Permanent lifeline systems: certified safety for fall prevention

The basic architecture of a continuous safety system requires a tensioned steel cable, supported by intermediate and end anchors. To ensure the system is effective during a sudden arrest, the structure as a whole must absorb the kinetic energy generated. For this purpose, the installation uses rigid posts, designed to withstand high loads without yielding, or controlled-deformation profiles. Equally fundamental is the integration of an energy absorber along the cable run: a mechanical component designed to dampen the impact force transmitted to the building's load-bearing structure and to the operator's body in the unfortunate event of a fall.

The design and supply of these systems allow no compromise on the quality and traceability of materials. For work at height, Italy's Consolidated Safety Act (Legislative Decree 81/08) requires the exclusive use of compliant equipment. Specifically, anchors for temporary use must pass the tests set out for EN 795 anchor devices. However, for fixed systems installed for the future maintenance of the building, the key technical reference in Italy is the UNI 11578 standard, which defines the requirements for devices intended for permanent installation. The use of stainless steel or hot-dip galvanised steel components is mandatory to prevent structural deterioration due to prolonged exposure to the weather.

Every building has unique structural features that call for a tailored technical approach. Permanent structural anchors must be selected according to the build-up and nature of the roof, whether it consists of reinforced concrete slabs, glulam load-bearing beams or industrial roofing. In this area, there are specific plates designed for fixing to trapezoidal or standing-seam metal sheeting. These innovative supports allow the fall-arrest system to be anchored directly to the metal roof using special rivets or seam clamps, avoiding deep drilling that could seriously compromise the waterproofing of the building below.

Supplying complete fall-arrest systems requires the distributor to manage a wide variety of components, from long vertical posts to precision small parts such as turnbuckles, thimbles and shackles. To avoid filling the warehouse with bulky, slow-moving items, the retailer can rely on FT SPA's advanced logistics, which ensure fast shipping so that orders are fulfilled quickly. In store, it is best to organise small parts in clearly labelled modular trays, physically separated from the structural posts, ideally housed on racks. A tidy display makes it easier to prepare delivery notes and helps installers check materials before arriving on site.