Useful information about vertical rail systems

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

Vertical rail systems are permanently installed guided fall arrest systems for protected ascent and descent on ladders, masts, towers and other vertical access routes. A rigid fall arrest rail runs along the entire climbing route. The user connects their fall arrest harness to the rail using a compatible guided fall arrester and therefore remains continuously protected during ascent.

SKYLOTEC vertical rail systems are used on radio and overhead line masts, chimneys, elevated tanks, bridge piers, high-bay warehouses and shaft installations, among other applications. The SKYTAC system can be used both to equip new ladder installations and to retrofit existing ladders with a professional guided fall arrest system.

What advantages do vertical rail systems offer over individual anchor points?

When individual anchor points are used, the user must repeatedly detach their lanyard during ascent and connect it to a higher point. This interrupts the movement sequence and can create unprotected situations if the reconnection is not carried out correctly.

A vertical rail system, by contrast, enables continuous protection from entry to exit. The guided fall arrester moves along the guide rail together with the user. This eliminates repeated reconnection, makes ascent more ergonomic and enables long climbing routes to be completed more efficiently.

How does the SKYLOTEC SKYTAC guided fall arrest system work?

The SKYTAC consists of a rigid vertical guide rail, fixing elements, end stops and a compatible guided fall arrester. During normal ascent and descent, the arrester glides along the rail and locks automatically in the event of a rapid downward movement.

The rigid rail guidance ensures a defined path for the fall arrester and prevents unwanted lateral movement. The system can be constructed using complete SKYTAC fall arrest ladders or retrofitted to existing ladder installations using separate rail profiles.

What advantages does the SPEED ATTACH guided fall arrester offer?

The SPEED ATTACH is a removable guided fall arrester with two redundant arrest systems and a speed-dependent fall arrest function. In the event of a sudden downward movement, the arrester locks onto the rail and arrests the user’s fall.

Its design allows the SPEED ATTACH to be attached to and removed from the rail at suitable points. Double guide rollers support smooth gliding and reduce the effort required during climbing. A locking safeguard helps to prevent incorrect use when inserting the arrester.

What is the difference between SPEED and SPEED ATTACH?

The SPEED is a guided fall arrester that remains permanently within the rail system and features two redundant arrest systems. It is particularly suitable for ladder installations where the arrester should remain permanently available on the system.

SPEED ATTACH, by contrast, is removable and can be attached to and detached from the rail. This offers advantages when users carry their own personal arrester or use several separate ladder installations. The appropriate version depends on the access concept, user organisation and operational requirements.

What advantages does a rigid fall arrest rail offer?

A rigid fall arrest rail provides the arrester with precisely defined guidance. It does not oscillate and does not require separate cable tensioning. As a result, the position of the fall arrester in relation to the ladder remains constant and the arrester can be moved in a controlled manner along the climbing route.

The low deformation of the rail can also contribute to a short and controlled fall arrest. Particularly on frequently used ladder installations, exposed locations and long vertical access routes, rigid guidance offers advantages in terms of operation, robustness and permanent system integration.

When is a vertical rail system better than a vertical cable system?

Vertical rail systems provide rigid and particularly defined guidance for the guided fall arrester. They are therefore suitable for frequently used ladder installations, demanding environmental conditions and applications where low system movement is required.

Vertical cable systems can often be adapted more flexibly to different ladder geometries and long existing installations. They have a lower system weight and can offer economic advantages on complex structures. The selection should be based on frequency of use, ladder design, environmental conditions, installation effort and the overall technical concept.

Can SKYTAC be retrofitted to existing ladders?

SKYTAC is also suitable for retrofitting existing ladders that do not yet have a continuous guided fall arrest system. For this purpose, a compatible fall arrest profile is installed on the existing ladder using suitable fixing elements.

The CLIMBING PROTECTION PROFILE is designed for retrospective installation on existing ladder systems. Depending on the rung shape and ladder design, mounting brackets, rung brackets, mounting plates or corner brackets are used. Before retrofitting, it must be checked whether the existing ladder and its fixings can safely absorb the forces generated.

When is a complete fall arrest ladder appropriate?

A complete fall arrest ladder is appropriate when no suitable ladder is available or when an existing structure cannot be approved for retrofitting. The ladder and guide rail then form a coordinated complete system.

The CLIMBING PROTECTION LADDER combines a galvanised steel ladder with an integrated fall arrest rail and slip-resistant rungs. This means the ladder and rail system do not have to be planned and connected separately. The fixing to the structure must nevertheless be designed specifically for the project.

Which fixings are required for vertical fall arrest rails?

The rail fixing depends on the ladder shape, rung dimensions, stile design and existing supporting structure. For existing ladders, the available components include the MOUNTING DISC, MOUNTING BRACKET, RUNG BRACKET and CORNER BRACKET.

The fixing points must be arranged at defined intervals and installed using the designated original components. Unsuitable brackets or excessive fixing distances can impair the guidance, load-bearing capacity and function of the complete guided fall arrest system.

How are several rail or ladder segments connected?

Long vertical climbing routes are constructed from several ladder or rail segments. Special connecting elements align the individual profiles with one another and ensure a smooth transition for the guided fall arrester.

The CONNECTOR joins individual ladder or rail segments. The transitions must be precisely aligned so that the arrester does not catch or block. Following installation, the complete climbing route must be checked using the designated arrester.

Why are end stops required in vertical rail systems?

End stops prevent the guided fall arrester from unintentionally running out of the upper or lower end of the guide rail. They therefore form a safety-relevant termination of the guided fall arrest system.

Depending on the access concept, removable or permanently installed end stops are used. Removable versions enable the controlled insertion or removal of an arrester, while fixed end stops prevent the arrester from leaving the rail unintentionally. End stops must not be removed or replaced with untested components.

How do entry and exit devices for guided fall arresters work?

Entry and exit devices create a defined area where a removable guided fall arrester can be inserted into or removed from the rail. This prevents the arrester from being removed at unsuitable points.

The EXIT MECHANISM combines a coupling with additional rungs and enables controlled insertion and removal of the arrester. Adapted exit devices are available for specific tower and ladder structures. The position must be selected so that the user remains securely positioned while inserting or removing the arrester.

How is a safe transition onto a roof or platform enabled?

The transition from a vertical ladder onto a roof or platform is one of the particularly critical sections of a climbing route. If the rail ends too early, an unprotected section can arise between the ladder and the upper working surface.

The RAIL REINFORCEMENT ROOF EXIT extends and reinforces the upper ladder area and supports a safe transition onto a flat roof. For rail or ladder extensions of more than 500 millimetres, additional stile reinforcement may be required. The user must remain protected until they have fully reached the upper surface.

Which solution is available for shafts and confined spaces?

In shaft installations, the user often has to move from a vertical ladder opening onto a horizontal level. Restricted space can make this transition more difficult and require a special exit solution.

The CONFINED SPACE ENTRY MOVE is a shaft exit with a rotating mechanism. It supports the controlled transition out of the shaft and allows the exit aid to be moved into a suitable position after ascent. Access and rescue options must be planned together.

When are rest platforms required on long climbing routes?

Long vertical climbing routes place high physical demands on the user. Rest platforms allow the ascent to be interrupted so that the user can recover in a stable position.

SKYLOTEC offers foldable REST PLATFORMS for steel and aluminium ladders. They are folded out when required and returned against the ladder after use. Whether rest platforms are required and at what intervals depends on the ladder length, structural requirements and risk assessment.

How is a vertical rail system protected against unauthorised use?

Ladder installations in publicly or operationally accessible locations may need to be protected against unauthorised use. This prevents untrained persons from using the climbing route or safety system.

A COVER PLATE with a padlock can secure the lower access area of the fall arrest rail. The system should also be clearly marked. The LABEL TAC contains relevant user and system information and supports identification before use.

For which applications is SKYTAC particularly suitable?

SKYTAC is suitable for vertical access routes on high-bay warehouses, church towers, chimneys, elevated tanks, masts, bridge piers and shaft installations. Industrial ladder access routes, radio masts and technical structures can also be protected using the system.

The robust rail guidance and the various fixing and exit components enable adaptation to numerous ladder and building geometries. Project-specific planning of the complete climbing route remains essential.

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

The SKYTAC guided fall arrest system is designed for use by one person within the respective climbing section. This requirement must be taken into account in access control and operational organisation.

Several people must not use the same system section simultaneously without the appropriate approval. Safety distances and operational rules for successive users may also need to be defined.

Which standards apply to vertical rail systems?

EN 353-1:2014+A1:2017 is particularly relevant to guided-type fall arresters including a rigid anchorage line. The standard defines requirements for the guide rail, guided fall arrester, fall arrest function and the complete guided fall arrest system.

The rail, arrester, fixings, end stops and other components form a tested complete system. A guided fall arrester must therefore not be combined with an arbitrary guide rail, even if the shape and dimensions appear similar.

Which personal protective equipment is used with SKYTAC?

A suitable fall arrest harness with an attachment point intended for guided fall protection is required when using a vertical rail system. The guided fall arrester is connected to this attachment point in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

No unapproved extensions or additional connecting elements may be used between the arrester and the fall arrest harness. Excessive distance can increase the arrest distance and impair the function of the system. The fall arrest harness and arrester must be checked before every use.

Why must vertical rail systems be planned specifically for each project?

Ladder length, fixing substrate, rung shape, rail extensions, entry and exit points, and possible rest platforms vary from one installation to another. A vertical rail system therefore cannot be assembled solely on the basis of the required total length.

The planning process defines rail segments, fixing intervals, end stops, exit devices and, where required, roof or shaft exits. Rescue routes and the accessibility of an injured person must also be considered.

How are vertical rail systems installed correctly?

Installation begins with an inspection of the ladder or load-bearing building structure. The designated fixings are then installed and the rail profiles aligned precisely vertically and in line.

Rail joints must provide a smooth transition for the arrester. End stops, exit devices and markings must be installed in accordance with the technical design. Once complete, the full system must be checked using the designated guided fall arrester and documented.

How are SKYTAC and the guided fall arresters inspected?

Before each use, the rail, visible fixings, end stops and guided fall arrester must be checked for damage, corrosion, deformation and full functionality. The arrester must move smoothly along the rail and lock reliably in the event of a rapid downward movement.

SPEED and SPEED ATTACH feature fall indicators that support a rapid visual inspection following a possible load. Regular inspections of the complete system by a competent person are also required. Following a fall arrest event, the system may only be used again after assessment by a competent person.

How do you choose the right vertical rail system?

The first step is to determine whether an existing ladder is to be retrofitted or a complete fall arrest ladder installed. The ladder shape, fixing substrate, climbing height, rail segments, exit situation and required arrester type must then be considered.

SKYTAC offers different arrester concepts with SPEED and SPEED ATTACH, as well as fixings, exit devices and rest platforms for different applications. The system should always be planned specifically for the project and constructed exclusively using the approved SKYTAC components.