Working at height brings inherent risks, which is why the UK’s safety legislation places strict requirements on employers and duty holders to protect anyone who could be exposed to a fall. A man safe system, sometimes referred to as a fall protection system, is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. It provides a controlled, compliant method of safeguarding workers who need to access roofs, façades, plant areas, or other elevated structures.
This guide explains what a man safe system is, how it works, and why regular inspection by competent professionals is essential for maintaining full compliance.
A man safe system is a permanent or temporary fall protection solution designed to secure workers who must operate at height. It allows safe access to areas where guardrails, scaffolding, or traditional platforms may be unsuitable or impractical.
At its core, a man safe fall arrest system ensures that anyone connected to it has a reliable point of protection, preventing or arresting a fall in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
These systems are widely used across commercial buildings, warehouses, power plants, industrial facilities, and infrastructure where regular maintenance or inspection work must be carried out at height.
Man safe systems typically fall into one of two categories. Understanding the difference is essential for selecting the correct solution for a site.
Fall restraint systems are designed to prevent a worker from reaching the fall hazard in the first place. By limiting the length of the user’s lanyard, the system physically stops anyone from accessing an unprotected edge.
Fall restraint is considered a preferred solution under safety legislation because it eliminates the possibility of a fall rather than responding to one.
Fall arrest systems allow a worker to reach the hazard but are engineered to stop the descent if a fall occurs.
These systems must:
Fall arrest carries greater responsibility and requires precise design, competent installation, and a robust rescue plan. It is essential for exposed areas where fall restraint cannot be used.
A compliant man safe fall arrest system relies on several critical components working together. Each part must meet relevant British Standards to ensure safety and performance.
These form the primary route along which a worker moves. Lifelines may be:
They allow continuous attachment, reducing the need for users to disconnect and reconnect, a process that would otherwise increase risk.
Anchors secure the lifeline to the structure. These must be capable of withstanding dynamic fall forces.
Under BS 7883:2019, anchor systems must be:
The worker wears a full-body harness connected to the system via a fixed or adjustable lanyard. These are designed to:
All PPE must be inspected before each use and periodically examined under LOLER/PPE regulations.
These connect the user to the lifeline, allowing movement along its length. They must glide smoothly, including past intermediate anchors or corners, to reduce fatigue and maintain safety.
A man safe system is only effective if it is designed, installed, and maintained correctly. The law requires that any fall protection system be inspected by a competent professional at least once every 12 months, with some sites requiring more frequent inspection depending on use and environmental exposure.
Compliance requirements include:
These regulations require employers to ensure work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons.
The regulations also specify that equipment used must be regularly inspected and safe for continued use.
This British Standard governs the design, installation, inspection, and recertification of anchor systems.
It sets out:
Failure to follow BS 7883 can put workers at risk and expose duty holders to significant legal liabilities.
A system that is not regularly inspected cannot be considered compliant.
This includes:
A formally documented inspection is essential for demonstrating compliance during audits or in the event of an incident.
Faulty or neglected fall protection systems have serious consequences. Beyond the obvious safety risk, inadequate systems can result in enforcement action, legal claims, and reputational damage.
For duty holders, using a competent, certified contractor provides assurance that:
A compliant man safe fall arrest system is not simply a piece of equipment; it is an ongoing safety commitment.
At ADSS, safety is at the core of every project. Our specialist teams design, install, and inspect man safe systems in full compliance with BS 7883, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and all relevant British Standards.
We ensure your fall protection systems remain safe, reliable, and fully certified, protecting your people and your programme. Contact us to arrange a man safe systems inspection or discuss your access safety requirements.
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