When Is a Horizontal Lifeline the Best Permanent Rooftop Fall Protection Solution?

For this reason, OSHA has set forth very strict guidelines designed to eliminate hazards and minimize injuries. For example, you must provide OSHA-compliant rooftop fall safety equipment such as guardrails or permanent horizontal lifeline systems to ensure workers are safe.

Regardless of what the reason may be, needing access to your facility's rooftop is not uncommon. In this article we will discuss the reasons that installing a permanent horizontal lifeline system is the best option for keeping your employees safe on an industrial rooftop.

What Are the Specific OSHA Requirements for Rooftop Fall Safety?

OSHA 1910.28 clearly states that as an employer it is your duty to provide fall protection anytime work is to be completed at a height of 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level. This applies to the interior and exterior of your commercial building. Therefore, you must provide fall protection devices for employees that are working on the roof of your building. The regulations do not specify whether you should use a guardrail system, horizontal lifeline systems, or another form of fall protection, however.

What's the Best Option for Rooftop Fall Safety?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to roof fall protection. In fact, the size, scale, and slope of your roof along with the frequency that workers access it all have to be taken into consideration. You also have to be aware of how many workers will be on the roof at once as this affects your choice of fall protection equipment. Horizontal lifeline systems are so versatile they can be used in a variety of situations effectively. Understanding horizontal lifeline systems will aid you in choosing the equipment that’s best for your application.

What Are Horizontal Lifeline Systems?

A complete horizontal lifeline system consists of four main components, often referred to as the ABCD's of fall protection. Although the acronym may appear elementary, it is vital that you understand and memorize these vital components.

• Anchorage - This is a secure point that the rest of the system is attached to, which in the case of this solution is the horizontal lifeline. This lifeline runs the length of a rooftop’s leading edge or maybe anchored near other common roof fall hazards. These anchor points must be able to support the weight of an intended load including people and equipment. It must be securely connected so that it cannot detach, bend, or otherwise fail under pressure.

• Body Support - An industrial safety harness is an essential component of a complete horizontal lifeline system. When fitted and worn properly, the body harness helps to distribute fall forces evenly throughout the body to decrease the risk of serious injury.

• Connector - A self-retracting lifeline or shock-absorbing lanyard is used to connect the body harness to the horizontal lifeline anchorage point. The connector must have the appropriate tensile strength to handle the intended load without failing.

• Descent - Descent devices are the component of a horizontal lifeline system that is used in case of an emergency. It is an effective and safe way to raise or lower injured workers to safety if a fall or other incident occurs.

Why Use a Horizontal Lifeline for Permanent Roof Fall Protection?

You may be under the impression that a guardrail system is the best form of fall protection for your roof. After all, you see them on the vast majority of rooftops. But you must remember that safety rails are not feasible in all situations and your rooftop may be one of them. Horizontal lifelines in combination with a lanyard and an industrial safety harness are a great way to provide permanent fall protection for workers on rooftops for several reasons including:

Access to the Leading Edge

Roof work, maintenance, and cleaning all require workers to access the roof's leading edge and they may even need to reach over the edge to complete some tasks. Working around, over, or under a guardrail at the leading edge of the roof is cumbersome and difficult. A horizontal lifeline allows unobstructed access as well as unparalleled fall protection even on the highest roof. 

Perfect for Sloped Commercial Roofs

When workers must work on a roof that has a steep slope (over a 2:12 gradient), fall protection equipment like a guardrail won't do the trick. In fact, they may be completely out of the question. Therefore, the only way to truly protect workers in this environment is with a horizontal lifeline and body harness attached to an approved anchor point. 

Assures OSHA Compliance for Roof Fall Protection

As mentioned above, OSHA does not specify what fall protection equipment you must use. It does, however, have very strong guidelines regarding the quality and performance of your equipment. An OSHA-compliant horizontal lifeline system will meet or exceed these standards and provide adequate fall protection for your workers. That way, you can rest assured you'll remain OSHA compliant and avoid unnecessary fines.

Is a Horizontal Lifeline System the Right Choice for Your Facility?

Whenever anyone accesses the roof of your commercial or industrial building it is your duty to provide them with adequate fall protection. If your roof is expansive, sloped, or has a complicated design, installing guardrails or other fall protection devices may not be an option. A horizontal lifeline and industrial safety harness, however, can easily provide the fall protection your workers need even in the most unusual circumstances. 

Get Expert Help Choosing Rooftop Fall Protection from Safety Experts at Tractel

Still not sure if a horizontal lifeline, lanyard, body harness, and anchorage are the right fall protection devices for your commercial rooftop? Tractel is an industry leader in fall protection equipment, and we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you make the right choice for your organization and your employees. Reach out to Tractel® and one of our highly qualified safety experts will be happy to consult with you and to recommend OSHA-compliant horizontal lifeline systems that are best suited for your building and application.