SEPTEMBER 2019 | 31
Installer Support
Installer Support is
sponsored by Kayflow
FALL PROTECTION INSTALLATION: WHAT
DOES A SPECIALIST INSTALLER LOOK LIKE
The installation of fall protection systems can, unfortunately, be perceived as an inconvenience or,
worse yet, an opportunity for cost-cutting. Fall protection equipment is vital to the safety of those
that work at height but can count for little if incorrectly installed. When lives are at stake you don’t get
a second chance to make the right decision. That’s why it’s beneficial to partner with quality installers
that can fully support you from the output, says Stuart Pierpoint, UK Sales Manager at HCL Safety.
What does a quality
installation look like?
First and foremost, a quality
installer should offer a range of
installation options and be capable
of accurately tailoring their ser-
vices to suit each project’s unique
requirements. After all, no two
installations are the same and can
often be dependent on the system
specified and on-site practicalities.
To effectively counteract potential-
ly unexpected challenges and each
project’s nuances, the installer
should always be appropriately
trained, competent, and experi-
enced.
Partnering with a quality install-
er also means that you receive
much more than just the instal-
lation itself. You’re buying into
a complete 360-degree offering,
from the initial concept of design
to pricing, to certification, ser-
vicing, and training. Covering all
these things with one dependable
partner can give you peace of
mind and helps maintain consist-
ency of quality.
Issues surrounding
poor installation
Poor installation can cause many
potential issues, all of which can
lead to life-changing injuries or
even fatalities. This is tragically
demonstrated by the fact that falls
from height remain the leading
cause of workplace fatalities,
according to HSE statistics – not
to mention the negative impact on
your business
Fundamentally, bad installations
come down to a lack of experi-
ence and competence which can
culminate in a lack of attention to
detail and/or poor planning and
design at the outset. For instance,
installing lifelines across roof
lights or too close to an edge for
a fall restraint application are
mistakes which can have serious
consequences and put operatives
in dangerous situations that are
often completely avoidable.
New build vs. retrofit
Typically, when faced with
installing a system on a new build,
there is a greater understanding
of the building design, materials
used, the fixing theory and the
likely load requirements of a sys-
tem. While this makes installation
somewhat more straightforward,
it’s the installer’s responsibility
to keep the project compliant at
each stage, from specification and
contract stage, right through to
installation and aftercare servic-
es. Any mistakes or inaccuracies
could lead to increased costs or
delayed projects.
With retrofit projects, installers
normally have less information at
their disposal. It’s therefore crucial
that they conduct a thorough site
survey before any work commenc-
es. Understanding the unique
characteristics of the building
will help the installer accurately
propose the right fall protection
solution at hand.
Fulfil your obligation
Your responsibility to provide a
safe working environment does not
end when you specify a fall pro-
tection system. Firstly, not all fall
protection systems are made equal.
Carry out research and consult pro-
fessionals to make sure that you’re
installing the very best solution
for the job at hand. Fall protection
systems can often be let down by
installation and in the wrong hands
the risks are potentially catastroph-
ic. Be sure to partner with fall pro-
tection specialists offering a quality
end-to-end service. Doing so will
help ensure that you’re not only
fulfilling your safety obligation, but
your ethical one too.
For more information, please
visit www.hclsafety.com