Warning Line : 8 Benefits of a Permanent Warning Line When Working at Height

In addition to setting up an anti-fall system, it is important to visually signal to workers in which area they can work at heights without putting themselves in danger, so a permanent warning line makes it possible to precisely define a safe work area.But what advantages does it offer?

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A PERMANENT WARNING LINE?

The permanent warning line is used to define a visual protective perimeter between working areas at height. Its presence is mandatory on certain construction sites to meet the provisions of the Safety Code for Construction Works.It must have the following characteristics:

• Be continuous and cover all the contours of the work area it borders
• Be at least 2 meters away from where the worker could fall
• Take the form of a rigid band, chain or cable resistant to a tensile force of at least 2.22 kN and equipped with high visibility flags distributed at least every 2 meters
• Rest on posts placed less than 2.5 meters from each other and be properly attached to each pole
• Withstand loads of 100 N applied horizontally at the highest point and vertically between two posts.
• Be accompanied by a path of two parallel lines in case of an opening, access point, storage area or lifting area.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PERMANENT WARNING LINE?

The permanent warning line allows the worker to immediately and at a glance locate the safe work area in which to stay. In addition, it has other advantages:

1. It is easy and quick to install, especially on models equipped with carabiners
2. A line equipped with colored nylon-sheathed steel cable and PVC safety flags is very durable and extremely visible
3. The models with aluminum posts are very resistant to corrosion and are guaranteed for 10 years.
4. A self-supporting warning line can be installed without perforating the roof
5. A permanent warning line is very useful in winter when the roof edge becomes invisible
6. The permanent warning line is very economical
7. When it is modular, it can be combined with the guardrail
8. Some models are scalable and can even be transformed into railings.

While the permanent warning line is undeniably useful, it remains above all a tool offering the possibility for the worker at height to visually delimit the work area in which he must remain. It will never replace a fall prevention system. Only the guardrail remains an effective means of protecting accidental falls, and for the safety of workers, it must be put in place whenever the configuration of the premises allows it.