If you missed our previous article about Why Your Self-Retracting Lifeline May Be Giving You a False Sense of Security, reading it will shed some light on why we offer lifelines designed specifically for leading edge work. Often, contractors will place a retractable on the deck and use it at foot level. Almost all retractables on the market are not allowed to be used in this manner if the worker is exposed to a leading edge hazard. There are products that include an integrated shock pack to help reduce the impact forces of the cable as it comes into contact with a leading edge.
Want to see a video showing the danger of using a standard SRL for leading edge work? Click here to watch the video on our YouTube Channel.
Here are some of the most popular (and most affordable) leading edge self-retracting lifelines currently on the market:
- Guardian #10925 30 ft. Edge Series Retractable Lifeline
- Guardian #10920 20 ft. Edge Series Retractable Lifeline
- Guardian #10922 25 ft. Edge Series Retractable Lifeline
- Guardian #10927 50 ft. Edge Series Retractable Lifeline
- Guardian #10928 65 ft. Edge Series Retractable Lifeline
As mentioned before, employee training on the proper selection, use and care of personal fall arrest equipment is necessary prior to using fall arrest equipment. The training should make the users aware of how to recognize existing and potential fall hazards and how to eliminate, prevent or control these hazards. Elimination could be in the form of engineering out the hazard, prevention could be a restraint or passive system and control would be the use of personal fall arrest systems.
For leading edge work, manufacturers recommend a rubber bumper or padding around the sharp edge and the use of a shock pack between the workers harness and the snap at the end of the SRL. A shock pack is a separate in-line energy absorber designed to help protect the lifeline and reduce the impact forces in the event of a fall.
We make it easy to purchase shock packs that can be added to your existing SRL:
Guardian Shock Pack
DBI-Sala Shock Pack
Protecta Shock Pack
Miller/Titan Shock Pack
To purchase an SRL designed specifically for leading edge work:
Guardian Edge Series SRL
To view other fall protection products for roofing, construction and more:
Fall Protection at Big Rock Supply
