4.3 Vertical, horizontal and over-edge use

Personal fall protection products are designed and tested for defined methods of use.

A product suitable for one direction of use must therefore not automatically be used in another way.

Vertical use

In vertical use, the product operates in the direction in which it is designed to travel or be loaded.

Examples may include:

• a guided type fall arrester on a vertical anchor line or rail,
• a retractable type fall arrester used in accordance with the vertical use specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

Horizontal use

Horizontal use does not automatically mean that a product may be used over an edge.

A product may be suitable for horizontal use without being intended to withstand loading over an edge.

Over-edge use

When used over an edge, the connection may be exposed to different loads than during unrestricted vertical use.

For example, the rope, webbing or cable may:

• bend over the edge,
• be exposed to abrasion,
• be exposed to cutting effects,
• be loaded in a different direction from normal use.

The manufacturer's instructions must therefore permit the product to be used in the intended way.

Edge characteristics matter

The manufacturer's instructions may specify limitations or requirements for the edge over which the product may be loaded.

These may include:

• edge radius,
• material,
• surface,
• angle,
• specific protection or accessories.

It is therefore not sufficient for a product simply to be described as suitable for “horizontal use”.

Remember

Horizontal use is not the same as over-edge use. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.