Lifehook® Buyer’s Guide

Saving Time and Money

Knowing how to purchase Lifehook® systems can save your company the most money.  Tip: You'll have fewer compatibility issues, and will generally save more time and money by purchasing a turnkey system over sourcing the components separately yourself. Also, you may find additional financial savings by always submitting a written RFQ (Request for Quote) by fax to an Authorized Lifehook® Distributor. 

Authorized Lifehook® Distributors

Knowing where to purchase Lifehook® systems can also save you time and money.  To get the most competitive pricing and lead times on your RFQ, always contact an Authorized Lifehook® Distributor directly.  You can check with us for the name of the Authorized Lifehook® Distributor that can best suit your specific Lifehook® needs or find information about an Authorized Lifehook® Distributor in your region by selecting the User Help / Instructor Support link.

The price for a Lifehook® system will vary by distributor and by the selection of compatible fall arrest components used as a system with genuine Lifehook® anchors.  Below are considerations that will assist you in specifying a Lifehook® system to best suit your training application and budget.

How to outfit a Lifehook® lineman training fall protection system

Lifehook® systems are only to be used under the supervision of trained and qualified safety professionals.  Follow all manufacturers’ instructions for installation, proper use, and service intervals.  Inspect all components of a fall protection system prior to each use.

Before you begin, a qualified person must first determine that each utility pole used for installation of a system is plumb and in good condition.  Should the utility poles be deemed acceptable, determine the diameter and height of the poles where the Lifehook® system will be installed for training.

Anchor

Thoroughly consider the needs of your training program.  Lifehook® systems are available with a variety of approved anchors for both traditional pole-top training and also as height-adjustable systems.

Lifehook® Height-Adjustable FB6 can be installed at any point on the utility pole with a six to nine inch span.  The davit of this system rotates up to 250 degrees on low-friction bearings.  These types of patented anchors can be used as one-man systems, or in tandem with another Lifehook® anchor for training two climbers on a single pole.  As one-man systems, these are popular among organizations that train only occasionally or wish to use the same system to train at multiple locations.  Lifehook® FB6 anchors compare favorably in user safety, product strength, and service life to look-alike products. 

Lifehook® Pole-Top L55 includes a davit that rotates 360 degrees around the pole to provide the apprentice with full and unrestricted mobility up, down, and around the pole while learning proper climbing skills.  These systems fit utility poles with a standard span between six and nine inches.  In geographic regions not exposed to severe environments, the Pole-Top L55 is a cost-effective alternative for traditional training while still providing advantages in safety, performance, and strength over competing products. 

Lifehook® Galvanized L55 systems have been the choice of top training professionals for over twenty two years.  Galvanizing is a Lifehook® exclusive, and it provides a rust-proof finish many times more durable than any competing product finish.  This is an important consideration with exposure in severe urban and coastal environments.  These heavy-duty anchors install at the top of utility poles with a span between 8.5 and 10.5 inches.  No covers are necessary.  Galvanized Lifehook® L55 systems remain popular among organizations that conduct outdoor training classes on a frequent year-round basis. 

Connecting Device

Lifehook® systems are engineered to be used with high quality self-retracting lifelines.  A self-retracting lifeline, or SRL, must meet or exceed current OSHA and ANSI standards. The SRL must be of the locking type and not of the controlled descent variety.  The length of the self-retracting lifeline must be at least as long as the measurement from ground level to the point on the utility pole where the Lifehook® will be installed.

Self-retracting lifelines are available in a variety of cable materials including synthetic webbing, galvanized cable, and stainless steel wire rope.  The SRL must feature or include a fall impact indicator, a self-locking carabiner, and a tagline.  Specifications such as working capacity, locking speed, arrest force, stop distance, and service intervals vary by manufacturer.   By design, the SRL should have a working load capacity of at least 310 lbs, limit a free fall to 24 inches or less, and limit fall arrest forces to 900 lbs or less.

Body Wear

When selecting a harness, the buyer should keep the needs and preferences of the climbing apprentice in mind.  Generally, the longer the climbing apprentice is required to be wearing a harness while training, the more comfortable the harness should be. 

There are many choices in specifying a harness that will affect its level of comfort, utility, ease of use, and cost.  For use as a component of Lifehook® systems, the harness must be of the full-body type, meet OSHA and ANSI standards, be sized appropriately for the climber and, at a minimum, feature a sub-pelvic strap and sliding back (dorsal) D-ring or web loop.  For safety and ease of inspection, we recommend selecting a model that features a fall indicator; a portion of special stitching that will indicate that the harness has been subject to excess fall arrest forces.

To optimize comfort, consider the style, size, and material of the harness.  Most harness sizing is known as “universal-fit” which means one size (L-XL) is adjustable to fit most climbers.  Other standard sizes available range from small to 3XL.  You may also supply us the climber’s measurements to custom order a harness tailored for a perfect fit.  Custom harnesses may provide the most comfort to individuals weighing more than 310 pounds.

Another factor in the cost of a harness is the type of buckle or buckles used.  The buckles used to fasten a harness on the climber range, in order of convenience, from tongue buckles, mating buckles, friction (parachute style) buckles, to newer quick-connect (seat belt style) buckles.  Again, the buyer should keep the needs and preferences of the climbing apprentice in mind.

Harnesses may be constructed from a variety of materials including nylon, polyester, and Nomex/Kevlar, to more comfortable stretchable elastomer webbing and cushioned tubular webbing.  New designs include vest-style harnesses that are easy to don, provide the greatest comfort, and offer the widest variety of features and optional accessories.  Important accessories to consider that enhance comfort include pads for the back, shoulder, and legs. 

Some harness models allow use of a body belt over the harness, some feature belt loops to accommodate a lineman’s belt, and still others are equipped with side D-rings for attaching a safety strap or climbing device.  Authorized Lifehook® Distributors will help you specify all of the fall protection components you’ll need to outfit your apprentice training program for safety compliance.