Fixed Ladder Safety

Every year in Canada, more than 13,000 work-related falls resulting in injuries or deaths are recorded. Systems designed to reduce this number while facilitating the daily tasks of employees greatly increases productivity and safety.

CSA standards have changed with the addition of two new standards: Z259.2.4 Fall Arrestors and Vertical Rigid Rails and Z259.2.5 Fall Arrestors and Vertical Lifelines . These standards replace the old Z259.2.1 Fall Arrestors, Vertical Lifelines and Rails . The new standards allow for more stringent requirements and tests for the products related to these standards.

MSA’s Latchways® Vertical Ladder Lifeline Kits are approved to the Z259.2.5 standard. The kits allow for hands-free movement up and down the entire height of the fixed ladder, eliminating the need to disconnect and find new tie-off points while ascending or descending the ladder. In the event of a fall, the climbing device automatically engages the vertical lifeline and locks, arresting the fall and potentially saving a life.

The Latchways® Vertical Ladder Lifeline Kits must be used in conjunction with the Latchways® LadderLatch ^TM climbing device. This device incorporates the unique star wheel, allowing the unit to pass over cable support without the need to detach. It also includes an anti-inversion mechanism so the device cannot be connected to the cable upside down.

The Latchways® Vertical Ladder Lifeline Kits come in different lengths for different ladder heights: from 6 m (20 ft.) to 27 m (90 ft.). Accessories, such as a galvanized extension post, are also included.

As previously mentioned, these kits are approved to the Z259.2.5 Fall Arrestors and Vertical Lifelines standard. However, it is important to consult your provincial or federal health and safety regulations, where applicable, and the articles pertaining to fixed ladders.