Fall protection equipment specialist SFS has redeveloped its fall arrest and work restraint solution with the new Soter II. The system allows users to safely work at height without restrictions to their movement, and significantly reduces damage to the roof in the event of a fall.
Fitted to the outer roof skin, Soter II uses shock-absorbing technology to spread and dissipate the shock load of a multi- or single-user fall. Key to this technology is a unique patented energy absorbing coil, which deploys and limits the forces developed during free-fall.
“Many fall arrest systems on the market are designed to protect users as the priority, but there is lesser consideration for the roof and the damage that can be done if there’s a fall,” said James Gooder, business manager at SFS Fall Protection.
“What we have developed is a system which not only protects the user but is also able to reduce the impact of damage to the roof. This then decreases the chance of having to repair or re-install the roof skin.”
The guided fall protection system allows for up to four users to move freely whilst connected to the line, without the need to disconnect from the system and compromise their safety in any way. Soter II is designed around a CE-marked Slyder device that can pass freely over all brackets and corner attachments. Additionally, users can gain access and egress anywhere along the system and avoid the need for expensive entry/exit terminals.
To help with whole life costs, the Soter II is also manufactured as two separate parts, a modular post and multi-use baseplate. If the post is deployed accidentally, only the post needs to be replaced if the base plate remains intact. The base plate is designed to cover most, if not all standard applications and has been tested with trapezoidal, composite, standing-seam and bituminous & single ply roof systems.
“As major roofing manufacturers develop profiles of lighter weight and insulation of greater thickness, the Soter II Horizontal Lifeline system has been designed to complement these advances without compromising structural integrity or user safety,” said James.
“Using fully stainless-steel components ensures longevity and protection from corrosion. All seals are made from EPDM or NBR which ensures chemical and corrosion-resistance, and lifetime waterproofing. We can also offer extended warranty to provide total peace of mind to specifiers, installers and users.”
For installers, Soter II’s installation time can be brought down even further by using SFS’s sleeve fastener fixings, as opposed to using traditional toggle fixings. A fully thermally broken fastening system, installers can quickly and efficiently secure the base plate to the roof.
