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Overhead Horizontal Lifelines

Overhead Lifeline Systems

Overhead horizontal lifeline systems are utilized when placing the HLL at foot level will not arrest a fall before a worker comes in contact with obstructions below or in instances where the distance spanned makes use of an overhead rigid beam system unfeasible.  Overhead horizontal lifelines allow workers to safely span long distances without needing to stop and re-attach to a new anchor point.  L and T gallows systems found in rail yards, loading areas and crane rail applications are common examples of systems that include an overhead horizontal lifeline.  Overhead HLL’s combine continuous, hands free mobility and OSHA-compliant fall protection to keep your workers safe and productive while working at heights.

Overhead Horizontal Lifelines
A Self Retracting Lifeline hangs from an Overhead Horizontal Lifeline System
A Self Retracting Lifeline hangs from an Overhead Horizontal Lifeline System
Connection for an Overhead Horizontal Lifeline System
Overhead Horizontal Lifelines
A Self Retracting Lifeline hangs from an Overhead Horizontal Lifeline System
A Self Retracting Lifeline hangs from an Overhead Horizontal Lifeline System
Connection for an Overhead Horizontal Lifeline System

We are a complete turnkey provider of OSHA compliant overhead horizontal lifeline systems and have years of design and installation experience.  Contact us for expert assistance with your fall arrest, fall restraint and fall protection requirements.

Design Considerations

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.

OSHA Regulations

  • Horizontal Lifelines
    • 1926.502(d)(8) Horizontal lifelines shall be designed, installed, and used, under the supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete personal fall arrest system, which maintains a safety factor of at least two.
  • Personal Fall Arrest Systems
    • 1926.502(d)(16) Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall:
    • 1926.502(d)(16)(ii) limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness;
    • 1926.502(d)(16)(iii) be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level;
    • 1926.502(d)(16)(iv) bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m); and,
    • 1926.502(d)(16)(v) have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet (1.8 m), or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less.

Related Documents

Did You Know?

Using chain to guard any loading docks does not meet the OSHA regulation of a rail to be able to withstand a force of 200 pounds in any direction?