What equipment is needed to work at height safely? Complete guide.

A fall protection harness alone does not protect anyone. It’s an idea we often repeat because it remains one of the most common mistakes in purchasing PPE for working at heights: thinking that it is enough to acquire a good harness without considering the other elements that must be combined with it to form a complete fall protection system, as required by standard EN 363.

In this article, we review what equipment is really necessary to work at heights safely, how they combine with each other according to the type of task, and what product category corresponds to each need, so that your PPE selection is based on the actual risk of the work and not on an incomplete purchase.

THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPLETE FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM

Safety harness

The safety harness is the starting point of any fall protection system: it is the equipment that fits the worker's body and to which the rest of the elements are connected. There are different types according to the standard they comply with: fall protection harnesses (EN 361), restraint and positioning harnesses (EN 358), or seat harnesses for vertical work (EN 813), and it is common to find combined models that fulfill multiple functions at once.

Anchorage elements and connectors

The carabiners and safety connectors (EN 362) are the elements that connect the harness to the anchorage point, while the anchorages and safety ropes (EN 354) determine the distance and flexibility of the worker's movement. In proper fall protection systems, these elements usually incorporate an energy absorber (EN 355) that cushions the impact in case of a fall.

Retractable fall protection devices

The retractable fall protection devices are devices that automatically wind and unwind according to the worker's movement, locking instantly in the event of a fall. They are particularly useful in jobs where vertical or horizontal movement is frequent, as they prevent the excess loose rope typical of a fixed anchorage.

Anchorage points and lifelines

The entire system depends on a certified anchorage point (EN 795), whether structural, portable, or through a horizontal or vertical lifeline that allows the worker to move while maintaining the safety connection at all times. Without adequate anchorage, no harness or connector can guarantee the protection for which they were designed.

Helmets and complementary equipment

Helmets for working at heights are designed to remain secured even during a fall, unlike a conventional construction helmet, and usually incorporate a 4-point chin strap. Additionally, safety and positioning belts facilitate tasks where the worker needs to have their hands free while remaining secured to a structure.

WHEN TO USE EACH PPE FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS? ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF WORK

• Vertical work with rope access (facade cleaning, infrastructure maintenance): EN 361 harness + EN 813, descenders, vertical work backpacks, and specific vertical work equipment.
• Work on roofs and fixed structures: EN 361 harness, horizontal lifeline or fixed anchorage points, and retractable fall protection depending on the necessary movement length.
• Industrial maintenance at height (towers, silos, metal structures): complete fall protection kits, helmets for working at heights, and positioning belts for tasks with tools.
• Work in confined spaces at height: rescue tripods and winches, combined with harness and recovery system for safe evacuation in case of emergency.
• Rescue and evacuation situations: specific rescue and evacuation equipment, essential in any emergency plan for working at heights, not just for protection during the task.
• Technical climbing and access to elevated structures: climbing gear and telescopic poles and hooks for specific access or rescue operations.

EXAMPLES OF PRODUCTS BY CATEGORY

Within our Fall Protection category, you will find all the product families necessary to assemble a complete system:

• Safety harnesses: EN 361, EN 358, and combined models from various brands such as Miller-Honeywell, Skylotec, 3M DBI-SALA Protecta, and Irudek.

View product: Safety harness with positioning belt IRUDEK EXPERT 2

• Retractable fall protection devices: automatic tape or cable retraction devices, in different lengths depending on the task (2 m, 3.5 m, 6 m...).
• View product family

• Fall protection kits: complete solutions with harness, anchorage, and connectors ready to use together.

View product: Fall protection kit with Samaja harness and double rope Scotia New 1 SAFETOP

• Anchorage points and lifelines: structural anchors EN 795 and horizontal lifelines for safe movements.
• Safety carabiners and connectors: in different materials (steel, aluminum) and closure systems (twist, trilock, automatic).
• Helmets for working at heights: with reinforced retention for combined use with a harness.

View featured product:Endurance safety helmet with integrated visor PORTWEST PS80

• Vertical work equipment and vertical work backpacks: for rope access professionals.
• Rescue tripods and winches, and rescue and evacuation equipment: for work in confined spaces and emergency plans.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EQUIPMENT FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS

Is it enough to buy just a harness to work at heights?

No. The harness is the starting point, but it needs to be combined with connectors, anchorage elements, or fall protection devices, and a certified anchorage point to form a complete system in accordance with standard EN 363.

What is the difference between a retractable fall protection device and a fixed anchorage element?

The retractable device automatically adjusts to the worker's movement and locks upon detecting a fall, while the fixed anchorage has a set length and usually requires a separate energy absorber.

Is a specific helmet for working at heights mandatory?

It is highly recommended over a conventional construction helmet, as helmets for working at heights are designed to remain secured to the head even during a fall, thanks to their reinforced chin strap system.

What additional equipment is needed for work in confined spaces at height?

In addition to the usual fall protection system, it is advisable to incorporate a rescue tripod or winch that allows for safe and controlled evacuation in case of emergency.

Do all anchorage points work for any type of work?

No. There are different classes of anchorage according to standard EN 795 (structural, portable, sling type...), and the choice depends on the available structure and the type of movement necessary during the task.

EQUIP YOUR TEAM WITH EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO WORK AT HEIGHTS

Choosing the right equipment for working at heights is not just about buying a harness: it’s about assembling a complete and coherent system according to the actual risk of each task. At Sekureco, you will find all the necessary product categories - harnesses, anchors, retractable fall protection, helmets, and rescue equipment - from the leading brands in the industry.

Discover our complete category of Fall Protection and assemble the appropriate protection system for each height work of your team.