Latchways plc

Introduction  Latchways provides 
an integrated approach to fall 
protection through the ManSafe

 

range of products tailored to specific 
needs.
These comprise:
ManSafe for Roofing  A cable 
based system designed specifically 
for rooftop applications, using the 
Constant Force

 Post or 

Free-standing Constant Force

Post. To accompany the ManSafe 
system WalkSafe

 provides a 

levelled, anti-slip, delineated walkway 
surface that affixes to the roof 
surface. Where collective protection 
is needed the VersiRail range offers 
an aesthetically pleasing collective 
protection solution for flat surfaces 
up to a 10° slope. 
ManSafe for Industry  A cable 
system suitable for use on virtually 
any type of structure or roofing 
arrangement. The range provides 
flexible fall protection in horizontal, 
vertical and overhead applications, 
and includes the ManSafe SRL 
(Self Retractable Lifeline) range, 
including the ManSafe Sealed SRL.
ManSafe for Windows  A range of 
fixed and removable eyebolt systems 
for window maintenance which, 
when installed, do not compromise 
the clean lines of interior design.
ManSafe for Telecoms  
TowerLatch

 and LadderLatch

systems offer outstanding personal 
safety for telecoms workers and can 
be configured for use on ladders, 
towers, masts, monopoles and other 
structures employed in the industry 
today.
ManSafe for Utilities  TowerLatch 
and LadderLatch systems offer 
outstanding personal safety for 
utilities workers and are configured 
for use on overhead line towers, 
ladders, wind turbines and 
transformers in substations.
ManSafe for Aircraft  The Wingrip

 

system, utilising compressed air 
vacuum pads with Constant Force 
technology, provides fall protection 
on aircraft wings, fuselage and/or 
stabilisers - whether inside the 
hangar or out on the apron.

Authority  Latchways is a 
BS EN ISO 9001 certified company. 
All products are made from marine 
grade 316 or PH17/4 stainless steel, 
and are CE marked and verified at 
independent testing laboratories. 
Latchways products meet all 
appropriate international standards 
including European Council Directive 
89/686/EEC, EN 795 and EN353-1.

ManSafe for Roofing
Constant Force Post
This system uses the Constant 
Force Post containing an integral 
energy absorber, which, in the event 
of a fall, limits the load generated to 
a maximum of 10 kN. Constant 
Force Post can be used as either 
class A2 (single point anchors) or 
class C (Cable based complete 
systems). The system fits all major 
built up on-site, composite, secret fix, 
standing seam, bituminous and 
polymeric single-ply membrane 
roofing systems. In particular, 
Constant Force Posts are available 
for fixing to concrete, timber and 
steel deck profiles for bituminous and 
polymeric single-ply membrane roofs. 
The Constant Force Posts can be 
powder-coated to match the roof 
panels, their design being smaller and 
less obtrusive than many fixed posts.
System design and specification
Posts can be installed at a spacing 
of between 6 and 10 m, and can be 
located anywhere on the roof 
between two peaks in the roofing 
profile. The system is designed for 
up to three simultaneous users. The 

user will connect to the system via a 
Latchways Transfastener

 which 

is attached to an energy absorbing 
lanyard and full body harness. 
The Transfastener will pass through 
intermediate support ensuring 
continuous protection. Specification 
clauses can be found under NBS Work 
Section N25, Clauses 210 and 220.
Free-standing Constant Force Post
The Free-standing Constant Force 
Post is suitable for fall arrest or fall 
restraint protection applications 
where roof penetration is not 
required or possible. The versatility 
of this product means it can be used 
singularly as a BS EN 795 Class E 
mass friction anchor, or strung 
together using 8 mm cable to become 
a horizontal ManSafe system. 
System design and specification
The configuration of the weight 
segments are dependent on the 
types of roof structures and different 
types of roofs - the system can be 
used on flat roofs and those that 
have a pitch of up to 5°. Latchways 
should be contacted for detailed 
specification. Placement on the roof 
should be a minimum of 2.5 m from 

the hazard and all users should wear 
the appropriate PPE equipment and 
be trained in using the system. Refer 
direct to Latchways for further details.

WalkSafe
WalkSafe is suitable for use on all 
major roofing systems and 
incorporates an anti-slip surface that 
assures high levels of safety even 
when wet. The system is BBA 
certified for slip resistance and has 
undergone full fragility testing. 
System design and specification
The WalkSafe system should be 
specified to accompany a 
Latchways Constant Force system. 
WalkSafe is available in modular 
3 m lengths which are clipped 
together in situ. Each length weighs 
approximately 12 kg/m

2

 dependent 

on style. Latchways provides a 
design, supply and fit service and 
should be contacted for further 
details. Specification clauses can be 
found under NBS Work Section 
H31-Clause 210, H43-Clause 120,
J42-Clauses 110, 120 and 130, 
L10-Clause 460, L30-Clause 450, 
L35-Clause 340.

Registered Trademark

VersiRail
VersiRail is suitable for flat surfaces 
up to a 10° slope. The system is 
available in free-standing (no need 
to penetrate the roof) or a permanently 
fixed option attached to the roof 
edge. It is available in three styles 
- straight, curved, or inclined and 
three finishes; untreated, polished or 
powder-coated to a RAL colour. 
Free-standing can also be supplied 
in a folding option.
System design and specification
A guardrail system should be 
designed to always provide a 
minimum edge protection height of 
1.1 m. The fixed VersiRail system 
has upright supports that are 
available in various heights to 
accommodate different parapet 
heights. VersiRail comes with 
kneerails and has an optional Toe 
Board. VersiRail is available in 
modular 3 and 6 m lengths. 
Latchways provides a design, 
supply and fit service and should be 
contacted for further details. 
Specification clauses can be found 
under NBS Work Section L30 
clauses 560 and 580.

ManSafe for Industry
Latchways design cable systems for 
use across all types of industrial 
application. Systems are flexible 
and can be designed to provide 
continuous movement horizontally, 
up inclines and around corners. 
Overhead systems are ideal for 
industrial environments such as 
warehouses, factory environments 
and loading bays where long spans 
are encountered and fixing 
opportunities are limited. Users 
connect to the system using either a 
Transfastener or the overhead 
trolley and ManSafe SRL to ensure 
hands free continuous protection.
System design and specification
Horizontal systems should be located 
at least 2 m from the edge of the 
hazard in order to minimise the risk 
of a fall. Specification clauses can be 
found under NBS Work Section N25, 
Clauses 210 and 220.
Overhead systems can be single (up 
to 60 m) or multi-span (up to 20 m 
between supports) and should be 
positioned a minimum height of 2.5 m 
above the work platform/walkway. 
Structural fixings should be capable 
of withstanding 18 kN load with an 
adequate factor of safety (Latchways 
recommends a factor of safety of 2).

ManSafe SRL
The Latchways range of ManSafe 
SRLs are designed for and intended 
for use where mobility is needed 
and fall protection is required, they 
can be used in conjunction with the 
Latchways overhead systems.

System design and specification
The SRL is a specific type of vertical 
lifeline that is used as part of a 
personal fall protection system. The 
ManSafe SRL range has been 
developed with a number of unique 
features to provide smarter, safer, 
stronger and better alternatives to 
traditional SRLs. ManSafe SRLs 
automatically extend and retract, 
providing the user with freedom of 
movement over a large working 
area, and feature a self locking 
mechanism to arrest a fall should 
one occur. All ManSafe SRLs 
conform to EN 360: 2002 and have 
a max arresting force of <6 kN.

Vertical ManSafe Systems
A cable-based system providing safe 
access for up to four users on fixed 
industrial ladders, telecommunication 
towers, masts, monopoles and other 
vertical structures. 
System design and specification
The structure must be capable of 
withstanding top anchor loads of up 
to 12 kN which includes a factor of 
safety of 2. The system is fixed onto 
the ladder rungs or stringer, or can 
be installed directly onto the 
structure using a variety of 
components. The user will connect 
to the system using the LadderLatch 
unit via a full body harness. In the 

event of a fall the unit locks onto the 
cable. The unit can be attached onto 
or detached from the cable at any 
point, and enables hands-free 
climbing and descent.
ManSafe for Windows
A safety system for window 
maintenance where exterior work 
has to be accessed from the interior 
of a building.
PushLock

  consists of a fixed 

discreet socket and removable 
eyebolt. Insertion and removal of the 
eyebolt is a two-handed operation to 
guard against accidental removal.
SafeRing™   a choice of two 
permanent eyebolts providing a 
more attractive alternative to 
traditional galvanized eyebolts.
System design and specification
Designed for a single user, PushLock 
and SafeRing can be installed in 
brickwork, masonry, steelwork and 
cavity walls. The user will connect to 
the system using a lanyard connecting 
to full body harness. Specification 
clause can be found under NBS Work 
Section N25, Clause 220.

SERVICES
Latchways offers a full in-house 
design service, which provides 
bespoke roofing system layout 
drawings, system design and 
specification clauses. If you wish to 

utilise this service, please contact us 
on spec@latchways.com with:

·  Roof plan, section and elevation

 

of the building (AutoCAD  

 

 preferable)

·  Preferred system route layout

·  Maximum number of users

·  System usage requirements

Latchways also has a global 
network of installers who will design, 
quote, install certify and maintain 
the full range of ManSafe systems.

REFERENCES
ManSafe, Constant Force, 
LadderLatch, TowerLatch, 
PushLock and Wingrip are 
registered trademarks of Latchways 
plc. Transfastener and SafeRing 
are trademarks of Latchways plc.

Latchways plc
Hopton Park
Devizes
Wiltshire SN10 2JP
Tel:  +44 (0)1380 732700
Fax:  +44 (0)1380 732701
Email: info@latchways.com
Website: www.latchways.com
Contact: James Sainsbury
rps no: 9776

Latchways plc