- Vertical Lifeline

What is Height? 

The concept of height is relative and varies from person to person. In general, height; It can be defined as places that we cannot get out by stepping. When defining the concept of height, which differs from person to person, the measure we will take as a basis is the human body. Although people's heights are different from each other, a person's balance point is the second lumbar vertebra. In other words, the places exceeding the second lumbar vertebrae are considered high. 1.2 m spine on the human balance point, 1.8 human height, Below us and above us, where we will suffer when we fall, everywhere we need to get up with support

What is a Fall?

Falls are the most fatal accidents in the construction industry. It is seen that 85% of workers who fall while working above 3-4 metres lose their lives. Most of the workers believe that they will have enough time to hold on to the left and right during a fall. A person's reaction time to a fall is around 0.1 s. If we consider that there may be a 0.1 s delay for reaction, it means that you have fallen 20 cm.

Fall Factor

-Fall factor 2; the distance fallen is twice the distance between the station (connection) point and the worker.

-In practice, a fall with a factor of 2 occurs when the anchor point is at foot level

FALL DISTANCE

The fall factor (fall factor) is the relationship between the height of the fall and the length of the rope or lanyard that absorbs the energy of the fall. The following formula is used to calculate it (distance fallen divided by the length of the rope or interconnector): Fall factor = Distance travelled / length of rope or perlon Fall margin is the minimum distance required to prevent impact with the ground during a fall. Shock absorbers absorb the fall force acting on the user. If the shock absorber is not used, there is a risk of serious injury in falls. In shock absorbers, the system extends and absorbs the energy of the fall. This amount of elongation should be taken into account and added to the fall allowance.

2x interconnection length

1x absorbent maximum opening length (1.75 m/1.9 yds.)

1x safety margin(1 m/1.1 yds.)

= 6.75 m/7.4 yds.

HOW DO WE FALL?

Moving from one level to another level

- Cavities, shafts and unprotected holes

- Inappropriate bearing capacity of work platforms

- Slippery surface

- Inappropriate footwear

- Soft floor

- Bad weather conditions

- Collision of vehicles

WHY DO WE FALL AND GET INJURED?

-Lack of Knowledge: The person does not have the necessary and sufficient knowledge about the work he/she does and the equipment he/she uses.

-Employee Assignment: Not assigning the right personnel to the right job. Incompatibility of the work with the physical structure of the employee (low vision, hearing, inability to use any organ, etc.)

-Failure to Implement Occupational Safety Rules: Managers do not believe in the necessity of occupational safety rules and do not train their staff for the implementation of these boards.

-Engineering: The designed system makes it difficult to work safely; it does not meet the minimum requirements of the job.

-Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment PPE: Personal Protective Equipment PPE is not used or is inadequate. Not wearing a hard hat, not using gloves or goggles, not following cleaning rules, etc.

HOW CAN FALLS BE PREVENTED?

-Avoid working at height

-Correct PPE use and maintenance

-Staff training and control

-Fall arrest systems

-Fall arrest systems

-Lines of life

-Design according to the possibility of falling

Vertical lifelines cannot fully fulfil their functions unless a correct design is made. In order for the line to be installed correctly, it is essential to determine the requirements completely and to design according to these needs.

Vertical Lifeline

Vertical Lifeline systems; It consists of main connection bracket (ABB) and intermediate support bracket (ADB) points, rope gripper, tensioning apparatus, shock absorber and a stainless steel rope made of SS316 quality stainless steel. The fasteners used in vertical lifeline installations will differ according to the ladder type. In the installation of vertical lifelines, the stainless steel rope is tensioned just like horizontal lifelines, the steel rope guided by intermediate support brackets is connected with the element dressed with parachute type seat belt. In working areas such as stairs where vertical lifelines are installed, shock absorbing systems are activated in case of a possible fall, the impact is dampened and the injury of the working personnel is prevented.

Usage Areas of Vertical Lifelines;

In all areas working at height, high-rise buildings and plazas, stairs, lattice (lattice pole) and monopole type towers where receiving and transmitting antennas are mounted in the telecommunication sector, civil and military communication towers, lattice (lattice, pole) type towers used for electricity transmission and distribution, silos in food treatment plants, maintenance of charge control units of wind turbines of wind energy, which is one of the renewable energy sources. It is especially used for the safe descent and ascent of the personnel working at height and performing maintenance and assembly works using ladders.

E. VERTICAL LIFELINE COMPONENTS

Vertical Lifelines consist of the following parts tested in accordance with EN 353-1:2014 standards.

E.1. ANCHOR BRACKET (EN 353-1:2014)

Anchor points are easily mounted on any surface. It is placed at the beginning, intermediate connection points and end of the lifeline. It must have a breaking strength of at least 15kN. All materials must be made of SS316 stainless steel, internationally validated by an independent organisation. It must have the strength to reduce the shear loads on the rope during a fall. It must be fixed with 1 M12 stainless bolt.

E.2. ANCHOR BRACKET BASE EXTENSION TYPE (EN 353-1:2014)

After installation, if necessary, there should be at least 1 metre exit margin after the last step (190cm length). It must be hot deep dipped galvanised and have a minimum wall thickness of 4mm.

Anchor Bracket Base should be fixed to at least 2 steps with 2 plates and 2 M12 stainless bolts each. It cannot be mounted with U bolts. It must be of suitable size and type for all types of stairs.

E.3. ANCHOR BRACKET BASE SHORT TYPE (EN 353-1:2014)

It must have a length of 69cm. It must be hot deep dipped galvanised coated and must have a minimum wall thickness of 4mm.

Anchor Bracket Base must be fixed to at least 2 steps with 2 plates and 2 M12 stainless bolts each. It cannot be mounted with U bolts. It must be of suitable size and type for all types of stairs.

E.4. ANCHOR BRACKET BASE CLAMP TYPE (EN 353-1:2014)

It must be hot deep dipped galvanised and must have a minimum wall thickness of 5mm.

Anchor Bracket Base should be fixed with 2 pcs M12 stainless bolts. It should be of suitable size and type for all types of stairs.

E.5. STAINLESS STEEL ROPE

It must be made of 8mm SS316 stainless steel to be used on vertical lines designed for 1 person, it must be 8mm in diameter. It must have at least 37 kN breaking load. It must be produced with steel core with 7×7 (37kN) or 1×19 (40kN) winding structure.

E.6. CARRIAGE WITH SHOCK ABSORBER (EN 353-1:2014)

The trolley must be made of SS316 stainless steel material. The trolleys must have a shock absorber that can be opened maximum 30cm at the moment of fall. They should minimise the loads affecting the system and personnel by absorbing the dynamic loads generated during a fall. It should allow vertical movement of the user connected to the rope along the entire line. The user, equipped with a carabiner according to EN362 and wearing a safety harness conforming to EN361, must be connected to the system by means of a carriage along the rope. It must be such as to allow easy passage over the line without snagging on intermediate anchor brackets and apparatus. It must be delivered with a three-stage automatic locking carabiner. It must be operable on the entire lifeline.

- The anti-fall rope holder must have the following signs;

- Symbol indicating that the user manual should be read before use

- Name of the manufacturer

- Model

- Serial number - month/year

- Arrow pointing in the correct direction of use

- Standard number and date of application

- CE marking followed by the notified body number responsible for monitoring production

E.7. TENSIONING (EN 353-1:2014)

The system should have a tensioning system to minimise sagging and swaying that may occur due to external factors such as wind, heat and cold effects. This system should be placed at the lowest step of the lifeline and adjusted at the appropriate tension. In annual controls, the tension of the system should be ensured with the help of this equipment. It should have the same strength as the steel rope.

E.8. TERMINATION APPARATUS (EN 353-1:2014)

It must be manufactured from SS316 stainless steel. At the beginning and end of the line, the terminating part and the steel ropes must be terminated with at least 6 press movements for each end. Terminations to be made by clamp or screw clamping method are not accepted. It must have the same strength as the steel rope.

E.9. SYSTEM CERTIFICATES

The material manufacturer must have and document the European Union Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686 / EEC / 11B and EN353: 1 2014 CE Quality Assurance System Certificate. The test certificate must contain a breakdown of all elements used during the test. The system is manufactured for maximum 1 person to work.

E.10. LIFELINE IDENTIFICATION PLATE

There should be an information plate to be placed on the visible part of the lifeline. This sign must be manufactured to be unaffected by weather conditions and must be mounted in such a way that it can be easily seen. The following information should be included on the plate;

- Lifeline brand

- Manufacturer information

- Installation company information

- Installation date

- How many people can use it at the same time

- Safe clearance distance

- Date of next examination

- CE and EN conformity marking

- Year of manufacture and serial number

F. OTHER MATERIALS

F.1. RESCUE KIT

- There will be special equipment designed for fast and safe rescue of suspended personnel.

- The rescue reel will have a suspension system and 2 over-speed brakes integrated on the rescue reel. In this way, in case of a possible fall, the reel will lock itself or slowly lower the victim at a maximum speed of 0.9m / sec. When the rescuer feeds the reel with rope, the system will provide manual descent.

- Thanks to the bidirectional locking mechanism of the rescue reel, the system will be able to work in two directions up and down.

- It will provide mechanical lifting advantage thanks to the pallanga system.

-The rescue hoist will be telescopic and will make it possible to reach the suspended personnel from a long distance.

- Rescue Kit shall comply with EN 12278 and ANSI Z359:4:2007 standards.

F.2. FALL ARREST HARNESS (EN361)

- The fall arrest system will have 2 safe connection points (EN 361) that offer the user the option of connecting to the safety rope from the back or chest level.

- It will increase working comfort by spreading the load evenly on the waist.

- It will have a stainless steel automatic buckle on the waist and legs for easy donning and doffing.

- Fall Arrest Belt; It will have EN 361 standards.

Minimum Requirements for Lifelines (Anchorage Lines)

General principles

1- It is ensured that lifeline systems conforming to the standards specified below are used in construction works and a lifeline with appropriate characteristics is selected by taking into account the work performed, working environment and structural facilities:

a) EN 353-1 Standard for systems using guided type fall arrestors and rigid and vertical lifelines.

b) EN 353-2 Standard in systems where guided type fall arrestors and flexible and vertical lifelines are used.

c) In systems where flexible or rigid horizontal lifelines are used, EN 795 Standard or CEN / TS 16415 Standards.

2- Lifelines are used together with suitable anchorage systems and personal protective equipment in cases where collective protection measures cannot be taken or are not sufficient.

3- Installation and dismantling of anchorage systems and lifelines are carried out by persons trained in installation, dismantling and related safe working methods, manufacturer or supplier, taking into account the special working conditions and risks in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

4- Anchors and anchor points are positioned in a way to prevent exposure of lifelines, connection ropes and other fall protection system components to sharp, hard and rough edges, hot surfaces or chemicals.

5- It is ensured that the structural elements where the anchors and anchorage devices will be placed have sufficient stability and strength to withstand the static and dynamic loads to which they will be exposed when a possible fall occurs.

6- The following areas are not used as anchor points within fall protection systems:

a) Edge railings.

b) Balcony or staircase railings.

c) Portable ladders or steps.

ç) Plumbing pipes.

d) Roof gutters, ducts and other pipes.

e) Other connection ropes.

f) Roof chimneys.

g) Television aerials.

ğ) Other unsuitable points with insufficient strength.

7- It is ensured that the lifelines are used only with the lifeline assemblies deemed appropriate by the manufacturer.

8- When selecting the lifeline system or components to be used, issues such as substances that may cause corrosion, high temperature and adverse weather conditions are taken into consideration.

9- The warnings and recommendations specified in the manufacturer's manual regarding the service life of the lifeline systems or components used are taken into consideration.

10- Lifeline anchor points are ensured to be above the head level to reduce the fall distance as far as practicable. Anchorage points are not formed at foot level as much as possible as it will increase the fall distance.

11- The locations of lifelines and anchor points are planned and installed to adequately cover the work area, taking into account issues such as workers' safe access to all parts of the work area and not being exposed to the pendulum effect in case of a fall.

12- In work areas where there are more than one lifeline and employees pass between these lifelines and where there is a risk of falling, employees are ensured to use double-armed connection ropes. After attaching the connection rope to the lifeline to be passed during this transition, the employees are ensured to remove the previous connections.

13- Lifelines are checked for the following issues before each use:

a) Torn or cut (broken or loose rope thread/wire).

b) Deteriorated surface (heat damage).

c) Rope yarn/wire of different sizes and shapes.

d) Loss of elasticity or clump formation in the rope.

d) Discolouration.

e) Damaged or in poor condition connection components and anchors.

f) Missing or unclear labelling.

g) Reduction in rope tension.

ğ) Corroded components.

h) Other issues specified in the manufacturer's instructions or user manual.

14- Each anchorage device and lifeline system is checked in detail at least once a year in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

15- The use of the lifeline system is stopped after any fall and it is checked against deformations or decreases in strength that may occur. After the control, it is not allowed to be used without making the necessary changes and arrangements. Lifeline systems that are not possible to make changes or arrangements or cannot be made safe even if changes are made are removed from use.

Vertical lifelines

16- Rails or steel wire ropes are used in rigid and vertical lifelines. It is ensured that the steel wire ropes to be used in the rigid lifeline have a minimum nominal diameter of 8 millimetres and stainless steel or galvanised steel in accordance with TS EN 10264-2 standard is used in these ropes.

17- Permanently installed rigid and vertical lifelines are permanently fixed to a fixed structural element or ladder and similar equipment along the length of the line and at intervals specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

18- Synthetic fibre rope or steel wire rope is used for flexible and vertical lifelines.

19- Permanently installed flexible and vertical lifelines are tensioned by fixing them at the end points and at intervals specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

20- In temporarily installed flexible and vertical lifelines, measures are taken to keep the line stable in cases where additional risks may occur as a result of uncontrolled movement of the rope due to the effect of working environment or weather conditions.

21- In vertical lifelines, guided type fall arrestors that move up and down with the employee without the need for manual adjustment and automatically lock in case of a fall and stop the employee from falling are used. Measures are taken to ensure that the fall arrestors are not unintentionally separated from the lifeline.

22- In fall arrest systems consisting of vertical lifeline and guided type fall arresters, sufficient clearance distance is left between the lifeline level and the ground level in order to prevent the employee from hitting the ground in case of a possible fall, taking into account the following points:

a) The free fall distance, the distance at which the fall arrestor is activated, the length of the energy absorber, if used in the system, the amount of stretch in the line if a flexible lifeline is used and the amount of stretch in the full body harness.

b) The additional safety distance recommended by the manufacturer, at least one metre.

Sentifikas 

The company has been certified by Dekra. Dekra is the largest audit company in Germany and the third largest in the world. By its own account, it is the European market leader. The Group focuses on the inspection of vehicles and technical systems, but also offers other services. DEKRA's headquarters have been in Stuttgart since 1946. The business activities are carried out by DEKRA SE, which is wholly owned by DEKRA.