Posted By Shaun Deely We are building a large office block (14 floors)and have received proposals for window cleaning that involve one of the two above methods. As I have never used either I would be interested in the pros/ cons scenarios for both. Can anyone help?

Posted By Robert K Lewis Shaun I always prefer the retractable landyard systems where practicable as the length of the lanyard is always the shortest possible. I also find that the inertia reel types lock out with sudden movements and thus often prevent the fall actually taking place. The layout of fixing points is the key to avoid long lenths being extended with possible pendulums. Also be aware of how the fixing points are to be accessed. Bob

Posted By Charles New Whilst this does not answer your question, it is my view that you (and your designers) should be considering roof edge protection for the purposes of maintenance and repair, rather than taking the PPE option, which should in any case be taken as the last resort option.

Posted By Derek Holt As advised PPE including FPE systems should be used as a last resort. If such systems are to be employed then I would recommend a line with rope grab attached, this should be suitably anchored with the rope grab attached to the upper (fall arrest)point on a full body harness. The use of rectractable fall arrest bolcks should not be employed in a horizontal mode as they have been proved to be ineffective. They are designed and tested for use in a vertical plain as per the requirements of BSEN 390 Retractable type fall arresters. Ifthe recommended system is employed correctly then the operatives should only be in restraint and not fall arrest. It essential that all are thouroughly trained in the use of such systems by attending such courses as roof top access. One further point of consideration is the available anchorage points in relation to the working area, if either system is incorrectly rigged then a pendulum effect can occur should an operator fall over the building edge which can lead to the abrading of the line be it cable or otherwise. If you require any further advice feel free to contact me direct

Posted By Derek Holt I agree that the problem should be designed out in the first instance or at least a fixed system be installed which is always preferable to a temporary measure. To clarify my point, as training manager for the largest manufacturer of fall protection and arrest equipment I am familiar with the inability of some persons to wear a harness correctly, but this applies whatever system is employed hence the requirement for training and supervision? Having been involved with testing of retractable type fall arresters and having found that the majority do not correctly operate in a horizontal mode I would still recommend a restraint system i.e a rope and rope grab, which acts as a tensioned line preventing the fall over an edge but will also comply for fall arrest if the worst was to happen and the operator makes a mistake. One of the problems that has been found where retractables have been tried in the horizontal plain is that not only are they not specifically designed for such but also operators have a tendency to pull alot of slack from the mechanism to afford them ease of movement, if they then trip/fall over an edge my previous points are compounded with the addition of an increased shock loading to the inertia mechanism, this can then impart a shock loading to the person in excess of 6kN that being the limit for fall arrest devices and that likely to cause injury. By using a rope and rope grab the device slides along the rope with the user so there is no requirement to pull through additional slack, therefore minimising any potential fall distance and shock loading.

Posted By Shaun Deely Many many thnaks for all of your comments and suggextions. The company has decided to continue with a static line system that has defined access points. Although this is not the ideal, I agree that fall prevention is far better than fall arrest, I have been briefed now to prodcue risk assessment and a safe system of work. No doubt I will, once again, be asking for your help in the not too distant future. Best Regards, Shaun

Posted By Robert K Lewis I would still use a landyard with an inertia reel integrated into it to reduce the available length in us to a minimum Bob