The Different Types of SRLs To Know

Any type of fall on a job site can have disastrous consequences for the victim. But using fall prevention and arrest equipment can help prevent tragedy. You can include self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) in your fall arrest equipment to help stay safe in the event of a fall. Evaluating all the different types of SRLs to know will help you choose the proper one for your job. Here is what you need to know about each.

What Is an SRL?

Before getting started on the differences, it is critical to know why you should use an SRL. When falling, it is important to prevent a freefall, so you can decrease your chances of sustaining an injury. SRL systems are designed to stop your fall sooner than you would stop it with a standard lanyard. This not only prevents a total freefall with a violent stop, but it can save you if the fall distance is less than the length of the cable.

Level of Class

When selecting your SRL, you have the option between two classes that differ based on the distance required to stop your fall. While a Class A SRL takes 24 inches to stop the wearer during a fall, Class B SRLs require 54 inches to stop. To decide which type will be the most effective for you, add three feet of additional clearance before selecting between the two.

Material of the Cable

Consider the environment you will be working in when selecting an SRL to ensure the material of the cable is appropriate. If you are working in an area with a risk of corrosion, a steel lanyard is a perfect choice. Working near sensitive equipment? Use a cable made of nylon to avoid potentially damaging any components. You should also use nylon when working around any equipment that carries electric currents to avoid the risk of electrocution. But no matter the choice of material, you should immediately remove any equipment involved in a fall from use.

Using the proper self-retracting lifeline keeps everybody safe at the job site. Proudly serving the construction industry since 1947, Midwest Unlimited proudly carries each of the different types of SRLs, along with climbing spikes and other fall prevention and arrest safety equipment.