Can someone let me know how to assess the suitability of a horizontal life line erected as anchor point of harnesses? Regards, Prads

The really vital thing with these types of systems is that they should not be used other than a part of a restraint system and never fall arrest. If used for fall arrest you are in effect using the line as a bridle with all the additional problems of calculating the SWL when dynamic shock loading is applied. Bob

First of all you mustn’t use the forums for: •commercial purposes (including the advertising of jobs, goods and services) IOSH forum rules and we like rules don’t we gentlemen. Can I suggest that you find out who originally installed the system as they should off supplied you with the load prediction calculations showing end anchor and intermediate post loads. There should also be an identification plate somewhere recording details of inspection (usually every year) and stating how many men the system can safety support. This is a recommendation of EN 795. A repetitive sample safety line of the system itself should off been strength tested by a UKAS approved body in order to prove the suitability for use in accordance with EN 795: 1997: class C horizontal safety line. This report should be made available if requested. Alternately contact an approved installer who will check the system over who will usually condemn it and suggest a brand new system is installed. In fairness it is difficult to safely inspect a safety line in situ if you haven’t the relevant certification, records etc. We have installed safety line system which will support 10 men in full fall arrest. If possible we always design the system as a fall arrest even if it is going to be used in fall restraint. As long as you can prove that the supporting structure can take these loadings then accetable. We also supply drawing of supporting post, etc. in AutoCAD 2010 or SolidWorks 2010 plus strength calculation for approval or more likely for the file.

i am not using the forum for anything other than to try and learn and offer help where i can, i would gladly of looked at pictures of the system or visited the site if viable or myself, and offered a professional opinion just to help out a fellow member, i thought this is what these forums were for? I apologise if i am wrong but i am pretty new to iosh and the forums!