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Lifelines are the core component of an active retractable lifeline system—they attach workers' harnesses securely to an anchor point to help catch workers the second they fall. However, well-crafted lifelines offer more than just the strength to handle the weight of a worker and their equipment. Many different features can make lifelines a better fit for your operations, your reputation as a safe employer, and your workers' peace of mind. One of the most advantageous features is a self-retracting mechanism.
One of the most popular benefits of self-retracting lifelines is their ability to extend the wearer’s reach when they need to maneuver varying distances without gathering the unnecessary slack that could trip up workers while they operate. They can also include features that recognize and stop falls with a centrifugal self-locking mechanism. That’s far from the limit of their capabilities, though, so look below at all the advantages they offer.
5 Advantages of Self-Retracting Lifelines for Fall Protection
Before you purchase new fall protection devices for your organization, consider what applications they'll be used for and what criteria they need to meet:
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Compliance: Depending on your region, the retractable lifeline system will need to comply with OSHA and CCOHS standards. Your specific area may also have more in-depth local standards that safety hardware and protocols need to satisfy.
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Versatility: Consider the day-to-day activities of workers who will need to wear fall protection harnesses attached to lifelines. Do they need a wide horizontal reach? Will they be intentionally suspended during part of the work, or are the harnesses just to catch accidental slips and trips?
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Industry: Workers in the construction industry may need a completely different set of lanyards, lifelines, harnesses, and anchor points than workers in other sectors. Make sure you're working with vendors that have equipment built for your industry and designed to comply with the applicable safety regulations.
After you outline your team’s lifeline requirements, determine how a retractable lifeline system can help you meet those criteria. Start by considering these five advantages:
1) Core Purpose: Reducing Fall Distances for Workers
A lifeline is a good component of fall protection devices when it reliably does its job: catch falling workers in the minimum time and distance possible. The shorter the fall, the less shock and force it generally has. Self-retracting lifeline devices are built to minimize the time and distance, as the self-locking mechanism will engage as soon as a fall is detected. Whether the fall starts within arm's reach of the anchor point or ten feet away, the lock will engage and safely catch the wearer.
Conventional lifelines can't promise the same results. If there is excess slack in the line—such as if the line is five feet long and they slip when they're right next to the anchor point, they will fall five feet. Without hardware and safety mechanisms in place, people working at elevated heights will risk more serious falls, sudden jerks to a halt, and increased injury.
2) Making It Easier to Rescue and Assist Workers Who Have Fallen
Self-retracting lifeline systems make it easier to assist after a fall, as well. Because the self-locking mechanism engages, workers don't have to worry about falling further—the tension holds the line in place. Their coworkers have plenty of time to follow safe rescue or assist protocols, and the fallen worker is as close to the anchor as possible, further simplifying the rescue.
More robust retractable lifeline system options can even come equipped with mechanisms to adjust the lifeline while it's engaged. Workers can use this mechanism to retract the line and raise themselves or extend the line and lower themselves to the ground below.
3) Reducing Trip Hazards from Slack Excess Line
Without a self-retraction mechanism, there's nowhere for the excess line to stay safely out of the way. When workers are at the maximum possible extension point, the line is taut, but when they're close to the anchor point, the additional length of the line coils at their feet or sags toward the ground. This drastically increases the risk of workers tripping over the line and falling from an elevated height. Even when it's not a trip hazard, the line causes confusing visual clutter that can distract, get in the way, and prevent workers from securely grabbing a handhold.
4) Reducing Wear and Damage on Lifelines
When lifeline slack hangs in the way around a worksite or lays on the ground, it's much more likely to encounter wear and tear. People will step on it, it will catch on sharp equipment and tools, and it can even be exposed to chemical damage. All of this can shorten the useful lifespan of the lifeline and reduce its ability to handle weight.
5) Giving Workers Greater Freedom of Motion Without Compromising on Safety
For most applications, workers will need plenty of room to operate. For example, workers along a rooftop will need to walk around to do inspections, make repairs, or check on equipment. In construction, workers will need to be able to move from section to section—even at tall elevations. Self-retracting lifelines give workers more horizontal room per anchor point because the self-retracting lines can be much longer than a conventional line while still being able to catch workers with minimal fall distance and swing. For example, some self-retracting devices offer up to 50 feet of line.
This also increases worker productivity, as they can get more done before having to detach their harness and reattach it to another anchor point further along the building.
Choose Self-Retracting Lifelines from Tractel
Tractel specializes in creating innovative fall protection devices and fall prevention solutions that comply with ANSI regulations, OSHA regulations, and other safety requirements found across industrial, construction, and rescue operations. Our retractable lifeline system options can extend and retract for safe, seamless work while helping to keep your facilities compliant with OSHA standards. Reach out today to learn more about our different self-retracting lifelines and supporting equipment like shock-absorbing webs and sturdy anchor points.