First things first:

A Leading Edge is an unprotected border, perimeter, or opening where a fall hazard exists. Many Leading Edges also present sharp edges, so when your cable hits the sharp edge – there is a risk for it to snap. A Leading Edge is anchored lower than the elevation of the dorsal D-Ring on a worker’s full body harness.

With that in mind, let’s start with the new Self-Retracting Lifeline CSA Standard that took effect August, 2019:

All Self-Retracting Lifelines used below the Dorsal/back D-Ring tested to the new Z259.2.2-17 CSA Standard MUST be LEADING EDGE regardless of the application. Self-Retracting Lifelines tested under the previous standard are still able to be used as they were designed (ie. NanoLok – previous Self-Retracting Lifelines sold under the CSA Z259.2.2-14 standard can still be used 3 feet below their Dorsal/back D-Ring but new products purchased to the CSA Z259.2.2-17 standard MUST be used at D-Ring height or higher)

Please note, that in Canada there is no distinction between sharp edge and leading.

Leading Edge means you can tie off below your D-Ring and the resulting forces will be lower than 8 kNs (1,800lbs) if you are weighted less than the rated capacity of the Self-Retracting Lifeline.

Sharp Edge means that you can tie off at your feet. If you fall, the lanyard or Self-Retracting Lifeline will not cut going over a sharp edge.

The CSA requirement tests the Self-Retracting Lifeline at the leading edge over a sharp edge. There is no distinction made in the testing criteria of validation protocol to separate the two.

3M DBI-Sala uses the orange triangle symbol below and an orange shock pack which designates both leading edge and sharp edge compliance.

Calculating Fall Clearance is different on a Self-Retracting Lifeline than on a lanyard. Self-Retracting Lifeline clearance is calculated from working level based on anchor point location circled below:

Here are some 3M DBI-Sala products that meet all current criteria for working at heights with Leading Edges:

3M DBI-Sala Nano-Lok Leading Edge 8ft SRL w/ Snap Hook

3M DBI-Sala Nano-Lok Leading Edge Twin Leg SRL w/ Rebar Hooks

3M Protecta Rebel Leading Edge 33ft SRL

3M DBI-Sala Smart Lock Horizontal Leading Edge SRL

"Andrea Martin has been a Fall Protection Specialist with 3M Canada for almost 7 years. She started her safety career in glove manufacturing over 18 years ago. She “fell” in love with fall protection 15 years ago. In her spare time she enjoys cooking & smoking briskets, being a book nerd, spending time with her 2 dogs & golfing with her husband."