Fixed ladders with back protection and fixed ladders with access protection rails offer different approaches for safe access to heights. Fixed ladders with back protection have a permanently installed safety cage that surrounds the user and protects them from falling. These are easy to use, low-maintenance and robust, but can restrict freedom of movement and be more complex to install. They are mainly installed where the route is used by many different people.
Fixed ladders with access protection rail and PPE against falls from a height use a central guide rail to which a moveable arrester runner is attached. Users wear a harness connected to the safety runner, which provides greater freedom of movement and comfort. These systems offer greater safety by providing immediate arrest in the event of a fall, but require additional equipment and regular maintenance.
KRAUSE offers both systems and develops the most suitable solution in close consultation with the customer. The access technology professionals at KRAUSE work individually with customers to realise customised, safe and efficient access technology concepts. Special emphasis is placed on quality, safety and customer satisfaction.
What is PPE?
PPE stands for "Personal Protection Equipment against falls from a height" and is used to protect employees from the risk of falling. This includes safety harnesses that distribute the impact forces evenly across the body in the event of a fall and thus prevent serious injuries. Lanyards such as ropes, straps or snap hooks connect the harness to a fixed anchorage point. Anchorage devices serve as permanent or temporary anchorage points for the lanyards. Fall arresters combine a full body harness with an automatic retractor that blocks immediately in the event of a fall and stops the fall.
Areas of application for PPE
PPE is used in many areas of work. In the construction industry, there is a high risk of falling when working on roofs, scaffolding or at great heights. Industrial climbers carry out inspection, maintenance or assembly work on high structures such as towers, bridges or buildings. Maintenance work on wind turbines often requires working at great heights. In the telecommunications sector, installation and maintenance work is required on radio masts and transmission towers. PPE is also required in the warehouse and logistics sector, especially when working on high shelves or in high rack warehouses.
Who is authorised to use PPE?
PPE may only be used by persons who have received appropriate training. This training includes the correct use of the equipment, recognising and assessing hazards and rescue measures in the event of a fall. It is important that users of PPE are healthy and in good physical condition, as this is a basic prerequisite for the use of PPE. They must also receive regular training and instruction to ensure that they use the equipment correctly and are aware of the risks. Regular practical exercises and emergency drills are also required to improve the handling of PPE and to react correctly in an emergency.
Use of PPE on fixed ladders with access protection rails
An arrester rail is a fixed device that runs along the ladder and into which a travelling fall arrester is integrated. The user connects to the fall arrester, which can move freely along the rail, using a snap hook and harness. In the event of a fall, the fall arrester blocks immediately and prevents the user from falling. This increases safety compared to a fixed ladder with back protection. Access protection rails require less space than safety cages, which is particularly advantageous in confined spaces. This can also make it easier to assemble and maintain the ladders. In addition, the variant with arrester rails is slimmer and blends in better with the appearance of a building.
A fixed ladder with access protection rail may only be climbed in conjunction with the arrester runner approved for the access protection rail and a PPE. The fixed arrester rail and the arrester runner (fall arrester), like the safety harness, are part of the personal protective equipment and are regarded by KRAUSE as a complete, coordinated system. This complete protection system is subject to annual inspection.
Safety regulations and rules
The use of personal fall protection equipment is subject to strict legal regulations and standards. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSH Act) obliges employers to take measures to protect the health and safety of employees. In addition, there are the trade association (BG) regulations, which contain special rules of the trade associations, such as DGUV Rule 112-198 - Use of PPE In addition, there are European standards, such as EN 363 - Personal fall protection systems and EN 361 - Safety harnesses, which also specify relevant requirements. KRAUSE provides support in the selection and commissioning of standard-compliant fall arrest systems and the annual training of users.
Personal protection equipment against falls from a height (PPE) is essential equipment for all work at heights or at workplaces where there is a risk of falling. The correct selection, use and maintenance of PPE can save lives. Particularly in conjunction with fixed ladders, special protection systems are required to maximise worker safety. Training and regular drills are essential to ensure that PPE against falls from a height is used correctly and provides the desired protection in an emergency.
All system components in one catalogue
In addition to the access protection rail, KRAUSE offers a comprehensive range of system components such as exit aids, rest platforms, connecting elements or parapet transitions with curved rails and access barriers. All components as well as the PPE, consisting of harnesses, connecting elements, carabiners and helmets, have been included in the new KRAUSE catalogue ‘Access Ladders and Fall Protection 10.0’, in which all access and shaft ladders as well as collective side protection systems are also compactly presented.
The use of system components enables the economical assembly of customised vertical ladders, taking into account the structural design and compliance with the relevant standards. All components are harmonised in such a way that they can be flexibly combined with each other. Expensive customised products are therefore not necessary.