Fall Protector
When you purchase fall arrestor systems and components, it is crucial that all of the parts are compatible and that they work for your application. There are equipment designations created by the industry to identify product functions and capabilities, which makes it easier to match products and applications for the best results.
One example is found in ANSI Z359, which designates a fall arrestor system as either Class A or Class B based on their maximum average arresting force (MAAF) and maximum arresting distance. SRLs with MAAF of 1,350 pounds or less and maximum arresting distance of 24 inches or less are considered Class A. SRLs with MAAF of 900 pounds or less and maximum arresting distance of 54 inches or less are considered Class B.
ANSI Z359 also outlines definitions and requirements for other features of a fall arrestor system. There are specifications for leading-edge SRLs (SRL-LE) and SRLs with Integral Rescue Capability (SRL-R). There are guidelines for testing processes and environmental factors. There are many requirements that are intended to make sure all SRLs meet uniform performance requirements. However, manufacturers have some flexibility within those parameters.
where the type of fall protection system is an important factor for choosing an SRL is in the difference between rigid rail systems and rope access systems. Rigid rail systems have very little deflection because they are typically made of some type of steel tubing.
However, rope access systems will deflect significantly in the event of a fall, so a falling worker would come to rest at a lower point with a wire rope system than with a rigid rail system. Because a wire rope system will deflect more in a fall event, you have to consider the arresting distance of your SRLs, especially if your application has multiple levels that are relatively close together.
A Class B SRL’s longer arresting distance, compounded by the higher deflection of the rope access system, might not be able to arrest a fall within the limited space between levels, allowing the worker to strike a lower level.
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