Safety Harness and Lifeline in Civil Construction

What is a Lifeline?

The lifeline is an essential Collective Protection Equipment (CPE) designed to prevent accidents by ensuring the safety of teams performing tasks at heights greater than 2 meters.

For the lifeline to be effective, this system must be used in conjunction with connection devices, such as lanyards or fall arresters, linking the worker's safety harness to a secure anchorage point. This configuration creates a highly efficient fall protection system, allowing workers total freedom of movement while performing their activities.

Regardless of the orientation of the work—whether on inclined or vertical surfaces—professionals can move freely, remaining safe throughout the entire route. It is important to note that there is a limit to the number of people who can be connected to the lifeline simultaneously. Exceeding this limit can compromise the integrity of the safety system.

Safety Harness and Lifeline in Work at Heights

In relation to the lifeline, the safety harness is a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to be worn by workers performing activities at heights, functioning as a crucial component of the fall protection system. This harness, often referred to as a parachute-type safety harness, is designed to distribute the impact forces of a fall across the user's body, minimizing the risk of injury.

Therefore, the safety harness, in relation to the lifeline, acts as the means by which the worker connects to the collective safety system of the lifeline, ensuring that, in the event of a fall, the worker is retained and protected from hitting the ground, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury. It is an essential interaction between PPE and CPE to ensure maximum safety during work at heights.

20 Activities Where Safety Harnesses Are Used in Civil Construction

1. Work at Heights: Mandatory in any activity where there is a risk of falling, such as building construction, roof structure installation, façade work, metal structure assembly, and the installation of refrigeration or heating systems in elevated locations.
2. Façade and Cladding Installation: When applying materials like glass, ceramic, and other external claddings, the use of a safety harness protects workers from falls from scaffolds or elevated platforms.
3. Maintenance and Installation of HVAC Equipment: During the installation of air conditioning or heating systems, especially at heights or in hard-to-reach locations.
4. Electrical and Lighting Installations: When performed on ceilings, roofs, or poles, where the risk of falling requires the additional safety provided by the harness.
5. Assembly of Metal Structures and Skeletons: In tasks involving the assembly of columns, beams, and other steel structural components, especially at great heights.
6. Installation of Hydraulic and Sanitation Systems: In elevated positions or confined spaces where the risk of falling or slipping is present.
7. Work in Confined Spaces: Such as tanks, silos, and wells, where in addition to the risk of falling, the worker may need quick rescue in an emergency.
8. Painting and Finishing Work at Heights: When performed on building exteriors or large structures, where fall protection is necessary.
9. Installation of Doors and Windows in Tall Buildings: Where workers are exposed to fall risks from edges or openings.
10. Maintenance and Installation of Automation and Security Systems: Including fire alarms, security cameras, and other devices often positioned in elevated or hard-to-reach locations.
11. Inspection and Maintenance of Roofs and Covers: To check structural integrity, make repairs, or install elements like solar panels.
12. Elevator Installation and Maintenance: During the installation of cables, guides, and other elevator components, the safety harness protects workers from falls in elevator shafts.
13. Work on Bridges and Viaducts: In the construction, maintenance, or inspection of bridges and viaducts, especially when working on edges or suspended structures.
14. Installation of Ventilation and Exhaust Systems: In elevated locations within buildings or confined spaces, where the risk of falling may be accentuated by the presence of bulky and heavy equipment.
15. Work on Transmission and Telecommunications Towers: The safety harness is vital for workers performing the installation, maintenance, or inspection of power transmission and telecommunications towers, due to the great height of these structures.
16. Work on Silos and Tanks: For inspection, maintenance, or cleaning activities in agricultural silos, water storage tanks, or other tall vertical containers.
17. Maintenance of Glass Facades on Tall Buildings: The safety harness is necessary to protect workers performing the cleaning or replacement of glass panels on skyscraper facades.
18. Installation of Landscaping Elements in Elevated Areas: Such as the assembly of vertical gardens or the installation of large plants and trees on terraces and rooftops of buildings.
19. Work on High Steel Structures: During the assembly of large steel structures, such as in stadiums, exhibition pavilions, or large industrial installations.
20. Rescue and Emergency Activities: In rescue and emergency situations within construction sites, where workers may need to quickly access hard-to-reach areas to perform rescues or provide first aid.

It is necessary for everyone to know which PPE to use, so it is important to correctly perform the risk mapping to understand, in addition to the fall risk, which other risks are involved in the activity.

Request assistance from Danny EPI technical development team by clicking here. We have a team of more than 30 professionals who provide free service throughout Brazil. Safety Engineers and Technicians are trained to help with risk mapping, implementing company safety practices, and training professionals on the correct use of Protective Equipment.

And don't forget to check out the Vicsa range of Fall Protection Equipment for working at heights by Danny EPI. A complete line of safety harnesses, lanyards, fall arresters, and various accessories for safety in all fall risk activities in civil construction.