LIFELINES
Do you need to set up a lifeline?
ARS, we can help you.
The installation of lifelines in places with a risk of falls from different levels is essential. Lifelines are often installed in warehouses, on hard-to-access roofs, unsecured stairs, silo covers, sports facilities, building interiors with high-altitude areas, etc., and these are areas where an operator or worker must climb to perform tasks. This installation must have fall protection. Thanks to the implementation of approved lifelines in recent years, serious accidents due to falls from different levels have been greatly reduced.
Which lifeline is right for my installation? As you will see later, there are various types of installations. A glance at these will allow you to know what best suits the installation you need to protect against the risk of falls.
Lifelines are classified into two groups:
Vertical and horizontal lifelines. Within each of these two groups, we find various types of devices that cover almost any area where there are risks at height. Each one with its characteristics and regulations.
Lifeline systems are regulated by a fundamental standard, UNE 795, which outlines the different types of lifelines, requirements for anchors, and the minimum resistance required for homologation.
It is one of the most important standards to consider in conjunction with UNE EN 795 B, C, and D. 795 specifies, therefore, the requirements, test methods, instructions, and marking of anchoring devices that will be used with Personal Protective Equipment against falls from height.
The essential requirement is that all anchoring points, fixed or portable, must be designed so that, once connected to Personal Protective Equipment, they cannot be disconnected unintentionally.
In addition, there are also other rules that refer to fall arrest harnesses, fall arrest systems for work at height, restraint and positioning belts, etc...
Other requirements that these devices must meet are:
-
The design of the line must allow movement throughout the work area so that the user traverses the entire line while connected at all times.
-
The minimum required clearance height free of obstacles must be respected.
-
Angle with respect to the horizontal ≤ 15º.
-
All parts and components must withstand twice the intended force (safety factor 2).
-
Cable terminals closed with "bulldogs" are not accepted by the new standard.
-
Class B and C devices (temporary and flexible), unless expressly indicated by the manufacturer, are not designed for suspension work (vertical work).
-
Devices previously considered type A1 that cannot be removed from the structure are excluded from this standard and are now considered structural anchors.
-
Anchors permanently fixed to the structure are considered parts of it and therefore are beyond the scope of the standard (they cannot be CE marked). However, they can be tested according to EN 795.
-
Devices designed to be used by multiple users must comply with a Technical Specification, CEN/TS 16415.
CONCLUSION
It is worth noting that lifelines can prevent accidents at height, provided that the tests required according to the type of lifeline used are met, in order to comply with their certification. If you are looking to install lifelines, at Atlantic Rope Services S.L. we guarantee compliance with all current regulations regarding equipment for the prevention of occupational hazards, providing installation and verification services, all handled by a team of technicians who will ensure the correct assembly and validation of safety equipment, such as certified lifelines.