The Fall protection shafts Working in shafts is one of the most demanding tasks in occupational safety: narrow access points, poor visibility, unpredictable atmospheres, and great depths make working in shafts a highly hazardous activity. Anyone entering sewer, utility, or industrial shafts needs a well-thought-out system of anchor points, personal protective equipment, and clearly defined procedures. HighStep Systems Since 2007, the company has been developing fall protection and fall arrest solutions specifically designed for such vertical access points.
Why shafts pose a particular risk
Shafts present several hazards in one location. Besides the inherent risk of falls from sometimes considerable heights, there are confined spaces, potential oxygen deprivation or gas accumulation, and the difficulty of rescuing injured persons. Unlike on an open facade, a person trapped in a shaft cannot be easily reached. For precisely this reason, legislation mandates a tiered safety concept for working in shafts, one that prevents falls from the outset and allows for rapid rescue in an emergency.
Typical locations for use include sewer manholes, shafts in power plants and industrial facilities, drinking water reservoirs, and utility shafts for electricity and telecommunications lines. In all these areas, the fall protection system must be appropriate for the structural situation and must not make access more difficult.
The hierarchy of protective measures
In occupational safety, the so-called TOP principle applies – technical measures take precedence over organizational measures, which then take precedence over personal measures. Applied to fall protection in shafts, this means a clear order of priority:
- Collective protection first: Fixed covers, railings or shaft guards that make a fall structurally impossible.
- Fall protection systems: Fixed rails or ladders with a self-retracting fall arrest device for safe vertical ascent and descent.
- Personal protective equipment against falls from height (PPE against falls from height): Harness, lanyard and anchor point if a residual risk remains.
- Rescue concept: Equipment and practiced procedures are available to rescue people from the depths.
Personal protective equipment is only used when collective measures are technically impossible – but then consistently and with standard-compliant anchor points.
Anchor points as the core of shaft safety
A reliable anchor point determines whether a fall arrest system will hold in an emergency. Anchor devices mounted above the shaft, compliant with EN 795, enable safe entry and simultaneously serve as a restraint and rescue point. The mobile HighStep Anchorpoint can be used where permanent installation is not possible – ideal for changing maintenance locations. It is crucial that the anchor point is positioned above the entry point so that the lanyard limits the fall before impact.
Fall protection for vertical access
Many shafts are accessed via permanently installed climbing irons or ladders – often corroded, slippery, or no longer up to code. Here, the HighStep aluminum rail offers a decisive advantage: The integrated fall arrest device permanently connects the user to the rail and immediately arrests a fall. Ascending and descending remain free for hands and feet, which increases safety and mobility, especially in narrow shafts. This transforms a risky entry into a controlled, always secure process.
Organization, instruction and rescue
Technology alone is not enough. Safe work in shafts requires a risk assessment for every operation, clearance before entry, and a constant safety person present above ground. Employees must be instructed in the use of the equipment and receive regular refresher training. Equally important is a well-practiced rescue plan: In an emergency, every minute counts, and improvised rescues often fail in practice. Equipment for high-angle and deep-level rescue should therefore be on-site and ready for use.
What operators should consider when making their selection
- Compliance with standards for anchor devices (EN 795) and fall protection systems.
- Regular inspection and documentation of all equipment.
- Compatibility of strap, lanyard, fall arrest device and anchor point.
- Suitability for the specific shaft geometry and the existing building fabric.
- Practicality: A good solution will actually be used.
A well-designed fall protection system for shafts not only protects lives but also reduces liability risks and downtime. Using certified, coordinated components creates the foundation for safe and efficient work at depth.
Testing, maintenance and documentation
Fall protection systems are only as reliable as their maintenance. Anchor devices, fall arrest systems, and personal protective equipment must be visually inspected before each use and additionally inspected at regular intervals – at least annually – by a qualified person. Components wear out faster in damp, corrosive shaft atmospheres, which is why the inspection intervals must be adjusted to the actual conditions. Complete documentation of all inspections protects employees and provides legal certainty for the operator in the event of damage. Any defects found lead to the immediate removal of the affected component from service.
Common mistakes when working in shafts
In practice, many accidents can be traced back to a few recurring mistakes. Those who are aware of these mistakes can specifically avoid them:
- Missing approval: Entry without hazard assessment and atmospheric measurement.
- Inappropriate anchor point: The impact occurs below the entrance or on unsuitable building materials.
- Incompatible components: The harness, lanyard, and fall arrest device come from different systems and are not compatible with each other.
- No rescue plan: There is a lack of readily available rescue equipment, so improvisation is necessary in emergencies.
- Working alone: No permanent security guard present during the day.
A well-thought-out system of proven technology, clear processes and trained personnel closes these gaps and makes in-depth work predictably safe.
Relevant standards and regulations
Anyone planning fall protection systems in shafts should be familiar with the relevant standards and regulations. Anchor devices are tested according to EN 795, harnesses according to EN 361, and guided fall arresters according to EN 353. In addition, there are the requirements of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung) as well as industry-specific rules for working in confined spaces and tank-like structures. These regulations define requirements for materials, testing, and application and form the basis of every risk assessment. Expert planning ensures that the selected components are compatible and meet legal requirements – the foundation for a robust safety concept.
Safety begins before the first step downwards.
Fall protection in shafts is not a single product, but a system consisting of structural protection, climbing protection, personal protective equipment and a robust rescue plan. HighStep Systems We support operators and specialist companies in assembling this system to perfectly suit their needs – TÜV-certified, manufactured according to ISO 9001, and tested in use on demanding vertical infrastructure. Are you planning work in shafts or would you like to have your safety concept reviewed? Get in touch with our security experts and let us advise you on the solution that is right for your shaft.
