Working at heights on vertical fall protection systems is very challenging for workers in energy supply, telecommunications or other industries. For fall protection, solutions are therefore required that combine protective function and wearing comfort. With the “Speed” and “Speed Attach”, SKYLOTEC offers the world's only climbing protection runners for vertical rails that are equipped with two redundant fall arrest systems. In addition, they can be used with both the fall arres- or chest eyelet, which significantly increases comfort when ascending and descending. Now the two fall protection runners are also tested and certified for "Söll GlideLoc" rails under certain conditions*. This makes them compatible with a large part of the rail systems on the market.
When work is carried out in areas where there is a risk of falling, for example on high-voltage pylons, telecommunication systems, high-bay warehouses or in shaft installations, fall protection systems are used. A fall arrester must be used on these systems. This prevents a fall in the event of an accident. With the “Speed” and “Speed Attach”, the German manufacturer SKYLOTEC has developed two solutions certified according to EN 353-1:2014 for its rail system "Skytac", which offer reliable protection and simple operation. In addition, they are tested and approved for use on "Söll GlideLoc" type rails. This makes them technically compatible with around 80 percent of the rail systems on the market; for an application with the "Söll Glide Loc" rail system, certain safety-related requirements must be met*.
Safety and user-friendliness advantages
In terms of safety and user-friendliness, “Speed” and “Speed Attach” have several advantages: For example, both fall protection runners can be attached to either the fall arrest- or chest eyelet of a harness. This reduces the risk of an misapplication of the user and also enables comfortable fatigue-free climbing. A green indicator on the head side, meanwhile, shows whether the runners were securely locked when they were put on the rail. A lateral locking bolt also prevents them from being placed on the rails the wrong way round. Furthermore, the runners can only be unlocked if a slide and a control button are actuated at the same time. In this way, it is not possible for a user to accidentally release the runners from the rail. At the same time, the “Speed” can only be inserted and removed at the designated removal points. With the “Speed Attach” runner, however, these actions can be carried out at any point on the rail. This means that the runner can also be dismounted when, for example, work has to be carried out on intermediate levels.
When it comes to safety, both runners offer another plus: they are the only ones in the world with two redundant fall arrest systems and a speed-dependent fall arrest function. If the first fall arrest system does not respond – for example, if the user falls over the back and slides down while hanging overhead – the second, speed-dependent fall arrest function reacts. It allows the runners to reach a fixed maximum fall speed when they fall into the depths. If they exceed this, a centrifugal brake swings out the catching bar and the sliders lock. The user is thus safely braked in the event of a fall. In this context, a high number of catch lugs in the rail system has clear advantages. This allows for a very short fall path, which significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of a fall. In addition, the fall protection runners have an energy absorber that reduces the forces that occur in the event of a fall to a maximum of 6 kN. An integrated fall indicator with clear colour symbols shows the user when the runner needs to be taken out of service for repair. Thanks to this feature, a user always works with a ready to use runner. At the same time, valuable time can be saved during the annual inspection checks.
Robust materials, replaceable components
In many cases, such runners are in daily use. It is therefore important that they withstand the conditions in an often harsh working environment and are very wear-resistant. Solutions that have robust materials and whose components can be replaced separately have therefore proved their worth. The “Speed” and “Speed Attach” fall arresters, for example, have axles and guide rollers made of stainless steel. Due to the modular design of the devices, the rollers can be replaced easily – and more efficiently than having to completely replace the fall protection runner.
Anyone who wants to use “Speed” or “Speed Attach” in combination with “Söll GlideLoc” rail systems can rely on the advice of specialists. This is because SKYLOTEC offers a comprehensive service in combination with its products, which also includes support for the installation of both runners in such rail systems.
* Details about the requirements for using “Speed” or “Speed Attach” with the rail system “Söll GlideLoc” under: https://www.skylotec.com/eu_en/permanent-fall-protection/products/vertical-fall-arrest-systems/#skytac