SFS / Installation manual Soter
3
Free-Fall Clearances
Free fall clearances are often overlooked when a fall
arrest system is designed.
It’s imperative they are calculated using a calculation
programme by the manufacturer, to prove that if a fall
was to occur, the distances required for the system to
effectively arrest the users fall can be assured.
System deflection and wire elongation is calculated
using the Soter calculation package, taking into account
system length, post spacing and maximum span length,
and the number of users.
This calculation package is available to all approved
Soter installers. SFS can also make design calculations
in house on request.
Once system deflection and wire elongation is known,
this distance can be added to the following
measurements to calculate a free fall clearance
distance:
n
Users Height (A)
n
Lanyard Length (B)
n
Deployed shock absorber length (C)
n
Safety Factor (D)
= Minimum free fall clearance required (Z)
Maximum System Lengths
Soter systems can support straight system lengths
up to a maximum of 250m, however this figure
reduces once you add a corner, and further for every
subsequent corner added. This is mainly down to the
static loading that a corner post is subjected to under
system tensioning. The more corners, the more load
each corner post must support in two directions which
can cause post lean.
Please refer to guidelines adjacent, however this
should be assessed at the installers discretion on site.
For further information on the system please see the complete Soter installation manual on
www.sfsintec.biz/se
Number of Corners
Max. System Length
Straight run
250m
1 175m
2-4 150m
5+ 125m
* It is advised that systems of long lengths, or those that have multiple
turns, have a tensioning termination at both ends of the system, so
that the tension can be pulled into the line from both ends.
Introduction
The Soter guide
This guide has been compiled to ensure the correct
installation of Soter HLL systems is adhered to at all times.
The installer should have previous HLL system installation
knowledge, design understanding, or, have taken part in Soter
HLL training.
It is important that the installer fully understands this guide
before commencement of Soter installation on site.
Soter HLL Systems are designed to act as a fall prevention
method, or that of a means of minimising the consequences
of a fall should it occur.
Only trained personnel should be involved in the design,
correct installation, and recertification of HLL systems. Failure
to follow this guide could put people’s lives at risk.
It is imperative that the correct components are used for the
specific application, and any doubts should be resolved by
seeking guidance from SFS Fall Protection.