In part three of our height safety dictionary, the HSE team cover off letters H through L.
You can find letters A, B and C here, or letters D, E and F here.
H
Horizontal lifeline – A continuous, flexible line connecting two or more anchors. Also commonly referred to as a static line.
Horizontal rail system – A continuous, rigid line, connecting two or more anchors. Also commonly referred to as a rigid rail or rail system.
Horizontal traveller – A device with an attachment point that can be connected to a horizontal lifeline allowing the operator to move along the length of the line seamlessly.
I
Inertia reel – A mechanical fall arrest device that is self-locking in the event of a fall, while allowing the operator freedom of movement around the work area. These are also commonly called self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) or fall arrest blocks.
K
Karabiner – See carabiner.
Kernmantle rope – A type of rope line commonly used in fall protection and rope access work. Its two-part construction contains a strengthened core (kern) and protective outer sheath (mantle).
Knuckle boom lift – A type of elevating work platform with multiple articulation points that allows access to difficult or space-constrained areas.
L
Lanyard – A length of webbed material or rope line that allows connection between an anchor’s attachment point and the operator’s harness. Lanyards can be fixed or adjustable in length and can be made to connect to either a single or twin anchor attachments points.
Many lanyards include a built-in personal energy absorber to further protect the operator in the event of a fall.
Limited free fall – A fall where the maximum distance an operator travel before being arrested does not exceed 600mm.
