Vertical Lifeline

Vertical Lifeline (VLL): Your First Line of Defense at Height 

In industrial work at height, a single slip can take a second—but its consequences can last a lifetime.  

 A Vertical Lifeline (VLL) turns that single moment into a controlled stop, keeping hands free for work and minds free from fear.

What Is a Vertical Lifeline?

 1.A tensioned cable or rigid rail that runs the full length of a ladder, tower, mast or manhole

 2. A shuttle or slider connects the worker’s harness to the system; it moves smoothly upward or downward yet locks instantly in the event of a fall

 3.Fully modular—length, anchorage and mounting brackets are tailored to new builds or retrofits without welding or hot work

Why Choose a Certified VLL?

1. Code-compliant – meets GB 24542, EN 353-1 and ANSI Z359.16

2. Non-disconnect star-wheel shuttle – passes intermediate brackets automatically; no need to unclip and re-clip

3. Multi-user – one system supports up to four persons simultaneously; built-in energy absorber protects both personnel and structure

4. All-weather – 316 stainless steel, marine-grade aluminium and UV-resistant seals for offshore, arctic or desert environments

5. Rapid install – pre-assembled kits tension in under three minutes; annual inspection is limited to a visual check and functional test

Typical Applications

1. Wind-turbine towers, telecom masts and power pylons

2.Petrochemical tanks, chimneys and cooling towers

3. Industrial buildings with fixed ladders or elevator shafts

4.Bridge pylons and metro ventilation shafts

Core Components

1. Top anchorage bracket – 360° swivel prevents cable twist

2.Tensioning unit with integrated shock pack – maintains preload and absorbs impact forces

3.8 mm galvanized or stainless cable (or rigid aluminium rail) – lengths up to 200 m

4.Intermediate guides – keep cable centred and clear of obstructions

5.Star-wheel shuttle – locks on cable under 1 m fall distance

6.Bottom end-stop – prevents shuttle hitting ground; extends service life

Specification Checklist

1. Verify CE, GB or ANSI markings and third-party test reports

2. Calculate fall clearance, pendulum angle and simultaneous user loads

3.Select 316 SS for coastal or chemical environments; conductive rails for EX zones

4. Add 2 m for tensioner + 1 m safety surplus to total ladder height

5.Use installers certified for both height work and fall-protection systems

From Risk to Return

1. >90 % reduction in fall incidents and associated downtime

2. ≥30 % faster ascent/descent—no repeated clipping/unclipping

3. Insurance premium reductions of 10-20 %; meets global EHS tender requirements

Our Turnkey Process

Site survey → Hazard calculation → Custom design → Installation & tensioning → User training → Annual recertification

There is only one chance to stop a fall—make it every time.  

Contact our safety engineers today for a Vertical Lifeline tailored to your structure and keep every climb a safe return.