What is a Man Safe System?
A man safe system is a fall protection solution designed to keep people safe when working at height. It provides a secure anchorage point or line for operatives, ensuring that they can carry out essential maintenance, inspection, or repair tasks while being protected from falls.
Roof man safe systems are a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations, and they form a vital part of building safety management. By installing the right system, building owners and facilities managers can be confident that their teams or contractors can work safely and in compliance with regulations.
Types of Man Safe Systems
Horizontal lifeline systems
Ideal for rooftops, these provide continuous fall protection across long distances, allowing safe access for maintenance of HVAC units, gutters, and rooflights.
Rigid rail systems
Used where frequent access is required, such as on high-level gantries or internal plant areas, offering controlled movement along a fixed path.
Fixed anchor points
A cost-effective solution for occasional access, typically used on façades, loading bays, or smaller roof areas.
Walkways and edge protection
Non-slip walkways and guardrails reduce the risk of slips and trips, while ensuring compliance in areas where regular foot traffic is required.
Each man safe system is chosen based on the environment, frequency of use, and the specific tasks to be performed. Our process always starts with a detailed site visit to identify the safest and most efficient solution.
Who Needs a Man Safe System?
Man safe systems are a critical requirement for anyone responsible for work at height. They give building owners confidence that their properties meet health and safety regulations, provide facilities managers with a safe way for contractors to carry out maintenance, and ensure employers can protect their teams.
The benefits of installing a man safe system are clear:
Reduced liability by ensuring every task at height is carried out safely and correctly
Rope Access Explained: Is It Right for Your Project?
Discover How ADSS Delivers Safe, Cost-Effective Access Solutions
Working at height or in hard-to-reach locations can be a challenge. Traditional methods like scaffolding aren’t always practical, and that’s where rope access comes in.
At Access Direct Site Services (ADSS), we’ve created a free mini guide to help you understand when rope access is the right choice, why it works, and how our certified team can deliver safe, efficient results for your project.
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Components of a Man Safe System
Every man safe system is designed around the individual site, but most installations include:
Walkways or guardrails, where required
Together, these elements create a continuous fall protection system. They allow workers to move freely while staying connected at all times, ensuring maintenance and inspections can be carried out efficiently without compromising safety.
Regulations, Certification, and Expertise
ADSS designs, installs, and maintains man safe systems in strict compliance with the Work at Height Regulations and British Standards. Our team has extensive knowledge of fall protection requirements and holds the relevant certifications to deliver fully compliant systems. In addition to this, our operatives are trained to the BS 8681:2024 NVQ L3 Standards.
We also provide ongoing inspection and testing to ensure systems remain safe and operational. By combining technical expertise with a strong safety culture, ADSS helps building owners and facilities managers meet their legal obligations while protecting their people.
Why Choose ADSS?
At ADSS, every man safe system begins with a full site survey, allowing us to design a solution tailored to the specific environment. We offer a wide range of systems to suit different buildings and access requirements, all installed by certified teams with specialist knowledge of fall protection regulations. Safety and quality are at the centre of every project we deliver, backed by ongoing inspection and maintenance support to keep systems fully compliant. By choosing ADSS, clients gain a reliable partner who ensures the right solution is in place to protect people and maintain compliance at all times.
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