Self Retracting Lifelines (SRL) | Diversified Fall Protection

Q: What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 SRLs?

Under ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021, Class 1 SRLs require an anchorage at or above the worker’s dorsal D-ring. Class 2 SRLs allow anchorage above or below the dorsal D-ring and are tested for leading-edge use. Always check the specific model’s instructions for permitted edge conditions, anchorage locations, and required fall clearance.

Q: Is every cable SRL suitable for leading-edge work?

No. Cable material alone does not establish edge suitability. Verify the device’s rating and the edge conditions permitted by its instructions.

Q: Can I connect any SRL directly to my harness?

No. Direct attachment requires an approved device and connection method compatible with the harness.

Q: Why are SRLs sometimes called SRDs?

SRD stands for self-retracting device, the broader term used in ANSI/ASSP Z359.14. It includes traditional self-retracting lifelines, personal devices, and models with rescue capabilities. SRL is still commonly used, so seeing “SRD” doesn’t necessarily mean the product itself has changed.

Q: Does an SRL eliminate the need to calculate fall clearance?

No. Required clearance varies with the device, anchorage location, and work arrangement. Use the manufacturer’s instructions for the selected model.

Overview

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Related Resources

3MTM Protecta® Self-Retracting Lifeline with Carabiner 3100514, Web, Swivel Snap Hook, 11ft.jpg

3M™ Protecta® SRL 11 ft

An 11-foot web SRL with a carabiner and swivel snaphook. Review the permitted anchorage arrangement.

View 3M™ Protecta® SRL 11 ft

3MTM Protecta® Self-Retracting Lifeline with Carabiner 3100516, Web, Steel Swivel Snap Hook, 20 ft

3M™ Protecta® SRL 20 ft

A 20-foot web SRL with a carabiner and steel swivel snaphook.

3M™ Protecta® SRL 20 ft

3MTM Protecta® Edge Self-Retracting Lifeline, Galvanized Cable, Class 2

3M™ Protecta® Edge SRL

A Class 2 galvanized-cable SRL. Compare available lengths and verify approved edge conditions.

View 3M™ Protecta® Edge SRL

3MTM DBI-SALA® Nano-LokTM Edge Twin-Leg Personal Self-Retracting Lifeline, Galvanized Cable, Class 2

3M™ DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok™ Edge Twin-Leg

A Class 2 twin-leg personal SRL with galvanized cable. Compare available lengths and hook configurations.

View 3M™ DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok™ Edge Twin-Leg

3MTM DBI-SALA® Smart Lock Self-Retracting Lifeline, 20 ft, Galvanized Cable, Class 1

3M™ DBI-SALA® Smart Lock SRL 20 ft

A 20-foot Class 1 galvanized-cable SRL with a carrying handle and swiveling anchorage connection.

View 3M™ DBI-SALA® Smart Lock SRL 20 ft

3M™ DBI-SALA® Smart Lock SRL 50 ft

A 50-foot Class 1 galvanized-cable SRL with a carrying handle and swiveling anchorage connection.

View 3M™ DBI-SALA® Smart Lock SRL 50 ft

3MTM DBI-SALA® Smart Lock Edge Self-Retracting Lifeline, Galvanized Cable, Class 2

3M™ DBI-SALA® Smart Lock Edge SRL

A Class 2 galvanized-cable Smart Lock Edge SRL. Compare lengths and review permitted edge and anchorage conditions.

View 3M™ DBI-SALA® Smart Lock Edge SRL

3MTM DBI-SALA® Nano-LokTM Edge Personal Self-Retracting Lifeline, Galvanized Cable, Class 2

3M™ DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok™ Edge

A Class 2 personal SRL with galvanized cable. Review edge conditions, setback, and clearance before selection.

View 3M™ DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok™ Edge

3MTM DBI-SALA® Nano-LokTM Personal Twin-Leg Self-Retracting Lifeline, Web, Class 1

3M™ DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok™ Twin-Leg

A Class 1 twin-leg personal web SRL with multiple hook configurations.

View 3M™ DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok™ Twin-Leg

V-TEC Arc-Rated Overhead Web PFL, single-leg

MSA V-TEC Arc-Rated PFL

A single-leg arc-rated overhead web personal fall limiter. Verify the rating and connection method for your application.

View MSA V-TEC Arc-Rated PFL

V-TEC Overhead Tie-Back Web PFL, twin-leg (Class I)

MSA V-TEC Overhead Tie-Back PFL

A twin-leg overhead tie-back web personal fall limiter listed as Class I. Follow the model’s tie-back instructions.

View MSA V-TEC Overhead Tie-Back PFL

MSA V-TEC Overhead PFL

A compact overhead web personal fall limiter listed as Class I. Review available configurations in the store.

View MSA V-TEC Overhead PFL

V-TEC Leading Edge PFL, twin-leg (Class II)

MSA V-TEC Leading Edge PFL

A twin-leg leading-edge personal fall limiter listed as Class II. Check permitted edge conditions and anchorage locations.

View MSA V-TEC Leading Edge PFL

V-SHOCK Leading Edge Tie-Back Web PFL, twin-leg (Class II)

MSA V-SHOCK Leading Edge Tie-Back PFL

A twin-leg leading-edge tie-back web personal fall limiter listed as Class II. Review its approved tie-back and edge use.

View MSA V-SHOCK Leading Edge Tie-Back PFL

V-SHOCK EDGE, Leading Edge Cable SRL, galvanized cable, 36CS snaphook

MSA V-SHOCK EDGE SRL

A leading-edge galvanized-cable SRL with a 36CS snaphook and multiple length options.

View MSA V-SHOCK EDGE SRL

MSA V-TEC SRL

A stainless-cable SRL listed as Class I, with controlled cable retraction.

View MSA V-TEC SRL

MSA V-EDGE SRL

A cable SRL listed as Class II with length options. Review the selected model’s permitted use conditions.

View MSA V-EDGE SRL

Design Considerations

Match the SRL to the Anchorage and Edge Exposure

Compare the anchorage height, travel path, possible swing fall, available clearance, and potential lifeline contact with an edge.

For devices marked to ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021, Class 1 devices are intended for anchorage at or above the dorsal D-ring. Class 2 devices address below-D-ring anchorage and include leading-edge requirements. Classification does not authorize every edge or work arrangement; check the specific model’s instructions.

Personal and Longer-Length SRLs

Personal SRLs are often worn on the harness and are available in single or twin-leg configurations. Longer-length devices provide other reach options. Select by the permitted mounting arrangement and work area, not lifeline length alone.