Horizontal Lifeline at Derby Cathedral

Safesite has installed its Horizontal Lifeline system at Derby Cathedral. The system was fitted for maintenance purposes, providing fall arrest protection to allow vergers safe passage to various parts of the Cathedral roof. This allows them to carry out tasks at height, such as cleaning guttering, in complete safety.

The Cathedral's history spans the centuries - there has been a church on the site since Saxon times, originally thought to have been founded by King Edmund in 943AD. The Cathedral tower dates from the early sixteenth century, the nave and screen from the early seventeenth century, while some internal features were completed as recently as 1972. The historic beauty of the Cathedral required safety precautions that were subtle as well as effective to ensure the preservation of the building's aesthetics.

Safesite's Horizontal Lifeline is designed to be a virtually invisible solution, and with up to 50% less support posts needing to be fixed through the roof structure, it reduces the potential maintenance to the absolute minimum. In addition to the Lifeline, Safesite also provided full training for employees to ensure that the equipment is used safely.

Architects Robert Kilgour Associates (who were contractors for the project) are specialist historic building consultants, so they were fully aware of the complexities of working with buildings like Derby Cathedral. Having already worked with Safesite at Croft Castle, Hertfordshire, they were keen to again benefit from the quality solutions that Safesite provides.

Robert Kilgour commented, "Maintenance of the Cathedral is something we take very seriously. As Sir Christopher Wren once said about roof leaks and maintenance - 'Go about the place and make good the same, for drips come quickly and do great mischief.' Safety of course is our prime concern, and the Horizontal Lifeline offers a complete solution allowing successful long term maintenance."