Measures to prevent the failure of
an SRL during free fall from the leading edge
• Use an Self Retractable Lifeline that is approved by the manufacturer for use on the leading edge.
• To prevent cutting or fraying of the lifeline,use protective parts such as a rubber bumper or padding around any sharp edges.
• While anchoring the SRL horizontally, try to find an anchor point that is located above the D-ring on your harness.
If this is not possible and horizontal attachment points are required, consider using a temporary horizontal lifeline.
All temporary horizontal lifelines must be specially engineered.
• Keep your lifeline at a 90° angle from the edge as much as possible.
The farther you move sideways from your anchor point, the greater the chance that your body will swing if you fall.
This is known as a “swing fall” hazard or “pendulum effect”. The more you swing, the harder your body will hit any object in your path (walls,columns, etc.).
Swinging may even cause your lifeline to break if it bends and slides across a sharp edge.
• Before each use, Inspect your fall-arrest equipment.
• If the SRL has been involved in a fall arrest, take it away from service until it have been inspected and approved for further use. Many SRLs have built-in fall-arrest indicators.
• If you are unsure about the SRL or cannot obtain information from the manufacturer, choose another means of fall protection that does not include an SRL, such as energy absorbing lanyard.
