Posted By Andrew Cartridge Try looking for Sala Block on Google, this is a system that you could request your contractors use for fall arrest/protection. They could carry it with them, erect it on site, & take it away when they have finished. Hope this helps Regards Andy

Posted By Confusia Trouble with the contractors is that I've inherited a system that has not been well managed. Anyone here can hire a contractor, so control is difficult (there is no purchasing department that could control this via an approved lender system). The contractors do have risk assessments but these don't really address the points and the contractors will only send one person. As they have ongoing contracts, the departments involved are reluctant to insist they send more than one person due to the worry of cost implications.

Posted By Richard Hinckley We often provide contractors working on flat roofs with one of 3 solutions: Short Duration Work - Deadweight Anchor Device c/w inertia reel fall arrest block or static line with adjustable rope grab, these are stregically positioned to ensure fall restraint as apposed to fall arrest. The units are built up in manageble weights of less than 25kg to ensure compliance with Manual handling Regulations. They are designed to provide temporary protection for one person per unit though can be designed to be linked up for multi users with the addition of a custom wire running line. Alterernate to the we install permanent horizontal running safety lines where the operatives clip on their safety harness and lanyard in a safe area and with the bepoke travelling device they have free access along the cable without the needs to detach and reattach to the system. The third option is install hand rail either permanant or free stsnding, this offers a protective area to work within and requires only basic training to work within the safe area. I hope that the above suggestions help though I would strongly suggest the operatives who access the roof have received rooftop safety training and that you have a full permit system in place supported by risk assessments and method statements.

Posted By David AB Thomas Remember, most retractable type fall arresters are only designed to work in the vertical plane, i.e. where the anchor point is directly above the user so that any force on the fall arrester acts in a direct vertical line between the user and the anchor point. If such a device is used in a plane other than the vertical there is a risk of the braking mechanism not working or of the anchor line passing over a sharp edge and failing as a result. See: BS 8437:2005 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace. A retractable type fall arrester should be used only in the vertical plane unless the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that it is suitable for use in other situations. In case of doubt the manufacturer should be consulted.