As we mentioned in previous posts, one of the future products that will make up Ypsos is the lifeline, called ZOIS.
We gave a general introduction to them, talking about what they are, their components, standards, and the different types that exist.
In today’s post we are going to focus on the flexible horizontal lifeline governed by the UNE-EN 795 C standard.
What Is a Flexible Horizontal Lifeline?
A horizontal lifeline is a safety system used to prevent falls while allowing workers to move along an elevated horizontal surface. It consists of a strong cable or strap permanently installed on the structure where the work will take place, such as on the ceiling, an elevated platform, or a beam.
Workers attach to the lifeline using safety harnesses and carabiners, which allows them to stay safe while moving along it.
The advantage of a horizontal lifeline is that it provides workers with greater mobility compared to a fixed vertical lifeline. Employees can move horizontally without having to keep disconnecting and connecting to a new lifeline every time they want to change position.
Surfaces and Places Where They Can Be Installed
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Horizontal lifelines are installed in different situations and locations to provide a fall protection system, and some of the most common places where they are installed are:
- In construction: most of the time, if not always, when buildings, bridges, elevated structures, and other areas are being built, there are workers performing tasks at height.
- Roofs: To allow safe access to maintenance and repair areas in commercial and industrial buildings.
- Industry: Safety is needed to access machinery or equipment located in elevated places.
- Communication and power towers: To allow safe access for workers who must perform maintenance and repairs at height.
- Recreational and sports activities: For example, in an amusement park, on suspension bridges, rock climbing, and other extreme sports.
It is important to keep in mind that the installation of horizontal lifelines must be carried out by trained personnel and in accordance with the relevant safety standards and regulations.
Proper installation and the use of high-quality equipment are essential to ensure the safety of the people who will work with or use these systems.
Supervision by safety experts should always be in place to ensure a safe and reliable installation.
Standards for the Flexible Horizontal Lifeline
It is important to note that the installation, use, and maintenance of horizontal lifelines must comply with the occupational safety regulations and standards of each country.
In addition, workers who use this system must receive adequate training on how it works and make sure the equipment is in optimal condition before using it.
In this case, flexible horizontal lifelines are governed by the European standard EN-795 C and can have several spans.
- Single span: an anchor point must be fixed at each end of the lifeline.
- Multiple spans: a three-span flexible lifeline, in which one span must have the maximum length allowed by the manufacturer and the other two spans the minimum length allowed by the manufacturer; anchor devices must be installed at the ends of the lifeline.