Most Self-Retracting Lifelines are designed to be mounted to an overhead anchorage connector whenever possible and to a suitable anchorage point. During flat roofing, leading edge or similar applications, this isn’t always possible. Due to the lack of an overhead anchorage, mounting the SRL’s at or below the back D-ring of the users harness may be necessary. For these applications, the SRL is considered to be used for horizontal movement.
If the cable of the SRL has the potential to travel over the edge of a flat surface, the potential for cable sheer may exist. This is due to a 90° bend in the lifeline, the sharp edge of a platform and fall arrest forces created by the fallen worker. For this application 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. DO NOT use energy absorbing lanyards for this purpose! There are shock packs specifically designed for this application.
Watch the video below to see a leading edge test. WARNING: This video is very disturbing and will force you to rethink the way you and/or your workers are tied-off on your next job.
If you don’t see the video above, you can view it here.
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.
We make it easy to purchase shock packs that can be added to your 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
For other fall protection products:
Fall Protection products at Big Rock Supply
