16 / 134
Some of the most dangerous
aspects of working at height are
leading edge situations. This is
work conducted with an unpro-
tected edge, perimeter or bor-
der where a fall hazard exists.
Typically, a leading edge situa-
tion will force a lifeline or lan-
yard to ‘bend’ over the edge in
the event of a fall over the edge.
Additionally, many leading edg-
es also present sharp edge haz-
ards that can fray or even sever
a lifeline as it bends over the
edge. Here are some other risks
that exist due to leading and
sharp edge situations:
• Increased fall distance be-
cause typical anchor point is
at foot level
• Unpredictable lock up speed
– a self-retracting device will
only sense a fall when user’s
D-ring moves past the leading
edge
• Increased fall clearance re
quirement due to the in-
creased fall distance
• Increased arresting forces
• Potential for sharp edge to
cut or severely damage life
line
• Increased
potential
for
swing falls
Currently,
the
ANSI/ASSP
Z359.14 standard for Self-Re-
tracting Lifelines (“SRLs”) has
specific test criteria that include
testing to simulate added free
fall distance, testing performed
over sharp steel edge (.005 inch
radius), and testing for swing
fall over steel edge as well as
straight down.
One of the
Leaders in
Leading Edge
Protection
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019
“Typically, a lead-
ing edge situa-
tion will force a
lifeline or lanyard
to ‘bend’ over the
edge in the event
of a fall over the
edge.”