Make no mistake, edge working is something that should be avoided if at all possible. In any work at height application, the priority should be focused on mitigating the risk of operatives reaching and/or falling from the edge of a building or structure. But if it is absolutely necessary and unavoidable, then it’s vital to be well-prepared and have the highest levels of protection in place. That’s why MSA Safety, global manufacturer and distributor of industry-leading safety products, has created its V-EDGE™ range - a comprehensive portfolio of products designed to keep those who have to work on the edge, safe.

Jon Rowan, Product Line Manager at MSA comments: “Working in a leading-edge application carries many risks. When anchored at foot level, for example, if a worker falls, they will fall further than if anchored at shoulder height or above. This can create issues around fall clearance and impact on the body. There’s also the potential for lifelines to become damaged or compromised and an increased possibility for workers to swing after falling, creating a back and forth sawing action across the edge. That’s why – while we don’t encourage this type of work at height – it’s so important to use a leading edge-compatible self-retracting lifeline with the strength and durability to mitigate the effects of loading over an edge.”

MSA’s edge working product range comprises a series of V-EDGE Self Retracting Lifelines (SRLs), available in 6m, 10m and 15m lengths, and Personal Fall Limiters (PFLs) available in 1.8m and 2.4m lengths.

V-EDGE SRL

The V-EDGE SRL is specifically engineered and tested for use in horizontal, overhead, and leading-edge applications, removing the guesswork from equipment selection. MSA’s V-EDGE SRL meets EN 360: 2002 and VG11 Recommendation for Use sheet PPE-R/11.060. In doing so, the device adhered to a series of additional requirements: locking in a horizontal arrangement (including following optional conditioning), dynamic performance, strength and static strength in a horizontal arrangement when loaded over an edge with an edge with a radius of 0.5mm.

The device’s retraction-dampening feature controls the rate of lifeline speed, preventing unwanted damage to the unit, and maximising product longevity, while an integrated roll cage provides freedom of movement and additional protection to the housing when used in foot-level tie off.

V-EDGE 1.8m PFL

The V-EDGE 1.8m Personal Fall Limiter is a lightweight option for leading edge applications, engineered for use in overhead and foot-level tie off points. It’s tested for horizontal use over a steel edge without burrs and is suitable for use on Mobile Elevating Working Platforms (MEWPs).

The device comes complete with a wide range of smart features that contribute to high levels of safety, durability, and functionality. Its aluminium triple lock caribiner provides maximum safety when connected to a harness D-Ring, offering all-important peace of mind for the user, while its unique webbing construction – tested to one million abrasion cycles – offers industry-leading durability. A transparent casing makes for easy visual inspection of critical internal components, and a yellow indicator thread incorporated into the lanyard webbing means it’s easy to see if it’s worn. The lifeline also remains extended, allowing the connector to be easily reached, and its compact design means the product sits comfortably on the user’s back.

Jon Rowan concludes: “MSA’s mission is to send people home safely at the end of each working day. Our leading-edge products are designed with this in mind – when the last resort is the only option, there must be a solution to keep people safe.”

For more information on MSA Safety’s V-EDGE range, visit gb.msasafety.com/leadingedgefallprotection