Subject Dropped Object Protection Region: USA Language: EN Number : TB0031 Revision : B Total Page: 3 Page n : 1 First Issue: 10/2014 Rev. Date: 10/08/2014 Some users of fall protection equipment require overhead mounted devices to have a form of secondary retention to prevent the devices dropping and injuring personnel or materials if the primary anchorage point fails. Many industries, including the oil and gas industry, have dropped objects protection policies in place. Capital Safety supports dropped objects protection efforts. Some of Capital Safety s DBI-SALA and Protecta brand self retracting devices (SRD s) have features that facilitate dropped objects protection. Typically the attachment point on the SRD for dropped objects protection is independent of the primary anchor point used for the fall arrest device, but it is not a requirement by Capital Safety that these points be independent. Examples of such dropped objects protection features include those shown on the following page. KEY reference figure on following page: A= personal fall arrest device anchor point B= dropped objects / secondary anchor point C= connector for personal fall arrest device anchor point D= cable assembly or similar device for connecting SRD to dropped objects / secondary retention anchor point
Guidelines: 1) The dropped objects protection system must be rigged by a competent person. 2) The secondary anchor point for the cable or similar connecting device must be secure and comply with any guidelines determined by the user. There are no load or strength requirements for such secondary retention anchor points called out in any personal fall arrest system standards including OSHA, ANSI, CE, AU/NZ or CSA. 3) It is recommended that the attachment of the dropped objects protection system (secondary retention) to the SRD be independent of the primary fall protection system attachment point on the SRD. 4) The connecting line from the secondary anchor point to the SRD must be as short as possible to limit the fall distance of the SRD and reduce the load on the anchor point. 5) The SRD must be properly anchored to the fall arrest system anchor point in accordance with the supplied instructions and applicable standards. 6) Use the designated fall protection anchor point location on the SRD to anchor the fall arrest device. See SRD user instruction manual for information on proper anchoring. 7) Read and follow all applicable user instructions supplied with the SRD. Contact Capital Safety with any questions about dropped objects protection.
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s Technical Bulletin No. SRL007 Subject: Self-Retracting Lifelines on Drilling and Service Rigs There is a recognized hazard where the available anchorage and necessary movement of a worker using a selfretracting lifeline (SRL) on a drilling and/or service rig is such that the cable or webbing of an SRL could come in contact with a structural edge of the rig (column and/or girder). The use of DBI/SALA SRL s for fall protection on drilling and/or service rigs( or similar applications where the SRL is not located directly overhead of the work area and the risk of contacting a structural edge is apparent) is acceptable under certain circumstances provided special precautions are taken as described in this bulletin. The following guidelines must be followed when using SRL s in areas where structural edges are in abundance: 1. Swing fall hazards may exist, especially when working near corners, or out away from the SRL. Added fall clearance distances may be required, depending on the swing fall hazard. Collision with objects during a swing fall should be guarded against. 2. The total fall distance may be greater than if the SRL were mounted directly overhead. Therefore, increased clearance distances will be required to prevent striking a lower level or obstruction. 3. Where the potential to impact on a structural edge exists, a separate in-line energy absorber must be installed between the end of the lifeline and the harness to reduce the arrest forces resulting from falling over an edge. This energy absorber is connected in-line between the harness dorsal d-ring and the SRL s snap hook. If the harness being used does not have an integral shock absorber attached to the rear D ring, DBI/SALA and Protecta offers a special model energy absorber (part number 1220362) for this purpose that includes a snap hook on one end and a d-ring on the other to ensure compatible connections can be made. DO NOT use energy absorbing lanyards for this purpose. See bulletin SRL002. DBI/SALA also offers a leading edge type SRL that contains heavier wire rope lifeline and a built in energy absorber for added protection against lifeline damage when contact is made with sharp edges. 4. Sharp edges which the lifeline may contact during a fall could cut or damage the SRL s lifeline. Sharp edges must be avoided or covered over. Falls where the lifeline may slide along a sharp edge must be guarded against. 5. All applicable user instruction manuals should be reviewed and followed. 6. Employee training should be conducted to help assure a safe working environment.
Subject Servicing / Inspection of Self Retracting Lifelines Region: USA Language: EN Number : TB0004 Revision : G Total Page: 3 Page n : 1 First Issue: 07/2005 Rev. Date: 1/14/2014 Servicing and inspection of mechanical fall protection devices, such as Self Retracting Lifelines (SRL s) are important requirements of any effective safety program. The frequency of servicing and inspection as well as who should perform these activities are critical issues. All fall protection equipment, including SRL s, shall be inspected before each use. If inspection reveals a defective condition, SRL shall be removed from use and repaired/ serviced. Servicing Frequency Servicing frequency is dependent on the applicable country or local codes/ regulations that are in affect for that specific region where the SRL is in use. The work environment, the type of work being performed and the frequency of use are some of the factors that will determine how often the SRL should be serviced. The following information should be viewed as minimum requirements. United States There are no requirements for servicing frequency in OSHA or ANSI standards. The manufacturer s guidelines for servicing shall be followed according to ANSI Z359.14-2012. Capital Safety Group s guidelines indicate that SRL s shall be inspected before each use, and have end user s perform competent person inspections. The frequency of the competent person inspections is based on the type and conditions of use (see ANSI Z359.14 and manufacturer s instructions regarding details of the competent person inspections). If unit fails inspection, SRL shall be serviced by an authorized service center or the manufacturer. Canada Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard CAN/CSA Z259.2.2-98 requires SRL s to be returned to the manufacturer or manufacturer -approved agent no more than 2 years after the date of manufacture for inspection and maintenance and annually thereafter. Note: this applies to type 2 SRL s (working length of more than 3.0m) and type 3 SRL s (SRL with retrieval function and working length of more than 3.0m). Countries with CE standard compliance CE standards state that fall arrest equipment such as SRL s shall be periodically examined at least every 12 months by a competent person other than the user. For Capital Safety SRL s with fall indicator (or external absorber pack) The competent person performing the visual examination shall decide: If the SRL passes this inspection successfully, this visual inspection allows the device to continue to be used for another period. If the SRL doesn t pass this inspection successfully and if the unit can be opened up
(repairable), the SRL shall be sent to a Capital Safety technician or authorized service center for repair and service. In the case of a non-reparable unit, the SRL shall be removed from use. For Capital Safety SRL s without fall indicator (or without external absorber pack) The competent person shall be a Capital Safety technician or authorized service center technician, performing a service and visual examination. This service and visual examination allows the device to continue to be used for another period. Australia / New Zealand Australian / New Zealand requirements AS/NZS1891.4- Frequency of service by a height safety equipment inspector as recommended by the manufacturer to a maximum of 5-yearly, every 12 months service in the absence of such recommendation. Capital Safety requires a maximum of 2 years service interval by an accredited service agent for sealed type 2 and type 3 fall arrest devices in normal use and a 1 year service interval for non-sealed type 2 and type 3 devices in normal use. This service interval should be reduced where the products are used in harsh environmental conditions to a maximum of 1 year for all devices or following a risk assessment. Inspection Requirements The information found in the regulations covers inspections as follows: OSHA 1910.66 OSHA 1926.502 Remove impacted systems and components. Inspect systems prior to use. Remove impacted systems and components. Inspect systems prior to use. ANSI Z359.14-2012 Comply with manufacturer s instructions. Inspect SRL after subjected to fall arrest Inspected by user prior to use. Competent Person inspection at intervals based on type and conditions of use. CSA Z259.2.2 CE EN365:2004 AS/NZS1891.4 Follow manufacturer s instructions: Inspect before each use Annual inspection by competent person Inspect SRL after subjected to fall arrest Inspect prior to use. Periodic examinations by a competent person shall be done at least every 12 months, in accordance with the Manufacturer s instructions. Inspect every 6 months by a height safety equipment inspector
(external check only), with a manufacturer (or accredited agent) service every 2 years for sealed type 2 and type 3 devices, or annually for non-sealed type 2 and type 3 devices in normal use (or more frequently if equipment is used in harsh conditions). Note: Competent Person definition: a person who is capable of identifying hazardous or dangerous conditions in the personal fall arrest system or any component thereof, as well as in their application and use with related equipment. Ref. OSHA 1910.66 App. C. Height safety equipment inspector definition: A person who is competent in the skills needed to detect faults in height safety equipment and to determine remedial action. AS/NZS1891.4:2009
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s Technical Bulletin No. SRL006 Subject: Tag Lines for Self-Retracting Lifelines DBI/SALA recommends that a tag line be used to allow the line on a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) to fully retract back into the housing during extended periods of non-use. A retracting line that is paid out for extended periods of time may cause premature weakening of the SRL's retraction spring, therefore, effecting the operation of the SRL. 1. A tag line is a separate line that is used exclusively for allowing the SRL's line to retract back into the housing during non-use. The tag line is attached to the SRL's connecting hook and is long enough to allow the SRL line to retract in fully. 2. An extended period of time is defined as anything greater than a 24-hour period. 3. When using a tag line, the tagline should be controlled as the SRL's line is retracted back into the housing. Do not allow the tag line/srl line to retract out of control (at a high rate of speed). 4. Depending on the work site environment and conditions, it may be necessary to restrain the free end of the tag line to prevent interference and entanglement with equipment or machinery. 5. Tag lines shall not be used directly for personal fall arrest, restraint, work position, personnel riding, or rescue applications. 6. Typical tag line materials include small diameter (3/16 inch to 1/2 inch) lightweight ropes made of materials such as polypropylene or nylon. 7. All applicable manufacturers instructions for the SRL shall be followed.
No. SRL008, Rev. A Subject: Use of Self-Retracting Lifelines in Aerial Work Platforms The use of DBI/SALA Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL s) for fall protection while working in aerial work platforms is permissible provided the criteria contained in this bulletin is adhered to. SRL generally will not restrain a user from falling out of the platform. If restraining the user from falling out of the platform is necessary, a correct length positioning lanyard should be used. The following guidelines must be followed when using SRL s in aerial work platforms. 1. The aerial work platform must have a guardrail system and a closable gate around its perimeter unless the anchorage level for the SRL is overhead. A suitably designed anchorage must be available for each SRL as part of the platform. 2. Swing fall hazards may exist, especially when working near corners, or out away from the SRL. Added fall clearance may be required, depending on the swing fall hazard. 3. For situations where the SRL is mounted below shoulder height, SRL models that incorporate an external energy absorber are highly recommended to reduce the risk of damaging the lifeline should a fall occur over the guardrail. SRL models that do not incorporate an external energy absorber can be used if a separate in-line energy absorber is installed between the end of the lifeline and the harness. This energy absorber is connected in-line between the harness dorsal d-ring and the SRL s snap hook. DBI/SALA offers a special model energy absorber (part number 1220362) for this purpose that includes a snaphook on one end and a D-ring on the other to ensure compatible connections can be made. Do not use energy absorbing lanyards for this purpose. See bulletin SRL002. 4. Sharp edges which the lifeline may contact during a fall could cut or damage the SRL s lifeline. Sharp edges must be avoided or covered over. Falls where the lifeline may slide along a sharp edge must be guarded against. 5. The lifeline extension speed of the SRL must reach a speed of approximately 4.5 feet per second, before the brake will engage and stop a fall. If a user fails to reach a speed of approximately 4.5 feet per second, the SRL will not engage, such as in a sliding fall down a sloped surface. 6. All applicable user instruction manuals should be reviewed and followed. 7. Employee training should be conducted to help assure a safe working environment.
Subject Self Retracting Devices in Leading Edge Applications Region: USA Language: EN Number : TB0002 Revision : D Total Page: 1 Page n : 1 First Issue: 05/2000 Rev. Date: 01/20/2014 In August of 2012, American National Standard ANSI Z359.14 on Self Retracting Devices (SRD s) became effective. The Z359.14 standard includes significant changes to the design and testing of Leading Edge SRD s (known as SRL-LE s) and requires manufacturers to provide new information in the user instructions and on product markings. The list below highlights these important changes introduced by ANSI Z359.14. a) The test weight is increased by roughly 30% to 282 pounds (128kg). b) The test edge material is very sharp metal with an edge radius of.005 inches (.13mm) or less. c) An energy absorber is required and must not be separable from the SRD device or lifeline. d) Testing is expanded to include offset testing that tests sliding of the lifeline along the edge. e) Specific testing includes a check on retraction when used horizontally to confirm no slack can develop. f) Markings on the device and use instructions have been expanded to provide advice to equipment users about leading edge work. Because of these new requirements Capital Safety recommends that SRD users working around sharp leading edges use SRL-LE models that are qualified to ANSI Z359.14 for such use, and that all future leading edge applications are addressed using the SRL-LE device. Capital Safety has evaluated its SRD product options against the new requirements. SRD models that Capital Safety previously designated as Leading Edge models remain acceptable for all edge applications. Other SRDs that include separate add on energy absorbers attached to the harness or to the end of the SRD lifeline must be limited to applications where they are anchored overhead only and not exposed to sharp metal edges. Use of these products with add on energy absorbers is acceptable around wood, finished concrete with a rounded edge, non-metal roofing materials, or aerial lift applications where the railings or other exposed metal edges have a radius is 1/8 inch (3mm) or more. Note: Lifeline contact with an edge can present a hazard to users of SRD s. Provide edge protection (example: padding on the edge) for the lifeline whenever possible. Current leading edge rated models (SRL-LE) include: DBI-SALA Nano-Lok Edge models, Ultra-Lok 3504422 and 3504422C* (15, 4.5m), 3504500 and 3504500C* (30, 9m), 3504600 and 3504600C* (55, 16.7m)) and Protecta 3590540 and 3590541* (20, 6m). * Canadian CSA standard compliant.
No. SRL004 Subject: Use of SRL's in Training Environments The use of DBI/SALA Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL's) in a fall protection training environment allows for some special circumstances to apply. In particular, the DBI/SALA SRL may not need to be immediately removed from service following the activation of the impact indicator. The following guidelines should be observed for training applications where it is desired to continue using an impacted SRL. 1. An impact indicated SRL can only be used in training environments where there is control and monitoring performed on a regular basis. Other conditions typically associated with training include: a. Limited fall hazards. b. Trainee safety is foremost. c. Continuous supervision and instruction. d. Fall protection equipment is controlled and monitored and only used for training purposes. e. Fall protection equipment is only used according to manufacturing instructions. f. Manufacturers recommended servicing frequency guidelines be followed (i.e., SRL is serviced/recertified every two (2) years, minimum). g. Primary purpose of the activity is instructional. 2. A Competent Person must inspect SRL immediately after initial impact and all subsequent impacts. The inspection shall be performed in accordance with DBI/SALA instructions. Inspections include checking: a. Lock-up of the lifeline. b. Retraction of the lifeline. c. Lifeline condition. d. Snap-hook condition. e. Housing condition. f. Fasteners/hardware condition. Any unacceptable conditions (excluding impact-indicating hook) shall require SRL to be removed from service immediately. 3. SRL shall be serviced/recertified by factory authorized personnel immediately following the conclusion of the session or program. 4. Trainees shall be informed of the special circumstances, which allow for impacted SRL to be used training circumstances only. 5. Documents/records shall be kept on file indicating: a. Date of first use for SRL. b. SRL service history. c. Quantity/circumstances of impacts. d. Inspections performed (when, by whom, findings). Learn more about clothing & work wear we have.