Useful information about vertical cable systems

What are vertical cable systems and what are they used for?

Vertical cable systems are permanently installed guided fall arrest systems that provide users with continuous protection against falls when ascending and descending ladders, masts, towers and other vertical access routes. A tensioned guide cable runs along the entire climbing route and, together with a guided fall arrester, forms the connection between the user and the load-bearing structure.

The SKYLOTEC CLAW LINE system is particularly suitable for regularly used ladder access in utilities, telecommunications, industry and technical installations. The guided fall arrester moves along the guide cable together with the user and locks in the event of a sudden downward movement. This keeps the user protected throughout the entire climbing process.

What advantages do vertical cable systems offer over protection using lanyards?

When using conventional lanyards, the user often has to reconnect repeatedly to individual anchor points. This interrupts the movement sequence and can create unprotected moments if the system is not used correctly.

A vertical cable system, by contrast, enables continuous protection from the entry point to the exit point. The guided fall arrester follows the user’s movement without requiring the connection element to be repositioned at every ladder rung. This speeds up the ascent, reduces operating effort and improves ergonomics on long or regularly used climbing routes.

How does the SKYLOTEC CLAW LINE guided fall arrest system work?

The CLAW LINE system consists of a vertically tensioned stainless steel cable, upper and lower anchor points, a tensioning device and intermediate brackets positioned as required. The user connects their fall arrest harness to the guide cable using a suitable CLAW guided fall arrester.

During normal ascent and descent, the arrester glides along the cable. If the device detects a rapid downward movement, it locks on the guide cable and arrests the user’s fall. The system must be assembled entirely from the designated and mutually compatible CLAW LINE components.

What is the difference between CLAW and CLAW SKC EVO+?

The CLAW is a guided fall arrester for vertical guide cables with a diameter of 8 to 10 millimetres. It incorporates multiple safeguards against incorrect use and is intended for use within a compatible CLAW LINE guided fall arrest system.

The CLAW SKC EVO+ is designed for 8-millimetre guide cables made from stainless or galvanised steel. The permitted arrester depends on the installed guide cable and the respective system approval. A guided fall arrester must not be combined with an arbitrary vertical cable system solely because the cable diameter appears suitable.

What advantages does a vertical guide cable offer over individual anchor points?

A continuous guide cable covers the entire vertical climbing route. This eliminates the need to connect a separate lanyard at every rung or intermediate point. The user can move more smoothly and with less physical effort and time.

The CLAW LINE CABLE 8MM connects the upper and lower fixing points of the system. The stainless steel cable is corrosion-resistant and designed for permanently installed guided fall arrest systems. The cable diameter, length and system components must be suitable for the respective ladder and the intended guided fall arrester.

What function does the tensioning device perform in a vertical cable system?

The tensioning device provides the guide cable tension required for safe operation. A cable that is too loose can impair the guidance of the fall arrester, while incorrect or excessive tension can transfer additional forces to the anchor points and ladder structure.

The CLAW LINE TENSIONER is intended for permanently installed vertical CLAW LINE systems. An additional utility version with an integrated earthing connection and tension indicator is available for applications in utilities. The correct cable tension must be set in accordance with the installation instructions and checked during regular system inspections.

Why are intermediate brackets required in vertical cable systems?

On long climbing routes, intermediate brackets stabilise the guide cable and hold it in a defined position relative to the ladder. They reduce lateral cable movement caused by wind, vibration or use of the system and thereby support the controlled movement of the fall arrester.

The passable CLAW INTERMEDIATE brackets allow the guided fall arrester to pass the bracket without being disconnected from the guide cable. Depending on the ladder construction, versions are available for round or rectangular rungs, different rung dimensions and 8- or 10-millimetre cables.

Which fixings are available for steel and aluminium ladders?

The upper and lower fixing points transfer the forces generated during a fall arrest into the ladder or another load-bearing structure. They must therefore be specifically suited to the ladder type, rung dimensions and intended installation position.

For aluminium ladders, SKYLOTEC offers products including CLAW LINE TOP AP ALU and CLAW LINE BOTTOM AP ALU. Corresponding anchor points and step-over posts are available for steel ladders. Depending on the version, the fixing can be attached directly to the ladder, across several reinforced rungs or to an existing load-bearing structure.

When is a step-over post required at the top of a ladder?

There is often an increased risk at the upper end of a ladder because the user must step from the ladder onto a platform, roof or another level. If the guide cable ends too early, an unprotected area can arise during this transition.

A CLAW LINE TOP POST extends the vertical guided fall arrest system beyond the actual end of the ladder. This allows the user to remain protected until they have fully reached the upper level and, where necessary, connected to another anchorage device. SKYLOTEC offers corresponding step-over posts for steel and aluminium ladders.

When is the CLAW LINE system attached directly to a load-bearing structure?

Not every vertical access route has a ladder structure suitable for directly absorbing the upper and lower system forces. In such cases, fixings to existing steel structures, angle profiles or tested anchor points may be required.

The CLAW LINE STRUCTURE AP enables upper or lower installation on suitable load-bearing structures. Special angle-section fixings are available for angle profiles. The permitted fixing version must be determined on the basis of the existing construction, the forces involved and the technical system planning.

What advantages do vertical cable systems offer over vertical rail systems?

Vertical cable systems can often be retrofitted flexibly to existing ladders and different load-bearing structures. The guide cable can be routed over longer distances and adapted to different ladder geometries using suitable intermediate brackets. Cable systems are therefore particularly suitable for long climbing routes and existing installations.

Vertical rail systems, by contrast, have a rigid guide and provide a particularly defined track for the guided fall arrester. They can offer advantages where there are demanding requirements for guidance, rigidity and integration. The more suitable solution depends on the ladder construction, frequency of use, environmental conditions and project-specific requirements.

Which applications are vertical cable systems particularly suitable for?

Vertical cable systems are used particularly on masts, towers, antenna installations, chimneys, silos, industrial installations and technical ladder access routes. They are suitable for workplaces that must regularly be reached via long or exposed climbing routes.

In utilities and telecommunications, vertical guided fall arrest systems provide protected access to overhead line towers, radio masts and network infrastructure. In industrial installations, they protect users when accessing roofs, platforms, vessels or maintenance levels.

How many people may use a vertical cable system at the same time?

The permitted number of users depends on the specific system configuration, the anchor points and the load-bearing structure. Depending on the planning, individual CLAW LINE versions may be designed for one or several people.

The maximum permitted number of users must not be inferred solely from the length or strength of the guide cable. The system marking, installation and planning documents and the manufacturer’s approval are decisive. The necessary safety distances between several users must also be taken into account.

Which standards apply to vertical cable systems?

EN 353-1 is particularly relevant to guided-type fall arresters including a rigid anchorage line. It specifies requirements for vertical guided fall arrest systems and the associated fall arresters. Depending on the product version and target market, ANSI, CSA or OSHA requirements may also apply.

Individual additional anchor points on step-over posts may comply with further standards, such as EN 795. The approval of the complete system configuration is always decisive. The guide cable, guided fall arrester, anchor points and intermediate brackets may only be used in the combinations tested for this purpose.

Why must a vertical cable system be planned specifically for each project?

The ladder length, rung shape, material, fixing points, step-over situation and number of users vary from one installation to another. It is therefore not sufficient simply to attach a guide cable to an existing ladder. The complete system must be adapted to the structure and intended access route.

The planning process defines, among other things, the upper and lower anchor points, the number and position of intermediate brackets, the cable length, cable tension and possible step-over solutions. Rescue routes and safe access to an injured person must also be taken into account.

How is a vertical cable system installed correctly?

Installation begins by attaching the upper and lower anchor points to the tested ladder or load-bearing structure. The guide cable is then installed, routed through the designated intermediate brackets and adjusted to the specified tension using the tensioning device.

All bolted connections, rung fixings and system components must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions. Installation may only be carried out by qualified persons and must be fully documented. The complete system, including the guided fall arrester, must be inspected before first use.

How are CLAW LINE and the guided fall arrester inspected?

Before every use, the guide cable, visible fixing points and guided fall arrester must be checked for visible damage, corrosion, deformation and full functionality. The arrester must be capable of being attached correctly to the cable, move freely in the intended direction and lock reliably during a rapid downward movement.

Regular system inspections by a competent person are also required. These include checking the cable tension, intermediate brackets, upper and lower anchor points, ladder fixings, markings and documentation. Following a fall arrest event, the system may only be used again after inspection by a competent person.

How do you choose the right vertical cable system?

The selection begins with the existing ladder or load-bearing structure. The material, rung shape, ladder length, fixing options, step-over situation and required number of users are decisive. The suitable guide cable diameter, guided fall arrester, intermediate brackets and appropriate upper and lower anchor points are then defined.

The SKYLOTEC CLAW LINE system offers different components for steel and aluminium ladders as well as for installation on load-bearing structures and angle profiles. The final system configuration should be based on technical planning and the approval of all components used.