To protect the safety of operators, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of all regulations concerning lifeline systems currently in force at national and regional level. In this article we explain when lifelines are mandatory, how the obligation to ensure safety is regulated, and the required timelines for lifeline maintenance.
Topics covered include:
Lifelines are safety devices, more precisely fall-arrest anchorage devices. They are regulated by European standards UNI EN 795:2012 and UNI 11578:2015, which define performance, requirements and testing methods.
So when are lifelines mandatory? According to current regulations on work at height, the person responsible for safety is required to ensure protection for so-called work at height. This includes any activity carried out at a height of 2 metres or more above a stable surface.
Lifelines are part of fall protection systems and are therefore necessary to secure activities such as installation, maintenance and roof work.
In Italy, lifeline regulations exist at two levels: national and regional.
At national level, work at height is regulated by Article 115 of Legislative Decree 81/2008, concerning “Protection systems against falls from height”. Lifelines are included among the required anchorage systems.
If collective protection measures are not in place, the law requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment compliant with technical standards.
Compliant safety devices include:
The legislation also states that devices do not necessarily have to be used simultaneously unless required for safety.
Several regions have introduced mandatory lifeline installation on roofs and elevated structures, particularly for new buildings and renovation or high-level installation works.
Lifeline maintenance is essential to ensure worker safety and avoid legal penalties for the responsible party.
Maintenance must be carried out by qualified personnel. According to UNI 11560:2014, technicians must hold a specific certification.
Inspections are generally annual. By law, intervals must not exceed 2 years for anchorage systems and 4 years for supporting structures.
