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Personal Fall Protection Systems

 03/09/2019    Last Modified: 19/02/2020

Background and Implications for the Industry

This page provides a summary of the HSE decision on two-rope working and some of the most significant implications for the industry. For a more detailed background on how and why this decision was reached please see the links below.

What is the HSE decision about climbing with a backup?

The HSE has observed that the arboricultural industry is not fully complying with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. As the Regulator it has been advising the Arboricultural Association on what it considers to be acceptable guidance to be offered to our industry’s climbing arborists – and their managers.

“Climbing and working with a single rope has remained the custom and practice in the industry for too long and been a factor in many falls from height. Recognising this, some clients in the utility sector have shown the way forward by ensuring their contractors use a backup system. HSE strongly support efforts by the AA to promote this system of work through its publications so that more climbers and businesses understand it is necessary to reduce risk and comply with the law.”

Stuart Parry, HM Inspector of Health and Safety

Background to the decision

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What does this mean for industry compliance?

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The way forward

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Topics:
HSE, Two Rope