Horizontal Lifeline Systems

Design Considerations

Horizontal lifelines can offer the following advantages:

• Provides fall protection coverage across a wide distance. The distance spanned by a horizontal lifeline is limited only by the ability to attach a series of anchor points to surrounding structure. For example, crane rail HLL systems can safely span distances in excess of 600 feet.
• Impart smaller footprints on elevated work spaces
• Lighter than fabricated steel solutions
• Constructed from stainless steel components, horizontal lifelines offer corrosion resistance and exceptional component longevity.
• Does not require the time to custom fabricate relative to steep fall protection systems
• Does not require the time to custom fabricate relative to steep fall protection systems

Special care must be taken to account for the loads on various anchor points and deflection in the event of a fall, thus requiring certified and experienced engineering and installation capabilities. Each anchor point must be secure enough to withstand the forces associated a fall and a thorough review of the work area is needed to ensure that a worker will not strike pipes, equipment, or other surfaces when falling. Load and deflection rates are determined by a number of factors, including pre-tension of the cable, length of the area spanned by the horizontal lifeline, and the number of workers connected to the system.