• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • MARKETS & PRODUCTS
    • Markets


      Construction

      Cybersecurity

      Fixed Gas & Flame Detection

      General Industry

      Healthcare

      HVAC-R

      Oil & Gas

      Training

      Utilities

      Products


      Combustion Analysis

      Confined Space

      Connected Work

      Corporate

      Fall Protection

      Fixed Gas & Flame Detection

      Gas Analysis

      General

      Head Protection

      Heat Stress

      Leak Detection

      Portable Gas Detection

      Refrigerant Analysis

      Respiratory Protection

      Column
  • SUBSCRIBE

Self-Retracting Lifelines 101: Everything You Need To Know About SRLs and PFLs

3 Min Read | Jan 23, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutesDo you sometimes struggle with picking the safest fall protection for the task? This article will answer some of your biggest questions about two of today’s most commonly used fall protection components, the Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) and the Personal Fall Limiter (PFL)

January 23, 2023 by Kimberly Smith

Reading Time: 3 minutes

When working at heights, selecting the proper fall protection may be the difference between getting the job done safely or a preventable tragedy. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of fall hazards, there is no one size fits all answer to protecting workers.

Lack of understanding of the different fall protection components and their application can put workers at risk. Thankfully, with better employee training and a practical system for identifying fall protection needs, these risks can be mitigated and help everyone go home safely at the end of the day.

Do you sometimes struggle with picking the safest fall protection for the task? This article will answer some of your biggest questions about two of today’s most commonly used fall protection components, the Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) and the Personal Fall Limiter (PFL).

How do SRLs and PFLs work?

At a high level, SRLs and PFLs essentially work the same; they connect the user’s harness to an anchor point and consist of a retractable web or cable lanyard and work like the seatbelt in a car.

They can be pulled out and retracted quickly, but in the case of a quick tug, an internal braking mechanism engages. During a fall, this mechanism engages and an energy absorbing mechanism slows, then stops the line over a short distance, preventing further falling while reducing the impact force on the user’s body.

What is the difference between an SRL and PFL?

While SRLs and PFLs are similar, there are a few distinctions.

PFLs are generally a more compact, lightweight version of a self-retracting lifeline. They connect directly to the D-ring of a body harness and provide working lengths from 6 to 9 feet.

SRLs are generally larger and heavier than PFLs, connect directly to an anchor point, and provide longer user working lengths.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B SRLs?

In the past, overhead-anchored SRLs had a Class A or Class B designation to describe the deceleration distance and force associated with the ANSI drop tests. For example, the average arresting force for Class A is 1350 lbs, while the average arresting force for class B is 900 lbs.

However, since the 2021 revision to ANSI Z359.14, classes now distinguish between products for overhead-only (Class 1) or leading-edge (Class 2). These classes help explain how much free fall the product can handle and if it is rated for a fall event over an edge.

Read more about the updates to ANSI Z359.14 here.

Experience the Standard in Fall Protection with MSA PPE

Experience the Standard in Fall Protection with MSA PPE. Learn more about the Dare to Compare product trial program:

Learn More

What is considered a leading edge?

OSHA defines a leading edge as “the edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor or other walking or working surface (such as the deck) which changes location as additional floor, roof, decking, or formwork sections are placed, formed, or constructed.”¹

Due to the nature of the work, installing a guardrail around the edge of a surface under construction may not be feasible. However, workers must wear fall protection when approaching the unprotected “leading edge.”

Leading edge work adds additional elements of risk that users must be aware of when selecting fall protection:

  1. If a worker falls over the leading edge, the sharp edge can sever a lifeline on impact or from the worker swinging back and forth.
  2. The anchorage for leading edge applications is usually (though not always) below D-ring level, often at foot level, because there is not always an overhead, approved attachment point, such as a wall or ceiling joist, and the lower anchor point does not interfere with a worker’s arm movement.

That’s why only Class 2 SRLs specifically designed and approved for a leading edge must be used.

When to use web vs. cable SRLs?

When choosing an SRL, you might wonder about the different advantages of web and cable SRLs.

Stainless and galvanized steel cable SRLs are well-suited for harsh environments. Their durability allows them to withstand more of the cuts and scrapes you find in specific industries. Class 2 steel cable SRLs also work for leading edge applications.

Nylon and polyester web SRLs are well-suited for work in sensitive areas where you would not  want a steel cable rubbing against valuable or sensitive equipment. They are also preferable when working around electricity because the webbing is non-conductive. Finally, they are much lighter than cable options making them easier to carry on your back or transport.

How MSA simplifies SRL and PFL selection.

The new V-SERIES® line of SRLs from MSA simplifies on-the-job fall protection selection by using a simple-to-follow color coding system that distinguishes between leading edge and non-leading edge compatible SRLs. In addition, new easy-to-access and read dashboard labels and clearance charts make picking the proper fall protection much more straightforward. To learn more about how MSA helps make fall protection selection safer, faster, and easier, check out the V-SERIES line of SRLs here.

Sources

  • https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3146.pdf

Recommended for You

Construction

What Fall Protection PPE Should Be Considered in Aerial Lifts and Other MEWPs

March 22, 2024
4 Min Read
Construction

OSHA’s Head Protection Safety and Health Information Bulletin: What It Means for PPE Selection

May 28, 2024
4 Min Read
Construction

Understanding the ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024 Standard: Heat Stress Management in Construction and Demolition Operations

June 19, 2024
5 Min Read
Construction

Infographic: Considerations & Factors For Choosing Head Protection

July 16, 2024
< 1 Minute Read
Share:

Footer

MSA MISSION: That men and women may work in safety and that they, their families, and their communities may live in health throughout the world.

MSASafety.com

  • Construction
  • General Industry
  • Oil & Gas
  • HVAC-R
  • Utilities
  • Fixed Gas & Flame Detection
  • Fire Service
MSA on Facebook   MSA on X   MSA on Instagram   MSA on LinkedIn   MSA on YouTube  

Contact

  • blog@msasafety.com
  • 1-800-672-2222
  • View All Contact Info
  • Subscribe

Other MSA Blogs

  • Fire Service – The Scene
  • FieldServer – The Safety Connection

© 2024 MSA. All rights reserved.

© 2025 MSA . All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT