DGUV - German statutory accident insurance
What is meant by “equipment classes” in connection with the planning of anchorage systems is the different fall protection measures that can be installed – specifically on a roof surface. The definition of these equipment classes is derived from DGUV Publication 201-056.
When planning protective measures on a roof surface, the question that crops up is which type of protection should be used - and how. When answering this question, it is important to note that collective protection should always take precedence over individual protection (pls. refer to the Federal Act on the Implementation of Measures of Occupational Safety and Health - ArbSchG). Just as important are the “Principles of Prevention” (pls. refer to DGUV Regulation 1).
The German statutory accident insurance association (DGUV) distinguishes between three different equipment classes in connection with health and safety.
The falling edges at the workplace and the respective accesses are secured by collective protection measures. A guardrail or side protection may be used in such situations.
Equipment class A also allows personnel who have not been trained in accordance with DGUV Rule 112-198 access in a work-related context as no PPE is required.
The falling edges at the workplace and the respective accesses are secured by horizontal anchorage systems. Traversable lifelines or rail safety systems may be used in such situations.
Equipment class B allows only those specialists to access the roof area who have received special instruction. Lifeline and rail safety systems allow users to work using a retention system that prevents falls. Equipment class B devices can be supplemented at exposed points by single anchorage points
The falling edges at the workplace and the respective accesses are secured by single anchorage points. In such situations, the single anchorage points must be positioned at a specific distance from each other and from the falling edge in order to secure the fall danger zone.
Equipment class C allows only those specialists to access the roof area who have received special instruction. Single anchorage devices only provide a retention solution at specific points. Falls may occur when working close to the falling edge. Correctly used PPE limits the impact of a fall on the body, whilst the anchorage point absorbs the energy thus released. However, even if the PPE is used correctly, the possibility of injury cannot be totally ruled out.
Temporary lifeline systems are assigned to equipment class C. When used correctly, these increase the user’s safety despite not being part of the building structure.
The selection of the appropriate equipment class is based on which persons will be accessing the roof surface / respective area and how frequently they will need to do so.
| Low usage frequency | Average usage frequency | High usage frequency | |
| Trained* specialist | C | B | A |
| Untrained personnel | A | A | A |
| Publicly accessible / private individuals | acc. to construction law | acc. to construction law | acc. to construction law |
| *Instruction is carried out based on DGUV Rule 112-198 (“Use of PPE”) in conjunction with a respective rescue concept | |||
