June 2020

In many cases, fall arrest systems offer the most
flexibility for installers to work around the roof
with ease. The most popular type of fall arrest
system is a personal lifeline system, where
workers wear a harness connected by wire rope
to a fixed anchor point, allowing them to move
safely around the roof. This system would likely
feature on a roof pitch of up to 15 degrees where
the surface angle is deemed safe for a user to
work.
“With a stainless steel
body, the Soter II is
designed to be
installed on any roof
type”
Roof types and applications
Just like fall protection systems there are many
types of roof, depending on the building’s
structure and purpose. These may include flat
roofs; such as green roofs or blue roofs, or metal
roofs typically constructed for distribution centres
or larger warehouses.
A green roof or a ‘living’ roof can typically be seen
covered with grass and designed to provide a rain
buffer, purify the air and ambient which can
reduce the temperature inside the building. It can
also provide an aesthetically pleasing design,
boasting a green and sustainable look.
A blue roof is a roof that is designed to gather
water with the intent of temporary storage. This
roof has many benefits as it can mitigate water
run-off impact as well as store water for reuse in
irrigation or water cooling.
Metal roofs offer a lightweight roof, enabling fast
and secure installation with relatively low costs.
All these roofs will have their own unique
installation challenges, but with the Soter II
Lifeline System from SFS, these can be easily
overcome.
With a stainless steel body, the Soter II is
designed to be installed on any roof type, and has
a low profile and design, making it less obtrusive
in comparison to other fall
restraint systems.
The system uses
innovative load
limiting technology to
spread and dissipate
the shock load of a
multi- or single-user
fall. Key to this technology
is a unique patented energyabsorbing
coil, which deploys and
limits the forces developed during freefall.
The water tight base plate of Soter II is designed
to cover most, if not all, standard applications
and has been tested with trapezoidal, composite,
standing-seam and bituminous and single ply
roof systems.
Best practice
An installer needs to be trained and competent in
fitting the specific system. A recognised installer
should complete a manufacturer’s training
course to ensure that the systems are correctly
fitted.
Also, architects and specifiers should access
manufacturers’ training courses to ensure that
they keep up to date with the latest
developments, new products and installation
practices. For example, installing fall protection
systems on flat roofs using an innovative sleeve
& fastener solution rather than the traditional
toggle fixings will deliver a fully thermally broken
solution, whilst significantly reducing installation
time.
Considering the whole life cost is also another
important factor to consider when choosing a fall
protection system. How much will it cost to
replace or repair? Ideally you need to choose a
system that requires minimal costs and repair if
a fall did occur.
When SFS’ Soter II is deployed you don’t
necessarily need to replace every component,
only certain parts of the fall protection system,
therefore helping to save money in the long run.
Legislation and regulations
Fall protection systems need
to be certified and
maintained on a yearly
basis to ensure
maximum safety can be
provided. This is not only
to ensure the system is in
good working order, but to
also abide by current
regulations.
BS7883:2019 design and specification
regulations came into place at the start of this
year that gives recommendations for the design,
selection, installation, use and maintenance of
anchor devices conforming to BS EN 795:2012.
It’s essential to have a secure, dependable
fastening system with which to attach a lifeline to
in order to assure the user it’s safe and secure.
After all there are potential lives at stake if users
don’t follow the relevant directives and
regulations.
Talk to the manufacturers and seek their advice.
When selecting a fall protection system choose
one that can also provide technical support
locally in the UK, allowing you to access their
expertise if required, including further knowledge
required around the industry’s current
regulations.
There’s no question when it comes to safety, all
fall protection systems must be specified and
installed properly in order to provide the
maximum safety when working at height.
SFS know the importance of providing high quality
fall protection systems in order to offer safety and
reliability when working at height. We incorporate
unique safety features into our fasteners and
hinges to eliminate installer error and ensure that
our products are strong and durable.
Contact SFS
0113 2085 500
www.sfsintec.co.uk
@SFSintec
JUNE 2020 TC 39