DGUV 201-056: Basic principles for the planning of anchorage devices on roofs
DGUV Information 201-056 provides comprehensive support for the safe and professional design of fall protection systems and anchorage devices on buildings. This guide is aimed at building owners, planners and users who are looking for individual solutions for securing workstations at height on buildings. The publication sets out important criteria for planning and provides clear guidelines for safeguarding danger zones, taking into account both collective and individual measures for fall protection.
What potential hazards must be taken into account during planning?
DGUV Information 201-056 identifies various potential fall hazards, including
Falling from the edge of the roof:
This involves the risk of people falling from the edge of the roof.
Breaking through roof surfaces:
Breaking through roof surfaces is another fall hazard.
Falling through a roof opening:
The possibility of falling through a roof opening is also considered.
In the case of roof elements that are not breakthrough-proof, additional safety measures are also required to prevent breakthrough.
Consideration of hazardous areas
It is crucial to recognize the entire area of the roof surface as a potential danger zone. There is generally an increased risk of falling if a person is within 2.0 m of a fall edge. Specific protective measures are essential for these hazardous areas. If it is not absolutely necessary to remain in these zones during the planned work, the corresponding areas should be appropriately cordoned off to ensure safety.
Personal protective equipment against falls from a height
Individual fall protection equipment is designed to protect the wearer from a possible fall by preventing a fall (see restraint systems). An unhindered fall (see fall arrest systems) should be strictly avoided.
Components of personal protective equipment against falls from a height
Personal protective equipment against falls from a height consists of a body holding device and a fastening system.
The body harness includes, for example, harnesses and harnesses.
The attachment system comprises various elements such as lanyards (such as ropes), connecting elements (such as snap hooks), fall arresters (such as fall arresters) and anchorage devices. These components work together to ensure effective protection against potential fall hazards.
Application systems
a) Restraint systems
Personal fall protection equipment that prevents the user from reaching areas where there is a risk of falling. → The user cannot reach the edge of the fall.
b) Workstation positioning systems
Personal protective equipment against falls from a height that enables the user to assume a working position by leaning into the system in which a free fall is not possible.
c) Fall arrest systems
Personal protective equipment against falls from a height, which catches the faller! The force exerted on the user is limited during the fall arrest process.
Basic planning guidelines
The following guidelines must be observed when planning anchorage devices in situations where the structural environment (such as railings or balustrades) does not provide adequate fall protection:
Priority of collective protective devices: Collective protective devices such as guardrails, parapets, balustrades and fall-through lattices have priority over individual rope protection.
Avoidance of fall situations: Wherever possible, falls should be avoided. The use of restraint systems is therefore recommended.
Restriction of free fall with fall arrest systems: If fall arrest systems are used, care should be taken to limit free fall to a minimum. It should be noted that injuries cannot be ruled out in the event of a fall into a fall arrest system and can be life-threatening.
Use of fall arrest systems: Potential hazards
- Pendulum lintel
- Edge formation
- Rope deflection
- Impact/rebound
The use of fall arrest systems involves various potential hazards, such as pendulum fall, edge formation, rope deflection and impact. To ensure the best possible protection, anchor devices should ideally be positioned 2.5 m away from falling edges. In snowy regions, this distance can be increased to enable safe snow clearance. Corner areas can be secured using individual anchor points. Planning should also take access to the safety system into account, with DIN 4426 providing additional recommendations for the design of roof access points.
Principles for the use of fall protection systems
It is the responsibility of each user to ensure that the personal protective equipment is suitable for the intended use and has been properly tested, paying particular attention to the CE marking. In addition, it should be ensured that the equipment is compatible with the existing anchorage devices.
Restraint systems: The length of restraint systems should always be adjusted so that hazardous areas cannot be reached.
Fall arrest systems:
- When planning, the required free height below the user must be taken into account depending on the planned fall arrest system.
- To avoid injuries, the user should be prevented from colliding with surrounding elements during the fall arrest process.
- Lanyards must also be tested for a fall over an edge.
- The possibility of pendulum falls should be minimized wherever possible.
Additional information:
Despite edge-tested fasteners, there is a possibility of failure in practice (e.g. with concrete, steel beams, sheet metal), particularly in the event of pendulum falls. In such situations, additional protective measures such as edge protection or rope protection are required.
It must be possible to rescue a trapped person within a few minutes. Suitable rescue measures should therefore be defined before work with fall arrest systems begins.
Only trained personnel are permitted to use the fall arrest system.
Installation of anchor devices: Important aspects
Various key factors must be taken into account when installing anchor devices:
Follow manufacturer's instructions precisely:
It is essential to meticulously follow the manufacturer's instructions as outlined in installation manuals and safety instructions.
Required specialist knowledge and craftsmanship:
Installation requires a high level of specialist knowledge and craftsmanship on the part of the installation specialists.
Careful comparison with planning documents:
A thorough check of the existing situation against the planning documents is essential to ensure a precise installation.
Preparation of mandatory installation documentation:
According to the guidelines of DGUV Information 201-056, the preparation of installation documentation is mandatory. Particular attention must be paid to the photo documentation of safety-relevant installation steps, especially those that are no longer visible once installation is complete.
Regular inspection by authorized specialists:
The regular inspection of anchor devices should only be carried out by competent persons who are authorized by the manufacturer. Any inspections carried out must be carefully documented. Careful consideration of these considerations ensures the safe and standard-compliant installation of anchor devices.
When must fall protection be installed?
The installation of fall protection is required if there is a potential fall height of 1 meter or more, in accordance with the provisions of DIN 4426 for traffic routes on roof surfaces. This safety measure is particularly necessary if the route or work site is located in an area where there is a risk of falling. For roof pitches over 20°, permanent fall protection must always be provided.
It is important to emphasize that installation and inspections may only be carried out by qualified personnel. This also applies to inspections that can be carried out by external service providers if required. The safe installation and inspection of fall protection systems therefore requires the expertise of trained specialist personnel.
Contact
If you want to put the planning in the hands of experienced experts, SICHERHEITSKONZEPTE BREUER is the right partner for you. We not only offer professional planning and installation, but also take care of the legally required inspection, including comprehensive and legally compliant documentation.
If you would like more information or would like to discuss your individual requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are at your side with our expertise and experience to meet your security requirements in the best possible way.
