Design of fall protection systems and lifelines: certified, tailor-made safety

SPIDER® develops advanced technical designs for permanent and temporary fall protection systems, in compliance with UNI 11560:2022 and the specific technical standards for anchorage devices. The design of fall protection systems is supported by structural verifications according to Eurocodes and national Construction Technical Standards.

The service covers all phases: preliminary analysis, executive design, structural calculation, graphic documents, and technical file.

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Technical Design Process

  • Technical survey and preliminary analysis

  • Characterization of the load-bearing structure and roof covering

  • Identification of access points and safe paths on the roof

  • Assessment of possible fall scenarios and the actual fall factor

  • Identification of installation points compatible with geometries and intended use

Executive System Design

  • Definition of the anchor layout according to UNI 11560:2022

  • Selection of devices (type, materials, certifications)

  • Evaluation of the device–structure interaction

  • System modeling to verify required clearance height and compatibility with spaces and use modes

Structural Verification (Calculation Report)

The checks include:

  • determination of maximum forces transmitted to the structure by the fall protection system

  • verification of fixing points according to reference standards (e.g., Eurocodes and NTC)

  • local analysis of the support using SLS/ULS methods

  • possible FEM analysis for complex structures or custom-designed solutions

Compilation and Delivery of the System File

  • Executive drawings with plans, sections and construction details

  • Assembly diagrams for qualified installers

  • Technical file compliant with UNI 11560:2022 and complete with all attachments

  • Roof Technical Document (ETC)

RICHIEDI
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The Stages of Designing a Roof Lifeline System

Preliminary Analysis and Roof Survey

Every lifeline system design begins with a preliminary analysis phase, which is essential for understanding the operational and structural context. During this phase, the type of roof covering, the structural materials, the roof build-up stratigraphy and the presence of interfering elements such as skylights, systems or photovoltaic panels are assessed.
The aim is to identify the working routes, the areas at risk of falling and the methods of access to the roof, in order to design a system that allows operators to move safely during ordinary and extraordinary maintenance activities.

Loads to Be Considered When Designing a Lifeline System

The correct assessment of loads is one of the central elements of a lifeline system project. The system must be sized not only to withstand static load, but above all the dynamic stresses generated by arresting a fall.
The main loads to be considered include:

  • the fall load of the operator, including dynamic effects;
  • the weight of the operator and equipment;
  • the number of simultaneous users.

Where relevant, it may also be necessary to consider:

  • the self-weight of the fall-arrest system;
  • environmental loads, such as snow and wind.

These loads must be correctly combined in accordance with the Italian Technical Standards for Construction (NTC) and the Eurocodes, applying the safety coefficients and factors set out in the regulations.

Detailed System Design

  • Definition of the anchor point layout in accordance with UNI 11560:2022
  • Selection of devices (type, materials, certifications)
  • Assessment of the device–structure interaction
  • System modelling to verify clearance height and compatibility with the available space and intended use

Structural Verifications (Calculation Report)

The verifications vary depending on the type of supporting structure. A reinforced concrete roof requires checks on the strength of the concrete and the anchoring depth of the fixings. Wooden roofs require checks on the load-bearing sections and on how loads are distributed. Steel or corrugated sheet metal structures require checks on thicknesses, fixings and any local reinforcements needed.

The verifications include:

  • determining the maximum forces transmitted to the structure by the fall-arrest system
  • checking the fixing points in accordance with the relevant standards (e.g. Eurocodes and NTC)
  • local analysis of the support, using SLS/ULS methods
  • FEM analysis where necessary, for complex structures or specially designed bespoke solutions

Component Sizing Criteria

The sizing of the lifeline system’s components depends on several design factors. The type of device (single anchor points, flexible lines or rigid guides), the span length, the number of operators and the permissible deflections all directly affect the stresses transmitted to the structure.
In industrial settings, for example, rigid systems are often preferred, as they allow for greater control over deflection and reduce the forces transmitted to the anchor points.

Preparation and Issue of the System File

A complete lifeline system project must be accompanied by detailed technical documentation, including the calculation report, technical drawings, installation data sheets, declarations of conformity and the use and maintenance manual.

In Lombardy, these documents come together to form:

  • Detailed drawings with layouts, sections and construction details
  • Assembly diagrams for qualified installers
  • A technical file compliant with UNI 11560:2022, complete with all its annexes
  • The Technical Report on the Roof Covering (ETC)

Design of bespoke special solutions and customized systems

  • When standard solutions on the market are not suitable for the structure’s characteristics or for specific operational needs, we design and manufacture tailor-made special products: completely customized anchor devices and fall-protection systems, engineered according to technical criteria and compliant with current standards.

  • These solutions address typical needs of complex environments such as irregular roofs, historical buildings, non-standard steel structures, industrial plants and spaces with particular geometries.

Technical development methodology

  • The development of bespoke special products follows a rigorous engineering process:

  • Preliminary analysis of the operational context and structural constraints.

  • 3D CAD modelling to define the geometry of the device.

  • FEM analysis to assess stresses, deformations and load distributions.

  • Calculation of loads transmitted to the structure according to NTC and Eurocodes.

  • Verification of safety factors and compatibility with the supporting structure.

  • Preparation of construction drawings for manufacturing.

  • Preparation of technical documentation (manuals, instructions, data sheets, technical file).

Advantages of our customized technical solutions

  • Design compliant with the most up-to-date technical standards.

  • High-level expertise in local structural verification for anchor devices.

  • Complete documentation for installation, testing and periodic inspections.

  • Reduced risk of non-compliance and greater technical reliability.

  • Support for engineering firms, HSE managers and site supervisors in all project phases.

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Spider Linee Vita: Specialist Design Services in Lombardy and throughout Italy

Spider Linee Vita operates as a specialist technical partner in the design of lifeline systems, offering a comprehensive service that includes risk analysis, structural design, supply, installation and testing.

Bespoke Solutions

When standard solutions available on the market are not suitable for the characteristics of the structure or for specific operational requirements, we design and manufacture special bespoke products: fully customised anchor devices and fall-arrest systems, developed according to engineering criteria and compliant with current technical standards.
These solutions meet the typical needs of complex settings, such as irregular roofs, historic buildings, non-standard metal structures, industrial plants and environments with unusual geometries.

Technical Development Methodology:

The development of special bespoke products follows a rigorous engineering process:

  • Preliminary analysis of the operational context and structural constraints
  • 3D CAD modelling to define the geometry of the device
  • FEM and engineering analysis to assess stresses, deformations and load distribution
  • Calculation of the stresses transmitted to the structure in accordance with the NTC and the Eurocodes
  • Verification of safety coefficients and compatibility with the characteristics of the support
  • Preparation of construction drawings for production
  • Preparation of technical documentation (manuals, instructions for use, technical data sheets, technical file)

Advantages of Our Customised Technical Solutions

  • Design compliant with the most up-to-date technical standards
  • High level of expertise in local structural verifications for anchor points
  • Complete documentation for installation, testing and periodic inspections
  • Reduced risk of design non-compliance and greater protection in terms of technical liability
  • Ability to support technical firms, health and safety officers (RSPP) and site managers at every stage of the project

Check Whether Your Roof Is Truly Safe
With our roof risk analysis service, we assess regulatory compliance, structural issues and the most suitable fall-arrest solutions for your building.

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