3
1.0 APPLICATIONS
1.1 PURPOSE:
Capital Safety Self-Retracting Lanyards (SRLs) are designed to be a component in a personal
fall arrest system (PFAS). Figure 1 illustrates SRLs covered by this instruction manual and their typical
applications. They may be used in most situations where a combination of worker mobility and fall protection
is required (i.e. inspection work, general construction, maintenance work, oil production, con
fi
ned space
work, etc.). Some SRL models are equipped with integral rescue capability in the form of an RSQ™ Fall
Arrest/Descent Selection Knob or 3-Way Retrieval Hand Crank,
1.2 STANDARDS:
Your SRL conforms to the national or regional standard(s) identi
fi
ed on the front cover of
these instructions.
1.3 TRAINING:
This equipment is intended to be used by persons trained in its correct application and use. It is the
responsibility of the user to assure they are familiar with these instructions and are trained in the correct care and use
of this equipment. Users must also be aware of the operating characteristics, application limits, and the consequences of
improper use.
1.4 LIMITATIONS:
Always consider the following limitations and requirements when installing or using this
equipment:
• Capacity:
This SRL has been compliance tested for use by one person with a combined weight (clothing,
tools, etc.) from 130 lbs (59 kg) to 310 lbs (141 kg).
1
Make sure all of the components in your system
are rated to a capacity appropriate to your application.
• Anchorage:
Anchorages selected for fall arrest systems shall have a strength capable of sustaining
static loads applied in the directions permitted by the system of at least:
1. 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN) for non-certified anchorages, or
2. Two times the maximum arresting force for certified anchorages.
When more than one fall arrest system is attached to an anchorage, the strengths set forth in (1) and
(2) above shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to the anchorage.
FROM OSHA 1926.500 AND 1910.66:
Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest systems shall be
independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms, and capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs.
per user attached, or be designed, installed, and used as part of a complete personal fall arrest systems which maintains
a safety factor of at least two, and is under the supervision of a quali
fi
ed person. In Canada, refer to local regulations
where applicable.
• 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.
• Free
fall:
When used correctly, SRLs will limit the free fall distance to 2 ft. (61 cm). To avoid increased fall
distances, do not work above the anchorage level.
Do not lengthen SRLs by connecting a lanyard or
similar component without consulting Capital Safety.
Never clamp, knot, or prevent the lifeline
from retracting or being taut. Avoid slack line.
• Swing
Falls:
Swing Falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall
occurs. The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury (see Figure 3A). Minimize
swing falls by working as directly below the anchorage point as possible.
• Fall
Clearance:
Figure 3B illustrates Fall Clearance. SRL Fall Arrest Systems should have a minimum Fall
Clearance of 6 ft (2 m) for falls from a standing position where the SRL is anchored directly overhead. Falls
from a kneeling or crouching position will require an additional 3 ft (1 m) of Fall Clearance. In a swing fall
situation, the total vertical fall distance will be greater than if the user had fallen directly below the
anchorage point and may require additional Fall Clearance. The table in Figure 3 provides the minimum
vertical Fall Clearance needed below the working level of the SRL user where added Swing Fall distance
is within the recommended range of use.
• 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, or overhead materials that may fall and contact the user or fall arrest system. 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.
• Sharp
Edges:
Avoid working where the lifeline will be in contact with or abrade against unprotected
sharp edges. Where contact with a sharp edge is unavoidable, cover the edge with a protective material.
1 Capacity:
130 lbs -310 lbs (59 kg- 141 kg) is the capacity range required by standard CSA Z259.2.2 Type 2. Some DBI-SALA SRLs are tested to a 420 lbs (191
kg) capacity. See Figure 1 for the SRL models covered by this instruction and their capacities.
