Uninterrupted safety, effortless movement
Our overhead lifeline systems provide a permanent, secure solution that allows workers to perform maintenance, inspections, and other tasks without the risk of falling. Designed specifically for overhead applications, these lifeline systems consist of a horizontal steel cable anchored across multiple points, providing continuous protection while allowing users to move freely, or even passing each other.
When to choose for an overhead lifeline?
An overhead lifeline system is ideal when workers need to move safely across high structures such as ledges, narrow surfaces, or other elevated areas. These systems allow users to walk securely while remaining connected to a continuous fall protection line. Our range of overhead lifelines can be mounted on steel beams, concrete surfaces, or on bricks, ensuring adaptability to various building types and environments.
As XSPlatforms we know every building and project is unique. That’s why we offer modular systems, allowing different components to be combined and customized to meet specific safety requirements. Whether it’s a high-traffic industrial site or a building with complex architectural features, our overhead lifeline systems are designed to provide reliable and effective safety for every task at height.
Advantages of a overhead lifeline system:
Fall protection for a Dutch office building
In what situations are overhead lifelines neccesary?
There has been increasing demand for window cleaning solutions on our projects, particularly for narrow ledges where traditional fall protection methods are not suitable. To ensure the safety of window cleaners working at height, we needed a solution that would provide fall protection without compromising the building’s aesthetics. Installing guardrails or collective fall protection on balconies wasn’t an option, so an overhead lifeline system can be the only solution.
We equipped multiple buildings with XSLinked overhead systems, consisting of a horizontal lifeline and accompanying XSSlider. These system allowed window cleaners to securely attach themselves using a harness, lanyard, or fall arrest device, ensuring safe access.
Other situations when overhead systems can be the best fall protection solution:
We even created wall- and overhead lifeline systems for cruise ships
For workers performing tasks on elevated structures or large aircraft in hangars, overhead systems provide continuous fall protection, allowing them to safely navigate along beams, scaffolds, or elevated platforms.
For workers on bridges, an overhead lifeline system offers safe movement across narrow or elevated ledges. The system allows workers to connect to the lifeline and move along the bridge structure while maintaining fall protection.
Overhead systems help maintain worker safety in factory settings by providing secure fall protection while they work on machinery, piping, or high infrastructure, allowing them to move freely throughout the space.
Overhead systems provide fall protection for workers on elevated steel beams in stadiums, allowing them to safely traverse and work at height without needing to tie off repeatedly.
What are the key components of a overhead lifeline?
A properly designed wall lifeline system consists of several key components working together to ensure user safety:
- Anchor points – Secure attachment points fixed to the roof to hold the lifeline in place.
- Steel cable – A strong and flexible lifeline that allows smooth movement along the system.
- Intermediate brackets – Supports that maintain cable tension and positioning.
- Tensioning device – Ensures proper tension to prevent slack or sagging.
- Sliders or runners – Connect the worker to the lifeline and allow free movement.
- Energy absorbers – Reduce impact forces in the event of a fall, protecting both the user and the structure.
Walking on a steel beam in a Dutch Soccer stadium
OVERHEAD LIFELINES VS. OVERHEAD RAIL SYSTEMS
At XSPlatforms, we also offer overhead XSRail systems. A comparison can be made between horizontal lifelines and XSRail systems, as both are popular fall protection solutions designed to ensure safety when working at height. Both systems are used in various industries, but each is best suited for different types of environments and tasks. By showing their unique features, benefits, and ideal use cases, we aim to provide clarity on which system is right for your specific needs, ensuring maximum safety and efficiency in your workplace.
OVERHEAD LIFELINES
- Application: Ideal for general maintenance work, window cleaning, roof inspections, or other tasks where workers need flexibility, freedom of movement, and continuous fall protection.
- Multiple users: The LinkedPro system allows multiple users to pass each other safely on a narrow surface, such as a ledge, without disconnecting from the system.
- Installation: Lifelines are easy to install and adapt to various building structures, offering a cost-effective solution for many work-at-height applications.
- Deflection: Lifelines have more deflection than rail systems, meaning the cable may deflect slightly when under load, which is something to consider when planning the system.
- Price: Lifelines are typically a more affordable option compared to rail systems, making them an economical choice for various work environments.
- Suitable for harsh environments: Lifeline systems are less robust than rail systems and are affected by dirt and salt coming from the sea-air. They require more frequent maintenance when installed in a dirty, industrial environment.
OVERHEAD RAIL SYSTEMS
- Application: Overhead rail systems are better suited for high-traffic environments where precise and structured movement is essential, such as factories, warehouses, or construction sites.
- Multiple Users: Multiple users can be supported, but unlike lifelines, they cannot pass each other via the rail system.
- Installation: Rail systems can be easily integrated into the structure of a building, with the added benefit that they can be fully incorporated into the ceiling during construction, allowing for a seamless and permanent installation.
- Deflection: Rail systems have minimal deflection, providing a shorter fall distance and reducing the risk of excessive movement during a fall.
- Price: Rail systems are generally more expensive than lifelines due to the solid, durable materials used in their construction, making them a higher investment for projects.
- Suitable for Harsh Environments: Rail systems are more robust and can better withstand dirty, salty, or harsh environments. Though regular maintenance is still necessary, these systems are less impacted by environmental factors, ensuring greater longevity and reliability.
ELEVATE YOUR SAFETY
XSPlatforms is the only manufacturer that offers a multi-cable lifeline solution, which allows users to safely pass each other without having to disconnect. Don’t compromise on safety – contact our technical advisors today for tailor made fall protection solutions!
OUR OVERHEAD LIFELINE SYSTEMS
We offer two types of Horizontal Lifeline systems: XSLinked (the single-cable lifeline system) and LinkedPro (the multi-cable lifeline system). In both cases, the slider – or runner – to which a user is connected is able to slide over corners and bends along the lifeline. Thanks to the modular build-up of our anchor points, both our single-cable lifeline (XSLinked) and our multi-cable lifeline (LinkedPro) can be mounted on different kinds of surfaces.
LINKEDPRO
LinkedPro consists of multiple lifelines. This means that multiple workers can be attached to the system, and can pass other used without disconnecting from their lifeline. The multiple horizontal lifeline solution can be used by a maximum of six users and is especially useful for work areas with high traffic.
Safe passing without disconnecting:
- Up to three lines can be attached at a single anchor point on the LinkedPro system.
- Users can move safely and easily while connected.
User-friendly and Cost-effective:
- More users can utilize one system with fewer fall protection resources.
- Quick installation methods save costs.
A Revolutionary system:
- The only system allowing multiple users to share the same lifeline path safely.
- Combining LinkedPro with XSPoint access points enhances user safety by ensuring connections only occur in safe zones, minimizing hazardous situations.
XSLINKED
The XSLinked Single Cable Horizontal Lifeline System offers a reliable and versatile fall protection solution for workers at height. Designed for one to three users, this system provides excellent freedom of movement while ensuring safety on a wide range of surfaces, including roofs, walls, and ceilings.
- Versatile use: Suitable for 1 to 3 users, mounts on nearly all roof surfaces, walls, and ceilings.
- User protection: Provides individual protection and freedom of movement along the lifeline.
- Easy installation: Compatible with various anchor points in our product range.
Key components:
- XSSlider: Moves with users along the lifeline, navigating bends and corners smoothly.
- XSPoint: Allows users to disconnect their lanyard only in safe zones, ensuring safety during use.
- Passing users: When two users need to pass each other, they must disconnect from the lifeline; for a multi-user solution, consider LinkedPro.
COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY REGULATIONS
Safety regulations for overhead lifelines are critical to ensuring the protection of workers at height. These regulations outline the design, installation, and maintenance requirements to ensure the systems are effective and compliant with industry standards. Key regulations include:
Fall protection video for window cleaners (overhead lifelines)
All our overhead lifeline systems are rigorously tested and certified to meet international safety standards, ensuring compliance with regulations such as:
- EN 795:2012 – European standard for personal fall protection anchor devices.
- CEN/TS 16415 – Safety requirements for multiple users on anchor devices.
- OSHA 1910.140 & 1926.502 – U.S. fall protection regulations for general industry and construction.
By choosing our systems, you can be confident that your safety measures meet or exceed all necessary safety guidelines.
FAQ: OVERHEAD LIFELINES
Overhead lifeline systems are designed to provide continuous fall protection for workers who need to move freely while working at height. These systems are typically used in environments where workers need to be connected to a secure anchor while moving horizontally or across large areas. In this FAQ, we explore common scenarios where overhead lifeline systems, such as XSLinked and LinkedPro, are the ideal solution for fall protection.
Overhead lifeline systems are ideal when workers need to move horizontally across large areas or over long spans, such as along rooftops, bridges, or overhead structures in industrial facilities. Unlike wall systems, which are more vertical, overhead systems provide continuous fall protection for workers as they move across the work area, ensuring safety even when they are several feet away from the anchor point.
Yes, both XSLinked and LinkedPro systems are highly flexible and can be installed on large or complex structures. These systems are designed to cover significant horizontal spans, making them perfect for use in environments like warehouses, factories, or large construction yards.
The requirements for an overhead lifeline depend on a number of factors, including the fall height (or clearance), the surface to which the system is mounted, the desired number of users of the lifeline and the applicable standards & regulations.
Passing each other on a ledge with LinkedPro.
