Metal Structures

Fall Arrest System EN 353-1 / EN 355

Vertical metal structures (such as telecom masts, cable car pylons, and wind turbine towers) are often equipped with ladders for vertical movement combined with a fall arrest system consisting of a permanent vertical lifeline (wire or rail) EN 353-1 on which a guided type fall arrester EN 353-1 connected to a full body harness EN 361 can be used. This permanent vertical lifeline is designed to follow the operator during movement and intervene to stop a potential fall. For movement and anchoring in areas of the structure without a permanent vertical lifeline EN 353-1, a fall arrest system consisting of a full body harness EN 361 with a twin energy absorber lanyard EN 355 should be used. It is important to consider the system’s required clearance to ensure the user does not hit the ground or underlying obstacles during a fall.

Fall Arrest System EN 355

For movement on structures without a permanent vertical lifeline EN 353-1, the user can use a fall arrest system in the form of a full body harness EN 361 and move by anchoring directly to the structure (after verifying its strength) with a twin energy absorber lanyard EN 355 equipped with connectors EN 362 (hooks/carabiners) suitable for the structure’s size. It is important to consider the required clearance so the user does not hit the ground or obstacles during a fall.

Fall Arrest System EN 353-2 and Work Positioning System EN 358

Fig. 23a For climbing on structures without a permanent vertical lifeline, the user can use a fall arrest system with a full body harness EN 361 and move up and down using a guided type fall arrester EN 353-2 on a kernmantle rope EN 1891 Type A. The rope can either be anchored directly to the structure with a connector EN 362 or with a connector EN 362 attached to a temporary anchor device EN 795 Type B (such as an anchor sling) around the structure. Always consider the required clearance.

Fig. 23b For work positioning on the structure, a full body harness EN 361 with integrated work positioning belt EN 358 and sit harness EN 813 is recommended, combined with an adjustable work positioning lanyard EN 358. Work positioning systems must always be combined with a fall arrest system, such as an energy absorber lanyard EN 355, a retractable type fall arrester EN 360, or a guided type fall arrester EN 353-2 on a kernmantle rope EN 1891 Type A.

Fall Protection Systems for Rigging

For work on horizontal structures, movement can be carried out with a fall arrest system consisting of a full body harness EN 361 combined with a twin energy absorber lanyard EN 355. To facilitate horizontal mobility, a temporary horizontal lifeline EN 795 Type C can be installed along the structure, to which the lanyard can be connected. For work positioning, a full body harness EN 361 with integrated work positioning belt EN 358 and sit harness EN 813 is recommended, together with an adjustable work positioning lanyard EN 358. Work positioning systems must always be combined with a fall arrest system such as an energy absorber lanyard EN 355, a retractable type fall arrester EN 360, or a guided type fall arrester EN 353-2 on a kernmantle rope EN 1891 Type A. It is important to consider the required clearance to avoid impact with the ground or underlying obstacles.