Fall Protection Lifelines
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury or death in the workplace, particularly on rooftops, where there is a greater risk of falling. Proper fall protection systems are critical for any worker operating at heights. Here, we will explain two types of fall protection lifelines: horizontal lifelines and vertical lifelines. Understanding the differences between the two types and knowing when to use each is essential for fall prevention and protection in the workplace.
Horizontal Lifeline Systems
Horizontal lifeline systems are set on rooftops as part of an anchorage system. These systems are used as fall restraint or arrest mechanisms for workers who must approach within 6 feet of a roof edge. The cable is connected to secure anchor points and allows workers to traverse the area the system covers freely. Professionally designed rooftop anchorage points will allow the workers attached to the horizontal lifeline to traverse to all equipment within the roof’s hazard zone without approaching the edge. If anchor points need to be installed within the hazard zone, the horizontal lifeline system can be used as a fall arrest system, providing there is enough distance to the lower level to adequately arrest the fall without bottoming out or hitting the lower level or obstruction.
Vertical Lifeline Systems
As the name suggests, vertical lifeline systems are meant to provide vertical fall protection. They’re implemented as safety lines when window washers or other facade maintenance personnel descend or ascend a building. The lines are attached to tieback anchors installed behind the window washing equipment at a specific offset angle to minimize and stay within the allowable swing fall hazard (aka. pendulum effect).
In the event of the primary safety line snapping or failing, the vertical lines act as a fall arrest system and suspend the fall until help arrives. These fall protection systems are vital for protecting workers in the unlikely event of primary system failure.
What is the difference?
The main difference between horizontal and vertical lifeline systems lies in their intent and application. They both use the same types of equipment (lanyards, permanent roof anchors, and/or wall tieback anchors), but as the name suggests, one is used for vertical application, and one is used for horizontal application. Horizontal lifelines prevent falls by restricting movement within a safe distance from the roof edge, acting as a fall restraint system. On the flip side, vertical lifelines are designed to catch a fall as it occurs, thus making it a fall arrest system.
Which fall protection lifeline to use
Whether you incorporate vertical or horizontal lifelines on the building’s rooftop depends on the intent. Vertical lifelines are used for facade descent, and horizontal lifelines are used for travel restraint (or sometimes fall arrest) when traversing horizontally on a rooftop. If a building requires facade maintenance, such as window washing, a vertical lifeline is needed for the workers ascending or descending the façade. Horizontal lifelines are incorporated for buildings with low rooftop parapets. It’s common for rooftop anchorage systems to be designed for horizontal and vertical lifelines.
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