8
2.6 LOCKING
SPEED: Situations which do not allow for an unobstructed fall path should be avoided. Working in confined
or cramped spaces may not allow the body to reach sufficient speed to cause the SRL to lock if a fall occurs. Working on
slowly shifting material, such as sand or grain,may not allow enough speed buildup to cause the SRL to lock. A clear path
is required to assure positive locking of the SRL.
2.7 NORMAL
OPERATIONS: Normal operation will allow the full length of the lifeline to extend and retract with no hesitation
when extending as the worker moves at normal speeds. There should never be slack in the yellow lifeline located
between the SRL housing and shockpack. If a fall occurs, a speed sensing brake system will activate, stopping the fall and
absorbing much of the energy created. For falls which occur near the end of the lifeline travel, a reserve lifeline system or
Load Indicator has been incorporated to assure a reduced impact fall arrest. If the SRL has been subjected to fall forces, it
must be taken out of service and inspected (see Section 5). Sudden or quick movements should be avoided during normal
work operation, as this may cause the SRL to lock up.
2.8 FREE
FALL:
• Always anchor the SRL overhead whenever possible in order to limit free fall distances.
• Connection at shoulder level is allowed but will result in higher clearance requirements. (See Figure 3)
• Never connect below shoulder level.
Avoid working where your lifeline may cross or tangle with that of another worker. Avoid working where an object may fall
and strike the lifeline resulting in loss of balance or damage to the lifeline. Do not allow the lifeline to pass under arms or
between legs. Never clamp, knot, or prevent the lifeline from retracting or being taut. Avoid slack line. Do not lengthen
the SRL by connecting a lanyard or similar component without consulting Capital Safety.
2.9 FALL
CLEARANCE: Figure 3 illustrates Fall Clearance requirements. Ensure adequate clearance (X) exists in the fall path to
prevent striking an object during a fall. If the worker will be working at a position that is not directly below the SRL anchorage
point, the clearance required and vertical fall distance will be greater. Example: if a 141 kg (310 lb) user ties off to an anchor
point 1.5 m (5 ft) up and 0.3 m (1 ft) over, the user needs 1.8 m (6 ft) of fall clearance.
2.10 SWING FALLS: Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs (see Figure
4). The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury. In a swing fall, the total vertical fall distance
will be greater than if the user had fallen directly below the anchorage point, thus increasing fall clearance (X) required
to safely arrest the user. Use Figure 3 to determine the fall clearance for your application. Minimize swing falls by working
as directly below the anchorage point as possible. Never permit a swing fall if injury could occur. Do not work more
than 1.8 m (6 ft) off to the side from your anchor point. (See Figure 3)
2.11 HAZARDS: Use of this equipment in areas where surrounding hazards exist may require additional precautions to reduce the
possibility of injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are not limited to: high heat, caustic
chemicals, corrosive environments, high voltage power lines, explosive or toxic gases, moving machinery, sharp edges, or
overhead materials that may fall and contact the user or fall arrest system.
2.12 SHARP
EDGES: The product is not certified to CE sharp edge requirements and shall not be used over a sharp edge. Where
contact with a sharp edge is unavoidable, cover the edge with a protective material.
2.13 BODY
SUPPORT: A Full Body Harness must be used with the Self Retracting Lifeline. The harness connection point must be
above the user’s center of gravity. A body belt is not authorized for use with the Self Retracting Lifeline. If a fall occurs when
using a body belt it may cause unintentional release and possible suffocation because of improper body support.
2.14 COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS: Unless otherwise noted, Capital Safety equipment is designed for use with Capital
Safety approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non approved components
or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect safety and reliability of the complete system.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for associated components and subsystems in your
personal fall arrest system.
2.15 COMPATIBILITY OF CONNECTORS: Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting elements when they
have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms
to inadvertently open regardless of how they become oriented. Contact Capital Safety if you have any questions about
compatibility.
Connectors used to suspend the SRL must comply with EN362. Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or
other system components. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally
disengage (see Figure 5). Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-locking snap hooks and
carabiners are required. If the connecting element to which a snap hook or carabiner attaches is undersized or irregular in
shape, a situation could occur where the connecting element applies a force to the gate of the snap hook or carabiner (A).
This force may cause the gate to open (B), allowing the snap hook or carabiner to disengage from the connecting point (C).
2.16 MAKING CONNECTIONS: Snap hooks and carabiners used with this equipment must be self-locking. Ensure all
connections are compatible in size, shape and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Ensure all
connectors are fully closed and locked.
Capital Safety connectors (snap hooks and carabiners) are designed to be used only as specifi ed in each product’s user’s
instructions. See Figure 6 for examples of inappropriate connections. Do not connect snap hooks and carabiners:
A. To a D-ring to which another connector is attached.
B. In a manner that would result in a load on the gate.
C. In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap hook or carabiner catch on the anchor, and
without visual confi rmation seems to be fully engaged to the anchor point.
D. To each other.
E. Directly to webbing or rope lanyard or tie-back (unless the manufacturer’s instructions for both the lanyard and
connector specifi cally allows such a connection).
F. To any object which is shaped or dimensioned such that the snap hook or carabiner will not close and lock, or that
roll-out could occur.
G. In a manner that does not allow the connector to align properly while under load.
