Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Horizontal Lifeline?

A Horizontal Lifeline is a safety system that consists of a number of components,
which provides continuous attachment and hands free working to the user or users.
It should either restrain the user from accessing the area of risk or catch them in
the event of a fall whilst doing the minimum of damage to the user and system.

Typically a horizontal lifeline system utilises a cable attached at either end to a

structure and supported at regular intervals by brackets. The user attaches to the
cable via a mechanism that will allow them to move along the system and across the
brackets without the need for detaching.

2. Why choose Uniline for a horizontal lifeline system?

Uniline is a new, revolutionary product that offers exceptional benefits. It is low
stretch, has low dynamic sag, has excellent shock absorbing capabilities and has
little elasticity. This means that less of the load generated in the event of a fall is
transferred to the structure resulting in far lower end loads. The low elasticity
results in a ‘soft drop,’ i.e. the user will not bounce around following a fall and risk
further trauma as they might with a wire based system.

Uniline has a breaking strength of 76 kN, which is equivalent to that of a 12mm

stainless steel cable and almost double that of an 8 mm stainless steel cable. In
addition Uniline has a safety factor of over 3:1, which exceeds the safety factors
of 8mm stainless steel cable.

All of these features make Uniline a more flexible system, enabling it to span
greater distances than stainless steel cable between supports and accommodate a
wider range of retractable fall arrest devices. It also results in a most cost
effective solution.

3. Are there standards to govern the installation of Horizontal Lifelines?

Yes, most countries have recognised standards, which effectively governs the
manufacture and installation of horizontal and vertical safety systems and
anchorage points. In Europe all anchorage points and horizontal lifeline systems
should be designed, manufactured and installed in accordance with EN 795. Vertical
Safety Systems should conform to EN 353-1 and EN353-2. In America OSHA
standards govern the manufacture and installation of such products. Should you
need any further information, please contact us.

4. Does the Uniline Horizontal Lifeline meet those standards?

Yes, Uniline has been tested in accordance with all world standards.
5. Why do we need to install a horizontal lifeline system?
Health and Safety Regulations states that it is the employer’s responsibility to
protect the employee. When a person is working at height near to an exposed edge
or fall risk, suitable protection is required to protect them from falling.

A Uniline Horizontal Lifeline System offers a cost effective and efficient means of
providing such protection.

6. What is Uniline?
Uniline is a unique Polyester Parallel Fibre Cable, protected by a neoprene jacket and
a further outer polyester braided cover. Uniline’s strength is in the cable core and is
an incredible 76kN. (Over 7 tonnes).

7. Is Uniline a rope?
It’s a lot more than just a rope. Uniline® has been in service in the world’s most
demanding environments for over twenty years and has proven itself time and time
again. Used by Utilities Companies to pull cables above ground and beneath the
Oceans of the world, it has withstood a diverse range of environmental conditions.
For further information see our Properties of Uniline information sheet.

8. Is Uniline non-conductive?
Uniline has very high dielectric properties and is effectively non-conductive.

9. How is Uniline affected by weather conditions?

Uniline is waterproof and is unaffected by ice and salt water. Polyester is the most
resistant of all synthetic fibres for UV resistance and the neoprene inner cover
that protects the core of the cable resists degradation from the sun and ozone.
Uniline has a long in service life expectancy. For further information see our
Properties of Uniline information sheet.

10. How is Uniline affected by Chemical Contaminants?

Uniline is highly resistant to most mineral acids and is virtually unaffected by alkalis.
Uniline Safety Systems have details of a wide range of test data, so for more
specific information please contact us.

11. Can we clean the Uniline cable?

It can be hosed off or washed with a mild household detergent.

12. Is Uniline resistant to cuts?

Uniline is very strong with two outer layers protecting the inner core, where the
products strength lies. It is very difficult to cut Uniline under normal circumstances
and installers have special cable cutters to help them.
13. How does the user pass the intermediate brackets without detaching?
The patented Unigrab is designed to self orientate as it approaches the
intermediate bracket to enable the link to pass over the bracket unhindered.

14. How do I enter/ exit the Uniline system?

The Unigrab is designed in such away that you can enter or exit the system from any
point along its length. Once attached, it is impossible to inadvertently detach
yourself from the Uniline. See User Instruction manual for further information.

15. Are special tools required for installation?

A small hand tool for securing the end termination is required and a heat shrink hot
gun is used to finish the system neatly. No on site swaging is required. Only
companies trained and certificated by Uniline Safety Systems are approved to
install the Uniline System.

16. How do Uniline Safety Systems know that their installers are installing the
systems correctly?
Thorough on-going training and the operation of a bi-annual audit procedure.

17. What distances can the Uniline Horizontal Lifeline span?

The Uniline Horizontal Lifeline can span up to 50 metres without intermediate
support due to its unique capabilities. This means less penetrations and less
intermediate supports than other lifelines. System parameters should be defined by
your approved installer once they have familiarised themselves with site conditions.

18. How can we be confident that our installation will be safe?

With the results of our testing procedures we have developed a sophisticated
computer simulation programme, which calculates the results of different system
configurations, numbers of users, etc and gives results such as fall distances and
end loads for your system. This programme is available to all our approved installers
and all installations are pre-checked using this simulation.

In addition Uniline Installers are selected for their ability to provide comprehensive
service and expertise in height safety to our Customers.

19. How many users can use the system?

The computer simulation can determine the maximum number of users. We would
generally recommend a maximum of six, although this figure may be exceeded or
reduced according to specific local conditions.

20. How often should the Uniline System be inspected?

In order to guarantee the on-going integrity of the system, and in accordance with
current regulations, we recommend that the system be inspected once a year by a
Uniline Safety Systems approved installer or competent person
21. What user equipment is required?
A full body harness is required by law. The user should attach to the system with
the Unigrab device and a shock absorbing lanyard or retractable fall arrest device.
Your PPE should be supplied by your installer in order to ensure compatibility with
the system and must be properly certified in accordance with current national
regulations/standards.

22. Where can we use the Uniline Horizontal Lifeline?

Uniline is the most flexible horizontal lifeline system in the world and can be used
for a wide range of height safety access applications. Please see our Uniline
Brochure or our product pages on our web site http://www.unilinesafety.com/ for
further information.