The term “lifelines” has entered common technical language to identify all systems and devices designed to reduce the risk of a potential fall from height.
When are lifelines required?
Lifelines are required whenever work is carried out at a height exceeding 2 metres above a stable walking or working surface.
How are lifelines defined?
Lifeline design is generally governed by the technical standard EN 795:2012, which defines five types of fall protection systems based on their characteristics:
Type A: Single anchor points
Type B: Temporary removable anchor devices
Type C: Flexible horizontal lifelines
Type D: Rigid horizontal lifelines
Type E: Deadweight (ballasted) anchor devices
Below is a detailed overview of the characteristics of each anchorage type.
Single anchor points (Type A) are stationary anchorage devices such as roof hooks or wall-mounted eye bolts. These systems should be avoided where long distances must be covered, as moving from one anchor point to another requires time-consuming procedures and may discourage workers from using them. This results in poor ergonomic system design. Their use is therefore generally limited to controlling pendulum effects or providing access routes to a main lifeline.
The second and most commonly used solution is Type C, the flexible horizontal lifeline. It consists of two or more supports and a flexible cable, usually steel, to which the worker can connect using personal protective equipment (PPE). This solution offers improved ergonomics compared to single anchor points, as the worker can travel long distances without disconnecting. However, in some cases the available clearance below the lifeline is insufficient due to the required fall clearance (clear height).
To address deflection-related issues, Type D systems (rigid horizontal lifelines) are used. These systems replace the flexible cable with a rigid guide—typically a rail—along which a mobile trolley acts as a moving anchorage point. Due to their reduced deflection, they significantly lower the required fall clearance, making them comparable to Type A systems while maintaining excellent ergonomics by allowing continuous movement without disconnection.
The remaining lifeline types (Type B and Type E) fall under EU Regulation 2016/425, which classifies them as PPE since they can be removed after each use without tools.
Type B includes removable anchorage devices such as tripods, davit arms, and temporary anchor points.
Type E includes anchor devices that rely solely on friction between a ballast weight and the supporting surface for load resistance.
