Vertical lifeline

Fall Arrest Blocker and Brake for the Vertical Lifeline

The guided device (blocker, brake, or fall arrester, depending on what you call it on site) is the component that makes the system work. It moves up and down with the user without the user having to handle it, and locks by inertia on a sudden acceleration.

Points worth being clear on before you buy:

• The vertical blocker is only valid with the anchor line it has been tested for. It is not a universal component: a cable guided device is not installed on a rail of a different type, or vice versa. The assembly is certified as a system, not piece by piece.
• It must include an energy absorber, either built into the device itself or in the lanyard.
• The self-retracting fall arrester is something else: it anchors at the top and retracts the cable automatically. It handles specific descent and suspension scenarios, but it does not cover a long ladder climb.
• Always connect to the harness at the sternal attachment point, using the connector specified by the system manufacturer.

Anchors and Components for a Vertical Lifeline

The vertical lifeline anchor is the part that absorbs everything. And its selection depends on the substrate, not the catalog: a plate bolted to a steel ladder profile does not behave the same as an anchor in reinforced concrete or a fastening to masonry.

We manufacture and supply the complete system:

• Upper and lower anchors, with a base plate sized for the substrate.
• Stainless steel cable or aluminum rail, depending on the configuration.
• Continuous-pass intermediate guides, fixed to the ladder stiles.
• Energy absorber and tensioner with indicator.
• Guided device and connector.
• Access and landing elements at the top, where a good share of incidents are concentrated.
• Identification plate and system logbook.

On service life: the lifeline itself does not have an expiration date stamped at the factory, but it does have a mandatory inspection regime and withdrawal conditions. Textile elements and the PPE connected to it do have an expiration declared by the manufacturer. And any component that has been involved in arresting a fall is withdrawn, without exception.

Standards: UNE-EN 353-1 and UNE-EN 353-2

Guided type fall arresters are governed by the UNE-EN 353 standard, divided into two parts according to the type of anchor line:

• UNE-EN 353-1: guided device on a rigid anchor line (tensioned cable or rail). This is the framework for permanent vertical systems.
• UNE-EN 353-2: guided device on a flexible anchor line (rope). This is the framework for temporary systems.

To this is added UNE-EN 795 for the system’s anchor devices and, when the climb may have several workers at once, technical specification CEN/TS 16415. In the Spanish framework, RD 2177/2004 and RD 1215/1997 set the conditions for using work-at-height equipment, and UNE-EN 365 requires periodic inspection at least every twelve months.

The certification of our systems is based on tests by an independent laboratory. With each installation we deliver a declaration of conformity, an installation and user manual, a technical data sheet, and a logbook. Having that documentation lets you demonstrate regulatory compliance during an inspection.

Where Are Vertical Lifelines Used?

Vertical lifelines are installed on a variety of structures and in environments where safe vertical access and fall protection are needed

• Telecommunications towers: For safe access during the installation and maintenance of antennas and transmission and telecommunications equipment.
• Tall buildings and structures: In high-rise buildings, lifelines are installed on stairs and external structures for cleaning, maintenance, and repair work. They are also used on emergency stairs, facade access systems, and roofs.
• Energy infrastructure: For maintenance work on power lines and power transmission towers. At wind farms, for safe access to and maintenance of wind turbines.
• Industries and production plants: On elevated structures inside production plants for inspection, maintenance, and repair work. On silos and tanks for safe access.
• Maritime sector: On masts and other elevated structures for offshore maintenance work.
• Construction: On scaffolding and temporary construction structures to protect workers working at height. For safe access to elevated structures during the construction and maintenance of bridges and viaducts.
• Mines and quarries: For safe access to elevated areas in mining operations.
• Transport infrastructure: For inspection and maintenance work on bridges and overpasses. On elevated structures at train stations and public transport terminals.

In short, vertical lifelines are installed on a wide variety of structures and in many environments to ensure the safety of workers who must climb and descend, providing essential fall protection.