ManSafe for Roofing Systems Using Latchways Freestanding Constant Force Post

Freestanding Constant Force Post System

The ManSafe Freestanding Constant Force Post provides assured worker safety at height where there is an occasional or temporary requirement to access flat roofs or structures.

At the heart of the system is Latchways’ unique Constant Force technology. The Constant Force Post is contained within an anchor device consisting of a galvanised steel frame and galvanised steel weights bolted in a circular formation onto rubber coated base weights. In the event of a fall, the Constant Force Post deploys to limit the load on the system while the weights simultaneously create a friction anchor between the unit and the roof surface.

Applicable where there is an occasional safety at height requirement.
Suitable for flat roofs (maximum 5° pitch).
Can be used on a wide range of roof surfaces including concrete, single-ply membrane, bituminous membrane, sanded and stone chipping asphalt, and steel profile.
No need to puncture the roof membrane to fix the system.
Special rotating anchor turns through 90° for maximum user flexibility.
Each anchor device protects a single user.
Conforms to BS EN 795 class E.

Specification Details

The Freestanding Constant Force post is for use as a single point anchor conforming to BS EN 795 Class E and can also be used as part of a Latchways ManSafe horizontal cable system, which has been independantly tested.

The post is used on nominally flat roofs up to a maximum pitch of 5º where it is impractible to install traditional Constant Force posts or rigid anchor posts to the roof or supporting structure. The post has been tested and approved for use on concrete, single ply membrane, bitumen membrane, asphalt-sanded, asphalt-stone chipped and steel roof profiles. If the roofing profile which you have selected falls outside the current range, please contact Latchways technical department on +44 (0) 1380 732700 for further advice.

The interlocking segmets are arranged in a circular form, ensuring that the post is omni directional. Each segment has an integral carry handle and is a maximum weight of 25 kg. Ensure no part of the anchor device is less than 2.5 m from any roof edge including skylights, hatches etc. Where appropriate, remove any loose chippings prior to assembling the post. When connecting to the post or system, always use a full body harness and energy absorbing lanyard to appropriate national standards.

The post must never be used during periods of adverse weather conditions (i.e. frost, snow or freezing conditions) or if the roof surface is contaminated by algae, grease, oil or any other type of lubricant.

Installation


Locating the anchor Locate position, ensuring that no part of the anchor is less than 2.5 m from any edge, roof opening or roof light. Ensure the roof area is free from oil, grease or algae and remove any loose chippings within the area prior to assembling the anchor.	Rubber base Carefully place the 4 rubber coated base segments onto the selected roof position in a circular arrangement, ensuring the raised location pads are facing upwards and that the location bolts are fitted.	Cross straps Secure the upper and lower cross straps using 2 x M12 bolts, nuts and washers as supplied and tighten to a maximum torque of 30 Nm.	Attach post Position the warning label so that it aligns with any two holes in the flat circular section of the post base plate. Place the post on the centre of the cross straps and align the four holes. Secure the post and warning label to the cross straps using 4 x M12 bolts, nuts and washers and tighten to a recommended torque of 30 Nm. Check position of rubber coated segments by placing the cross strap over the 4 fixing bolts and remove when the cross strap aligns.

Add segments Fit the correct number of galvanised segments, as specified for each roof type, on top of the rubber coated base segments with the four location pads facing upwards. NB: For the 400 Kg anchor repeat this with 4 additional segments.	Fixing cross straps Locate the assembled cross straps and Constant Force post through the threaded bolts in each of the four segments. NB: This indicates the 200 Kg intermediate anchor. Tighten the 4 fixing bolts then continue from point 9.	Top segments Fit the final four segments on top of the cross straps and secure together using 4 x nuts and washers and tighten to a recommended torque of 50 Nm.	End posts (400 Kg) Single Point (300 Kg) On end posts and single point anchors a D ring should be attached using a single M12 bolt. It should be tightened to a torque of typically 20 Nm, ensuring that the spring washer is flat.

Intermediate posts (200 kg) On the intermediate post attach the cable support with an M12 bolt, tightened to a torque of typically 20 Nm, ensuring that the spring washer is flat. Ensure the D ring and hanger bracket are placed in the correct orientation for the cable to pass through. NB: Alternatives to the D ring and hanger intermediate bracket can be used.	Fix the swageless terminal to yoke Fit the swageless terminal according to the instructions supplied with the part. NB: If tension adjustment is required at both ends of the system, fit a threaded swageless termination to line tensor as supplied with the alternative end sets.	First end post (400 kg) Attach the swageless terminal to yoke: Remove the clevis pin and attach yoke to D ring securing by replacing the clevis pin. Fit the split pin and open arms out fully.	Thread the cable (200 kg) When all posts and bracketry are installed, thread the cable through the support brackets, checking that it is not twisted and is free from kinks. Ensure that the cable is threaded through all necessary brackets such as hangers.

Second end post (400 kg) Fit the long run line tenser, turnbuckle and swageless terminal unit to the D ring, ensuring that there is the maximum adjustment available in the turnbuckle. Fit the split pin and open arms out fully.	Cut the cable Remove the cable slack from the system, mark the position for cutting and cut the cable to length.	Connect the system (400 kg) Remove the swageless terminal from the turnbuckle body and attach to cable as per instructions provided. When the cable is locked in place, re-attach to the turnbuckle.	Tension the system (400 kg) Twist the turnbuckle to tension the system.
	Check system tension The correct pre-tension is achieved when the disk can be turned freely with your fingers. If this is not the case then the system will need to be adjusted prior to use. When the correct pre-tension has been achieved, fit split pins to the long run line tenser and the swageless terminal to prevent the turning of the turnbuckle and also maintaining system pre-tension. Always check the tension indicator before system use.

Testing / Maintenance

Constant Force Posts should be tested annually by an authorised installer or agent. Contact Latchways Sales Department for details of certified installers.

User Instructions

For use on flat roofs with a maximum 5° pitch.
Must never be used during periods when frost, ice or snow are present on the roof surface or when freezing conditions are imminent.
Must never be used where there is contamination of the roof surface and/or anchor device by oil, grease, etc. or by algae growth.
Should be positioned to avoid areas where water accumulates.
The roof surface must be swept clear of all loose stone chippings, dust, etc. before sitting and assembling the anchor device.
The anchor device is for the attachment of a single user.
Only attach to the system by means of a retractable fall arrest lanyard and full body harness conforming to the appropriate safety standards.
Installation should ensure that no part of the anchor device is less than 2.5 m from the edge of the fall hazard.
Not for use as an abseiling point.
Further details are available in the user instructions.

For further information on any aspect of ManSafe for Roofing contact Latchways.

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Constant Force®, LadderLatch, Transfastener, RotoLatch, ClimbLatch and PushLock are trademarks of Latchways plc.
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