Rev C
061319
MSRD08
SRD Class A and B.
To be declared a Class A device, ANSI requires an SRD to have an Arrest Distance of less than 24", an Average Arrest Force of
less than 1350 lbs, (1575 lbs conditioned) and a Maximum Peak Arresting Force of 1800 lbs, for both ambient and conditioned testing.
To be declared a Class B device, the SRD must have an Arrest Distance of less than 54", an Average Arrest Force of less than 900 lbs, (1125 lbs
conditioned) and a Maximum Peak Arresting Force of 1800 lbs, for both ambient and conditioned testing.
When dynamically tested in accordance with requirements of ANSI Z359.14-2014, FallTech Class A Self-Retracting Devices have an AAF of 1350 lbs
and an AD of less than 24".
When dynamically tested in accordance with requirements of ANSI Z359.14-2014, FallTech Class B Self-Retracting Devices standard have an AAF of
900 lbs and an AD of less than 54".
Classification information found on product labels is based on test results. Table 1B provides test performance results for the SRD discussed in this manual.
NOTE:
Arrest distance is one of several parts of the Minimum Required Fall Clearance (MRFC). MRFC is discussed in detail in Section 4.
OSHA requires an SRD limit the free fall to 2 feet or less. If the maximum free fall distance must be exceeded, the employer must document, based
on test data, that the maximum arresting force will not be exceeded, and the personal fall arrest system will function properly.
The SRD discussed in this manual was successfully tested for horizontal use and falls over a steel edge without burrs, as found on steel shapes and
metal sheeting, and may be used in situations where a fall may occur over similar edges, such as found on steel shapes or metal sheeting.
2. APPLICATION
2.1 Purpose:
A Self Retracting Device (SRD) is designed to be used as a component in a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), to provide a
combination of worker mobility and fall protection as required for inspection work, general construction, maintenance work, oil production,
confined space work, etc. The Leading Edge SRD is intended for fall protection in Leading Edge applications where falls may occur over edges.
2.2 Personal Fall Arrest System:
A PFAS is an assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a person during a fall event. A PFAS typically
consists of an anchorage, a deceleration device such as a Shock Absorbing Lanyard (SAL), a Self-Retracting Device (SRD), or a Fall Arrestor
Connecting Subsystem (FACSS), and a properly fitted Full Body Harness (FBH). Maximum permissible free fall in a typical PFAS is 6'.
Maximum free fall in overhead anchorage applications is limited to 2’ or less. The SRD discussed in this manual may be used in non-overhead
anchorage situations. Clearance calculators provided in this manual offer methods for calculating MRFC for non-overhead anchorage locations
when the SRD is set back from 0’ to 4’ and non-overhead anchorage locations that are set back 5’ or greater. See figure 2.
Horizontal Lifeline (HLL) and Rail Systems:
The SRD may be attached to rigid and flexible anchors provided all HLL applications, and rail systems
installation and use, is under the supervision of a qualified person per ANSI Z359.14.
2.3 Rescue:
Ensure a written rescue plan, method and system is in place and readily available for rapid response. Rescues may require specialized
equipment or measures. Rescue operations are beyond the scope of this manual. See ANSI Z359.4-2007.
2.4 Application Limits:
Take action to avoid moving machinery, sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, and thermal, chemical, and electrical hazards,
including the arc from welding operations, as contact with these elements may damage the equipment and may cause serious injury or death. Only
one PFAS may be attached to an anchorage at one time. Only one person may connect to the SRD at a time.
The SRD is not designed for use in restraint, personnel riding, suspension, or work positioning. Do not use the SRD for these applications except as a
back-up PFAS.
The SRD discussed in this manual is designed for Leading Edge applications. However, take caution to avoid very sharp edges such as sheared
metals, metals cut with an abrasive disk, or flame-cut metals. Also take caution around very abrasive surfaces and edges, such as concrete or stone,
as these edges and surfaces may abrade the lifeline or the energy absorber during a fall event.
DO NOT
use the SRD to lift tools, materials, or personnel.]
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Capacity:
The SRD is designed for use by personnel with a combined weight of user, tools, clothing, etc., of 130 – 310 lbs.
3.2 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 FallTech if you have any questions about compatibility. 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. Connectors must be
compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-closing, self-locking connectors are required by ANSI and OSHA.
3.3 Compatibility Of Components:
Equipment is designed for use with approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or
replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect the safety and
reliability of the complete system.
3.4 Making Connections:
Only use self-locking connectors with this equipment. Only use connectors that are suitable to each application. Ensure
all connections are compatible in size, shape, and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Visually ensure all connectors are fully
closed and locked. Connectors are designed to be used only as specified in each product’s user’s instructions. See Figure 13 in Appendix B.
3.5 Personal Fall Arrest System:
A PFAS is an assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a person during a fall event. A PFAS is
typically composed of an anchorage and a FBH, with an energy absorbing connecting device, i.e., an SAL, an SRD, or a Fall Arrester Connecting
Subsystem (FACSS), connected to the dorsal D-ring of the FBH. PFAS components used in conjunction with this SRD should comply with ANSI Z359
requirements and applicable OSHA 1926 regulations.
3.5.1 Average Arrest Force and Arrest Distance:
The SRD discussed in this manual is classified by ANSI Z359.14 as a Class B device. This ANSI
standard allows a Class B device to have a Maximum Arrest Distance of 54”, an Average Arrest Force of 900 lbs, and a Maximum Arrest Force of
1,800 lbs. Testing is conducted under various environmental conditions; at ambient temperature, plus hot, cold, and in wet conditions. In
manufacturer's tests, typical performance attributes of the SRD, connected at foot-level in a Leading Edge application with five feet of setback, or
with zero setback, are;
5' Setback
Zero Setback
Longest Arrest Distance = 78"
120"
Largest Average Arrest Force = 1138 lbs
951 lbs
Largest Maximum Arrest Force = 1622 lbs
1435 lbs
