The ongoing design of fall protection systems has ensured that no matter what industry you are in, there is a system that will meet the needs and requirements of your particular job circumstances. But what are the criteria for establishing if you need anchor points or ladder brackets. This article will outline elements that will identify your specific requirements and assist in highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each system.
Anchor Points
Anchor points are the most commonly used type of fall restraint system installed on industrial buildings. Also known as safe roof access points, a simple anchor point when used in conjunction with a certified harness can offer protection from major injury and death to trained users. Anchor points come in a very wide variety of designs. So you need to establish what your needs are, and then make an informed decision. Do you require a maximum threshold rate? Do you need multiple users attached to a single safe roof access point? Do you want an aesthetically pleasing design? Should the anchor points be permanently installed, or temporary? These factors will make your decision easier if you decide that anchor points are the ideal fall protection system for you.
Anchor points are often used on buildings that are regularly frequented by staff, as they offer comprehensive protection for individuals, and offer great freedom of movement at heights. Roof safety points need to be installed by certified installer, who will not only decide where is the ideal location of the points, but will also be able to perform annual certification. Every fall prevention system installer that you come across will recommend a system with an energy absorbing feature. This is not a marketing ploy, but a genuine advance in the safety features of fall prevention systems. The energy absorbing feature slows the deceleration of the falling weight, thereby reducing the trauma that a body is under when slowing down.
If your building requires a fall prevention system that offers complete protection across the entire area of the roof, then installing multiple safe roof access points will offer the highest standard of safety. But if there is a significantly smaller area that needs safe roof access, then a simpler and cheaper option may be available.
Ladder brackets
Ladder brackets are a simple way to ensure individuals that are working at heights can maintain the safety of their environment. There are two types of ladder brackets, ones that are permanently fixed onto the roof, and ones that are installed on the ladder itself. Both types of ladder brackets prevent the ladder from falling back, and also prevent any horizontal movement. By stabilising the ladder at a fixed position, an individual can have greater stability while working at heights.
Ladder brackets are limited in the safety that they offer. An individual can still slip, or lose their balance while on top of the ladder and fall. So in contrast to an anchor point they do offer the same level of safety. One advantage that ladder brackets have over anchor points is that they are very user friendly, because they do not require a user to put on a harness, and therefore they have a higher rate of use. Also the price range of ladder brackets offers significant savings in comparison to fixed safe roof access systems.
So what should I choose?
Examine your specific needs. What height are you going to be working at? Is portability important? Will I need to train multiple staff in the use of the equipment, or just one member? What is the price range that you have at your disposal for a fall protection system?
After analysing your needs and consulting with a certified fall protection installer you will see the system that will work best for you.
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