The Essential Guide to Class 1 SRLs

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) implemented its updated Z359 Fall Protection Standard in 2023 with emphasis on self-retracting lifelines (SRLs). Of the two new categories, the Class 1 SRL has become somewhat misunderstood. Yet knowing the qualities and limitations of a Class 1 device can help you determine if it’s an ideal safety solution for your worksite.

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  ANSI Fall Protection Changes at a Glance  

ANSI and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) revised their comprehensive fall protection code, Z359, in 2021. The revision, specifically Z359.14-2021, included the following changes:

1. Re-categorized SRLs into three types and two classes.
2. Raised safety factors in SRL parts and tests, including a new testing regime to resemble real-world scenarios.
3. Standardized ANSI-compliant labels to clarify SRL classification and abilities

ANSI updated its standard to better reflect common practices and simplify what devices can and can’t do. It went into effect on August 1, 2023.

Three Types of ANSI SRLs

ANSI re-categorized SRLs into three types:

1. Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL)
2. Self-Retracting Lifeline – Personal (SRL-P)
3. Self-Retracting Lifeline – Rescue (SRL-R)

ANSI removed “Self-Retracting Lifeline – Leading Edge” (SRL-LE) and added SRL-P. A device’s classification now determines its leading edge capability.

  ANSI Z359.14-2021 Performance Testing  

The Z359.14-2021 standard demands more intense testing for compliance.

Changes aim to improve safety factors and address known hazards. The testing changes affect both manufacturers and labs, and users must understand how these changes impact device use.

Major changes include:

1. A greater number of hot, cold, and wet-conditioned testing.
2. Increased test-mass for static drop and static strength tests. Dynamic drop test loads increased from 282 to 310 pounds. The static strength test loads increased from 3,000 to 3,600 pounds to achieve a 2-to-1 safety factor.
3. A new static test to ensure an SRL locking mechanism without an internal brake can support a minimum of 1,800 pounds.

The SRL-P has its own tests, including those for:

• Six-foot free-fall dynamic performance
• Tie-back static strength to verify strength when secured around anchorage
• Proper energy absorber deployment of twin- and dual-leg devices when forces may exceed 1,800 pounds
• Custom connectors

These tests aim to improve the quality of truly compliant SRLs to better save lives.

  Class 1 SRLs vs Class 2 SRLs  

SRL types must fall into Class 1 or 2.

A Class 1 SRL, such as the FallTech® FT-X™ Web SRL-P, is engineered and tested for a user to anchor at or above his or her dorsal D-ring. A Class 1 SRL is not designed for use where leading edge hazards are present.

A Class 2 SRL like the FT-X™ EdgeCore™ is engineered and tested for a user to anchor at, above, or up to five feet below his or her dorsal D-ring. Unlike a Class 1, a Class 2 SRL is designed for use near a potential leading edge hazard.

Does that mean a Class 2 SRL is better than a Class 1 SRL? As mentioned in our “Essential Guide to Class 2 SRLs,” it’s best not to look at which class is better. A Class 2 SRL is a more versatile device because it’s engineered and tested for the added factors of leading edge exposure and below-D-ring anchorage.

Generally, a Class 2 SRL is noticeably heavier (especially with SRL-Ps) than a Class 1 because it uses a larger cable to manage a potential edge exposure. A larger cable means larger accompanying parts and more weight, which can be uncomfortable and tiring if a worker is wearing a Class 2 SRL-P. Besides being lighter, a Class 1 SRL is often much more affordable than a Class 2.

  Can You Anchor a Class 1 SRL Below D-Ring?  

FallTech’s position is that a user can anchor below his or her dorsal D-ring if there is no leading edge exposure. There are circumstances outside the scope of ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021, such as bucket trucks, where a FallTech Class 1 SRL may be more practical for below-D-ring anchorage than a Class 2.

Always check your Class 1 device’s manufacturer whether you can anchor below D-ring.

  In summary, a Class 1 SRL:  

• Anchors at or above a user’s dorsal D-ring.
• Outside of ANSI Z359, a user may anchor his or her FallTech Class 1 SRL below D-ring if there’s no leading edge exposure.
• ANSI mandates that every Class 1 SRL have a clear black-and-white label.

Browse FallTech’s complete line of Class 1 SRLs, including the arc flash-rated and ultra-compact Arc Flash Mini Pro™.