Working at height is one of the hazardous jobs, so Directive 89/686/EEC includes fall protection measures in the highest risk category III. Health and safety regulations dictate the use of fall protection, so there is a permanent belay system to protect the worker from falling.
There are two types of protection systems:
- Horizontal – work on a flat roof,
- Vertical – work on masts, chimneys, and skyscrapers.
When is a permanent belay system used?
Any activity performed above 1 meter is classified as work at height. For example, fixed belay systems are used when cleaning windows of skyscrapers, operating cranes or on construction sites. When selecting a fixed belay system, the geometry of the roof, environmental conditions and the number of people to be belayed are taken into account.
What is included in a fixed belay system?
- safety harness – harness,
- connecting and shock-absorbing subsystems – snaps, safety lines, shock absorbers, self-locking ropes, self-braking devices,
- anchorage points – a permanent or temporary component used to attach a connecting and cushioning subsystem.
Anchor points and a permanent structure form an anchoring element to which the worker clips during work at height using the connection and cushioning subsystems. Anchoring devices, like personal protective equipment, should be inspected annually.
With our cooperation with 3M, we offer comprehensive services related to fixed belay systems. We start from design through installation and training, ending with the annual inspection of fixed elements.