INFORMATION ON

Life Lines
Introduction
In cases where direct attachment to anchorages is not possible, life lines provide the interface between a
users fall arrest harness and the anchorage.
A life line typically consists of a flexible line connected to an anchorage at one end and hung vertically
(vertical life line) or where both ends are connected to anchorages and stretched horizontally (horizontal life
line). The third type, the self-retracting life line is secured above the attached user. The tensioned life line
extends and retracts automatically in response to movements of the worker attached to it. In the event of a
fall, the sudden motion engages a braking system similar to those used in car seat belts and halts movement
of the life line.

General Information on Life lines

Life lines are typically made of synthetic fibre ropes, webbing material or wire ropes, with the ends suitably
terminated. Note that the requirements below are the minimum and are meant to address general cases.
Certain specific cases will necessitate higher requirements; this is especially so for horizontal life line
systems.
Wire fibre is much more resistant to ultra violet (UV) light and environmental exposure than artificial fibres
used to construct fibre ropes. Therefore, life lines made from wire fibre are more suitable for long-term
outdoor or permanent use.
Where life lines are used, supervision must be provided. Equipment and plans for emergency rescue should
also be made available.
Switching life lines
Where it is necessary for a user to switch between life lines, the second lanyard must be connected to the
next life line before disengaging the connection to the previous life line. This is commonly known as 100percent tie off, which is achievable through means such as twin-tailed lanyards.
Storage
When not in use, life lines should be stored separate from possible hazards, such as sharp objects, heat,
sunlight, chemicals or flammable substances. Exposure to such hazards may result in the life line being
degraded without being noticed.

Selection of life lines

The following factors should be considered when deciding on the type and positioning of life lines. Below are
four factors that have been identified that affect the compatibility of types of life lines. These four factors are
not exhaustive; other factors should be included for consideration, depending on the situations or conditions
of the site.
Ease of Use
The type of work to be carried out may affect the suitability of the type of system. Where possible, the least
cumbersome one should be chosen. If the system hinders the users from carrying out the work too greatly,
the users may end up disengaging themselves from the life line to carry out the work unprotected.
Length of Service
The system should match the expected term of use; using a fibre-rope life line for long-term or permanent
usage may put users at risk. Due to long-term environmental exposure, the life line may weaken and be
unable to withstand the forces generated during a fall.
Conditions
The type of life line used should be suitable under severe conditions if exposure to substances such as
corrosive agents, high temperatures or harsh weather is expected.
Protection of Life lines
Adequate protection should be provided to the life line, especially if it is at risk of being damaged by
abrasion, hot works or where it may be accidentally cut. Below are a few conditions that can weaken or
damage the life line, compromising the degree of protection that is afforded.
Ultraviolet light Prolonged exposure to sunlight will weaken synthetic fibre rope life lines. Life lines
made from ultraviolet-resistant materials should be used in such cases.
Temperature Extreme heat (such as from machinery) can weaken life lines; extreme cold can cause
life lines to become brittle. Under such conditions, life lines used should be made of materials capable of
withstanding extreme temperatures.
Physical damage Contact with sharp objects, rough surfaces will damage the life line directly.
Protection of life lines at contact points can be done using padding material such as rubber mats
mounted onto the surface or through the use of specialised rope protectors.
Sparks or flame Extreme heat sources, such as those generated during hot works, can melt or burn
life lines. Where possible, life lines should be kept away from or at least guarded from exposure from
sparks or flames; if guarding is not possible, they should be constructed from flame-resistant materials.
Chemicals Exposure to chemicals can cause life lines to be either chemically burnt or degraded.
Where chemicals are used, measures should be taken to prevent contact with life lines; if contact
cannot be avoided, the life line should be constructed from chemically resistant or inert materials.
Marking or dying Only dyes approved by the manufacturer can be used to mark lifelines, as most
conventional dyes contain acids which can weaken the lifelines.

Adequate coverage
It is important to provide sufficient coverage for users performing work while anchored to the life line.
Inadequate coverage may result either in users disengaging themselves from the life line or swing back
collisions, in the event of a fall.
Other factors should be included, such as the situation on the site and the nature of the work to be carried
out.

Types of Life lines

There are many types of life lines. Information on the three basic types have been included here. There are
also devices like sliding rails and rigid-type horizontal fall arrest systems. Owing to the complexity and
variation in different models from different manufacturers, such devices have not been included here.
Vertical Life lines
A vertical life line is constructed when a life line is secured on one end to an anchorage, with the other end
left to hang vertically. User is then connected to the line using a personal fall arrest system that moves with
the user vertically up and down the life line. Under normal circumstances, each vertical life line is used by
one user only.

The life line should be free of knots and splices as they will
weaken the life line. The exception is where knots are used to
secure the life line to an anchorage. This should only be done
by competent persons who are trained and experienced in the
use of knots for such purposes. The end of the life line that is
used for connection to the users harness must be terminated
with a swivel connector. Life line terminations must not be
formed by tying knots in the life line.
Additionally, the life line used must be long enough to reach
either the ground or a secure location so that the user may
safely exit should the need arise.

Self-Retracting Life lines

A self-retracting life line involves the use of a spring-loaded
reel to rein in any excess length of the life line. This ensures
the shortest possible length of life line between the user and
the reel. In the event of a fall, the life line is rapidly pulled out
from the reel and a braking mechanism is quickly engaged to
halt the fall of the user.
Self-retracting life lines are usually designed to be anchored
above the user and should be used as such, unless otherwise
stated by the manufacturer.

It is often easy to misuse the self-retracting life line system, causing failure to provide the intended protection
from falls. Thus, it is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using such a system.
Below is a list of situations where the degree of safety of the self-retracting life line can be compromised. As
such, the following practices must not be allowed:
1. Use in the horizontal plane; unless the manufacturer had done testing in this direction, and has
specifically permitted such usage.
2. Usage / attachment on a horizontal life line, unless the manufacturer had done testing in such a
situation and has specifically permitted such usage.
3. Usage in cases where the life line has to pass or trail over sharp edges such as a roofs edge.
The line may be weakened due to abrasion; this effect will be compounded by the movements of the
life line due to the movements of the user.
4. Attaching a lanyard between the life line and the harness may increase the fall distance and
should be avoided.
5. Attempting to extend the life line beyond its normal working length; the linkages may not be of
sufficient strength to withstand the forces generated during a fall.
6. Tampering, modifying the device or joining more than one device together. The device may no
longer function as intended.
7. Attachment of more than one user to each device can cause overloading; self-retracting life lines
are meant for usage by only one user.
8. Re-using a device that had previously arrested a fall. Such devices will usually have indicators
that will show if it had arrested a fall previously, although some may not. Such devices should be
withdrawn from usage. The manufacturers manual should contain information on how to perform
the necessary checks.
9. Allow rapid-retraction of the life line as it may result in a higher chance of jamming or failure due to
the rapid spooling of the life line.
Horizontal Life lines
A horizontal life line basically consists of a life line rigged horizontally, with each end secured to an
anchorage. Users are then connected to the line using a personal fall arrest system that moves with the user
between the two anchorage points.
This type of life line is the most complicated to design.
Due to the unavoidable deflection that will occur if a user
falls while being anchored to it, standard specifications
for anchorages and life lines may become insufficient due
to the horizontal deflection. Therefore, horizontal life lines
must be designed, installed, and used under the direction
of a competent person who is capable of determining
load requirements, fall arrest requirements, and has been
trained in identifying hazardous conditions relating to fall
arrest systems.
It is vital to be aware of and keep within the design
specifications of the horizontal life line. The maximum
number of persons attached to the life line specified must
never be exceeded. The deflection of the horizontal life
line due to a persons fall is important for calculating the
fall clearance distance.

The height of a horizontal life line should be higher than the waist level, as it is generally intended for fall
arrest and not for travel restraint.
Inspection of Life lines
Life lines must be visually checked for damage. If the lifelines are left at the site, they must be inspected on a
daily basis or each time before they are used.
If any of the following is found, the life line is unsafe and must be withdrawn from usage.
1. Tears or cuts (broken or loose strands)

2. Glazing of surface (heat damage)

3. Varied strand size or shape

4. Decreased elasticity (stiffness) or

presence of lumps

5. Discolouration

6. Lack of proper termination

7. Unclear/Missing identification or
inspection labels

8. Connecting hardware is damaged or in

poor condition (e.g. unable to lock)

For details on conducting performance tests and maintenance on life lines, please refer to: Singapore
Standard SS 402 : Part 1 : 1997 - Industrial safety belts and harnesses, Part 1 : - General requirements.

Further Information
1. Workplace Safety and Health Act

2. Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations

3. Singapore Standard SS 402 : Part 1 : 1997 Specification for Industrial safety belts and harnesses, Part 1
- General requirements

4. Singapore Standard SS 528 : Part 3 : 2006 Specification for Personal fall-arrest systems, Part 3 : Selfretracting life lines

5. OSHA - Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) - Fall protection systems criteria and practices. - 1926.502
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10758

6. The Work at Height Safety Association, Technical Guidance Note 2 - Guidance on the selection, use,
maintenance and inspection of retractable type fall arresters
http://www.wahsa.co.uk/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,2/
7. Horizontal Fall Arrest System. Matthew Blackford
(Taken from Construction Safety News [Construction Safety Councils], Summer 2000; originally published in
Compliance Magazine, February 2000.)
http://www.cdc.gov/eLCOSH/docs/d0200/d000288/d000288.html
8. WorkSafeNB - Horizontal Lifeline Systems Guideline
http://www.worksafenb.ca/docs/hlsguide_e.pdf

Acknowledgements
The Workplace Safety and Health Council wishes to acknowledge the following organisations for the
diagrams used:

ASRETEC Pte Ltd

Checkmate Safety