Falls still kill more people on the job than just about anything else. That’s not some scare stat—it’s straight from the numbers. Hundreds of workers don’t go home each year because of one bad step, a broken anchor point, or a lifeline that couldn’t hold up to the day-to-day grind.
That’s exactly why ANSI overhauled its fall protection standard—and if you use Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs) on the jobsite, you need to know what changed. Especially Class 2.
Let’s skip the corporate brochure and just lay it out like it is.
What’s the Deal With Class 2?
Class 2 SRLs aren’t just the next model up—they’re built for rougher conditions. Think of them like your heavy-duty boots compared to sneakers. Both might keep you moving, but only one handles sharp edges, low tie-offs, and real jobsite chaos.
Here’s the quick-hit difference:
- Class 1 SRL: Anchor it at or above your back D-ring.
- Class 2 SRL: You can anchor it up to 5 feet below your D-ring and use it around a sharp leading edge.
That second part matters. Leading edges aren’t just a maybe on the job—they’re everywhere. If you’re working steel decking, rooftops, or concrete forms, you’re walking a knife’s edge. Literally.
What Counts as a “Leading Edge”?
A chunk of steel sharp enough to slice a lifeline on impact. ANSI calls it 0.005 inches thick—about half a razor blade. That’s the edge your lifeline has to hold up against.
So Class 2 SRLs are drop-tested over that sharp edge to prove they don’t snap under pressure. That kind of test? Class 1 doesn’t go through it. Not even close.
What If You Use a Class 1 Where You Shouldn’t?
You’re rolling the dice with your crew’s safety and probably breaking ANSI Z359.14-2021. If your lifeline fails on a cut, it’s not just a busted tether—it’s a fall that turns fatal. And if you’re tied off below the D-ring using a Class 1? Not compliant. Not smart.
Bottom line: If your tie-off is below the D-ring or there’s a sharp edge anywhere in your fall path, Class 2 is the only way to go.
Can You Just Keep Using the Old Stuff?
Short answer: No.
Class A and Class B are out. That gear isn’t rated under the new testing rules, and it doesn’t meet the Class 2 safety bar. You can’t slap a new label on it and call it good. The guts and the tests aren’t the same. If it doesn’t say Class 2 on the tag, it’s not a Class 2 SRL.
Want to play it safe? Get gear that’s got:
- A “Class 2” label
- A clear fall clearance chart (showing exactly how much room you need to avoid hitting something if you fall)
Wait—What’s SRL-P and SRL-R?
Because ANSI loves extra letters:
- SRL-P: Hooks straight to your harness. For personal use, not overhead rigging.
- SRL-R: Includes a rescue function—lets you hoist someone up or lower ‘em down after a fall.
If you're just worried about regular fall protection, stick to Class 2 SRLs and SRL-Ps. You’ll know if you need the rescue type.
Where to Use a Class 2 SRL
- Anytime you're tied off below the D-ring
- Anywhere you're working near a leading edge
If your job checks one—or both—of those boxes, Class 2 isn't optional. It’s the only thing that passes muster.
The Specs
| Class 1 | Class 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tie-Off Point | At/Above D-Ring | Up to 5 ft Below D-Ring |
| Leading Edge Use | No | Yes |
| Label Required | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Clearance Chart | Optional | Mandatory |
One Last Thing...
Look, nobody’s saying gear is exciting. But this is the kind of stuff that keeps you or your guys from going head-first off a steel deck.
If you’re still using Class A or Class B units, it’s time to move on. Class 2 SRLs are what ANSI expects. More importantly, they’re what the job demands.
Want help figuring out which SRL fits your job? Give us a call, or check what’s in stock.
