What Is a Mansafe System?

Contents

1. What Is the Purpose of a Mansafe System?
2. When Is a Mansafe System Required?
3. What Are the Regulations for Mansafe Systems?
4. Types of Mansafe Systems
5. Common Mansafe Brands
6. How to Choose the Right Mansafe System
7. What Is Mansafe Testing?
8. How Often Should a Mansafe System Be Inspected and Certified?
9. Protect Your Workforce and Stay Compliant With Our Complete Mansafe Solutions

A mansafe system is a fall protection system designed to ensure the safety of workers at height. The term “mansafe” originated as a trademarked name by Latchways, a UK-based company specialising in fall protection. Latchways was later acquired by MSA Safety in 2015.

Today, “mansafe system” is often used generically to describe engineered fall protection systems, particularly horizontal lifeline systems that provide continuous attachment along a fixed route.

If you're working with specifications, it's useful to confirm whether “mansafe” refers to the proprietary system from MSA/Latchways or a more general fall protection solution. Alternative terms like "engineered fall protection system" or "horizontal lifeline system" may be more appropriate in technical documentation.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mansafe systems, including the common types and brands, the regulations governing their use, and the maintenance needed to keep them safe and compliant.

What Is the Purpose of a Mansafe System?

A mansafe system is a safety solution for workers operating at height. It provides fall protection and ensures safe access for maintenance, inspections, and repairs.

The key function of a Mansafe System is that it prevents falls, using anchor points, lifelines, and harnesses to create a secure working environment.

A mansafe system can be used in two primary ways:

• Fall Restraint: Prevents workers from reaching a fall hazard by restricting their movement.
• Fall Arrest: Protects workers if they do fall by stopping their descent and reducing impact forces.

The major benefits of a mansafe system include:

• Provides fall protection for workers at height through anchor points, lifelines, and harnesses.

• Enables safe access for maintenance, inspections, and repairs.

• Ensures compliance with UK safety regulations, helping property managers and facilities teams fulfil legal requirements.

• Applicable to a wide range of industries where working at height is essential, including construction and property maintenance.

At Spectrum, we frequently rely on mansafe systems to carry out external building maintenance safely and efficiently, ensuring compliance while minimising risks for our team.

When Is a Mansafe System Required?

In line with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, UK law mandates that employers provide fall protection whenever there is a risk of falling from height. A mansafe system is one way to provide protection from fall hazards and ensure compliance.

When considering fall protection, the hierarchy of control measures should be followed. This prioritises eliminating the risk entirely, followed by collective protection measures such as guardrails and barriers. Only when these are not feasible should fall restraint/arrest systems, like a mansafe system, be used.

Common situations where a mansafe system may be necessary include:

• Working on flat roofs without sufficient guardrails or edge protection.

• Accessing building facades for cleaning, maintenance or repairs.

• Conducting inspections or servicing external fixtures, including gutters, lighting, signage or ventilation systems.

• Testing fall protection systems, like eyebolts. We must always ensure the system is safe before we can use it!

At Spectrum, we frequently encounter situations where a mansafe system is required for safe access, particularly on rooftops and facades where collective fall protection is not feasible.

If you're unsure what's required in your specific circumstances, take a look at our complete fall protection services. We'll apply our expertise in working at height to help ensure safety and compliance for your team.

What Are the Regulations for Mansafe Systems?

Mansafe systems play a key role in safeguarding workers at height, but to be effective, they must adhere to strict UK safety regulations. These regulations ensure that such systems are designed, installed and maintained to minimise risks and provide reliable fall protection.

Important regulations related to mansafe systems include:

• The Work at Height Regulations 2005: The primary UK law requiring fall protection where there is a risk of falling.

• BS 7883: The British Standard that provides guidance on the design, installation, and testing of anchor systems used in personal fall protection systems. It ensures that anchor devices are properly specified, installed, and maintained for long-term safety and compliance.

• BS EN 795: A British Standard that sets out the requirements for anchor devices used in personal fall protection systems. It covers design, performance, and testing criteria to ensure these devices provide adequate safety for users in various working environments.

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: A broad law requiring employers to ensure the health and safety of their workers, including when working at height.

A thorough understanding of these regulations is essential to ensure mansafe systems are legally compliant and provide effective fall protection. So, let's dig into these regulations a little further:

The Work at Height Regulations

The Work at Height Regulations 2005, including its 2007 amendment, apply to all work at height where there is a risk of falling and injury, whether that is above, at, or below ground level.

These regulations place legal duties on employers, self-employed individuals, and those who control work at height, such as facilities managers or building owners.

Within the Work at Height Regulations 2005, there are many recommendations that may relate to working at height using a mansafe system, including at least:

• Work at height must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely, with emergency and rescue procedures in place.

• Work should only be carried out when weather conditions do not compromise safety.

• Workers must be competent to work at height, or if in training, they must be supervised by a competent person. A competent person is someone who has sufficient professional or technical training, knowledge, actual experience, and authority to carry out their assigned duties safely.

• Employers must assess risks under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and apply a hierarchy of control measures, prioritising the elimination of risks where possible.

• Guardrails, barriers, and other collective protection measures should be prioritised over personal fall protection like harnesses.

• Workers should not pass near or across fragile surfaces unless there is no safer alternative.

• Work equipment must be regularly inspected to prevent deterioration that could lead to hazardous situations.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 were introduced following EC Directive 2001/45/EC, consolidating previous UK legislation to strengthen fall protection requirements.

The 2007 amendment extended these regulations to cover professionals working in climbing, mountaineering, and caving, ensuring that all work at height is conducted in accordance with strict safety standards.

How Does BS 7883 Relate to Mansafe Systems?

While the term "mansafe" is not explicitly used in the standard, BS 7883 sets out important safety and performance requirements for anchor systems of this type, including:

• Anchor Classification and Design Requirements: Defines different types of anchor systems, including structural anchors, engineered systems, and proprietary systems. Specifies performance requirements to ensure anchors can withstand expected loads.

• Load Testing and Performance Requirements: Ensures that anchor devices in mansafe systems meet minimum strength and durability criteria. Covers both static and dynamic testing to confirm reliability in real-world conditions.

• Installation Guidelines: Specifies how mansafe systems should be installed to provide adequate protection. Includes guidance on fixing methods, positioning, and integration with existing structures.

• Inspection, Testing and Maintenance: Mandates regular inspections and retesting of anchor points and systems to maintain compliance. Outlines inspection frequencies, including annual checks and post-installation validation.

• Competency and Responsibility: Stipulates that installation, inspection, and maintenance must be performed by competent persons. Provides requirements for record-keeping and certification to ensure regulatory compliance.

Regular inspection and maintenance are key. Anchor devices and mansafe systems should be routinely checked to confirm they are fit for use and meet ongoing safety standards.

While BS 7883 is not a legal requirement in itself, it supports UK safety regulations and helps employers and building owners demonstrate their commitment to safe working at height and compliance with legislation.

How Does BS EN 795 Relate to Mansafe Systems?

BS EN 795 focuses on the design, performance, and testing of anchor devices used in fall protection, including those found in mansafe systems.

While it does not cover installation or long-term maintenance, it establishes the fundamental requirements for anchor devices before they are put into use, including:

• Types of Anchor Devices: BS EN 795 classifies anchor devices into five types (A-E), including horizontal lifelines (Type C) and rigid rail systems (Type D), which are commonly used in mansafe systems.

• Performance and Load Requirements: Establishes static and dynamic strength requirements to ensure anchor devices can withstand fall forces and remain structurally sound.

• Product Compliance, Not Installation: BS EN 795 applies to the manufacturing and testing of anchor devices but does not specify how they should be installed or maintained – this is covered by BS 7883.

• Manufacturer Certification: Requires anchor devices to be independently tested and CE-marked to confirm compliance before installation in a mansafe system.

• Compatibility with Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE): Ensures anchor devices are designed to function safely with harnesses, lanyards, and connectors to form a reliable fall protection system.

For a mansafe system to be both compliant and effective, BS EN 795 ensures the anchor devices are properly designed and tested, while BS 7883 ensures they are correctly installed and maintained.

How the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Relates to Mansafe Systems

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation governing workplace safety in the UK. While it doesn't cover mansafe systems specifically, it places a legal duty of care on employers to protect employees and anyone affected by their work. This includes ensuring safe working conditions for those using fall protection systems.

Employers must take reasonable steps to minimise risks when working at height, which include:

• Conduct risk assessments to identify hazards and implement necessary precautions.

• Ensure safe systems of work, including proper planning, training, and supervision.

• Provide access to competent safety advice to confirm that mansafe systems are correctly installed, maintained and used.

• Develop emergency procedures, including rescue plans for incidents involving fall protection systems.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is supported by several key regulations that directly impact Mansafe systems, like The Work at Height Regulations 2005. Additionally, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations ensure that all mansafe system components are suitable, well-maintained, and only used by trained personnel.

Employers must also comply with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, which mandate the provision of harnesses, lanyards, and other fall protection equipment where risks cannot be controlled in other ways. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations reinforce safety by requiring regular inspections of ropes, karabiners, harnesses, and lanyards.

By following the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and its supporting regulations, employers can meet their duty of care, minimise risks, and maintain safe working conditions when using mansafe systems for fall protection.

Types of Mansafe Systems

The term "mansafe system" can refer to various fall protection solutions, but it most commonly describes engineered systems designed to prevent or arrest falls.

These systems come in a variety of designs, each suited to specific work environments and safety requirements. While mansafe systems are designed to prevent or arrest falls, the type of system used will depend on factors such as building structure, work type, and level of risk.

With that in mind, here are a few of the most common types of fall protection systems that are often described as “mansafe systems”:

Horizontal Lifeline Systems

One of the most common and widely-recognised mansafe systems is the horizontal lifeline system. A horizontal lifeline system is a flexible, cable-based fall protection system designed to allow workers to move safely along an elevated work area while remaining securely attached.

Typically installed on rooftops, bridges or large structures, it consists of a tensioned cable supported by anchor points, to which workers connect via lanyards and harnesses. This system enables continuous movement along the work area, providing reliable fall restraint or fall arrest protection depending on the setup.

Vertical Lifeline Systems

A vertical lifeline system is another common type of mansafe system, designed to allow workers to safely climb or descend structures such as ladders, towers or scaffolding while remaining continuously attached to a secure anchor point.

A vertical lifeline consists of a fixed cable or rail system that runs along the length of the climbing path, along with a fall arrester or rope grab that moves freely with the worker but locks in place in the event of a fall. This prevents a sudden, uncontrolled descent and reduces the risk of injury.

Vertical lifeline systems are commonly used in industries such as construction, telecommunications, wind energy, and utilities, where workers frequently ascend heights. They offer greater mobility than fixed lanyards while ensuring continuous fall protection.

Fixed vs. Freestanding Systems

Mansafe systems can be broadly categorised into fixed and freestanding solutions. Fixed systems provide permanent fall protection for structures requiring regular access, while freestanding systems offer flexibility for temporary or changing work environments.

Here’s more information on what each option offers:

• Fixed mansafe systems: These are permanently installed onto a structure, providing a long-term fall protection solution. Fixed mansafe systems are frequently installed in locations where ongoing access is necessary for inspections, maintenance and repairs.
  
  Common applications include commercial rooftops, where HVAC systems and drainage require routine servicing; industrial plants, where elevated walkways and machinery need safe access; and transportation infrastructure, such as bridges and rail stations, where inspections and structural maintenance are essential.
  
  

• Freestanding mansafe systems: These provide a versatile fall protection solution that does not require permanent structural modifications. These systems typically use weighted bases, counterweights, or portable anchor points to create a secure working environment.
  
  Freestanding systems are commonly used in scenarios where fixed systems are impractical, such as short-term construction projects, maintenance on delicate surfaces, or sites with frequently changing access requirements. By offering rapid deployment and repositioning, freestanding systems ensure compliance with safety regulations while maintaining operational flexibility.

Common Mansafe Brands

Several leading brands manufacture mansafe systems in the UK, each offering specialist fall protection solutions. While their features and technologies vary, all are designed with the common goal of ensuring safe and reliable working conditions at height.

Here are some of the most common brands that you’re likely to encounter:

MSA/Latchways

Latchways, now part of MSA Safety, was the originator of the "Mansafe" trademark and remains a leading provider of fall protection systems. They offer both horizontal and vertical lifelines designed for secure working at height.

Their energy-absorbing technology enhances safety by reducing impact forces during a fall, making them a trusted choice for industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects.

Mantech ManSafe

Mantech ManSafe specialises in innovative fall protection systems designed for complex structures. Their custom solutions improve safety in challenging environments, with a focus on high performance and durability, making them a reliable choice for long-term working at height safety.

Kee Safety

Kee Safety provides modular and adaptable fall protection systems, offering both permanent and temporary solutions for working at height. Known for their user-friendly and cost-effective designs, Kee Safety systems are widely used across industries where flexibility and compliance are key priorities.

Honeywell Miller

Honeywell Miller is a trusted name in PPE and fall protection equipment, offering both individual anchor points and full lifeline systems. In addition to high-quality safety gear, they provide comprehensive training and safety solutions, ensuring workers have the knowledge and equipment needed for safe working at height.

How to Choose the Right Mansafe System

With so many mansafe system options available, selecting the right one for your building can be challenging. The best way to ensure a safe, effective system that complies with the relevant regulatory standards is to get help from professionals, who will assess your building structure, maintenance needs, and existing safety measures.

However, for a quick checklist, here are a few points to consider:

• Assess the Work Area

  • Identify areas where fall protection is needed (e.g. rooftops, facades, industrial settings).

  • Consider how often workers need access and whether a temporary or permanent solution is required.
    
    

• Choose Between Fixed and Freestanding Systems

  • Fixed Systems: Permanently installed, ideal for sites with frequent access needs.

  • Freestanding Systems: Portable and adaptable, best for temporary or changing work environments.
    
    

• Determine the Type of Fall Protection Needed

  • Fall Restraint: Prevents workers from reaching a hazard.

  • Fall Arrest: Stops a fall in progress to minimise injury risk.
    
    

• Ensure Compliance with Regulations

  • Must meet Work at Height Regulations 2005.

  • Should align with standards like BS 7883 (anchor installation and testing) and BS EN 795 (anchor design and performance).
    
    

• Consider Usability and Maintenance

  • Select a system that is easy to use and inspect.

  • Ensure it can withstand environmental conditions and requires minimal ongoing maintenance.

At Spectrum, we have extensive hands-on experience working with mansafe systems of all varieties, from horizontal lifelines to temporary anchorage points. Whether you need guidance on installation, testing or maintenance, our team is here to help you choose a safe, effective solution for your building.

What Is Mansafe Testing?

Mansafe testing is the process of inspecting and evaluating a Mansafe system to ensure it remains safe, functional, and fully compliant with UK safety regulations. Regular testing is essential to verify that fall protection systems continue to provide reliable safety for workers operating at height.

Mansafe testing typically includes:

• Load testing: Verifying the system can withstand the forces exerted during a fall.

• Anchor point and cable tension checks: Ensuring all components are secure and properly tensioned.

• Wear and corrosion inspection: Identifying any deterioration or damage that could compromise safety. Any faulty areas are tagged DO NOT USE and reported to the client.

• Compliance verification: Confirming the system meets legal and industry standards, such as BS EN 795 and BS 7883.

• Recertification: Providing official documentation that the system has passed inspection and is safe for continued use.

At Spectrum, we provide expert mansafe testing and certification services to help building owners and facility managers maintain the highest safety standards. Our thorough inspections ensure your fall protection system remains fully operational, compliant with regulations, and ready to protect workers at height.

How Often Should a Mansafe System Be Inspected and Certified?

Regular inspections and re-certification are essential to ensure a mansafe system remains safe, functional, and fully compliant with UK safety regulations.

The recommended inspection frequency depends on usage, environmental conditions, and legal requirements; but, in most cases, a full inspection should be carried out at least every 6-12 months.

Regular inspections will generally include:

• Visual checks before each use: Workers should inspect the system for obvious damage or faults and check the inspection tag to ensure it is still valid. More frequent inspections may be recommended if the safety system is showing signs of wear more quickly than usual.

• Annual testing: Full system testing should be done at least every 12 months, including anchor points, cable tension and overall structural integrity.

• Load testing as required: Load testing will verify that the system can withstand expected forces, particularly before projects involving heavy loads, such as glazing replacements.

• Recertification after modifications or repairs: Any alterations to the system will require retesting and certification to ensure continued compliance.

If you opt for our fall protection testing services, we can help you stay up to date on your testing schedule to ensure compliance and optimal functioning. Otherwise, just make sure you have a clear schedule in place that aligns with regulatory requirements.

Protect Your Workforce and Stay Compliant With Our Complete Mansafe Solutions

A poorly maintained mansafe system not only puts lives at risk but also exposes businesses to serious legal consequences. Regular inspections, maintenance, and compliance with safety standards like BS EN 795 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are essential for protecting workers and ensuring operational safety.

At Spectrum, we provide complete mansafe system services, including:

• Comprehensive inspections, testing and certification to ensure ongoing compliance.

• Proactive maintenance to prevent failures, downtime and costly disruptions.

• Tailored fall protection solutions designed to meet the safety needs of your building.

Don’t leave safety to chance – contact us today to schedule a mansafe system inspection and ensure your fall protection system is fully compliant and fit for purpose.

You can also learn more about our fall protection testing services here.