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Self-Retracting Lifeline Inspections
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A self-retracting lifeline (SRL) is a vertical fall protection lifeline that allows users to easily move around while keeping consistent tautness to prevent falls. An SRL has two major components, a lanyard, and a housing unit. When the lanyard is pulled and released it retracts into the housing component.
Should a worker fall while using an SRL, the force placed on the lifeline engages an automatic braking system inside the housing unit and restricts the falling distance to just a few inches. As long as tension is maintained the unit will not release any more of the lifeline effectively holding a worker in place until rescued.
It is important to inspect your SRL prior to use. When performing the inspection:
Check the exterior of the housing for cracks and damage.
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Do not open the housing to inspect internal components unless you are trained and authorized.
Check the housing to ensure that the date of manufacture, serial number, manufacturer information, and warning label are visible and legible.
Wear gloves when inspecting cable lifelines.
Slowly pull out the cable looking for rust, cuts, pitting, corrosion, deterioration, or frayed, worn, burned, or broken strands. Also check for crushed, jammed, or flattened strands, bulges in the cable, and heat damage from torch burns or electrical arcs. If the SRL uses webbing instead of cable check each side for holes, tears, abrasions, discoloration, and fraying.
Check the carabiner to ensure that it has no cracks, bends, or discoloration.
Evaluate the lock to make sure that it functions properly.
Perform a retraction and extension test. This is accomplished by pulling out 50% of the lifeline, maintaining tension, and then letting it retract. Repeat the test pulling out 100% of the lifeline while maintaining tension. The lifeline should retract smoothly into the housing.
Conduct a braking test. Give the lifeline a sharp tug to engage the brake. Hold tension on the lifeline. You shouldn’t see any slippage while the brake is engaged. Release the tension and allow it to retract under slight tension. The lifeline should retract smoothly. Repeat this test with the lifeline pulled out at different lengths.
Check the unit’s fall indicator. If you se a red or orange strip the unit has experienced a fall.
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Should any of the items listed not pass inspection, take the unit out of service immediately. Remember, safety doesn’t have to be difficult, simple steps, like performing a pre-use inspection can prevent injuries and save lives.
More info: “The Essential Guide to Self-Retracting Lifelines.”
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Source: Joe Mlynek is president of Progressive Safety Services LLC, Gates Mills, OH: joe.mlynek@progressivesafety.us, and content creation expert for Safety Made Simple, Inc., Olathe, KS; joe@safetymadesimple.com
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