The Frontline Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) is a personal protective equipment (PPE) designed as a connecting element within a fall protection system. Its primary function is to protect users against falls from heights in working areas, and it is intended for use with other certified components. This device is part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), which typically includes an anchorage and a Full Body Harness (FBH), with the SRL attaching to the dorsal D-ring of the FBH. SRLs are suitable for applications where work mobility and fall protection are required, such as inspection work, general construction, maintenance work, oil production, and confined space work.
Technical Specifications:
The SRLs are available in both cable and webbing versions, each with specific material compositions.
- Cable SRL: Constructed from aluminum, galvanized steel cable wire, thermoplastic housing, and stainless steel & non-corrosive components.
- Webbing SRL: Made from UHMWPE & polyester webbing, aluminum housing, and stainless steel & non-corrosive components.
All models comply with ANSI Z359.14-2014 standards. Key performance specifications include:
- Maximum Deceleration Distance: ≤24 inches (610mm)
- Average Arresting Force: ≤1,350 lbs (6kN)
- Maximum Arresting Force: ≤1,800 lbs (8kN)
The SRLs are designed for use by one person with a combined weight (person, clothing, tools, etc.) within the ANSI rated weight capacity range of 130 lbs. to 310 lbs., and a maximum OSHA capacity of 420 lbs. when used in non-leading edge situations. For users exceeding 310 lbs. (141kg) up to 420 lbs. (191kg), the anchorage point must not be more than 2ft. (0.6m) below the Dorsal D-Ring and higher when connecting off to the user's left or right side.
Various models are available with different lengths and end connectors:
- RPA061S, RPA062S, RPA062R, RPA062RA: 6' (1.8m) length, 3/4" UHMWPE & Polyester Webbing SRL with snap hook/rebar hook. Max User Load: 140 KG.
- RPA091TB, RPA092TB: 9' (2.7m) length, 3/4" UHMWPE & Polyester Webbing SRL with snap hook. Max User Load: 140 KG.
- RPA121R: 12' (3.6m) length, 1" UHMWPE & Polyester Webbing SRL with snap hook/rebar hook. Max User Load: 140 KG.
- RPGC30: 30' (9.1m) length, 3/16" Galvanized steel cable SRL with snap hook/rebar hook. Max User Load: 140 KG.
- RPGC50: 50' (15.2m) length, 3/16" Galvanized steel cable SRL with snap hook/rebar hook. Max User Load: 100 KG.
Usage Features:
- Anchorage: For overhead anchorage, SRLs limit free fall distance to 2ft. (61cm) or less. The SRL should be anchored directly above the work level to minimize fall distances.
- Swing Falls: Users should work as directly below the anchorage point as possible to minimize swing falls, which can increase total vertical fall distance and cause serious injury. Swing falls are not permitted if injury could occur.
- Connectors: Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength, and must be self-closing, self-locking as required by ANSI and OSHA. They must withstand minimum loads of 3,600 lbs. (5000 lbs. (22.2 KN) for non-certified anchorages).
- Body Support: A full body harness must be worn when using the SRL, connected to the user's harness shoulder straps (dorsal D-ring). Dual SRLs connect via a dual connector to the web loop of the back harness, not the D-ring. Body belts are not permitted for free fall applications.
- Operation: Prior to use, the SRL should be inspected. The snap hook or carabiner attachment is connected to a suitable anchorage, ensuring hooks are fully closed and locked. The worker can then move freely within the recommended working area. In the event of a fall, the SRL will lock and arrest the fall. The lifeline should always retract back into the device under control.
- Safety Reminders:
- Do not alter or misuse the equipment.
- Avoid using webbing SRLs with sharp objects or edges.
- Do not loop the lifeline around structural members unless it's a tie-back lanyard approved for direct tie-back onto the webbing.
- Do not extend the lifeline past its operational limit.
- Prevent lifelines from tangling or twisting with other lifelines.
- Do not allow the lifeline to pass under arms or between legs.
- Do not clamp, knot, or prevent the lifeline from retracting or being taut.
- Do not lengthen the SRL by connecting another lifeline or similar component.
- Do not allow the lifeline to remain outside the housing when not in use or freewheel back into the housing. Use a tag line to maintain tension and rewind.
- Consult a doctor if there's doubt about fitness to absorb fall arrest shock. Pregnant women or minors must not use Frontline self-retracting lifelines.
- Avoid lifeline contact with sharp or abrasive surfaces, power lines, and chemical damage.
Maintenance Features:
- Inspection Frequency:
- Before Each Use: SRLs must be inspected by the authorized person or rescuer.
- Competent Person Inspection: A competent person (other than the user) must inspect the SRL using the Inspection Schedule and checklist. Results should be recorded in the "Inspection and Maintenance Log."
- Revalidation/Disposal: Failure of a competent person to perform inspections as specified, or failure of a worker's inspection, initiates product revalidation or disposal.
- Inspection Criteria:
- Check for loose or missing fasteners, distortion, cracks, or damage in the housing and harness interface.
- Ensure the interface pivots freely.
- Verify the lifeline pulls out and retracts fully without hesitation or slack.
- Confirm the SRL locks up positively when the lifeline is jerked sharply, with no slipping.
- All labels must be present and legible.
- Inspect the entire SRL for signs of corrosion.
- For cable lifelines, check for cuts, kinks, broken wires, bird-caging, corrosion, welding splatter, chemical contact, or abraded areas.
- Slide up the Cable Guide Bumper to inspect ferrules for cracks or damage.
- Ensure the lifeline is free of knots.
- Inspect the Locking pin for secure closure and lock around harness shoulder straps.
- Inspect snap hooks for damage, corrosion, and proper working condition. Swivels should rotate freely, and gates should open, close, lock, and unlock properly.
- After A Fall: If a fall occurs, the SRL must be tagged as "UNUSABLE," removed from service, and stored separately. Any unit subjected to fall arrest forces or exhibiting damage consistent with such forces must be removed from service.
- Product Life: The functional life is determined by work conditions and maintenance. The SRL remains in service as long as it passes inspection criteria.
- Disposal: Dispose of the SRL if it has been subjected to fall arrest forces or if inspection reveals an unsafe or defective condition. Before disposal, cut the cable lifeline in half or otherwise disable the SRL to prevent inadvertent reuse.
- Cleaning: Keep the SRL free of excess paint, grease, dirt, or other contaminants that could malfunction the cable or retracting mechanism. Clean the exterior with a detergent/water solution. Do not allow water or corrosion-causing elements into the housing. After cleaning, pull the lifeline out fully, air dry, and then retract it into the unit. Do not use heat to dry.
- Service: The SRL is designed for overhead installation or in an anchor cradle. If used horizontally and the lifeline does not retract fully due to misalignment, hang the SRL from a height sufficient to allow the full working length of the lifeline to be pulled off the drum, then allow it to retract completely, maintaining tension.
- Storage: Hang the SRL in a cool, dry, clean environment, out of direct sunlight. Position it so excess water can drain. Avoid exposure to chemical or caustic vapors. Inspect thoroughly after any extended storage.
The manual provides a detailed inspection and maintenance log to record serial number, model number, date purchased, date of first use, inspection dates, items noted, corrective actions, and approval signatures.
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