The present invention relates broadly to a fall arrester (10) attached to a user's harness via a coupling arrangement (6). The fall arrester (10) is designed to be attached to a backup rope or safety line (12). The fall arrester 10 ( )comprises a body (14), and a lever (16) pivotally coupled to the body (14). The lever (16) includes a primary cam (18) which is arranged to co-operate with the coupling arrangement (6). In operation, descent of the user urges the coupling arrangement (6) into contact with the lever 16 which pivots to effect braking of the safety line (12) between the body (14) and the primary cam (18). Some preferred embodiments include an inertial cam to initiate pivotal movement of the lever for braking of the rope with the primary cam; a tow cam connected to a tow line which includes a mechanical fuse; a secondary cam connected to the lever whereby panic gripping the rope and the coupling toward one another promotes braking of the rope between the primary cam and the body; an accelerator element to accelerate contact of the coupling with the lever; and an inverted cam to ensure correct orientation of the fall arrester.