Temporary lifelines: how they work and when to use a type B anchor device

What is a Type B temporary lifeline?

A Type B temporary lifeline uses removable anchorage equipment designed to protect workers carrying out work at height where permanent fall protection systems are not available.

Unlike a lifeline permanently installed on a building, a temporary lifeline system is installed before work begins and removed once the job has been completed, without leaving permanent fixings on the structure.

The Type B classification under EN 795 covers transportable anchor devices designed to be temporarily installed on a suitable structure and used as anchorage for personal fall protection equipment.

These characteristics make temporary systems particularly suitable for jobs requiring fall protection equipment that is quick to install, easy to transport and reusable across different worksites.

Compared with a permanent installation, a temporary system has the advantage of not requiring invasive work on the roof or façade. This makes it particularly useful for short-term work, routine maintenance and projects involving historic or protected buildings where permanent fixings may not be possible.

It is also important to remember that a temporary lifeline does not consist solely of the lifeline or anchor device. The complete fall protection system includes all the components required to keep the worker safe.

In addition to suitable anchorage points, compatible personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used, such as a fall arrest harness, energy-absorbing lanyard or retractable fall arrester, depending on the work being carried out.

How does a Type B temporary lifeline work?

A Type B temporary lifeline system is based on creating a secure, removable anchorage system that enables workers to carry out work at height while reducing the risk of falls.

Unlike permanent lifelines, the system is installed only for the duration of the work and removed afterwards, allowing it to be reused at other worksites.

The first step is to identify a suitable load-bearing structure on which the anchor device can be installed. Selecting the correct anchorage location is essential, as the structure must be capable of withstanding the loads that could be generated in the event of a fall and maintaining the stability of the entire system.

Potential anchorage locations may include beams, columns, structural elements or other parts of the building that comply with the relevant requirements and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once a suitable supporting structure has been identified, the temporary lifeline or temporary anchor device is installed according to the type of work being carried out.

The system must be installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, checking the correct tension, fastening of components and compatibility with the supporting structure. Incorrect installation can compromise the effectiveness of the entire fall protection system.

The worker then connects their fall arrest harness to the system using an energy-absorbing lanyard or retractable fall arrester and suitable certified connectors.

This allows the worker to move within the designated work area while remaining connected to the anchorage system, reducing the risk of falling from height and limiting the consequences should a fall occur.

An often overlooked consideration is the design of the work area itself. Before installing a temporary lifeline, factors such as working height, available fall clearance, the pendulum or swing-fall effect, the position of anchor points and any obstacles within the potential fall path must be assessed.

However, a traditional flexible lifeline is not always necessary.

For many maintenance and installation jobs, a removable Type B anchor device may be sufficient to quickly create a certified anchorage point without installing a complete lifeline.

Solutions such as:

• WIN 200, designed for window installers, awning installers, air-conditioning engineers, antenna installers and skylight maintenance;
• SUN 200, which allows two operators to work simultaneously, provide practical alternatives for these applications.

These systems can reduce installation time and make work easier in environments where permanent fall protection systems are unavailable.

Once work has been completed, the temporary lifeline or anchor device is removed, inspected and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Because the system is temporary, each new use requires a new installation and preliminary inspection of both the structure and equipment to ensure that all components remain undamaged and suitable for use.

Components of a temporary lifeline system

For effective fall protection, all components of a temporary lifeline system must be compatible with one another and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Installing an anchor device alone is not enough. Worker safety depends on the entire fall protection system, including anchorage points, PPE and connecting devices.

Anchor device

The anchor device is at the heart of the system, creating a secure connection between the worker and the load-bearing structure.

In the case of Type B anchor devices, the equipment is removable, transportable and reusable, making it particularly suitable for occasional work or short-term worksites.

Depending on operational requirements, the device can be installed on different types of structures, provided they are suitable for withstanding the required loads.

For many installation and maintenance applications, using a removable anchor device can be more practical than installing a complete temporary lifeline.

Solutions such as WIN 200 and SUN 200 make it possible to quickly create a temporary anchorage point, reducing installation time while providing a high level of safety.

Anchorage points

Anchorage points are the structural elements to which the anchor device is attached.

They must be carefully selected and assessed before work begins, as the reliability of the entire fall arrest system depends on their ability to withstand the required loads.

The choice of anchorage point should never be improvised. Factors such as the type of structure, construction material, direction of loads, number of connected workers and required working area must all be considered.

Correct positioning can also help reduce the pendulum or swing-fall effect, minimising the risk of the worker striking the structure in the event of a fall.

Flexible lifeline

When workers need to move along a roof or façade, a flexible lifeline can be used.

This generally consists of certified webbing or rope installed between two anchorage points, enabling workers to move more freely while remaining connected to the fall protection system.

Temporary flexible lifelines are particularly useful for short-term work because they can be quickly installed and removed without permanently modifying the building.

Fall protection PPE

A temporary lifeline is effective only when used together with appropriate personal fall protection equipment.

Workers must wear a certified fall arrest harness connected to the system using an energy-absorbing lanyard or retractable fall arrester, depending on the specific working conditions.

Connectors, karabiners and all other components must also be compatible and certified to ensure that the entire system works correctly.

Using unsuitable or incompatible components can compromise worker safety.

Read also: What is a retractable fall arrester and how does it work?

When should a temporary lifeline be used?

A temporary lifeline can be an effective solution when work at height needs to be carried out safely but permanent fall protection systems are not available or installing them would not be practical.

Because it is temporary, removable and reusable, the system can be adapted to numerous working environments, allowing a suitable fall protection anchorage to be created without permanently modifying the structure.

The choice between a temporary lifeline, flexible lifeline or removable anchor device depends primarily on the type and duration of the work and the characteristics of the structure.

For jobs lasting only a few hours or days, a temporary solution can often reduce installation time and costs while maintaining the required safety standards.

Window and door installation

When installing windows, French doors and other frames, workers often operate close to an unprotected edge, particularly on upper floors.

A temporary fall protection system can provide a secure anchorage without requiring a permanent installation.

For this type of work, a Type B anchor device can often be the most practical and efficient solution.

Awning installation

Installing awnings frequently requires work to be carried out from the exterior of a building or from balconies and terraces.

Using a temporary anchorage system allows workers to remain connected to fall protection equipment even when the job only takes a few hours.

Air-conditioning and heat pump installation

Installing outdoor air-conditioning units and heat pumps often involves working at height on façades, balconies or roofs.

A temporary lifeline or removable anchor device can help protect the work area without requiring invasive modifications to the building.

Installation of antennas and technical systems

Technicians installing antennas, satellite dishes, photovoltaic systems or CCTV equipment on roofs can use temporary fall protection systems where permanent anchorage points are not available.

Skylight and roof maintenance

Maintenance work on skylights, industrial roofing and roofs is one of the main applications for temporary lifeline systems.

These jobs are often occasional and may not justify the installation of a permanent lifeline, particularly where access is infrequent.

Temporary construction sites

On short-term construction sites, temporary fall protection systems can be adapted to different stages of the work.

Because they are transportable and reusable, they can be moved from one site to another, helping optimise both installation time and investment.

Historic and protected buildings

Temporary systems are particularly useful when working on historic buildings, monuments or architecturally protected properties.

In these situations, drilling or permanent fixings may not be permitted, making removable anchorage solutions particularly suitable.

When is a temporary lifeline the better choice?

A temporary system is particularly suitable when work is short-term, no permanent lifeline is available, permanent drilling or fixings cannot be made, work is carried out on historic or protected buildings, or the equipment needs to be frequently moved between different worksites.

In these situations, a flexible temporary lifeline or removable Type B anchor device can provide an effective fall protection solution without the time and cost associated with installing a permanent system.

Temporary or permanent lifeline: which should you choose?

Choosing between a temporary lifeline and a permanent lifeline depends primarily on how frequently work will be carried out, the type of building and the operational requirements.

Both solutions are designed to protect workers against falls from height, but they are intended for different applications.

• A temporary lifeline is installed, used and then removed when the job is complete. It is therefore particularly suitable for occasional maintenance, short-term installations and temporary worksites where installing a fixed system would not be justified.
• A permanent lifeline, by contrast, is permanently installed on the roof or building structure and remains available for future work, reducing preparation time for recurring maintenance activities.

When is an anchor device the better solution?

Not every job requires a complete lifeline.

When work is restricted to a relatively small area and the worker does not need to travel long distances across a roof, a certified fall protection anchor device may be sufficient.

Removable solutions such as WIN 200 and SUN 200 make it possible to quickly establish a secure anchorage point for work involving windows, façades, balconies, awnings, air-conditioning units and skylights.

In many cases, this solution is easier to install, faster to prepare and more convenient to transport than a conventional temporary lifeline.

The appropriate system should always be selected following a risk assessment that considers the supporting structure, number of workers, type of work, available fall clearance and personal protective equipment being used.

Temporary lifeline regulations and standards

The use of temporary lifelines is governed by both occupational safety legislation and technical standards relating to fall protection and anchorage equipment.

EN 795 defines the technical requirements for anchor devices used for protection against falls from height, including Type B transportable temporary anchor devices.

For use outside Italy, however, the applicable occupational health and safety legislation must be assessed according to the country in which the equipment is being used.

EN 795: the reference standard

EN 795 establishes technical requirements for fall protection anchor devices.

Among the different categories are Type B anchor devices: transportable and removable anchorage devices designed to be temporarily installed and removed once work has been completed.

This category covers various solutions used when working at height, including temporary systems, textile systems, removable equipment and other transportable anchorage solutions.

Equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s documentation, installation instructions and specified limitations.

Worker training

Temporary lifelines and anchor devices must only be installed and used by people with the necessary knowledge and training for working at height.

Workers must understand the fall protection equipment being used and be able to carry out the required checks before use.

Important considerations include checking anchorage points, correctly installing the device, selecting compatible PPE, assessing available fall clearance, preventing swing falls and planning emergency and rescue procedures.

Appropriate training reduces the risk of installation errors and helps ensure that both temporary lifelines and removable anchor devices are used correctly.

Compatibility between anchor devices and PPE

All components of a fall protection system must be compatible.

A temporary lifeline is only one element of the complete system and must be used together with appropriate harnesses, energy-absorbing lanyards, retractable fall arresters and certified connectors selected according to the specific working conditions.

Even individually compliant components can compromise the system if they are not compatible with one another.

Compliance alone is not enough: correct planning is essential

Compliance with applicable standards and legislation is essential, but safety also depends on properly planning the work.

Every job at height presents different conditions and requires a specific assessment of the structure, available anchorage points, number of workers and working methods.

Whether a temporary lifeline, flexible lifeline or Type B anchor device is selected, the system should always be chosen on the basis of a technical assessment of the actual working conditions.

Difference between a temporary lifeline and a Type B anchor device

The terms temporary lifeline and Type B anchor device are sometimes used interchangeably, but from a technical perspective they describe two different concepts.

A temporary lifeline is a fall protection system that enables a worker to remain connected while moving along a defined working area. It generally consists of a flexible line, such as rope or webbing, installed between two or more anchorage points.

A Type B anchor device, on the other hand, is a transportable and removable anchorage device classified under EN 795. It is designed to create a secure anchorage point to which personal fall protection equipment can be connected.

In other words, a temporary lifeline may incorporate one or more anchor devices, but a Type B anchor device is not automatically a lifeline.

When is an anchor device sufficient?

A complete temporary lifeline is not necessary for every job.

Where work is carried out within a limited area and the worker does not need to travel long distances across a roof or façade, a suitable fall protection anchor device may be sufficient.

Typical applications include window installation, awning installation, air-conditioning installation, antenna and satellite dish installation, skylight maintenance, and localised work on balconies and façades.

In these situations, a removable device can simplify worksite preparation and reduce installation time.

When is a temporary lifeline preferable?

A temporary lifeline is generally preferable when workers need to move across a larger working area, such as an industrial roof, large roof surface or extensive façade.

The flexible line allows the user to move while maintaining continuous connection to the fall protection system, reducing the need to repeatedly disconnect and reconnect.

A practical example

Consider two different situations.

In the first, an installer needs to fit an awning above a window. The work is confined to a small area and the installer remains in approximately the same position. In this case, a removable Type B anchor device such as WIN 200 may be the more practical solution.

In the second, a maintenance technician needs to inspect an entire industrial roof, travelling tens of metres across the surface. In this case, a temporary lifeline can provide greater freedom of movement while allowing the worker to remain connected throughout the route.

Understanding this distinction helps ensure that the selected system is appropriate for the actual working conditions.

How to choose the right temporary lifeline

Choosing the right temporary lifeline should begin with a thorough risk assessment and evaluation of the work being carried out.

The first consideration is the type of structure. Working on a pitched roof, flat roof, façade, balcony or industrial structure presents different requirements and may require different anchorage solutions.

The duration of the job should also be considered. For occasional or short-term maintenance, a temporary lifeline or removable anchor device is generally the more practical solution. If roof access is frequent and planned over time, a permanent lifeline may be more appropriate.

The number of workers is another important factor. Some systems are designed for one user, while others allow two or more workers to be connected simultaneously.

The required freedom of movement must also be considered. Where workers need to travel continuously across a roof, a flexible lifeline can provide greater mobility. For work restricted to a small area, a removable anchor device may be sufficient.

Finally, technical factors such as available fall clearance, swing-fall risk, obstacles and compatibility between the anchor device and fall protection PPE must always be assessed before work begins.