fall arrest equipment
- Some fall arrest block systems
- Other fall arrest and restraint gear
By controlling and dissipating fall energy, a shock arrestor helps create a safer and more effective fall protection solution.
🛡️ Shop our reliable range of fall arrest and restraint gear
Where Should a Shock Arrestor Be Installed?
The exact installation position will depend on the manufacturer's instructions and the type of equipment being used. However, there are several best-practice principles that apply across most fall arrest systems.
Install as Close to the Anchor Point as Possible
In many applications, a shock arrestor should be positioned as close to the anchor point as practical. This helps limit free-fall distance and allows the shock absorber to perform effectively when a fall occurs.
Reducing free-fall distance is one of the most important factors in fall protection. The shorter the fall, the lower the forces generated during fall arrest.
Installing the shock absorber near the anchorage point can also help improve system efficiency and assist with fall clearance calculations.
Position the Anchorage Above the User
Wherever possible, fall arrest systems should be connected to an anchor point located above the worker.
An overhead anchor point helps:
- Minimise free-fall distance
- Reduce arrest forces
- Lower the risk of swing falls
- Improve overall fall protection performance
- Increase available fall clearance
This is why many work-at-height specialists recommend overhead anchorage whenever site conditions allow.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions
While general guidance is useful, every fall arrest system should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Installation requirements may vary depending on whether the shock absorber is being used with:
- An energy absorbing lanyard
- A shock absorbing lanyard
- A fall arrest block
- A self-retracting lifeline (SRL)
- A horizontal lifeline system
- A vertical safety system
Following the manufacturer's guidance ensures the equipment performs as tested and certified.
Common Mistakes When Fitting a Shock Arrestor
Incorrect installation can significantly reduce the effectiveness of a fall arrest system.
Some of the most common mistakes include:
Connecting Below Foot Level
Anchoring below the user's feet increases free-fall distance and can dramatically increase arrest forces.
Allowing Excessive Slack
Extra slack means a longer fall before the system engages, increasing the load placed on the user and equipment.
Using Incompatible Components
Harnesses, connectors, lanyards, fall arrest blocks and shock absorbers should always be compatible and used according to manufacturer recommendations.
Ignoring Fall Clearance Requirements
A complete fall protection system must provide adequate clearance below the worker to prevent impact with lower levels, structures or equipment.
Failing to Inspect Equipment
All fall arrest and restraint equipment should be inspected before use and maintained in accordance with relevant regulations and manufacturer guidance.
Shock Arrestors and Fall Arrest Blocks
Many people searching for where should a shock arrestor be installed are also using fall arrest blocks as part of their height safety system.
A fall arrest block, also known as a self-retracting lifeline (SRL), automatically extends and retracts as the user moves. If a fall occurs, the braking mechanism activates rapidly to arrest the fall.
Some fall arrest blocks include integrated energy absorption technology within the unit itself, while others rely on separate shock-absorbing components depending on the application and working environment.
Understanding whether your fall arrest block incorporates energy absorption is important when designing a compliant fall protection system.
Choosing the Right Fall Arrest and Restraint Equipment
Correct installation is only one part of effective fall protection. Selecting the right equipment for the task is equally important.
When choosing fall arrest and restraint gear, consider:
- Working height
- Anchor point location
- Available fall clearance
- User weight limits
- Environmental conditions
- Inspection requirements
- Rescue planning considerations
A complete fall protection system will typically include a suitable anchor point, harness, connector and fall arrest device. The equipment selected should always be suitable for the specific task and working environment.
Whether you require a fall arrest block, energy absorbing lanyard, shock absorbing lanyard, harness or anchorage device, using the correct equipment helps improve safety and maintain compliance when working at height.
Building a Safer Fall Arrest System
If you're wondering where to fit a shock arrestor, the general rule is to position it as close to the anchor point as possible and, wherever practical, use an anchor point above the worker.
Correct installation helps reduce free-fall distance, minimise arrest forces and improve the overall performance of your fall arrest system.
Combined with suitable fall arrest equipment, regular inspections and proper training, a correctly installed shock absorber plays an important role in protecting workers at height and maintaining a safer working environment.
To build a complete and compliant work-at-height safety system, explore our full range of fall arrest and restraint gear, including harnesses, lanyards, fall arrest blocks and anchorage solutions.
