Horizontal Lifeline
Is a horizontal lifeline the same as an anchor point?
No. A horizontal lifeline is an anchorage system spanning between anchors; the anchors themselves must meet the required load capacity and engineering criteria.
Can a horizontal lifeline be used for restraint as well as arrest?
Yes. WorkSafeBC guidance distinguishes restraint and arrest applications, and the capacity requirements differ; for restraint, WorkSafeBC states a temporary system is acceptable if it provides at least 3.5 kN ultimate load capacity for each connected worker.
What is the key BC engineering requirement?
Permanently installed systems must be certified by a professional engineer, and temporary systems may also need engineer-certified instructions depending on how they are supplied and installed.
A horizontal lifeline is a fall-protection anchorage system consisting of a synthetic or wire rope installed horizontally between two or more anchors, allowing a worker to remain connected while moving across a work surface. In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC defines it as a system composed of a synthetic or wire rope installed horizontally between 2 anchors, to which a worker attaches a personal fall protection system.
On a manufacturing or shop floor, horizontal lifelines are typically used for maintenance on elevated platforms, roof access, crane runways, machine tops, and other areas where workers must travel laterally while tied off. The practical purpose is to permit movement along the edge or span of a work area without disconnecting from fall protection, especially where fixed overhead anchor points are not available. In WorkSafeBC practice, permanently installed systems must be certified by a professional engineer, while temporary systems are acceptable only if commercially manufactured and installed per manufacturer's written instructions, per a professional engineer's written instructions, or designed/installed in a manner acceptable to WorkSafeBC.
Using an unapproved or unengineered permanent system: WorkSafeBC requires permanently installed horizontal lifelines to be certified by a professional engineer.
Ignoring anchor, span, or clearance limits: Temporary systems have specific load, sag, span, and clearance requirements; exceeding them can make the system non-compliant and unsafe.
Excessive worker loading or poor routing: WorkSafeBC guidance limits temporary fall-arrest use to no more than three workers and requires the line be positioned so it does not impede safe movement.