Vertical Systems

Youâ€™re in the business of climbing. Whether you work in the tower, wind, solar, billboard, construction, or utility industry, chances are you will spend a decent amount of time climbing. Here at GME Supply we hold the safety of at-height workers above all else and thatâ€™s why this week our Gear ExpertsÂ® are here to talk about vertical systems.

Types of Vertical Systems

Vertical systems come in two types: Vertical Lifeline and Ladder Fall Protection Systems. Vertical lifeline systems utilize rope and rope devices to provide fall protection, whereas ladder systems utilize a ladder, cable, and a cable safety sleeve (cable grab).

Vertical Lifeline Systems

When a ladder system is not already installed on a site a vertical lifeline system is going to be your only option. A vertical lifeline system is used by anchoring rope (either kernmantleÂ or 3-strand rope) onto an anchor point and using a rope grab (fall arrester) like the Petzl ASAP Mobile Rope GrabÂ or the Petzl ASAP LockÂ to provide fall protection. Â Choosing the right kind of rope is important and donâ€™t worry - weâ€™ve got you covered there too! Click here to see our comprehensive rope buying guide.

Ladder Fall Protection Systems (Cable Climb Systems)

A ladder fall protection system, better known as a cable climb system, is pre-installed on a tower and features a cable attached to the ladder. You can use a cable grab attached to your sternal D-ring to move up and down the ladder with ease. In the event of a fall the cable safety sleeve will lock onto the cable and arrest the fall. Applications for ladder fall protection systems include towers, billboards, commercial buildings, utility, solar, and wind. The brand new 3M DBI SalaÂ Lad-Saf Cable Vertical 2 Person Safety System revolutionizes the Ladder Safety Category. It is available in lengths ranging from 20 to 100 feet and comes in both stainless steel and galvanized cable options. We also offer a full line of Tuf-Tug cable climb systems that come in a variety of designs and sizes. The monopole system is available in standard lengths of 100â€™, 150â€™, 200â€™, and 250â€™. The fixed ladder systemÂ is available in standard lengths of 100â€™, 200â€™, 250â€™, 300â€™, and 400â€™. And, the round climbing leg systemÂ is available in standard lengths of 150â€™, 200â€™, 250â€™, and 300â€™. These systems can be further customized. Contact our Gear ExpertsÂ® for more information about customization.

Walking Working Surfaces

Effective January 17^th, 2017 the new requirements for OSHA Standard 1910 Subpart D went into effect. This standard outlines the new requirements for walking working surfaces. Section 1910.29, which covers fall protection systems, states that fall protection systems should be permanently installed when possible so that they are available whenever potential exposure to fall hazards exist. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including fall protection, must be provided by the employer at no cost to the employee. Each section of the new 1910 Subpart D standard has a different compliance date ranging from May 2017 through November 2036. You can find the complete list of compliance dates here. For more information on vertical systems, or if you have questions about what equipment will work best for you, click here to connect with one of our Gear ExpertsÂ® â†’ Click here [insert link here] to see our full selection of vertical systems â†’ Click here [insert link here] to see our full selection of ropes & lifelines â†’ Click here [insert link here] to see our full selection of rope devices â†’ Click here [insert link here] to see our full selection of cable climb systems **The content of this blog is not intended to replace proper, in-depth training. Manufacturerâ€™s instructions must also be followed and reviewed before any equipment is used.