How to Pick the Right Horizontal Lifeline: LifeFlex, LifeSafe & LifeSmart

When it comes to fall protection systems, horizontal lifeline systems are often top on any safety manger’s list. They are one of the best methods to remain OSHA compliant and safeguard your team while they are on your commercial rooftop or working at height. But how do you choose what kind is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at why a horizontal lifeline is a good choice, as well as the different options you have to you, and the characteristics of each.

Horizontal Lifeline Advantages

First, let’s review what a horizontal lifeline is: it consists of a cable attached to two or more anchor points along a rooftop, an at-height construction site, or other elevated work area that presents a fall risk to your workers. A safety harness and lanyard are then attached to the lifeline, allowing the workers wearing them to do their job protected from potential falls.

The main advantage of using these types of fall protection systems is that when you have a small team, they are easy to install and cost-effective. They also provide significant mobility, especially in areas where safety railings are unfeasible. There are different kinds of horizontal lifeline systems that apply in different scenarios—let’s take a moment and run through your options so you can make the best choice for the job at hand.

1. LifeFlex

LifeFlex is specifically made for rooftop structures constructed of metal panels or concrete, and can accommodate up to three users. They are easy to install, service, and maintain since they require no special tools. They are a great option for light-roof structures and smaller teams.

Why we like it:

• Easy installation: this option is particularly simple to install, which makes it ideal for smaller projects
• It’s great for light roof structures—roof panels won’t distort after stopping a fall, and it can be secured to flat roofs, sloped roofs, and walls
• It’s easy to use: workers can use the system hands-free because the travelers pass over the anchors with no manual manipulation. It’s also possible to work on either side of the line, giving it more flexibility
• It eliminates risks of wire-cable clips loosening and slipping
• The corner anchors have additional anchor points
• There’s no need to dismantle the entire lifeline in the event of a fall because the individual components can be replaced

Where/How can LifeFlex be used?

• For building maintenance, inspection, repair and service
• In lightweight structures and industrial plants
• On flat or sloped surfaces up to 15° inclination (only straight- line installation is available for wall-mount applications).
• You can use it both as a fall arrest or travel restraint

2. LifeSmart

LifeSmart is a permanent single-cable horizontal system. It provides easy movement and allows the traveler to run freely over the intermediate anchors, minimizing wear and eliminating user assistance. The user’s hands remain free to accomplish whatever task is required. It can support up to five users, making it a good fit for bigger jobs that require more workers.

Why we like it:

• Fast, economical assembly: the LifeSmart system can be put together 20% faster than other systems
• It has unlimited length and can go around corners (between 75° and 105°), making it incredibly versatile for challenging angles or areas where navigating corners is a big part of the job
• It can be secured to walls, overhead, under an inclined surface, on ground and on posts
• Although it needs to be designed by a qualified engineer, it can then be installed by any user
• You can replace intermediate supports without the removing wire rope.
• The maximum spacing between anchor points is 50 ft., making it easy to use fewer anchors

Where/How can LifeSmart be used?

• For building maintenance (rooftops without safety railings or parapets)
• In aircraft hangers (overhead systems to service the top of the fuselage and wings)
• On bridges and viaducts
• For oil and gas installations
• For distribution facilities
• In overhead cranes
• In industrial plants

3. LifeSafe

The LifeSafe horizontal lifeline is a permanent, twin-cable solution. Because these are custom-designed solutions, they are great when you need to meet site-specific requirements. Like LifeSmart, they also can support up to five users.

Why we like it:

• It’s a twin wire rope horizontal lifeline system, allowing smooth, hands-free travel compared to single line systems over anchors and around corners
• There are extra failsafes, thanks to twin ropes and a traveler clamps shut on both lines during a fall
• There’s also unlimited system length, making it applicable in a variety of functions
• There’s limited deflection in the event of fall
• It can accommodate up to a 50 ft. self-retracting lifeline in an overhead application with the Rollsafe traveler
• It contains relatively few components when compared to other twin-line systems on the market
• The system can be secured to walls, floors, or ceilings
• The custom design makes it a great choice for site-specific needs.

Where/How can LifeSafe be used?

The system has a large tolerance for curves, making it great for:

• Building maintenance (roofs without guardrails or parapets)
• In aircraft hangers (overhead systems to service the top of the fuselage and wings)
• On bridges and viaducts
• For oil and gas installations
• In distribution facilities
• In overhead cranes
• In industrial plants

Overall, horizontal lifeline systems offer a lot of flexibility—especially when other fall protection systems, like safety railings, can’t or won’t work. Keep in mind, that all horizontal lifeline systems require additional employee training (they’re going to need to know how to inspect, don, and use their equipment). Even still, they often prove to be cost effective, especially when you need extra protection or a custom solution. Still have questions on what’s the best system for your needs? Give us a call—we’ll walk through your specs and options to help you arrive at the best choice for the job at hand.