On construction sites, safety is a constant concern. And yet, the simple fact of not attaching oneself to the access platform is still all too often the cause of serious accidents. According to the IPAF (International Powered Access Federation), an organization specializing in the representation and promotion of the powered access industry, there have been 175 fatal accidents linked to falls from height on aerial work platforms over the last eight years. To combat this cause of death, Haulotte has launched FASTN, an innovative anchoring aid system designed as a safety belt for aerial work platforms.
An innovation born of intrapreneurship
Catherine Perrier
Intrapeneur at Haulotte and head of FASTN and Business Development Manager
FASTN is the result of an intrapreneurship program designed to accelerate the time-to-market of innovative solutions, in parallel with traditional product cycles.
« This type of approach allows us to question our ways of doing things, to think outside the box, to go further and innovate, » adds Catherine.
Prevent falls, detect inactivity or bypass attempts
Jean-Charles Henon
Business Development Manager
at Haulotte
FASTN’s on-board system goes far beyond a simple alarm. It is capable of :
- detect a fall (thanks to on-board sensors) and immediately alert the worksite,
- identify a state of prolonged inanimation (malaise, loss of consciousness),
- or to detect ‘shunt’ attempts, i.e. attempts to bypass the system.
« It’s our anti-buckling system that sets us apart from other products on the market. If an operator simulates an anchorage with an object, such as a screwdriver, the motion sensor detects the absence of a real connection with the harness, and triggers an alert. This is unique to date », says Jean-Charles Hénon.
A simple, intuitive and universal system
Designed as a safety belt, FASTN is simple to use.
« All you have to do is pull the tab and connect the carabiner. It’s a quick, intuitive gesture that you repeat until it becomes a reflex, just like when you buckle up in the car, » explains Jean-Charles.
One of FASTN’s great strengths lies in its universality: « We designed the system so that it can be installed on all makes of aerial work platforms. You simply connect it to the machine’s main power supply and to the dead man’s signal, two elements common to all machines », explains Catherine Perrier.
To ensure proper installation, rental companies are advised to seek the agreement of the manufacturer of each machine.
Easy start-up and tailored support
There’s no need for complex training to use FASTN: « Installation is simple, and use is very intuitive. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the key functions and recorded data, » says Catherine.
In fact, the system records all anchorage-related data, such as safe working time, bypass attempts, and usage locations and times.
« Thanks to the integrated ‘black box’, companies can easily retrieve the data via a USB key, enabling them to adapt their prevention or training actions, » continues Jean-Charles.
A promising solution for greater safety on construction sites
The commercial launch of FASTN took place in January 2025. Haulotte’s first European subsidiaries are now equipped to carry out demonstrations or offer the product for sale.
« We’ve already had very positive feedback during the development phase. And today, some major construction sites are expressing interest in equipping all their nacelles with FASTN, » emphasizes Jean-Charles.
On March 25, a webinar was held with Catherine and Jean-Charles to present FASTN system in greater detail. A video replay of this webinar is available here ➡
A strong impact expected across the industry
Beyond technology, FASTN embodies a vision. « This product makes sense. It’s all about saving lives. We hope it will become an industry standard, like the seatbelt in a car, » says Catherine Perrier.
A wish shared by Jean-Charles: « The more visible FASTN becomes, the more it will be in demand. And in time, it could also become a normative requirement. Because, in addition to the human dimension, there is a major financial dimension for companies: avoiding site stoppages, lost productivity and accident-related costs. »
Manufactured in France and made from recyclable materials, FASTN is also an environmentally responsible product. An innovative, useful and committed product, deeply rooted in Haulotte’s DNA of « taking care of people ».