Lifeline: comprehensive guide to safety at heights on roofs and coverings

Working at height always involves a risk, especially when it comes to working on roofs and coverings. Falls from height are indeed one of the main causes of serious injuries in Europe, according to data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. To prevent these incidents, over the years, ever more effective fall protection systems have been developed, including the lifeline.

The lifeline is a permanent or temporary anchoring system that allows workers to move safely by attaching themselves with harnesses and specific PPE. Its use is regulated by European standards such as EN 795 and EN 365, and is closely linked to the Italian Legislative Decree 81/08, as well as to various regional laws that require its installation in the event of new constructions or renovations.

This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the topic: what lifelines are, how they work, what types exist, how they are installed and maintained, and most importantly, what regulatory obligations govern their use. The aim is to provide a clear and up-to-date framework for companies, professionals, and property owners who wish to ensure maximum safety during roofing work.

Types of lifeline systems

The variety of systems available on the market is quite wide, allowing for the selection of the most suitable solution according to the type of coverage, the activity to be carried out, and the durability requirements.

The first distinction concerns the difference between temporary lifelines and permanent lifelines. The former are installed for short-term work, such as maintenance work on a photovoltaic system. They are lightweight, easily transportable, and removable at the end of the job. The latter, on the other hand, are fixed permanently to the building structure and provide constant protection for all future interventions.

From a structural point of view, we can distinguish:

• horizontal lifelines, generally consisting of cables or rails that allow movement along the roof;

• vertical lifelines, used for example on ladders or towers, which allow safe ascent and descent;

• inclined lifelines, specific for roofs with a steep pitch or special coverings.

Another distinguishing element concerns the materials. The most common are stainless steel and aluminum, both chosen for their resistance to weather agents and their ability to withstand high loads. Stainless steel, in particular, is recommended for permanent installations on roofs exposed to the elements, while aluminum is lighter and more manageable, also suitable for temporary structures.

The choice of type depends not only on the technical context but also on the regulatory prescriptions and the assessments of the safety coordinator. For example, an industrial roof with long pathways will likely require a permanent horizontal lifeline, while a short-term intervention on a private home might justify a temporary solution.

Lifeline for civil and industrial roofs

When talking about lifeline for roofs, we enter the heart of the matter. Roofs are indeed the most common environment where these structures find application.

Residential buildings

In civil contexts, lifelines are often installed in new constructions or significant renovations. Imagine the case of a villa with a pitched roof: the lifeline, properly integrated with anchors and attachment points, allows maintenance workers to carry out jobs on chimneys, antennas, or photovoltaic systems in complete safety.

Industrial coverings

The situation is different for the flat roofs of warehouses or industrial plants. In these cases, the area can be very large and often complex systems such as air conditioning units, ventilation systems, or solar panels are present. Here, the lifeline becomes essential to ensure safety during routine maintenance interventions.

Inclined and special coverings

Some coverings have particular shapes, such as shed roofs, domes, or metal surfaces. In these cases, the system must be custom-designed, providing specific anchors and sometimes integrated solutions within the structure of the covering itself. An example is the lifeline designed for corrugated sheet coverings, which must adapt to the metal profiles without compromising water tightness.

Integration with photovoltaic systems

A separate discussion is warranted regarding integration with solar panels. The growing spread of photovoltaics has exponentially increased the need for fall protection systems on roofs. Without a lifeline, technicians installing or maintaining the panels would have to operate under extremely risky conditions.

Lifeline anchoring and fastening systems

The heart of any lifeline system is represented by the anchors. Without a secure and certified anchor, the lifeline cannot guarantee the expected protection.

Anchors can be of three types:

1. Point anchors, which allow the direct attachment of a worker at a specific point.

2. Linear anchors, connected by a cable or rail, which allow movement along a path.

3. Structural anchors, integrated into the covering and designed to withstand high loads.

Each type must comply with the EN 795 standard, which defines performance and resistance requirements. Anchors should be sized not only considering the weight of the worker but also the dynamic forces generated in the event of a fall.

Another crucial aspect is certification. Anchors must be tested by accredited laboratories and provided with complete technical documentation. Furthermore, their installation must occur according to precise procedures, avoiding common errors such as fixings in non-structural points or using unsuitable materials.

Periodic maintenance is equally fundamental: corroded or loosened anchors can turn into a danger instead of providing protection.

Mandatory lifeline according to European and Italian regulations

One of the most sensitive topics when talking about safety at height concerns the obligation of the lifeline. It is not just a recommended choice, but often a requirement imposed by specific regulations.

European regulatory framework

At the European level, the Directive 2001/45/EC (also known as the “Construction Sites Directive”) establishes the minimum safety requirements for work at height. It mandates that any activity involving a risk of falling from height must be organized with the use of collective or individual protective systems. Lifelines fall fully within this category, specifically regulated by the technical standard EN 795, which defines resistance requirements and testing methods for anchoring devices.

In parallel, EN 365 governs the instructions for use, maintenance, and traceability of fall protection systems. These regulatory references form the common basis for all EU member countries.

Italian legislation: Legislative Decree 81/08 and regional laws

In Italy, the Legislative Decree 81/08 (Consolidated Law on Safety at Work) states that the employer must take all necessary measures to eliminate or reduce risks related to work at height. Although the decree does not explicitly mention the “lifeline”, its use is implied where the adoption of certified fall protection devices is required.

In recent years, many Italian regions have introduced specific regulations that make the lifeline mandatory in the case of new constructions or significant renovations. Among the first regions to legislate in this area are Tuscany, followed by Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, and others. The provisions vary from region to region, but the underlying principle is the same: it is no longer possible to intervene on roofs and coverings without adequate anchoring systems.

Responsibilities and penalties

The obligation to install does not fall solely on the company carrying out the work but also on the client and the property owner, who must ensure the presence of the lifeline and keep the technical documentation. Failure to install may have serious consequences: from administrative penalties to criminal liability in the event of an injury.

This regulatory framework has led to a growing dissemination of lifelines, transforming them from a technical option to an essential requirement for the compliance of any construction site or building.

Design and installation of the lifeline

The installation of a lifeline cannot be improvised: it requires a phase of careful design, followed by an expert installation and a certified testing.

Preliminary analysis and resistance calculations

First of all, it is necessary to assess the characteristics of the covering: type of roof, materials, pitch, access points, and work pathways. Based on this information, the engineer or qualified technician calculates the loads the structure will have to withstand in the event of a fall and sizes the anchors and cables accordingly.

Installation of elements

The installation must follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and comply with current technical standards. Each anchor must be fixed to solid structural elements, avoiding weak or non-bearing areas. Special attention must be paid to the waterproofing of the fastening points to avoid water infiltration that could compromise the covering.

Testing and declaration of conformity

Once the installation is complete, it is necessary to perform load tests and visual inspections to verify the proper functionality of the system. Only at that point does the installer issue the declaration of conformity, an essential document certifying compliance with European (EN 795, EN 365) and national standards. This document must be kept by the property owner and presented in case of inspections or audits.

Thus, proper design and installation form the foundation of safety: a poorly installed lifeline is not only useless but even dangerous.

Professional figures involved

The phases of design and testing must be entrusted to engineers or qualified technicians, with specific expertise in safety at height. The installation must be carried out by specialized companies, which have adequate training and qualification certificates. Finally, the safety coordinator at the construction sites has the duty to verify the correct application of the proposed measures.

Advantages of lifelines and prevention

Besides the regulatory aspect, the installation of a lifeline brings a series of concrete advantages for companies, professionals, and property owners.

Safety of operators

The most evident benefit is the protection of those who work at height. Knowing that they can move on the roof without risking fatal falls increases the peace of mind and efficiency of the workers.

Regulatory compliance

Having a certified lifeline means always being in compliance with European and national regulations. This reduces the risk of penalties, but above all protects the client and the employer from civil and criminal liabilities.

Added value for the property

A permanent lifeline also represents a real estate investment. A building equipped with fall protection systems is more attractive in the market and ensures faster and safer maintenance interventions.

Reduction of indirect costs

Injuries have an enormous cost, both human and economic. Reducing the risk of accidents means reducing legal expenses, compensations, and disruptions to production activities.

In summary, the lifeline is a tool that combines safety, legality, and economic efficiency.

FAQ frequently asked questions about the lifeline

Is the lifeline always mandatory?

Not always, but in many cases, yes. The obligation depends on regional regulations and the type of work to be carried out. In general, for new constructions and significant renovations, the lifeline is required by law.

Who should bear the installation costs?

The expense falls on the client or the property owner, who must ensure safety during and after the work.

How long does a certified lifeline last?

The duration depends on the materials and environmental conditions, but with regular maintenance, it can easily exceed 20 years.

What are the differences between mobile and permanent lifelines?

The mobile lifeline is designed for temporary work and is dismantled at the end of the activity. The permanent one, on the other hand, remains fixed to the structure and ensures continuous protection over time.

Conclusions and final recommendations

The lifeline today represents one of the most effective solutions for safety in work at height. It is not only a requirement imposed by law but an investment that protects people's lives and the value of properties.

We have seen how lifeline systems must be designed, installed, and maintained according to precise European regulations, such as EN 795 and EN 365, as well as the Italian legislative framework (Legislative Decree 81/08 and regional laws). Their correct application requires the collaboration of qualified professionals, specialized companies, and aware clients.

In an era in which safety at work is increasingly at the center of public attention, the lifeline stands as a symbol of responsibility and innovation. It is not just about complying with an obligation but about building a future where working at height no longer means risking life.

That is why the final recommendation is simple yet fundamental: always choose certified systems and qualified installers. Because safety does not allow for compromise.