Understanding Self-Retracting Lifelines

When it comes to protecting employees from falls there are a variety of equipment options. Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) are simple, yet complicated pieces of equipment that are used in applications such as railcar fall protection and maintenance work. It is important to understand SRL types, classes, and the inspection process before using this important equipment.

A self-retracting lifeline is a vertical fall protection lifeline that allows the user to move around freely within an area. The retracting function ensures that the lifeline is always kept taut. An SRL consists of a lanyard and a housing unit. When the lanyard is pulled and released, it retracts into the housing unit. Should a worker fall while using an SRL, the force placed on the lifeline engages an automatic braking system inside the housing unit and restricts the falling distance to just a few inches. As long as tension is maintained the unit will not release any more of the lifeline. This effectively holds a worker in place until rescued.

There are three distinct types of SRLs:

• An SRL is mechanical fall arrester, featuring a locking mechanism and energy management system to arrest the fall and limit the arresting forces transmitted to the user.

• An SRL-P is meant for individual use and mounted onto the user’s body harness.

• An SRL-R is a mechanical fall arrester with the added function of rescue and retrieval post fall arrest. This raises or lowers a fall arrested worker to safety after a fall has occurred.

SRLs are further divided into two distinct classes:

• Class 1 devices are suitable for at or above dorsal D-ring anchorage locations. The dorsal D-ring is located on the upper part of the user’s back.

• Class 2 devices are suitable for above, at, or up to 5 feet below the dorsal D-ring anchorage locations. Class II devices must be leading edge rated. A leading edge is the unprotected edge of a roof, floor, or other walking-working surface. Employees working around unprotected edges where fall potential exists you should be using a Class 2 SRL.

When selecting an SRL start by determining its application. This involves determining whether the SRL will be exposed to damaging conditions, such as working near live energized conductors. It is also important to determine if the SRL will be used for leading edge work or confined space entry. Once the application is determined identify the anchor point locations for swing radius hazards and the required clearance distance.

After the application and anchor points are identified it’s time to select the appropriate SRL. Make sure to determine the length of the SRL as well as the lifeline material that is appropriate for the work environment. Cable is the most common SRL material and may be leading edge resistant depending on the product and cable thickness. If assistance is needed don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer. They can send a representative out to the worksite to offer guidance.

SRLs must be inspected before initial use on each work shift or more frequently when conditions warrant. When inspecting the SRL, make sure to wear a pair of gloves and follow these simple steps:

1. Check the exterior of the housing for cracks and damage. The housing should also have a legible date of manufacture, serial number, and warning labels.

2. Slowly pull out the SRL cable, and look for rust, cuts, corrosion, deterioration, or frayed, worn, burned, or broken strands. Also check for crushed, jammed, or flattened strands; bulges in the cable, and heat damage from torch burns or electrical arcs. If the SRL has webbing instead of a cable, check each side for holes, tears, abrasions, discoloration, and fraying.

3. Check the carabiner to ensure that it is not cracked bent or discolored and make sure the lock functions properly.

4. Check the unit’s fall indicator, if you see a red or orange strip, the unit has experienced a fall.

5. Perform an extension retraction and extension test. This involves pulling out 50% of the lifeline while maintaining tension and then letting the cable retract. Repeat the test by pulling out 100% of the lifeline while maintaining tension, and verify that the lifeline retracts smoothly into the housing.

6. Perform a braking test. Simply give the lifeline a sharp tug to engage the brake. Hold tension on the lifeline. There shouldn’t be any slippage while the brake is engaged. Release the tension, and allow it to retract under slight tension. The lifeline should retract smoothly. Repeat this test with the lifeline pulled out at different lengths.