Overhead Horizontal Life Design Considerations

For outside overhead horizontal lifelines, it is important to specify corrosion resistant materials such as 316 stainless that can withstand prolonged exposure to the elements. In addition to environmental considerations, care must be taken to ensure the path of the HLL does obstruct the path of cranes or come into contact with lights, pipes, or other structures. Most importantly, the system design must arrest a worker’s fall before coming into contact with equipment below the work area. For crane rail applications, an overhead horizontal lifeline may only be used when the crane is locked out or a watchman is available to supervise the work area. Special care must also be taken to account for load and deflection rates which are determined by a number of factors, including pre-tension of the cable, length of the area spanned, and the number of workers connected to the system. The distance spanned by an overhead horizontal lifeline is limited only by the ability to attach a series of anchor points to surrounding structure; crane rail HLL systems can safely span distances in excess of 600 feet. DFP fall protection safety specialists can engineer a horizontal lifeline system to accommodate the special characteristics of your elevated work space, from bends to the absence of pre-existing anchor points and more. AT DFP, we recognize that your fall protection scenario and access points are unique, requiring a comprehensive hazard assessment and a customized solution. Our years of experience designing and installing overhead HLL’s will keep your employees safe and your facility in compliance with all OSHA fall protection regulations. To learn more about horizontal lifeline systems, or to discuss your application, contact the fall protection specialists at DFP for more information.