In today’s commercial and industrial environments, ensuring the safety of personnel working at height is both a legal requirement and a moral obligation. With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) maintaining stringent regulations around work at height, facility managers must implement robust fall protection systems to safeguard workers and maintain compliance.
As the UK’s leading specialist service provider in access and safety solutions, PTSG has extensive experience designing, installing, and maintaining fall protection systems across buildings of all configurations, sizes, and ages. Our team of highly qualified engineers doesn’t just follow the standards – our leaders help write them through their involvement with national trade associations such as SAEMA (Specialist Access Engineering & Maintenance Association).
Here are the 10 critical fall protection systems that every facility manager should consider implementing:
- PFPS Fall Protection Anchors
Fall protection anchors serve as secure connection points for personal fall arrest systems. These permanently installed devices are crucial for roof maintenance, edge work, and other high-risk areas.
These anchors can be installed on various roof types, including metal, concrete, and membrane surfaces. The key advantage is their ability to provide a secure attachment point that meets required load capacities while minimising the risk of roof damage or leaks. With proper installation and regular inspection, these anchors provide years of reliable protection.
Our engineers ensure all anchors meet the latest British and European standards, positioning them strategically to provide maximum coverage with optimal safety.
- PFPS Safety Line Systems
Horizontal lifeline systems allow workers to move freely along building perimeters while maintaining continuous protection. Unlike fixed-point anchors, these systems enable greater mobility without compromising safety.
Safety line systems can span long distances, making them ideal for extensive roof areas that require regular maintenance. The system’s design allows workers to pass intermediate brackets without disconnecting, ensuring continuous protection throughout the task.
PTSG’s expertise includes customising these systems for different building designs, from modern commercial structures to complex historical buildings with unique architectural features.
- Freestanding Edge Protection
Non-penetrative guardrail systems provide collective protection without damaging the building envelope. These systems use counterweights to maintain stability, eliminating the need for roof penetrations.
Edge protection is particularly valuable for flat roofs, plant areas, and maintenance zones where multiple people need access. The system provides immediate visual indication of safe zones and creates a physical barrier against falls.
Our approach includes designing solutions that comply with regulations while respecting the building’s character. Installation is quick, with minimal disruption to building operations.
- PFPS Rigid Rail Systems
For industrial environments requiring frequent access to elevated work areas, rigid rail systems provide superior fall protection with minimal fall distance and pendulum effect.
Unlike flexible lifelines, rigid rails ensure that a fall is arrested within a very short distance, reducing the risk of injury. These systems are ideal for loading bays, maintenance areas, and production facilities where workers frequently operate at height.
PTSG’s installation teams consider structural requirements, clearance heights, and operational needs when designing and implementing these systems, ensuring they enhance rather than impede workflow.
- Rope Access Anchor Systems
Specialised anchors designed specifically for rope access work enable safe and efficient maintenance, inspection, and repair of building facades.
These systems allow skilled technicians to access difficult areas without expensive scaffolding or powered access equipment. With properly positioned anchors, rope access becomes a cost-effective and less disruptive alternative for facade maintenance.
Our expertise in rope access anchor systems comes from years of experience with diverse building types, from high-rise office towers to historic structures with delicate facades.
- Fixed Ladders with Integrated Fall Protection
Permanently installed ladders with built-in safety features provide secure access to rooftops, mechanical equipment, and other elevated areas.
Modern fixed ladder systems incorporate vertical fall arrest systems that engage immediately if a worker slips. This integration eliminates the need for separate safety equipment while ensuring continuous protection during ascent and descent.
When designing ladder systems, our teams consider placement, material durability, and integration with other access points to create a comprehensive safety solution.
- Fall Proof Covers
Protective covers for skylights, roof hatches, and floor openings prevent falls through these often-overlooked hazards.
Many workplace accidents involve falls through unprotected openings. Fall proof covers provide a simple yet effective solution, capable of supporting required loads while maintaining access when needed.
PTSG offers both permanent and temporary cover solutions, designed to meet specific site requirements while ensuring full compliance with safety standards.
- PFPS Mobile Man Anchors
Portable fall protection anchors provide flexibility for temporary work or locations where permanent systems aren’t feasible.
These versatile systems can be quickly deployed and relocated as needed, making them ideal for short-term projects or buildings with infrequent access requirements. Despite their portability, they provide robust protection when properly installed.
Our team helps facility managers determine when mobile solutions are appropriate and ensures proper setup and inspection procedures are followed.
- Fixed Walkways with Integrated Guardrails
Designated safe pathways create clear routes across rooftops, eliminating the need to walk on potentially fragile surfaces.
Fixed walkways not only protect workers but also safeguard the roof surface from damage caused by foot traffic. With integrated guardrails, these systems provide comprehensive protection for maintenance personnel.
PTSG designs walkway systems that accommodate specific building features, weather conditions, and maintenance requirements, creating pathways that enhance both safety and efficiency.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Complete personal fall arrest equipment serves as the last line of defence against falls and is essential even when other systems are in place.
A comprehensive PPE solution includes harnesses, lanyards, connectors, and proper training in their use. Regular inspection and replacement of worn components are crucial for maintaining effectiveness.
Our approach includes not just supplying quality equipment but ensuring personnel are properly trained in its correct use, inspection, and maintenance.
The Integrated Approach to Fall Protection
While each of these systems provides valuable protection individually, the most effective safety strategy integrates multiple systems based on a thorough risk assessment. This comprehensive approach ensures protection across all areas where falls might occur.
At PTSG, our full protection installation department takes a holistic view of access solutions. We draw on our extensive expertise to advise on the optimal products for each specific requirement, creating customised solutions that protect people, property, and places.
Regular inspection and maintenance of these systems are essential to ensure continued performance and compliance. Our nationwide network of locally based engineers provides swift response times, typically within one week from order to site visit.
With the industry’s most qualified engineers, competitive pricing, and commitment to quality assurance, PTSG delivers peace of mind along with our fall protection solutions. Our comprehensive certificates and documentation provide certainty that your equipment carries valid test verification and meets all current legislation.
Don’t leave the safety of your personnel to chance. Contact PTSG today for a comprehensive assessment of your facility’s fall protection needs and discover how our expertise can enhance safety while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
