To ensure a safe anchorage for operators equipped with the appropriate PPE for temporary work at height (installation of components and elements of a fall arrest system) or where it is not possible to install permanent anchoring devices, different solutions are available for temporary anchorage both type spot and linear.

All temporary anchorage devices shall comply with the technical standard EN 795 PPE as 3rd category, and are CE marked in accordance with Directive 89/686/EEC (Legislative Decree no. 475/1992 ) .
The use of temporary anchorage devices involves the design of an appropriate fall protection system that takes into account the clearance space, the pendulum effect and possible fall factors .

Type B temporary belt anchor points ensure the ergonomics required for work at height which involve small operator displacements, while the type B temporary anchor lines, built from textiles, allowing the worker a greater freedom of movement.

Type E anchorage devices, with an anchor point, are available with neoprene bags filled with water or concrete blocks joined by aluminum arms and stainless steel screws.

Retractable devices connect the operator to the fall arrest system, allowing wider movement with respect to the lanyards. Because of the greater cable length, it is very important to assess the type of operations performed when choosing the most suitable type of retractive and its length.

The retractable devices sold by Somain Italia comply with different regulations that certify their different uses:

EN 360. Retractable devices against falls from heights.

Products are available with steel ropes (stainless or galvanized steel) or with polyamide automatic recall belts to keep the cable taut.

In the event of a fall or if the maximum speed of work is exceeded (about 1.5 m/s), the centrifugal force sets the device into action, locking the cable. The necessary energy for it to stop is supplied by a built-in friction system.

EN 341.

Self-rescue devices: in the event of a fall, the product locks the operator and then accompanies him to the ground at a controlled speed. Before choosing a retractable device with these characteristics, you must verify that the space underneath the work area is free of any obstacles and that the rope is long enough to allow the operator to reach the ground.

EN 360.

Retractable devices against falls from heights

EN 1496.

Retractable devices with safety crank: in the event of a fall, the other operator can rescue the injured person using the safety crank, lowering him down or recovering him from above.

I lavori in quota espongono gli operatori ad un pericolo molto spesso sottovalutato: il rischio di caduta dall’alto. Il D.Lgs. 81/08 sancisce che ogni attività lavorativa svolta ad un’altezza maggiore ai 2m da un piano stabile di calpestio debba essere svolta in sicurezza, utilizzando sistemi e dispositivi anticaduta.

La gamma di DPI disponibile sul mercato è molto vasta, per questo Somain Italia ha pensato i ideare una gamma di KIT anticaduta, zaini professionali contenenti l’attrezzatura necessaria perché l’operatore possa collegarsi ad un sistema anticaduta e lavorare in sicurezza. Ogni Kit contiene un’imbracatura anticaduta, dalla più semplice a quella adatta ai lavori in sospensione, un cordino singolo o doppio con assorbitore d’energia e un casco di protezione.

KIT BASIC

Ottimo compromesso tra qualità e prezzo, offre la dotazione minima necessaria per i lavori in quota.

KIT PLUS

Destinato ai professionisti che lavora quotidianamente in quota e hanno bisogno di attrezzatura leggera e confortevole.

KIT HI-TECH

Per gli operatori più esperti. L’imbracatura anticaduta è adatta anche ai lavori in sospensione.

Somain Italia supplies professional harnesses with straps in different colour to ease dressing and adjustments to easily adapt to the body.
When choosing a harness it is necessary to consider some essential factors such as weight, practicality, presence of leg straps, comfort and, mainly, the type of work the harness is needed for.

Some harnesses combine different types of anchor points and therefore have different certifications. It is the user responsibility to decide which harness is the most suitable for the type of work performed.
Once the harness has been put on, its adjustment starts from the bottom: legs, stomach and then shoulders. The straps must adhere to the body as much as possible.
Remember to empty your pockets before all operations at heights. Any keys, screwdrivers and other objects can become blades causing harmfull injuries.

Protective head helmets are required in almost all work environments subject to possible falling objects from heights or where there are risks of falls from heights.

When correctly worn, helmets provide two main types of protection: a rigid shell that resists the penetration of sharp objects and a suspension system which reduces the consequences of a localized head shock, distributing force on a wider area.

The chinstraps have been designed to decrease the risk of losing the helmet in the event of a collision during a fall and must be equipped with an automatic safety release device for forces exceeding 25 kg. Even with proper care and without harmful impacts, helmets must be replaced every 5 years of use.

Fall arrest lanyards connect the operator harness to the fall arrest device or the anchor point. Like other PPE, you must know what type of operations must be performed in order to choose the right product. There are various types of lanyards to choose from: single, double, rope, elastic, adjustable and positioning lanyards. All lanyards are equipped with connectors and are certified in accordance with regulations in force.
The main differences between the various products are their lengths (1 or 2 metres), their materials (metal, hemp, lanyard or webbing and elastic), the connector opening (from 18 mm to 60 mm) and the type of use they have been certified.

Fall arrest.

In compliance with EN 354 and EN355. Lanyard equipped with energy absorber and designed for use in places exposed to risk of falls from heights. Some models can also be use in high temperatures and others, given their composition, can be used on sharp edges.

Positioning.

In compliance with EN 358. Adjustable lanyards to be used solely for positioning works.

Restraint.

In compliance with EN 354. Lanyards without energy absorbers are solely for restraint, therefore in works without any risks of falls from heights.a recovery.

Connectors are used to connect the different componets of a fall arrest system. For correct use, the larger hold axis on the body of each connector must be taken into consideration and correct closure must always be verified to prevent accidental opening during use.

Different materials can be used for connector manufacture: galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminium. Steel products are especially suitable for extreame environments ( for example continuous use outdoors or with heavy loads ), while aluminium is preferable when weight is a determining factor for operations ( for example in rescue operations, rope access, etc.).

Different opening/closing types can be chosen from, depending also on frequency of use: automatic systems are more suitable for frequent use, while screw release systems are best for less frequent use ( type of connection between lanyard and harness).

Range transport bags and other items designed to facilitate the work of the operators in height.

To safely deal with access to works on ropes, you must first have the appropriate training and identified the type of works to be performed to understand if you will be using the products for ascents or descents.

Somain Italia supplies all useful and necessary Italian-manufactured and certified tools to the market to access works on ropes to be coupled with a proper harness and any anchor points.