Life Lines

Safety devices for working at heights: Guaranteeing protection in every operation.
In this article, we will explore anchorage solutions, fall arrest systems, safety and protection strategies, as well as regulatory compliance and certifications that ensure a safe working environment. It is vitally important to be rigorous and comply with safety regulations for working at height.

Components of a fall arrest system:

Access to mandatory regulations: Technical standards for protection against falls from height.
Anchoring Devices – UNE-EN 795:2012.

Anchorages type A, C and D are not considered PPE according to Regulation 2016/425. Due to their status as permanent, non-mobile installations, they must always be installed by qualified personnel and require periodic inspection, as indicated by the manufacturer, to recertify their functionality. – According to the standard, EN 795 TYPE A anchors are designed for fixed connection to different types of structures. To be type A devices, they must necessarily have at least one fixed anchor point and a structural anchor or a permanent fastening to attach the device to the structure. The fixation can be done by drilling some part of a steel structure, welding a shank, or on concrete elements or similar elements with some type of chemical resin or mechanical type plugs, to which some adaptor piece is coupled on which the anchor point is machined. – EN 795 TYPE B anchors are those mobile and transportable anchors, which are not permanent and are not fixed by means of a structural anchorage. Like TYPE A anchorage devices, they can also be attached to all types of structures. – EN 795 TYPE C anchorage systems are flexible horizontal lifeline systems. They can be adapted to a wide variety of applications and are especially useful where distances between anchor fixings may be limited. – EN 795 TYPE D anchors are those rigid lifeline systems that are constructed of steel or aluminum parts interconnected to form a continuous system to which fall arrest PPE can be attached. – Finally, EN 795 TYPE E anchorages are those consisting of an anchorage point that is attached to a dead weight.

2. Connecting element.
A connection system usually has two connectors or carabiners, one for the anchor point and the other for attachment to the harness, and a linear connection element consisting of twisted rope, kernmantle, webbing, cable, chain or mixed (metal core and textile liner). If it is a lanyard component, it also usually has a length adjustment system. If it is a mooring or double hook equipment, it must incorporate a kinetic energy absorber. Its length should never exceed 2m.
Retractable and double retractable devices incorporate a drum that collects the linear connection element and a self-locking system.
Sliding devices consist of a carriage with a self-locking system in case of a fall, which runs on the rope or cable accompanying the user.

For its selection it is necessary to evaluate the work to be performed and the associated risks. It is critical that the installer provides advice and ensures safety for work at height.

The most frequent elements are:
– Energy Absorbers.
UNE-EN 355:2002. Personal protective equipment against falls from height. Energy absorbers.
Widely used in applications where a fall is contemplated, having an energy absorber mitigates the consequences of the impact received by the operator in the event of a fall.

– Mooring equipment.
UNE-EN 354:2011. Personal fall protection equipment. Lanyard equipment.
These types of lanyards are selected when it is guaranteed that this element limits the operator’s access to the fall risk area. By retaining the fall by preventing it from occurring.

– Retractable fall arresters
UNE-EN 360:2002. Personal protective equipment against falls from height. Retractable fall arrest devices.
It is the generally preferred anchoring element, as it is the most convenient for work due to the automatic cable retraction.
Retractables for short cable lengths are small, lightweight and offer great convenience.
Depending on the application, retractables can be selected for vertical, horizontal, sharp-edged, indoor and outdoor work.

3. Full Body Harness.

UNE-EN 361:2002 for fall arrest harnesses
The EN 361:2002 standard establishes the requirements for fall arrest harnesses used in work at height. This standard aims to ensure the safety and comfort of the user during suspension and arrest of a fall. Some highlights of this standard include: – Anchorage points: The harness must have adequate and strong anchorage points, distributed in such a way as to prevent the user from tipping over during a fall. – Materials and construction: The materials used must be strong and durable, capable of withstanding the stress and impact during a fall. Seams and joints should be strong and secure. – Fit and comfort: The harness must be able to adjust correctly to the user’s body, ensuring adequate load distribution in the event of a fall. It must also provide comfort during prolonged use. – Identification and marking: Harnesses must be clearly identified with information on the manufacturer, model and date of manufacture. The use-by date or useful life of the harness should also be indicated.

4. Rescue System.
RD 2177/2004, Minimum health and safety provisions for the use by workers of work equipment for temporary work at heights.

Due to the risk of serious non-reversible injuries in the event of a fall with a harness system, due to Harness, Crush and/or Orthostatic Syndrome, it is necessary to have a rescue system in place. It should be noted that there is no single rescue procedure. This means that there must be a rescue plan prepared by a competent technician, which contemplates how to act in the event of a fall. Likewise, the materials and/or means necessary to carry out the rescue will be defined in the rescue plan.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the established time period for the revision of a fall arrest harness?
Royal Decree 773/97 establishes that companies must ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is in perfect condition. This implies following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. PPE against falls from height is certified according to specific standards and the EN 365 standard. The latter states that the manufacturer’s instructions must indicate the minimum inspection frequency, which must be at least annual. For details on the frequency of revision of fall arrest harnesses, please refer to the corresponding information leaflet.
For more information on marking symbols and the content of the PPE information leaflet, please refer to the sheet on the selection and use of fall protection equipment available on the INSS portal.
2. Can retractable fall arresters be used horizontally?
Retractable fall arresters are mainly designed for vertical work according to the UNE-EN 360 standard. However, some can be used horizontally if they are certified for this purpose by a specialized agency. To verify this capability, recommendations of the Vertical Group 11 of the Coordination of Notified Bodies are consulted. The UNE-EN 360 standard requires that the manufacturer’s marking and information specify the specific conditions of use, whether vertical, horizontal or inclined.
3. What is the maximum length of an energy absorber with lanyard?
The total length of a subsystem consisting of an energy absorber, including a lanyard, its terminals and connectors, must not exceed 2 m (e.g. connector, plus energy absorber, plus lanyard, plus connector). The maximum permissible length of each energy absorber, including the lanyard, shall be marked on the equipment.