Werner’s new Bantam Switch self-retracting lifeline transfers the weight of the housing unit from the user’s back to the anchor point and lightening the load on an individual’s back for professionals working at height.

The company has introduced eight new Class 1 models of the Bantam Switch SRL available in multiple weights as well as single-leg or twin-leg options. The new SRL is both ANSI and OSHA Certified.   

Self-retracting lifelines allow users safety, flexibility, and freedom of movement when working at height and are an important component of any fall protection system. Werner said this innovative advancement in SRLs achieves an industry goal of reducing the housing unit’s weight that is usually carried on a professional’s back.

“Our goal when designing the new Bantam Switch SRL was to reduce the weight of the housing units that professionals carry on their back to zero pounds,” said Melissa Moss, product marketing manager at WernerCo Professional Brands. “By connecting the housing unit to the anchor point versus the traditional approach of connecting the unit to the D-ring on the user’s harness, Werner has reduced the weight and bulk the professional carries.”

Enhanced SRL Comfort, Flexibility, and Freedom

The new fall-protection Bantam Switch can be used for a variety of applications and Werner said it provides unencumbered movement without the discomfort and weight of an SRL housing unit on the worker’s back.

However, the most important function, the company said, of a self-retracting lifeline is to protect users on the jobsite and minimize injuries.

Features of the Bantam Switch SRL

The Bantam Switch features, according to Werner, are:

• More flexibility and freedom: A small, simplified back pad allows users to achieve a greater range of motion and flexibility for maximum productivity.

• Transfers weight off user: The switch in mechanism placement transfers the weight of the SRL housing unit from the user to the anchor point.

• Reduces the impact of a fall: The integrated backpack-style shock pack reduces the impact of a fall to protect the user, according to the company.

• Increases comfort and reduces frustration: The anchor-attaching housing unit paired with the omnidirectional swivel transfers almost all weight from the user’s back to the anchor point without compromising performance. The omnidirectional swivel design at the housing connection also reduces potential line twists.