Why Some Fall Arrest Blocks Can’t Be Repaired

“Saving money on day one means very little if the equipment can’t be repaired five years later.”

When businesses buy fall arrest equipment online, the purchase price often becomes the deciding factor.

What many don’t think about is what happens when that equipment eventually requires servicing, repair or replacement parts.

Recently we spoke to a client who had invested around £5,000 in fall arrest blocks. When the equipment eventually needed attention, there was one major problem.

Nobody could repair them.

Jump to:

A £5,000 Lesson in Buying the Wrong Equipment

We were recently contacted by a client who had invested approximately £5,000 in fall arrest blocks purchased online.

When the equipment eventually required servicing, the expectation was simple.

“You’ll be able to repair them.”

Unfortunately, after establishing where the equipment had been purchased from, the answer was no.

There were no readily available spare parts, no documented repair procedures and no recognised support route for servicing the equipment.

Regular PFPE inspections can identify issues early, but only if the equipment can actually be repaired and supported by the manufacturer.

Regular PFPE inspections can identify issues early, but only if the equipment can actually be repaired and supported by the manufacturer.

Why Can’t Some Fall Arrest Blocks Be Repaired?

Not every manufacturer provides long-term support for the products they sell.

Some equipment is manufactured with readily available replacement parts and approved servicing procedures.

Others simply are not.

If replacement components cannot be sourced or there is no approved servicing procedure, even relatively small faults can result in the entire unit being scrapped.

This isn’t because engineers don’t want to repair the equipment.

It’s because doing so safely and compliantly simply isn’t possible.

Learn more about our Fall Arrest Block Servicing service.

Velocity Safety is also an Approved PFPE Inspection Centre, allowing us to inspect a wide range of personal fall protection equipment alongside fall arrest blocks.

Questions To Ask Before Buying Fall Arrest Equipment

Before purchasing fall arrest equipment, ask your supplier:

• Can this unit be serviced in the UK?
• Are spare parts readily available?
• Who carries out repairs?
• Is there an approved service centre?
• Can the equipment be inspected throughout its working life?
• Can replacement parts still be obtained in five or ten years?
• What happens if it fails its examination?

If those questions cannot be answered, the cheapest option today could become the most expensive option tomorrow.

Read our guide on buying safety equipment online.

Final Takeaway

Buying compliant fall arrest equipment isn’t just about today’s purchase price.

It’s about making sure the equipment can still be serviced, repaired and supported years into the future through a recognised provider.

Choosing equipment with proper manufacturer support can prevent costly replacement and keep your workforce protected for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions businesses ask before purchasing fall arrest blocks.

Can every fall arrest block be repaired?

No. Some manufacturers do not provide spare parts or approved repair procedures, meaning replacement may be the only option.

Why can’t some fall arrest blocks be repaired?

Without replacement parts, servicing information or manufacturer support, repairs cannot always be carried out safely or compliantly.

How can I avoid buying unsupported equipment?

Choose equipment supplied through reputable providers who can also support servicing, repairs and periodic inspections throughout the equipment’s working life.

Resources

• • HSE – Work at Height