Leading Edge Fall Protection: Understanding the Risks and Available Solutions
Leading edge work presents an increased risk of lifeline damage or cable severing in the event of a fall. A self-retracting lifeline (SRL) specifically designed for sharp edge applications and compliant with Canadian standards is essential to ensure worker safety.
In Canada, falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), falls account for approximately 20% to 25% of work-related deaths each year. This highlights the importance of properly identifying fall protection requirements when working at height.
Now, let’s take a closer look at leading edge hazards.What is a leading edge?
A leading edge is the unprotected edge of a floor, roof, or formwork where a lifeline may come into contact during a fall. In fall protection terminology, a “leading edge” refers to a sharp edge that a lifeline could contact when the anchor point is located at foot level. This configuration increases the risk of cable abrasion or severing during a fall.
In other words, if your anchor point is positioned at foot level and the lifeline could rub against a sharp edge, you are likely working in a leading edge scenario.
As OSHA highlights, “Leading edge exposures require special consideration due to the potential for the lifeline or lanyard to contact a sharp edge during a fall.”Although today’s equipment is highly resistant, the fact is that a leading edge can be very sharp.
Since often installed at feet’s height, the risk of injury is more important:
- Greater drop height
- Potentially longer locking time of the self-retracting lifeline
- Greater arrest force on the body in case of a fall
- Worker’s uncontrollable swing
- Swing near or on leading edges that can cut the line
About MSA
Ensuring your protection is the mission of MSA. Founded in 1914, this American company understands the importance of always having the best-suited personal protective equipment (PPE) for our work environment.
MSA is committed to offering quality and durable personal protective equipment (PPE). With over 5000 employees ready to answer your questions and help you, MSA wants to provide the best possible experience.
Their fall protection division holds an impressive inventory. MSA has the fall protection equipment you need, from self-retractable lifelines to energy-absorbing lanyards, including confined space products!
Why Is Leading Edge Work More Hazardous?
Because the anchor point is often located at foot level, leading edge configurations present increased risks:
- Greater fall distance
- Longer activation time of the self-retracting lifeline (SRL)
- Higher arrest forces applied to the body
- Increased swing fall (pendulum effect)
- Risk of cable abrasion or severing against a sharp edge
Leading edge configurations often generate a higher fall factor, which increases the load applied to the fall protection system. This is why standard equipment may not provide adequate protection in these scenarios.
What Type of Lifeline Should Be Used for Leading Edge Work?
Not all self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) are designed for sharp edge applications. When working in a leading edge environment, it is essential to use a model specifically certified for this purpose.
These devices are typically identified as Leading Edge SRLs (SRL-LE) and are designed to withstand contact with sharp edges.
In Canada, fall protection devices must comply with the applicable CSA Z259 standard for fall arrest equipment.
Can I Use a Textile Webbing Lanyard for Leading Edge Work?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly states that the product is certified for leading edge applications. Otherwise, the risk of webbing damage or severing may be significant.
Is a Foot-Level Anchor More Dangerous?
Yes. A foot-level anchor typically increases the potential fall distance and the forces applied to the fall arrest system. It may also increase the risk of contact between the lifeline and a sharp edge during a fall.How Does a Leading Edge Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL-LE) Work?
A self-retracting lifeline (SRL) operates similarly to a vehicle seatbelt: it extends freely during normal movement and locks instantly in the event of a fall.
Models designed specifically for leading edge applications typically use a galvanized or steel cable, which offers greater resistance to abrasion and sharp edges compared to textile webbing.
An integrated energy absorber helps reduce the fall arrest forces transmitted to the worker’s body during a fall, improving overall safety and compliance with fall protection standards.
To ensure your safety when working with leading edges, MSA offers superior quality materials. Therefore, a lanyard must be designed with highly resistant and durable materials. The V-Edge Series lanyards are designed with galvanized cables to meet this need. The final goal is to avoid a line being cut by a leading edge.
It is imperative to integrate a very robust energy absorber to avoid injuries in case of a fall. In addition, it will decrease the arrest force felt by the worker’s body.
The V-EDGE Series offers you peace of mind
Designed with innovative, cutting-edge technology, the V-EDGE leading-edge self-retracting lifeline is the best choice to ensure your safety at heights. Leading edges challenges will be a thing of the past! The MSA V-EDGE lanyard offers:
- A galvanized cable for improved resistance
- Clear housing for quick and safe inspection
- Installation at horizontal and aerial points
- Integrated roll cage to protect the housing
- The lanyard absorber controls the fall speed, avoiding component damage
- Maximal capacity: 310 lb.
Discover the V-EDGE leading-edge self-retracting lifeline
Where Can I Find Leading Edge Fall Protection Equipment Suppliers in Canada?
It is recommended to work with specialized occupational health and safety distributors that offer equipment certified to Canadian standards, particularly the CSA Z259 series for fall protection.
In Canada, several suppliers provide self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) specifically designed for leading edge applications, including models equipped with galvanized steel cables or abrasion-resistant systems.
To ensure compliance and worker safety, verify the following:
- Applicable CSA certification
- Explicit mention of “leading edge” or “SRL-LE” in the manufacturer’s specifications
- Maximum weight capacity
- Installation and inspection requirements
At SPI Health and Safety, our experts can help you select equipment tailored to your work environment and Canadian regulatory requirements.
