Horizontal Fall Protection Systems

HCL provide a range of horizontal fall protection systems which comply with BS EN 795: ‘Protection Against Falls From A Height—Anchorage Devices—Requirements And Testing’.

Horizontal systems that offer continuous fall protection fall into two categories.

Flexible Cable Based Systems conforming to BS EN 795 ‘Protection Against Falls From A Height—Anchorage Devices—Requirements And Testing’ Class C.

The premier cable-based solution currently available is the Latchways ManSafe® System. The versatility of this product is significant enabling it to be fitted into almost all locations; overhead systems have single spans of up to 60m between fixings and can protect up to 3 users simultaneously.

Within the ManSafe component range is the Constant Force® post which employs the latest technology to limit the loads imparted to the substrate (typically the roof structure) in the event of a fall.

Constant Force is defined as “The mechanism used to provide a consistent method of absorbing mechanical energy and controlling tension within the system to a pre-determined Constant Force”.

Each post has an integral load absorption system, which in the event of a fall absorbs the loads generated within the ManSafe system. The ManSafe system can therefore be top-fixed, rather than the traditional method of fixing the post back to the main building structure and the building absorbing the load.

Rigid Rail track or rail based systems conforming to BS EN 795 ‘Protection Against Falls From A Height—Anchorage Devices—Requirements And Testing’ Class D.

• on a track system the traveller moves inside a ‘channel’
• whereas on a rail system the traveller moves around the outside of a solid section.

Rigid rail solutions are particularly suitable for curved applications, abseiling systems or where aesthetics dictate that the fall protection system is fully integrated into the building design. The rigidity of the product requires every installation to have bespoke design.

Please contact our design service on 0800 212867 for further advice.

HCL Service Commitment

We employ a full range of fall protection products to provide custom designed solutions to suit individual applications. No two situations are exactly alike and the solution must take this into account when considering the various impinging relationships between each of the design criteria. To ensure that all legislative and ‘local’ requirements are met, a competent and experienced person must carry out this assessment. When all the relevant criteria cannot be ascertained remotely, a full site survey and risk assessment will be required. Only when the HCL design team is satisfied that all the relevant information is known will a solution be proposed.

When work proceeds, the installations are undertaken by direct-employ, trained HCL technicians who commission and certify the systems upon completion.

To assist our clients further, the HCL handover includes awareness training for the use of the fall protection system and any supplied personal protective equipment. HCL is always on hand locally to provide clients with ongoing support that includes training, up-to-the-minute height safety advice and the very crucial annual testing and certification of the systems which is a legal requirement.

We are the UK market leader in the provision of fall protection solutions operating from eleven area offices, providing fast and efficient local support and services to any enquiry however large or small.

Key Design Issues