Fall protection training is crucial for any worker who performs work at height. Without the proper training, workers may not realise the severe consequences of a fall—serious injury or even death. Self-retracting lifeline (SRL) are becoming more common on job sites because they reduce fall distance and fall clearance requirements.
SRL Training Tips
Many self-retracting lifeline users are unaware of how to use SRLs on varying surfaces, and also how to inspect, maintain and store the device. It is vital for any training program to include the following considerations:
SRLs on Walking Surfaces/Leading Edges
Not all self-retracting lifelines are designed for walking surfaces/leading edges; some are designed for ladder climbing and other purposes. Trainees should be taught that the device they are using must be appropriate for the surface and task. SRLs used on walking surfaces should have a reinforced lifeline with an energy absorber at the end nearest to the user. If one isn’t built in, a separate device should be attached inline between the dorsal D-ring of the user’s harness and the snap hook of the lifeline.
This energy absorber is in addition to the energy absorber built into the device, and is necessary for situations in which the user goes over a sharp edge. In this situation, the cable may not slide, potentially damaging the cable and exerting high arresting forces on the user. The energy absorber on the user’s back prevents this.
SRLs and Lateral Movement
Trainees should be taught to mount the SRL to a central anchorage point directly overhead when moving side-to-side with a self-retracting lifeline, and to limit their movement away from the anchorage point.
The further the worker travels from the anchorage point, the more it can counteract the benefits of the SRL in that a fall may result in a swing fall—a pendulum-like motion resulting from a fall that occurs in a position located horizontally away from the anchorage. Users should refer to clearance charts that are provided with SRLs, and be able to assess the job site hazards to determine how far they may safely move from the anchorage point.
SRLs on Horizontal Lifelines
A self-retracting lifeline significantly reduces the amount of fall distance when used with a horizontal lifeline. Horizontal lifelines are commonly used in the construction industry and in other situations when there are no overhead anchorage points.
Like lateral movement, there is an increased danger of a swing fall when using an SRL with a horizontal lifeline, particularly if the SRL is not fitted with a device that helps it track along the horizontal lifeline. Again, users should be taught to apply the clearance charts provided with SRLs and be able to assess the hazards to determine safe movement from the anchorage point.
SRL Maintenance and Storage
Maintaining self-retracting lifelines and storing them appropriately greatly extends the products’ longevity. Trainees should be taught how to inspect the SRL prior to use. This involves examining the device, both visually and manually, and making sure it engages correctly by performing a lock test (pulling the cable out fast enough to lock the system).
Most self-retracting lifelines on the market today have impact indicators that show if a unit has been involved in a fall. If the SRL has been impacted, it should be taken out of service and sent to an authorised service centre for repair.
If workers properly care for SRLs, they should last until they either fail an inspection or are impacted in a fall.
Rick Millar is the technical manager manager with Capital Safety, 1800 245 002,