MONTH IN FM
MARCH 2019 43
FMJ.CO.UK
SFS’s NEW SOTER II FALL PROTECTION
SYSTEM SAVES LIVES, ROOFTOPS AND MONEY
Fall protection equipment specialist SFS has
redeveloped its class-leading fall arrest and
work restraint solution with the new Soter
II. The system allows users to safely work at
height without restrictions to their movement,
and significantly reduces damage to the roof in
the event of a fall.
Fitted to the outer roof skin, Soter II uses
innovative shock-absorbing technology to
spread and dissipate the shock load of a multi- or
single-user fall. Key to this technology is a unique
patented energy absorbing coil, which deploys
and limits the forces developed during free-fall.
“Many fall arrest systems on the market are
designed to protect users as the priority, but there
is lesser consideration for the roof and the damage
that can be done if there’s a fall,” said James
Gooder, Business Manager at SFS Fall Protection.
“What we have developed is a system which
not only protects the user but is also able to
reduce the impact of damage to the roof. This
then decreases the chance of having to repair or
re-install the roof skin.”
The guided fall protection system allows for
up to 4 users to move freely whilst connected to
the line, without the need to disconnect from the
system and compromise their safety in any way.
Soter II is designed around a CE-marked Slyder
device that can pass freely over all brackets &
corner attachments. Additionally, users can gain
access and egress anywhere along the system and
avoid the need for expensive entry/exit terminals.
To help with whole life costs, the Soter II is also
manufactured as two separate parts, a modular
post and multi-use baseplate. If the post is
deployed accidentally, only the post needs to be
replaced if the base plate remains intact. The base
plate is designed to cover most, if not all standard
applications and has been tested with trapezoidal,
composite, standing-seam and bituminous &
single ply roof systems.
“As major roofing manufacturers develop
profiles of lighter weight and insulation of greater
thickness, the Soter II Horizontal Lifeline system
has been designed to complement these advances
without compromising structural integrity or user
safety,” said Gooder.
“Using fully stainless-steel components ensures
longevity and protection from corrosion. All
seals are made from EPDM or NBR which ensures
chemical and corrosion resistance, and lifetime
waterproofing. We can also o er extended
warranty to provide total peace of mind to
specifiers, installers and users.”
For installers, Soter II’s installation time can be
brought down even further by using SFS’s sleeve
fastener fixings, as opposed to using traditional
toggle fixings. A fully thermally broken fastening
system, installers can quickly and e iciently
secure the base plate to the roof.
For more about SFS and Soter II, please visit
www.sfsintec.co.uk
www.sfsintec.co.uk
/www.sfsintec.co.uk
/www.sfsintec.co.uk