Calculation deflection during a fall
Deflection is the total extra length of the roof safety system during a fall. For single anchor points the deflection is calculated based on the length and flexibility of the safety line, the total length of the shock absorber when deployed, the length of the safety harness and the length of the user.
When a temporary line system is used (tightened between two single anchor points) it is very important to know the deflection at the specific span of the line. This information can be found in the instructions of use.
With permanent line systems, the deflection is calculated for every single system. Even then the length of the user, the flexibility of the harness and life line must be added up to calculate the total deflection.
If the deflection is too high there may be a risk of users in contact with an obstruction like a balcony or a lower level. Measures must be taken to reduce the deflection by adjusting the roof safety system. When a risk inventory or roof safety analysis has been carried out, the roof expert will have taken the value of deflection into his calculation for proposing suitable roof safety equipment.
What if the deflection is too high?
- move the system and/or
- add more anchor points and/or
- use guardrails at high risk places
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