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Rooftops are full of potential hazards, from sloped roofs to ladder hatches to slippery ice around roof edges during winter. Unfortunately, fall prevention equipment solutions don't always provide enough protection. Sturdy fences and barriers won't stop workers from losing their balance on steep slopes, and brightly colored railings won't always get the attention of stressed workers carrying heavy loads. Under many different circumstances in both general facility management and active construction sites, more stringent fall protection solutions are warranted: horizontal lifeline systems and safety harnesses that will physically catch personnel before or at the start of a fall.
But if you haven't managed a facility or project that requires horizontal lifeline fall protection before, you likely have a lot of questions about how they're governed, what you need, and how they fit into a wider fall prevention strategy. Even if you have years of experience, refreshing your knowledge of OSHA fall protection standards, CCOHS standards, and recent developments in the news will protect your teams, organization, and reputation. Start with these frequently asked questions about horizontal lifelines.
What's the Difference Between Horizontal Lifelines and Vertical Lifelines?
Lifelines are cable systems that are attached to a roof or structure. A person then attaches to that system via harness and lanyard or SRL. This allows the worker to properly do their job while being tied off, secured safely. There are many kinds of lines that personnel could be wearing when in conditions that mandate fall protection solutions, and both horizontal and vertical lifelines describe the general orientation of motion they're built to handle.
Horizontal lifeline systems work in a lateral orientation as workers walk along elevated platforms and other spaces that require harnesses. For example, a horizontal lifeline with two anchor points establishes a clear line of horizontal travel, and workers with harnesses connected to this line will not be able to fall or move away from the established line. Vertical lifelines, conversely, are built for up and down motion, such as along ladders or in elevator shafts.
Many types of lines and lanyards are self-retracting to minimize line slack or only allow a certain radius of motion from the anchor point(s), such as stanchion posts.
What Are the Benefits of Horizontal Lifelines?
Horizontal lifelines offer a secure point of connection so personnel working in elevated conditions can focus on tasks and walk across insecure areas without worrying about dangerous or even fatal falls. Some of the unique benefits of horizontal lifeline systems include:
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Better workplace safety: Personnel are significantly safer when they wear OSHA-compliant horizontal lifelines. The force of a fall is distributed across the lifeline fall protection device, and the anchors it's attached to, and wearers won't fall. Some cables even have elasticity for shock absorption to further reduce the risk of injury.
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OSHA or CCOHS Compliance: Federal regulatory agencies overseeing workplace safety create stringent guidelines and regulations surrounding fall protection, and your local area may have additional requirements. For example, OSHA requires fall protection for workers on surfaces six feet above the next floor on a construction site and four feet above the next floor on a general worksite.
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Better productivity: When workers are unprotected in elevated conditions, work quality suffers. Personnel are understandably preoccupied with managing fall hazards and will be unable to pay attention to either tasks or adjacent dangers. By proactively protecting your workers with the appropriate lifelines, you allow them to focus and give them peace of mind.
What Essential Features Should I Look For When Buying Horizontal Lifelines?
Not all horizontal lifeline systems contain the features you need to remain OSHA compliant, and some lifeline fall protection work best in different applications. Consider these OSHA 1926.502 requirements and essential attributes before selecting a vendor or specific product:
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All horizontal lifelines must be part of a larger fall protection and fall arrest system. The system should have a safety factor of two or more.
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Some lifelines can be both horizontal and vertical but must have the appropriate connecting hardware, such as O-rings or D-rings with a high minimum break strength.
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Most lifelines must be paired with a shock-absorbing lanyard that can support an arrest force of 900 pounds.
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Determine whether you need single or double anchor systems based on the location and application.
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Most horizontal lifeline products are built for a maximum of two personnel, but some products can accommodate up to four. Tractel lifelines can accommodate up to 3 users, but some have the ability to accommodate up to five.
Vertical lifelines are required to be able to support 5,000 pounds of force, so the best practice is to purchase horizontal lifelines that meet the same standard. Along with these product features, all horizontal lifeline anchor points and hardware must be installed and used by a qualified professional.
When Are Fall Prevention Barriers Not Enough?
Barriers are designed to prevent falls from occurring, but safety harnesses with lifelines can both prevent falls and protect workers if a fall does occur. When your workers are operating in shafts, along the edges or exterior of buildings, or in any environment where a preventive barrier is not sufficient, it's time to use fall restraint or fall arrest systems. While similar, the two are different.
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Fall restraint systems prevent wearers from falling at all, even a single inch. These are harness systems that never allow wearers to reach an edge or outside of a predetermined radius.
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Fall arrest systems slow and stop a fall. The harness and lines slow the fall, absorb the force, and bring the fall to a halt.
Fall prevention equipment solutions like barriers are considered passive protection and do not meet the standards of a complete personal fall arrest system.
How Do I Ensure That Employees Comply With Horizontal Lifeline Standards?
It's not enough to simply have the right safety gear available. Instead, your personnel are obligated to wear it in any work conditions or applications that require a personal fall arrest system. To fulfill this obligation, safety teams can:
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Make sure to purchase new and sufficiently comfortable harness systems.
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Educate personnel and managers on how to wear fall arrest systems and when they're required; in fact, training is an additional OSHA fall protection requirement.
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Ensure properly qualified personnel set up the horizontal lifelines.
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Set clear instructions for usage that meet or exceed governing standards.
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Conduct frequent internal audits regarding usage.
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Develop positive incentive campaigns for compliance, feedback, and other employee actions that lead to greater adoption.
Go to Tractel for the Right Answers
At Tractel, we've developed a comprehensive line of OSHA-compliant fall arrest systems, safety harnesses, and horizontal lifeline systems. Our experts can help you select the right equipment for different work scenarios and provide resources for keeping your organization compliant with OSHA fall protection regulations. Reach out today to learn more about fall protection equipment for all your needs.