In 2000, Arbo Union (Dutch authority for health and safety) identified that safety could be improved with better climbing techniques on high voltage masts.


They compared three climbing techniques - the three-point method, step-step (double-hook
lanyards) and MSA cable system. Results were analyzed in terms of user safety, physical strain,
working posture, climbing time, and cost, with these results:


• The three-point technique was regarded as not suitable unless safety aspects are improved.
• The step-step method was seen as by no means satisfactory.
• The MSA system was regarded good and useful.

MSA – The Safety Company
MSA S.E. Asia Pte Ltd
35 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3
#04-01, Singapore 739257
Phone: +65 6350 4500
Fax: +65 6350 4505
Email: msa.singapore@MSAsafety.com
Web: sg.msasafety.com

Arbo Union recommended MSA's Latchways® range as the safest system. Following this guidance in 2001, electricity companies including TenneT compared MSA with other cable/rail systems to find the best solutions for their applications. TenneT invited MSA and competitors to install test systems, and after a year of intensive technical evaluation and field trials on many tower types, MSA was chosen as the best technical solution and competitively priced, and awarded the job in 2002.

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The MSA Solution.


TenneT chose the Latchways vertical cable system featuring cable strung from the top of the tower or ladder to the bottom. Climbers use a free-running TowerLatch or LadderLatch attachment device to secure themselves to the cable. In the event of a fall, a unique, a patented energy absorber incorporated into the cable system limits maximum load on the worker, anchor point and structure to approximately 1,350 lbf (6 kN). System is built using extremely high quality martensitic stainless steel. This material ensures efficient operation and long life; system is tested to withstand equivalent of 30 years use.

MSA – The Safety Company
MSA S.E. Asia Pte Ltd
35 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3
#04-01, Singapore 739257
Phone: +65 6350 4500
Fax: +65 6350 4505
Email: msa.singapore@MSAsafety.com
Web: sg.msasafety.com

This flexible system (cable as opposed to rail) allows for retrofitting to follow structural contours. TenneT simply sent MSA a drawing of the tower and the system was engineered to fit. Other advantages are fast installation and accommodation of two workers on a single system. Since being awarded the contract, MSA has worked with installer AMEC SPIE and TenneT to supply, install and maintain 20,000 systems. Initially these systems were installed on high voltage masts, but have been fitted to other masts across all Dutch National Grid electricity distributors.

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Benefits to TenneT’s Business.


• Safety - Meets or exceeds European standard EN 353- 1:2014 with safety and quality of engineering.
Flexibility - One system can be installed on any tower shape.
Fast installation - A 164-ft. (50 m) tower installation can be completed in 45 minutes.
Minimum maintenance - Highest quality components mean problem-free operation.
Easy to use - Intelligent design makes climbing easier.

Long life expectancy - Expected to last as long as the tower itself.
Health benefits - Less physically demanding for climbers than are conventional methods, with reduced risk of repetitive strain injuries.

MSA – The Safety Company
MSA S.E. Asia Pte Ltd
35 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3
#04-01, Singapore 739257
Phone: +65 6350 4500
Fax: +65 6350 4505
Email: msa.singapore@MSAsafety.com
Web: sg.msasafety.com

" We chose MSA after looking at all the systems on the market. MSA was the best technical solution and was competitively priced. I have found their people to be professional and efficient and our employees like to use the system. "

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MSA - The Safety Company.


All around the world, people work safely at heights thanks to MSA fall protection systems. With 100 years of experience at the cuttingedge of fall protection, MSA sets the standard for innovation, performance and quality.


A study by the Arbo Union (Dutch authority for health and safety) resulted to MSA’s latchways recommended as the safest system in climbing high voltage masts.


Following the guidance from Arbo Union, electricity companies including TenneT one of Europe’s leading electricity Transmission System Operator compared MSA with other cable/rail systems to find the best solutions for their applications.

MSA – The Safety Company
MSA S.E. Asia Pte Ltd
35 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3
#04-01, Singapore 739257
Phone: +65 6350 4500
Fax: +65 6350 4505
Email: msa.singapore@MSAsafety.com
Web: sg.msasafety.com

Download for more information >>

TenneT invited MSA and competitors to install test systems, and after a year of intensive technical evaluation and field trials on many tower types, MSA was chosen as the best technical solution and competitively priced, and awarded the job.


Since being awarded the contract, MSA has worked with installer AMEC SPIE and TenneT to supply, install and maintain 20,000 systems. Initially these systems were installed on high voltage masts, but have been fitted to other masts across all Dutch National Grid electricity distributors.

MSA is proud to say that the following companies utilise Latchways vertical fall protection systems to keep workers safe and make a difference: