Falling is one of the most significant risks for workers in a variety of industries, including aircraft maintenance and manufacturing. Aviation and hangar fall protection require particular kinds of ladders, scaffolding and harnesses. The right equipment can reduce the risk of falls and keep workers safer when they do occur. Understanding how fall protection can keep workers safer will help you adhere to the guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and provide appropriate materials.

Permanent and Mobile Overhead Systems

We offer aviation fall protection no matter what movement your maintenance and manufacturing procedures require. With permanent systems that mount to your ceiling, the ground, and mobile systems that transport easily with forklifts or pickup trucks, Rigid Lifelines® can supply you with aircraft fall protection that meets your needs.

Rigid Lifelines® Ceiling-Mounted Monorail Anchor Track™ System

Our Rigid Lifelines® Ceiling-Mounted Monorail Anchor Track™ System is ideal for fixed-path operations such as aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. It provides long spans of fall protection and some flexibility as workers can work up to 30 degrees off-center. These monorails attach to existing supports to protect workers at elevated heights. With no welding required, this option is ideal for locations with limited floor space.

These systems are ideal for smaller applications and by positioning aircraft in a specific location that matches the system’s orientation, they can provide excellent coverage.

Rigid Lifelines®  offers these systems as individual components or as an assembly kit. We also provide custom-engineered monorails — our standard systems accommodate pounds, but our engineers can build a bespoke that meets your weight-bearing needs.

Rigid Lifelines® Traveling Bridge Anchor Track™ System

The Rigid Lifelines® Traveling Bridge Anchor Track™ System is optimal for aircraft hangars and production facilities. It mounts to the ceiling or the ground with individual pillars. Users can move in any direction side-to-side and front-to-back without worry while attached to a self-retracting lanyard. This design enables workers to efficiently cover a large area of a single aircraft without needing to switch between systems. The attachment point is directly overhead to prevent swing-fall hazards.

The system offers a simple setup and functions frictionlessly. It offers a smooth workflow as the internally tapered track auto-aligns end trucks and trolleys. Field assembly is also quick and easy as no welding is required — the components simply bolt together.

Rigid Lifelines® Griffin™ Anchor Track™ System

The Rigid Lifelines® Griffin™ Anchor Track™ System is a mobile overhead monitoring system that tracks a worker’s movements. Both the skid and wheeled versions work best in open, spacious areas, such as a hangar or outdoor maintenance space. The worker wears a harness attached to the arm and they can freely traverse aircraft.

The Griffin™ offers workers protection within a 30-degree angle from the center. The system also accommodates restricted overhead space by providing a Low Headroom design for track lengths up to 22 feet.

Why Choose Us? 

Rigid Lifelines^® has extensive experience with fall protection in the aviation industry. We offer a variety of systems that work for multiple industries, spaces and businesses. Our goal is to increase the worker’s safety according to OSHA guidelines. We offer the following:

We offer the following:

• Easy access to equipment: Because we manufacture aircraft hangar fall protection equipment on both coasts, we offer you quick access to fall protection systems.
• Customized options: We offer custom-engineered solutions to ensure your workers get the best protection.
• Warranty: All our equipment comes with a 10-year warranty.
• Less downtime: You don’t need to replace or recertify our system’s components after a fall incident. You can continue operations by simply completing a visual inspection.
• Masterful engineers: Our engineers are well-versed in fall protection codes, enabling them to adhere to regulations while developing cutting-edge solutions to enhance the efficiency of work at height.

Why Do You Need Fall Protection?

OSHA requires fall protection equipment for heights greater than 4 feet.  One simple mistake that would not affect workers on the ground can cause severe injury.

Fall protection falls under two categories:

• Fall restraint: Prevents a worker from falling by restraining them.
• Fall arrest: Stops a fall after it starts to prevent injury.

Aircraft maintenance workers often have to work on the upper sections of the fuselage and wings of a plane. Falling to a lower level from these heights, which are typically significantly more than four feet, can cause serious injuries. Many maintenance and hangar facilities implement fall arrest systems to mitigate injuries and adhere to requirements.

OSHA requires that employers provide fall safety equipment and keep work areas clean and protective. Inspections are essential for personal fall arrest systems to make sure they operate correctly. All holes and open regions must contain a guardrail or railings. Regular training is also required for employees to help them stay knowledgeable about their safety.

Find a Dealer Near You or Contact Us to Learn More

Finding the right protective gear is essential to align with OSHA guidelines. Rigid Lifelines^® offers a variety of resources to help keep your workers safer against falls. Find your local dealer with our map of dealer locations or reach out by submitting a contact form.