fall arrest systems · Lifelines

Vertical Lifelines

Sliding fall arrest systems for safe ascent and descent on vertical structures. Rigid (EN 353-1) or flexible (EN 353-2), installed, certified, and compliant with Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

Trabajador sonriente con arnés y casco blanco sostiene una cuerda amarilla en un taller industrial.
Trabajador con casco y arnés de seguridad subiendo por una escalera metálica industrial.
Vertical Lifelines

More than just a safety system. Continuous and protected progression

A vertical lifeline is an anchoring system designed to protect workers during ascent and descent on vertical structures. Telecommunication towers, wind turbines, ladder rungs, or chimneys are environments where a fall can be fatal — and where the safety solution must be as reliable as the access itself.

Unlike horizontal lines, the path is vertical, and the system must allow continuous progression — both up and down — without the worker having to disconnect at any point.

The system consists of two inseparable elements: the anchor line (rigid or flexible) and the sliding device that accompanies the worker and automatically locks in case of a fall.

Infografía de línea de vida rígida para seguridad en altura con componentes y ejemplos de instalación.
EN 353-1

Rigid vertical lifeline EN 353-1

Systems certified under EN 353-1 are guided type fall arresters on a rigid anchor line. They are permanently installed along the ascent structure — typically integrated into the ladder rungs or parallel to them.

The operator connects via a fall arrester trolley that slides freely during normal progression but locks instantly and automatically in the event of sudden acceleration.

Line material

Aluminum or steel rail, or heavily tensioned steel cable guided every few meters to prevent vibrations and lateral displacement.

Main uses

Crinoline ladders, rung ladders, wind turbines, telecommunication towers, and industrial chimneys.

Maintenance

Mandatory annual inspection by a certified installation company, as these are permanent outdoor installations.

EN 353-2

Flexible vertical lifeline EN 353-2

Systems certified under EN 353-2 are guided type fall arresters on a flexible anchor line.

Unlike rigid systems, the line is not structurally tensioned along its entire length — it is attached to a secure upper anchor point and hangs by gravity.

The worker uses a sliding device — known in the industry as a "rope grab" — that accompanies their movement and locks upon detecting a fall.

Line material

Braided or semi-static ropes made of synthetic fibers (polyamide or polyester) or flexible steel cables.

Main uses

Temporary work, scaffolding, pruning, rope access work, and pitched roofs with continuous ascent and descent.

Maintenance

High — the operator carries both the rope and the sliding device, installing and uninstalling it with each use.

Infografía sobre línea de vida flexible con sistema anticaída para trabajos en altura y componentes básicos.
The problem

Many companies have hazardous areas without adequate protection

Unprotected edges, elevated platforms without guardrails, industrial ladders without sufficient protection — these are common situations in warehouses, industrial plants, and maintenance centers. When there is a risk of falling from a height, collective protection is always the first response.

Característica Línea Rígida — EN 353-1 Línea Flexible — EN 353-2
Tipo de instalaciónPermanente y fija a la estructuraGeneralmente temporal y portátil
Material de la líneaRiel metálico o cable muy tensadoCuerda sintética o cable colgante
Desplazamiento del carroExtremadamente suave, sin intervención manualRequiere cierta gestión del usuario, especialmente al descender
Distancia libre de caídaMuy reducida — bloqueo casi inmediatoMayor — depende de la elongación de la cuerda y el elemento de amarre
Desviación por el vientoNula — el sistema está guiadoAlta — la cuerda puede ondear si no se lastra en la base
Trabajador con casco y equipo de seguridad subiendo una escalera metálica en interiores.
Rigid lifeline EN 353-1
Trabajador con equipo de seguridad subiendo una escalera metálica para mantenimiento industrial.
Flexible lifeline EN 353-2
Compatible Equipment

A vertical lifeline never works alone

For an EN 353-1 or EN 353-2 system to be legal and safe, it must be combined exclusively with compatible and certified personal protective equipment. All components must have CE marking and a declaration of conformity as Category III PPE.

Componente Norma Función
Arnés anticaídasEN 361Dispositivo de prensión del cuerpo. Conexión al carro en anilla esternal o umbilical para mantener el cuerpo erguido tras una caída
ConectoresEN 362Mosquetones de seguridad de cierre automático que unen el carro al arnés
Absorbedor de energíaEN 355Limita la fuerza de choque sobre el cuerpo a un máximo de 6 kN. La mayoría de carros modernos lo llevan integrado
Marcado CERegl. (UE) 2016/425Todos los componentes deben contar con marcado CE y declaración de conformidad como EPI de Categoría III
Compatible Equipment

We install with European certification. No exceptions.

All our vertical lifeline installations — both rigid (EN 353-1) and flexible (EN 353-2) — strictly comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

El carro anticaídas y la línea de anclaje se ensayan, certifican y comercializan como un único sistema inseparable.

No admitimos mezclas de marcas ni componentes no ensayados conjuntamente.

Instalamos seguridad con certificación europea (Marcado CE), garantizando que el equipo detendrá la caída del trabajador de forma infalible.

Our permanent installations also feature CE marking under the demanding CPR Regulation (System 1+) — the highest level of control required by the European Union for fall protection construction products.

This means continuous external factory audits and random destructive testing on each production batch.

beyond installation

Training, knowledge, and experience in one place

At EASTAV, we don't just install lifelines. We train the professionals who use them and share the technical knowledge behind each installation.

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Do you need to install a vertical lifeline?

Tell us about your structure and access type. We'll study the solution.

We analyze the type of ladder or structure, frequency of use, environmental conditions, and applicable regulations to recommend the most suitable system — rigid or flexible, permanent or temporary.

Request technical assessment
Man in black polo shirt with GWO and EASTAV logos smiling at camera
José Manuel Gordillo Argüelles
CEO | IRATA INSTRUCTOR. L3/42007/i
Middle-aged man with gray beard wearing navy blazer and white shirt, smiling at camera
Fernando Serrano Parejo
Director of Works and Projects