3.0
INSTALLATION
3.1
OVERVIEW: Installing a Horizontal Lifeline (HLL) System is a multi-step procedure that requires planning and awareness
of the worksite. In summary, the basic procedure for installing the HLL System is as follows:
1. Prepare the anchorage connection points for the system.
2. Connect the HLL System between the two anchorage connection points.
3. Secure the connecting subsystem to the HLL System.
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System installation will have a significant impact on fall clearance requirements. If the system is not prepared with
fall clearance requirements in mind, then it may be necessary to impose limits on system use.
3.2
PLANNING: Plan your Fall Protection system before starting your work. Account for all factors that may affect your safety
before, during, and after a fall. Consider all requirements and limitations specified in these instructions.
A. ANCHORAGE PLACEMENT: The anchorage connection points used by the system must be prepared before the HLL
System can be installed. This may mean securing anchorage connectors to the anchorage structure or even preparing
the anchorage structure itself beforehand. Both anchorage connection points must be set at approximately the same
elevation level, such that the HLL System has a slope of 5 degrees (5°) or less.
;
It is recommended that anchorages are prepared for overhead positioning of the HLL System, since overhead
positioning will help minimize fall clearance requirements.
;
Whenever possible, design the system for Restraint applications rather than Fall Arrest.
B. CONNECTING SUBSYSTEM: Users of the HLL System may connect Energy-Absorbing Lanyards and Self-Retracting
Devices (SRDs) to the system. All connecting subsystems used must meet all requirements specified in Table 1 and be
approved for use with HLL systems. Fall clearance requirements will vary with the connecting subsystem used.
All connecting subsystems used should be kept as short as possible. This applies to both overall length of the
subsystem and its extended length during use. Longer energy-absorbing lanyards will experience greater free fall and
require more fall clearance. SRDs with greater overall length will weigh more and place more stress upon the system.
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Ensure all requirements of your connecting subsystem are met before using the system. For more information,
refer to the manufacturer instructions of your connecting subsystem.
3.3
SWING FALLS: Swing Falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs. The force of
striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury or death. Do not permit a swing fall if injury could occur. Minimize
swing falls by working as directly below the anchorage point as possible. See Figure 5 for reference. The Required Fall
Clearance (FC) of the user increases as User Work Radius (W) increases, since the total fall distance will be greater than if
the user had fallen directly below the anchorage point.
3.4
SHARP EDGES: The HLL System must always be installed so that the horizontal lifeline does not come into contact with
sharp edges or abrasive surfaces during use. All sharp edges and abrasive surfaces within reach of the system should be
covered with protective material (A). See Figure 6 for reference.
If it is not feasible to cover the sharp edge or abrasive surface, then a minimum setback distance must be maintained
from the unprotected edge or surface. Additionally, connecting subsystems used with the HLL must be rated for Leading
Edge applications. To prevent cutting action during a swing fall, the user must stay within 30 degrees perpendicular of the
HLL System during use. Minimum setback distance requirements are listed according to system span in the table below.
System Span (B)
≤ 10 ft. (3.05 m)
≤ 20 ft. (6.10 m)
≤ 30 ft. (9.14 m)
Minimum Setback Distance
4 ft. 0 in. (1.22 m)
5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)
7 ft. 2 in. (2.18 m)
Figure 5 - Swing Falls
System Span (B)
≤ 40 ft. (12.19 m)
≤ 50 ft. (15.24 m)
≤ 60 ft. (18.29 m)
W
FC
7
Minimum Setback Distance
8 ft. 11 in. (2.72 m)
10 ft. 8 in. (3.25 m)
12 ft. 5 in. (3.78 m)
Figure 6 - Sharp Edges
A