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Horizontal Lifeline Systems

Horizontal Lifeline Systems, also known as HLL systems, are utilized in many of the fall arrest and fall restraint systems. Horizontal lifelines are common fall protection solutions in work areas that lack existing anchor points for personnel tie–off. In simplest form, the horizontal lifeline consists of a cable attached to two or more anchor points on a roof-top, crane runway, bridge or outdoor construction site, or any other elevated work area that poses a fall risk to personnel. A horizontal lifeline can be positioned at the base of the structure (e.g., a roof), overhead (e.g., a gallows style system commonly used for railcar and truck load/unloading applications), or somewhere in-between these points (e.g., a crane rail application).

When used in combination with personal protective equipment, a horizontal lifeline can arrest a fall, limiting the amount of force that is transferred both to the worker and the fall arrest system. This same combination of horizontal lifeline, body harness, and lanyard can also serve as a fall restraint system, limiting the the worker’s ability to move close enough to fall over an unprotected leading edge. The fall restraint and fall arrest properties of horizontal lifelines make the HLL an integral part of many fall protection systems.

Diversified Fall Protection a complete turnkey provider of OSHA compliant horizontal lifeline systems. Contact us for expert assistance with your fall arrest, fall restraint and fall protection requirements

System Types

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.

Safety Regulations and Standards

Regulations for fall protection systems and equipment are constantly changing. When you partner with Diversified Fall Protection, you can ensure your company is in compliance. We keep you updated when there are changes to current standards and provide regular fall safety inspections to keep your systems up to date.

Explore the important regulations you should know when it comes to your fall protection system.

View All OSHA Regulations & ANSI Standards

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