This British Standard gives recommendations and guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace to prevent and/or to arrest falls from a height, including systems and equipment suitable for use in rescue. It also gives guidance on rescue of persons working at a height, in the event of an accident.

It is intended for use by employers, employees and self‑employed persons who use personal fall protection systems and equipment. It is also intended for use by designers, e.g. architects and structural engineers, including those who are responsible for the design of safe access routes on buildings and structures, by those who commission work at a height, e.g. building owners and contractors, and by those involved in training persons for work at a height.

The standard is not applicable to collective fall protection systems, for example work platforms and fall arrest nets. It is not intended to apply to personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in leisure activities or in professional or private sports activities. It is also not intended to apply to personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in arboriculture.