Page 87 - OHS, September 2022

to consider where it will be used (the environment) and what the worker will be doing while using it (the application). Environment and application are key to selecting the proper SRL.
For example, if the wearer is working in an environment with corrosive hazards, such as a coastal location or petrochemical site, then risks, such as accelerated corrosion for metal parts or potential degradation for plastics and composites, must be considered. The SRL manufacturer should be able to help with specification options.
Application, too, plays a crucial part in determining the proper SRL for the job. For example, working with solar panels on a rooftop or servicing an aircraft wing obviously requires care in order to prevent the equipment from damaging products and surfaces. A self-retracting lifeline constructed of synthetic webbing will do a better job of minimizing the risk of such damage. On the other hand, the presence of sharp edges that could sever a synthetic fabric line will require an SRL constructed of materials specific to leading edge applications. Similarly, a construction site may have abrasive concrete dust that will degrade synthetic lines, so it, too, will require a robust solution. Fortunately, there are SRL options for both—and more.
Determine the Type of Anchor
In order to arrest a fall, an SRL must be anchored to a strong and stable point. Understanding the anchor point is critical to making an appropriate product choice.
Things to consider include:
■ Type of anchor
■ Location of the anchor
■ Distance between the anchor and the working point
■ Distance of the anchor from the edge/fall hazard
■ Fall clearance (allowing enough space for a fall to happen in the safest way possible)
Here are the two most common types of anchors, along with their key benefits:
Overhead Anchor. This is the standard way to attach an SRL. The SRL attaches to a carabiner or point above the workspace. This approach is traditionally used when there’s been an investment in infrastructure. Key Benefit: There’s less distance to fall in the event of a slip or trip.
Foot-level Anchor. In this popular approach, the anchor is positioned at foot- or deck-level with the SRL attached to it. It should be noted that with this type of anchor, the SRL will be at a 90-degree angle to the fall should there be a slip or trip. On many jobsites, the edge of the work area, such as a rooftop or other structure, can be sharp. It’s essential to understand that if a foot-level anchor is used, your SRL may need to be rated for leading edge work. Key Benefit: This type of anchor is easy to use because there’s no need to lift anything overhead.
Consider How to Maximize Both Safety & Productivity
SRLs are also inherently versatile and may be used across a wide range of industries, as well as in horizontal, overhead and leading- edge applications.
Since fall clearance, which is the minimum vertical distance required between a worker’s feet and a lower level, can vary at different points on the working area, it’s wise to consider using a self-retracting lifeline over another type of fall protection device.
SRLs are inherently versatile and may be used across a wide range of industries.
ThThat’s because an SRL can accommodate variances while it remains under tension, automatically adjusting the line.
The design of SRLs can impact everything from ease-of- use among a crew to proper PPE selection for the necessary application—whether overhead or leading edge—and productivity on the jobsite.
For example, SRLs featuring specific housing colors, such as gray or green, and iconography to signify overhead or leading- edge use can help make PPE selection on the jobsite quick and easy. Easy-to-read clearance charts and dashboard labels that are included in the label pack can help provide critical information at a glance, without referencing a manual.
SRLs that are designed with simplicity and performance in mind can help you focus on the job, not your PPE.
Dennis Capizzi has been with MSA for 15 years and is currently the Segment Marketing Manager for Protection Products.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down
2. https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/a-look-at-falls-slips-and-trips-in-
the-construction-industry.htm
3. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3146.pdf
www.ohsonline.com SEPTEMBER 2022 | Occupational Health & Safety 83