Capital Safety, the global leader of fall protection and the home of the DBI-SALA® and PROTECTA® brands, announced today that it is offering products and educational services for “Leading Edge” and “Sharp Edge” applications.

Leading Edge work occurs when a worker uses a fall protection systems that is anchored at foot level behind him. As he moves away from the anchor point, he is exposed to a potential fall over the edge in front of him.

Sharp Edge applications involve a sharp edge, such as a steel bar, that is not rounded and has the potential to cut or sever lifelines if a worker falls.

“Many personal fall arrest systems rely on lifeline materials to perform in less than ideal conditions,” said Craig Firl, North American Technical Manager, Capital Safety. “But unless the fall protection system is designed for applications where the lifeline could make contact with a sharp edge, the results could be catastrophic.”

Product testing and certification organizations in the United States and around the world—including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Canadian Standards Association and European Conformity or “CE” marking—have been re-examining how lifelines in fall protection systems perform and are used when subjected to Sharp Edge and Leading Edge applications, concluding these two applications are unique in fall protection and involve increased risks due to the lifeline cutting, fraying or becoming otherwise compromised.

“While ANSI-compliant equipment is needed to help keep workers on leading and sharp edges safe, it’s only effective if crews understand how to use it and why they need it,” said Firl. “Capital Safety is committed to providing educational tools on our website to workers at height focusing on Leading and Sharp Edges.”

New Standards Call for Different Equipment

Capital Safety has developed Leading and Sharp Edge products to comply with the latest ANSI standards.

Nano-Lok™ edge Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) (at right)

The Nano-Lok Edge is Capital Safety’s newest advanced technology—a personal SRL that can pass the most stringent leading edge standard set by ANSI Z359.14. It includes an eight-foot (2.4 meter) working length, an ergonomic and compact/lightweight design, and comes in single or twin 100 percent tie-off units. It’s specifically designed for foot-level tie-off and Sharp Edge applications and is ideal for direct connection to most harnesses. In addition, the Nano-Lok locks quickly—stopping a fall within inches—and provides more protection at low heights. Tension is always kept on the lifeline, which reduces dragging, snagging and trip falls.

EZ-Stop™ Leading Edge (LE)

Capital Safety’s EZ-Stop LE shock absorbing lanyards combine a set of “industry-first” advancements. They feature the world's smallest and lightest shock absorber and are built with cable lanyard legs for Leading Edge work, foot level tie-off or applications with abrasive surfaces or environments.

Ultra-Lok™ SRL-LE

The Ultra Lok SRL-LE is made of galvanized steel wire for added wear resistance and is 35 percent stronger than standard SRL cables with approximately 15 percent more surface area. It includes an external energy absorber to control arresting forces and help reduce cable damage, making it an ideal solution for Sharp Edge work.

Rebel™ SRL-LE

The Rebel SRL-LE is an economical solution that allows users to tie off at foot level and was put through extensive sharp edge testing to ensure absolute protection against sharp, abrasive and leading edges. It features a stackable space-maximizing design and an impact indicator to provide easy verification of whether the equipment has been involved in a fall.

Trainings Available Now

Capital Safety offers a full range of standard and customized fall protection and industrial rescue courses at its training centers located around the world, as well as on-site training services designed around the unique characteristics of a work site. Fifteen courses are currently offered, and anyone who works at height or in confined space can register and benefit from them. Training not only helps keep workers safe, but also helps employers comply with OSHA, ANSI and other safety regulations within their industry. All Capital Safety trainers are former firefighters or military personnel with considerable hands-on safety, fall protection and rescue experience.

Visit Capital Safety’s educational Leading Edge landing page to learn more about leading and sharp edge work, related products and training available.

About Capital Safety

Capital Safety, the global leader in fall protection with 27 operating sites worldwide, is home of the DBI-SALA® and PROTECTA® brands. All of Capital Safety’s fall protection equipment and services are backed by extensive training, knowledgeable technical assistance and professional customer service. For more information, contact Capital Safety at 800-328-6146 or visit www.capitalsafety.com.