Lifelines are essential devices for preventing the risk of falls from height in many sectors: industry, construction, energy, logistics or maintenance. They form part of the fall-protection equipment category, which also includes harnesses, lanyards, energy absorbers and anchor points. This equipment makes it possible to effectively secure movement and interventions on exposed structures, while meeting the collective and personal safety requirements of high-risk professional environments.
How can the regulatory compliance of lifelines be guaranteed?
Compliance of installations relies on strict adherence to standards and inspection procedures:
The EN 795 standard sets out the requirements for anchor devices:
Class A: single anchor point
Class B: temporary anchor
Class C: horizontal cable solution
Class D: rail device
Class E: temporary system stabilised by dead weight
The EN 353-1 standard covers mobile fall arrestors on a rigid anchor support, particularly for vertical devices on a ladder or rungs
The EN 353-2 standard applies to systems with a weighted cable on a flexible support for vertical installations
Every installation must be carried out, checked and maintained by a qualified professional, with documented periodic checks. These regulatory requirements apply to every sector to guarantee team safety and limit hazards during interventions at height.
What is a lifeline and why is it essential for hazard prevention?
A lifeline is a collective safety system designed to protect workers against falls during operations at height. It is made up of several elements:
Anchor points: fixed to solid rigid supports such as the roof, ladder or frame
Cable, strap or rope: connecting the anchor points to allow safe movement
Safety harness: worn by the user and connected to the line
A distinction is made between:
Permanent line: installed durably on the structure
Temporary line: set up for the duration of a site or intervention
This device is essential to limit serious accidents linked to falls, while ensuring operator mobility on roofs, pylons or steel structures. It forms part of an overall fall-protection approach suited to hazardous environments.
What are the different types of lifeline available?
The choice of system depends on the site configuration, the type of movement and safety needs. The main models are:
Horizontal model: secured cable or rail laid parallel to the ground, ideal for flat roofs, walkways or frames
Vertical version: installation on pylons, ladders or masts, allowing safe movement when climbing or descending
Mixed system: combination of vertical and horizontal sections for complex structures
Mobile anchor point: temporary, quick-to-install solution, suited to occasional interventions
3M device: recognised for its reliability and compatibility with many industrial environments. Discover our selection of 3M lifelines
To strengthen safety, it is recommended to combine these systems with other fall-protection equipment: harnesses, lanyards, energy absorbers, connectors, carabiners, safety netting or guardrails, depending on the nature of the work and the working environment.
What are the selection criteria for lifelines according to the working environment?
The type of structure, frequency of use and number of users influence the choice: a temporary solution suits short interventions, while a permanent installation suits industrial sites with intensive use.
The material of the support, whether concrete, metal or wood, determines the compatibility of the anchor system and the durability of the installation.
Weather constraints, such as exposure to wind, corrosion or cold, sometimes require specific components and enhanced maintenance.
The nature of the tasks to be performed, the level of mobility required and the possibility of sharing the line between several operators should be taken into account to select the most suitable solution.
Wearing cut-resistant gloves is advisable when handling equipment, particularly in environments with mechanical hazards or in the presence of sharp materials, to guarantee hand safety.
Taking all these criteria into account makes it possible to adapt the safety solution to every professional context, ensuring comfort, reliability and regulatory compliance.