6.3.8 Air-termination systems and fall protection for flat roofs

The protection of people on roofs is an essential part of modern building safety. Fall protection equipment such as railings, rope systems, ladders or anchor points minimise the risk of serious accidents when working at height. Since this equipment is mostly made of metal and is positioned in exposed locations on roof surfaces, it must either be integrated into the lightning protection system or installed at a defined separation distance from it in order to avoid hazards caused by lightning currents.

Fall protection equipment consists of technical devices that enable safe working on roofs. Typical systems are:

• Fixed railings
• Rope and rail systems
• Individual anchor points
• Ladders and retaining devices for personal protective equipment against falling.

As these systems are often installed in close proximity to lightning protection conductors, careful planning is required. Either electrical integration into the lightning protection system or installation with a standard-compliant separation distance is required.
The integration of metallic fall protection devices into the lightning protection system is possible if the following conditions are met: