According to OSHA, fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. Those deaths were preventable, so it is essential to raise fall hazard awareness and understand which equipment is suitable for each specific working at heights application. One of those applications is Leading Edge.
What is Leading Edge?
Leading Edge is an application where in the event of a fall, the lifeline of the Self Retracting lanyard may come in contact with an exposed edge or sharp Edge. In many scenarios, leading-edge applications occur when the harness wearer is tied off or anchored below their back D-ring; however, it is possible when anchor points are overhead.
What are the Types of Self-Retracting Lifelines?
Self-Retracting Lifelines are a form of fall protection equipment typically used in construction and many other industries. SRLs include a lifeline made of cable or web designed to automatically arrest an uncontrolled descent and limit the force of the fall felt by the worker wearing it, which can be substantial for falls even of just four to six feet.
These are interchangeable terms for leading edge self-retracting lifelines. They must include an integral energy absorber element next to the worker and have been tested to the leading edge criteria specified by ANSI or CSA.
These are interchangeable terms for traditional self-retracting lifelines used in applications other than leading Edge. It is important to note that while all SRLs are rated to ANSI Z359.14 for overhead use, only a subset of these will be Leading Edge SRLs.
What Type of SRL is Right for Leading Edge Applications?
Determining which SRL to use requires understanding the application you’re working on and how the SRL needs to function safely in that scenario.
Click to learn more about Leading Edge and how to choose the right Self-Retracting Lifeline – SRL.
