On the other hand, a horizontal life line is used when the work of the wearer requires him to move in a horizontal manner with respect to the surface. The worker will be able to more around and work freely despite being attached to the lifeline system. This type of lifeline is usually composed of a rope either made of wire or synthetic which is rigged into strongly installed anchor points for movement. In the unfortunate event that a fall happens, the anchors along with the rest of the horizontal lifeline will be subjected to great forces. It is for this very reason that a professional engineer must give his approval for the horizontal lifeline which will be permanently installed in the work area.
Remember that there is a condition when using a temporary horizontal lifeline and it must meet these criteria:
It must be manufactured for the purpose of distribution in the commercial market
The installation and the uses must follow the written instructions of the manufacturer or a professional engineer
In the absence of the written instruction of both then it must be able to meet the following set of requirements:
The wire rope used in the horizontal lifeline system must have a diameter of at least 12 mm or half of an inch while the specified breaking strength indicated by the manufacturer must be a minimum of 89 kN or 20,000 lb.
There must be no splices present in the lifeline expect at the point of terminations.
The maximum load capacity of the connection hardware like the turnbuckles and shackles must be a minimum of 71 kN or 16,000 lb.
The lifeline’s span must be a minimum of 6 meters or 20 feet but a maximum of 18 meters or 60 feet.
The maximum load capacity of the end anchors must be a minimum of 71 kN or 16,000 lb.
The acceptable unloaded sag of the horizontal lifeline must be equal to the span length when divided by 60.
The lifeline must always have an elevation in respect to the working surface of about 1 meter or 39 inches along the line.
There is a limitation to the free fall distance which is 1.2 meters or 4 feet.
Only a maximum of three persons must be attached to the horizontal lifeline.
The lifeline must not interfere with the workers job while wearing it on a safe manner.