Differentiate between 'fall restraint' and 'fall arrest' in theatre safety.

• A. Fall restraint prevents a fall by keeping you from reaching the edge; fall arrest stops you after you fall, requiring a harness and energy-absorbing lanyard.
• B. Fall restraint uses a harness; fall arrest uses a rope.
• C. Fall restraint allows you to fall with minimal impact; fall arrest stops it instantly with no gear.
• D. They are the same concept with different names.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is distinguishing prevention from stopping. Fall restraint is about preventing a fall by keeping you from getting into a position where you could fall—such as a tether or connection that limits how close you can approach an edge. You’re kept on a safe path, so the fall never starts. In theatre, this means choosing a setup that stops you from reaching the danger in the first place, without needing to arrest a fall.

Fall arrest acknowledges that a fall might happen. When that occurs, the system is designed to decelerate and stop the fall using a full-body harness connected to an energy-absorbing lanyard or deceleration device and a rated anchor. The goal is to limit the fall distance and the impact forces, but rescue and proper training are essential because you are relying on the equipment to catch you after you’ve begun to fall.

So this statement captures the difference: fall restraint prevents the fall; fall arrest stops it after it begins and uses a harness with an energy-absorbing lanyard. The other options mix up the roles of gear or imply there’s no equipment, which isn’t accurate.