Safewaze Vertical Lifeline Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential safety and usage information for Safewaze Vertical Rope Lifelines (VLLs). It is intended to meet manufacturer instructions required by ANSI Z359.15-2014 and OSHA standards, and should be used as part of an employee training program. Users must read, understand, and follow all instructions to prevent serious injury or death.

Applicable Safety Standards

When used as instructed, this product meets or exceeds the following standards:

• ANSI Z359.15-2014
• ANSI Z359.13-2013
• OSHA 1926.502
• OSHA 1910.66

Refer to local, state, and federal requirements for additional information.

Worker Classifications

Understanding these definitions is crucial for fall hazard management:

• Qualified Engineer: Possesses a bachelor's degree in engineering and can assume responsibility for engineering applications.
• Qualified Person: Demonstrates expertise through degree, certificate, professional standing, knowledge, training, or experience to solve problems related to the subject matter.
• Competent Person: Capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and authorized to take corrective actions.
• Authorized Person: Approved or assigned by the employer for specific duties or locations.

A Qualified or Competent Person is responsible for supervising job sites and ensuring safety regulations are followed.

Purpose and Application

Safewaze VLLs are designed for use as part of a complete Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) for a single user. They are NOT authorized for Horizontal Lifeline Systems (HLL) but can be used in conjunction with an HLL if connected vertically. Roof structures require a minimum 2/12 pitch; flat roofs are suitable only for Fall Restraint purposes.

User Weight Capacity:

• ANSI: 130-310 lbs. (59-141 kg)
• OSHA: Up to 420 lbs. (191 kg) (for specific models)

Specifications

Product Specific Applications

Personal Fall Arrest: For a single user. Only one user and one fall arrester per VLL. Avoid sharp/abrasive edges; use rope protection if necessary. Anchorage must support 5,000 lbs. Maximum free fall is 6 ft. Maximum combined length of fall arrester, lanyard extension, and D-ring is 36 inches.

Limitations & Fall Clearance

Fall Clearance: Sufficient clearance below the anchorage is required to arrest a fall before striking the ground or an obstruction. Calculate minimum required fall clearance considering:

• Rope Elongation: 10% of the length from anchorage to fall arrester.
• Lanyard Length: Adjust for different lengths.
• Deceleration Distance: Max 48" per ANSI Z359.13-2013.
• Harness Stretch: Max 18" per ANSI Z359.11-2021.
• Worker Height: Measured from working surface to dorsal D-ring (e.g., 5').
• Safety Factor: Includes fall arrester slippage (e.g., 2').

Swing Falls: Occur when the anchor is not directly above the work location. Minimize swing falls by working close to the anchor. Swing falls significantly increase the risk of injury or death.

WARNING: Avoid swing fall hazards encountered when anchorage is not directly overhead. ⚠️

Compatibility of Connectors

Connectors (hooks, carabiners, D-rings) must be compatible in size, shape, and strength, capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN). They must not inadvertently open. Self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by ANSI and OSHA. Non-compatible connectors can unintentionally disengage.

Description of Figure 3 (Unintentional Disengagement): Shows how an undersized or irregularly shaped connector can force open the gate of a snap hook or carabiner, leading to disengagement.

Making Connections

Use double locking and/or twist lock snap hooks and carabiners. Ensure all connections are compatible, fully closed, and locked. Connect the shock pack of the lanyard to the user's dorsal D-ring, NOT the rope grab.

Inappropriate Connections:

• To a D-ring with another connector attached.
• In a manner that loads the gate (except tie-back hooks).
• Large snap hooks to objects that cause gate load if twisted.
• Without visual confirmation of security.
• To each other.
• Wrapping lifeline around an anchor (unless tie-back model).
• To objects that prevent closure/locking or could cause roll-out.
• In a manner that prevents proper alignment under load.

Description of Figure 4 (Making Connections): Illustrates correct user connection to VLL (shock pack to dorsal D-ring, free end of lanyard to rope grab) and several inappropriate connection examples.

Components

The Safewaze VLL system typically includes:

• Rope Lifeline (e.g., 5/8" diameter)
• Removable Fall Arrester (Rope Grab)
• Integral Manual Rope Grab (some models)
• Shock Pack / Energy Absorbing Lanyard
• Snap Hooks / Carabiners
• Labels
• Plastic Thimble Eye (on some lifelines)

Description of Figure 5 (Components): Shows visual representations of these components.

Rope Grabs

Safewaze rope grabs are designed for specific rope sizes and types. They feature an "UP" arrow ⬆️ for correct orientation. Some have an anti-inversion feature.

Description of Figure 6 (Rope Grab Allowed Angle of Use): Indicates the maximum working angle between the user and the device should not exceed 30 degrees. Never work above the device. ⚠️

Table 1: Rope Grabs and Compatibility

Manual Rope Grab Operation (FS1117)

Inspect before use. Minimize swing fall hazards and ensure adequate fall clearance. The energy absorber attaches to the user's D-ring, and the lanyard to the grab. The FS1117 is typically pre-installed. To move along the lifeline, the user must move the fall arrester with them. Never grab the fall arrester during a fall. ⚠️

Description of Figure 7 (Manual Rope Grab Movement): Shows the "UP" arrow ⬆️ indicating correct orientation and how to squeeze inward and up simultaneously to move the grab.

Trailing Rope Grab Installation and Operation (FS1118, FS1120)

Inspect before use. Minimize swing fall hazards and ensure adequate fall clearance. The energy absorber attaches to the user's D-ring, and the lanyard to the grab. These models have an anti-inversion cam. Ensure the "UP" arrow ⬆️ points up. They also have an anti-panic feature. Never grab the fall arrester during a fall. ⚠️

Description of Figure 8 (Rope Grab Orientation for Install): Shows the "UP" arrow ⬆️ indicating correct orientation.

Description of Figure 9 (Trailing Rope Grab Installation and Operation): Details the steps: rotate safety lever up, loosen knob, open gate, place rope, close gate, re-tighten knob, rotate safety lever down. Operation involves the grab trailing the user.

Self-Tracking Rope Grab Installation (FS1118-DC)

Inspect before use. Minimize swing fall hazards and ensure adequate fall clearance. The energy absorber attaches to the user's D-ring, and the lanyard to the grab. Installs similarly to FS1118/FS1120, but the safety lever is pushed inward instead of rotated up. Has an anti-inversion cam; ensure the "UP" arrow ⬆️ points up. Never grab the fall arrester during a fall. ⚠️

Description of Figure 10 (Non-Trailing Rope Grab Install): Shows the safety lever being pushed inward and the "UP" arrow ⬆️.

Trailing Rope Grab Installation and Operation (SW-EX8000)

Inspect before use. Minimize swing fall hazards and ensure adequate fall clearance. Energy absorber attaches to user's D-ring, lanyard to grab. Ensure "UP" arrow ⬆️ points up. Rotate sliding plate open, verify locking wheel is in "GO" position. Insert rope, close plate. Install connector. Pull up to verify free movement; pull down rapidly to test locking. The SW-EX8000 trails hands-free. Rotate locking wheel to "REST" to stop trailing. Rotate back to "GO" to move. Remove by disconnecting carabiner and opening plate. DO NOT disconnect while in use. ⚠️

Description of Figure 11 (Installation): Illustrates the SW-EX8000 installation steps with "UP" arrow ⬆️, connection slot, and mode control switch (EASY MOVE/REST/GO).

Trailing Rope Grab Installation and Operation (021-7022)

Inspect before use. Minimize swing fall hazards and ensure adequate fall clearance. Energy absorber attaches to user's D-ring, lanyard to grab. Rotate sliding plate open, verify rope lock is in "GO" position. Insert rope, close plate. Install connector. Pull up to verify free movement; pull down rapidly to test locking. The 021-7022 trails hands-free. Rotate locking lever to "PARK/REST" to stop trailing. Rotate back to "GO" to move. Remove by disconnecting carabiner and opening front plate. DO NOT disconnect while in use. ⚠️

Description of Figure 12 (Installation): Illustrates the 021-7022 installation steps with "UP" arrow ⬆️, connection slot, and rope lock (GO/REST/PARK positions).

Drift Rope Grab Installation and Operation (022-7025)

Inspect before use. Minimize swing fall hazards and ensure adequate fall clearance. Energy absorber attaches to user's D-ring, lanyard to grab. Open sliding plate by pushing green gate left and red button. Verify mode control switch is in "TRAIL" position. Install grab onto VLL, ensuring "UP" arrow ⬆️ orientation. Close sliding plate, ensuring red dot is not visible. Connect EAL to grab's carabiner. Pull up to verify free movement; pull down rapidly to test locking. The 022-7025 trails hands-free. Rotate mode control switch to "HOLD" to stop trailing. Rotate back to "TRAIL" to move. Remove by opening sliding plate. DO NOT disconnect while in use. ⚠️

Description of Figure 13 (Components): Lists components like Green Sliding Gate, Sliding Plate Connection Slot, Mode Control Switch, "UP" Arrow ⬆️, Plate Lock (Red Button).

Description of Figure 14 (Disconnection from VLL): Shows how to open the sliding plate to disconnect.

Drift Rope Grab (Use in Assisted Rescue): Suitable for rescue. For descent, use the Backup Anchor Descent Cord. Tie a knot at one end, thread the other through the pre-drilled hole from inside out, cinching the knot against the plate. In rescue, the grab rotates to HOLD due to rescuer's weight. Pull down on the cord to descend; tension orients the grab to allow rope travel.

Description of Figure 15 (Backup Anchor Descent Cord Installation and Use): Illustrates installing and using the cord for rescue descent.

Rope Termination Plate Installation (FS875)

Provides a safe connection to the anchorage if the VLL is unequipped. Usable with 5/8" or 3/4" rope.

Description of Figure 16 (FS875 Rope Termination Plate Installation): Shows the four-step installation process.

Rope Protector Installation (018-9000 / 018-9001)

Protects the lifeline from edges and abrasive surfaces. Suitable for any rope lifeline. The 018-9000 is 18" long, 018-9001 is 36" long. Both use hook-and-loop fasteners. Position protector on rope and enclose it. Web loops at ends allow attachment with bungee cords, zip ties, or knots.

Description of Figure 17 (Edge Protector Typical Use Example): Shows how the protector is applied to the rope near an edge.

WARNING: Avoid use near edges or abrasive surfaces. If unavoidable, use proper protection. ⚠️

5 LB. Rope Counterweight Installation (021-7014)

VLLs must remain taut. Connect the free end of the lifeline to a minimum 5 lb. counterweight (e.g., 021-7014) to allow it to swing freely. Ensure the free end has a termination (stitched, knot) to prevent the grab from sliding off.

Description of Figure 18 (021-7014 Rope Counterweight Installation): Shows the four-step installation of the counterweight.

Inspection

User Inspection (Prior to Each Use):

• Rope: Check for fraying, cuts, corrosion, chemical/heat damage, melting, unsplicing, kinking, broken stitches, excessive elongation, soiling, abrasion, alteration, wear, and legible labels.
• Hardware: Check for cracks, sharp edges, deformation, corrosion, heat damage, alteration, and wear.
• Fall Arrester (Rope Grab): Check for cracks, sharp edges, deformation, corrosion, heat damage, alteration, proper function (movement/locking), wear, and legible labels.
• Work Area: Ensure it's free of debris, cracking, rot, decay, deterioration, rust, and hazardous materials. Confirm it supports application-specific loads.

Competent Person Inspection (Annually): A Competent Person (other than the user) must inspect the VLL and/or Rope Grab annually. Inspections must be recorded. Consider all applications and hazards the equipment has been exposed to.

IMMEDIATELY REMOVE FROM SERVICE: Any equipment found defective, damaged, or exposed to fall arrest forces must be removed from service and destroyed. Tag equipment needing maintenance/repair. ⚠️

Description of Figure 19 (Inspection Diagrams): Illustrates the components to be inspected: Shock Pack, Labels, Hardware, Lanyard/Webbing, Fall Arrester (Rope Grab), Rope, Plastic Thimble Eye.

Maintenance, Cleaning, & Storage

• Maintenance: Remove from use if subjected to fall arrest forces or if inspection reveals defects. Dispose of damaged equipment per jobsite requirements. Contact Safewaze for questions.
• Cleaning: Brush rope grab with a dry cloth. Clean lifeline, lanyard, and protector with warm water and mild soap. Air dry all equipment; DO NOT USE HEAT.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, clean environment away from direct sunlight and chemical vapors. Inspect thoroughly after extended storage.

Labeling

Various labels provide critical information:

• General Labels (e.g., on Rope Grab): Manufacturer, product model, safety indicators (Green Lock, Red Button), "UP" arrow ⬆️, blocking wheel positions (REST/GO), warnings, capacity, batch/part numbers, date of manufacture, standards, logo instructing to read instructions.
• Lanyard Labels: Manufacturer, logo, part number, serial number, "UP" arrow ⬆️, standards, capacity, suitable rope data, proper use diagram, warnings.
• VLL Assembly Labels: Manufacturer, logo, part number, batch number, country of origin, serial number, correct use/capacity, product model, manufacturer, blocking wheel position indicators (REST/GO).

Description of Figure 20 (Labeling): Details specific labels found on components and their key information points.

WARNING: Inspect before each use. Remove from service if exposed to fall arrest forces. Avoid sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, and physical hazards (thermal, electrical, chemical). Read and follow all manufacturer instructions. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death. ⚠️

Inspection Log

A log is provided for recording inspections. This includes fields for:

• Manufacturer, Model Number, Description, Serial Number, Lot Number, Date of Manufacture
• Company, Name of Inspector, Signature, Date of Inspection, In-Service Date
• Lifeline Material, Length, Diameter
• Inspection categories: Labels & Markings, Hardware, Material (Rope or Cable), Shock Pack, Rope Grab. Each category has specific items to check (PASS/FAIL/NOTE).
• Overall Vertical Lifeline Assembly check.

Annual Form: A separate annual inspection log with fields for Date, Inspector, Pass/Fail, and Comments/Corrective Action.

WARNING: Failure to understand and comply with safety regulations may result in serious injury or death. Regulations herein are for reference only and do not replace a Competent Person's judgment. ⚠️