What aspect is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of personal fall arrest systems?

Regular inspection of personal fall arrest systems for damage is critical to ensuring their effectiveness. These systems are designed to protect workers from falls by anchoring them securely and arresting their fall if one occurs. Over time, these systems can be subjected to wear and tear, exposure to harsh environments, or even accidental damage during use.

Routine inspections help identify any issues that could compromise the safety and functionality of the system, such as frayed cables, malfunctioning harnesses, or damaged lanyards. By identifying these problems before they result in an incident, workers can maintain a safe working environment and reduce the risk of serious injuries or fatalities associated with falls.

The other options do not address the vital need for safety and functionality in personal fall arrest systems. While lightweight systems may be easier to wear, they don't inherently assure safety. Wearing a fall arrest system only part of the time leaves workers vulnerable during periods when they are not secured, and using these systems without proper training could lead to improper deployment or misuse, negating their intended protective benefits.