When working at heights, workers must be both protected from falls and able to move freely. If guardrails, travel restraint systems, and fall restraint systems are not feasible options, workers can protect themselves from fall hazards by using a self-retracting lifeline (SRL).

Use this advisory on the safe setup of SRLs to learn:

• What information is available in the equipment manufacturer’s operating manual
• How to determine your anchor points
• How to calculate fall clearance distance
• Where to find more IHSA resources about SRLs

2025 edition.