FAQ: What is a Height Safety System?

Since the introduction of The Work at Height Regulations 2005, buildings in the UK have been mandated to provide a safe means for any work performed at height. This crucial legislation spurred the need for both new and existing buildings to incorporate height safety systems, ensuring safe access for workers. Walk around almost any modern building today, and you'll likely notice a network of cables, anchor points, and rails. You might not immediately recognise them, but these are all components of your building's height safety systems. Their purpose is critical: to ensure the safety of anyone working at height on your property, from maintenance teams to window cleaners, and to protect the wider public below.

As a facility manager, building owner, or health and safety professional, understanding these systems isn't just good practice—it's essential for staff safety, legal compliance, and your own peace of mind.

What Is a Height Safety System?

A height safety system is rarely just one piece of equipment, it is a series of inter-connected components which are used alongside designed procedures to create a comprehensive access solution to prevent falls and provide safe access for work at height. These systems are often discreetly integrated into a building's design, working quietly to protect lives and prevent injury.

Effective height safety is guided by a principle called the Hierarchy of Control. This framework prioritises safety measures, aiming to eliminate the risk of a fall entirely where possible, control it if elimination isn't feasible, and only then minimise the consequences if a fall does occur. This hierarchy helps us understand why certain systems are preferred over others.

Understanding the Different Approaches to Fall Protection

When it comes to protecting people at height, different systems offer different levels of protection, aligning with that hierarchy of control:

1. Collective Fall Protection

This is the most preferred and effective method because it protects everyone in the area without requiring individual action or specialised training for each person. It's built-in safety for all.

• What it is: Physical barriers or safe zones that prevent access to a fall hazard.

• Common Examples:

  • Guardrails and Barriers: Sturdy railings around rooftops, mezzanines, or open edges.

  • Safe Walkways and Platforms: Designated, level, non-slip paths that guide workers safely to different areas.

2. Fall Restraint Systems

When collective protection isn't practical, fall restraint is the next best option. These systems, often referred to as "Mansafe Systems", are designed to prevent a worker from reaching a fall hazard in the first place. Think of it as a lead that keeps you from getting too close to the edge.

• What is a Fall Restraint or "Mansafe System": An individual connects to an anchor point, safety line, or rail system with a lanyard that is at a fixed length (specified by the system designer), preventing the user before they can reach the fall edge.

• Common Examples:

  • Anchor Points: Secure points on a building where a lanyard can be attached.

  • Horizontal and Vertical Lifelines/Rails: Continuous lines that workers can connect to, allowing movement along a path without reaching the edge.

3. Fall Arrest Systems

If the risk of falling cannot be eliminated or restrained, fall arrest systems are used as a last resort. These systems are designed to safely catch (arrest) a worker if a fall occurs, minimising injury.

• What it is: A system of components (like harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards) that activates during a fall to stop the user safely.

• Common Examples:

  • Anchor Points: Critical for securely attaching the fall arrest equipment.

  • Horizontal and Vertical Lifelines/Rails: Provide a continuous attachment point for movement, designed to withstand fall arrest forces.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards worn by the individual. Proper training and a rescue plan are crucial for these systems.

Why Are These Systems So Important?

Investing in and maintaining height safety systems offers multiple benefits beyond just compliance:

• User Safety: The most obvious benefit is that these systems directly protect lives, preventing severe injuries or fatalities from falls.

• Public Safety: As well as protecting the users of the systems their use safeguards pedestrians and property below from potential falling objects or accidents from above.

• Legal Compliance: Ensures your building meets crucial safety regulations and standards, avoiding costly penalties, legal liabilities, and potentially prosecution.

• Asset Protection: Provides safe access for routine maintenance and repairs, preventing damage to your building by allowing tasks to be performed safely and efficiently.

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your building is equipped with proper safety measures offers reassurance for everyone involved.

Your Role as a Building Owner/Facility Manager/H&S Manager

Understanding the systems on your building, and the type of protection they offer, is your first step. However, it's equally important to ensure these systems remain effective and compliant. This means:

• Regular Inspections and Testing: Height safety systems, like any other critical building component, require periodic inspection and testing by qualified professionals to ensure they are safe, compliant, and ready for use.

• Proper Documentation: Keeping accurate records of all installations, inspections, and maintenance is vital for compliance and safety management. As well as having easily accessible BS7883:2019 Technical Files available for inspectors.

  
  

Secure Your Building's Future, Safely

Height safety systems are a important component of a building's make-up meant to be overlooked and unnoticed until needed. They represent a commitment to safety and responsible building management protecting workers, buildings, and the wider public.

As experienced installers and testers of height safety systems, we're here to be your knowledgeable and supportive partner. Whether you need an assessment of your current systems, have questions about how to stay compliant, or are considering new installations, we can help ensure your building is safe, secure, and fully compliant.

Ready to discuss your height safety testing or installation needs? Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about how we can help you protect your people and your property.