Climbing fall protection is the set of measures that keeps a person safe while climbing a building, roof, mast or shaft. In that sense it is a form of fall arrest. The Dutch word klimbeveiliging also covers the opposite meaning: anti-climb measures, intended precisely to stop someone from scaling a wall or fence — that is, security against intruders.
As fall arrest
On fixed ladders, step irons and façade ladders, the protection usually consists of a guided type fall arrester: a rail or a cable running centrally up the climbing route, with a travelling arrester that moves up with the climber along the full length. In a fall the arrester locks almost immediately. The climber wears a full body harness; these systems are certified to EN 353-1 for guided type fall arresters on a rigid anchor line.
The hierarchy of control always applies: a collective measure — guardrails, edge protection — comes before personal protective equipment. In the Netherlands the regulations treat a possible fall of 2.5 metres or more as fall risk, and risks such as protruding materials or open water must be addressed below that height too.
Where it applies
- Fixed façade and roof ladders, and access to plant rooms
- Step irons in manholes, shafts and sewers
- Masts, silos, chimneys and wind turbines
- Maintenance routes on roofs — combined with anchor points and a lifeline system
Anti-climb measures
- Anti-climb strips and spikes on walls, fences and rainwater pipes
- Glass shards or gravel in a wall coping — traditional, but not without legal risk
- Design measures — no wheelie bin, shed or carport under a first-floor window; that is often more effective than any product
Practical tips
- Inspect annually — personal protective equipment and fixed anchor points should be examined periodically by a competent person
- Never climb alone — plan a rescue scenario: someone suspended in a harness must be recovered quickly
- Keep the system intact — arrester, cable or rail, and harness form one certified system; components from different makers must not simply be mixed
- Think about the transition at the top — most accidents happen stepping off the ladder onto the roof, not halfway up
Related terms
- Step irons
- Fall protection
- Climbing formwork
- Parapet
- Balustrade
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