INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing a Tether Track® Swing Arm by Gorbel to solve your fall protection needs. Tether Track®
Swing Arms have been optimally designed to provide maximum protection for workers exposed to a fall hazard.
When properly applied, configured and installed under the supervision of a qualified person, Tether Track® Swing
Arms will allow the ultimate in user mobility by providing a mobile rigid anchorage for the attachment of a lanyard or
self-retracting lanyard (SRL). Using a SRL combined with the engineered cantilever anchorage, provides the
superior safety of a rigid system by minimizing fall distance while maximizing energy absorption of the fall arrest
force. This reliable performance combined with an ANSI approved Managed Fall Protection Program gives the user
the utmost safety assurance and encourages further safe work practices.
Tether Track® Swing Arms are designed using the most current ANSI guidelines and comply with all OSHA
requirements for a fall arrest anchorage system. The use of ANSI’s Maximum Average Arresting Force (MAAF) has
been incorporated into the design standards for the Tether Track® Swing Arm. Tether Track® Swing Arm systems
are designed to be statically proof tested up to 125% of the MAAF. If using lanyards or SRLs that are just rated for
Maximum Arresting Force (MAF), this MAF rating shall not exceed the MAAF rating of the Tether Track® Swing
Arm. When loaded through proof testing or during a fall event, the Tether Track® Swing Arm will not incur any
visual permanent deformation and may be placed back into service after performing the inspection requirements
detailed in this manual. Tether Track® Swing Arms have additionally been designed and tested to not sustain any
visible deformation under the maximum OSHA allowed 1800 lb. dynamic arresting force. All engineered Tether
Track® Swing Arm systems comply with OSHA’s required safety factor of 2 and are designed in accordance with
ANSI Z359.6.
The W-shape jib design provides the best economic flexibility to fit your specific fall zone requirements and
provides the best design to allow for the greatest fall clearance height. This combined with a mobile trolley within
our enclosed track all mounted on a freely pivoting hinge allows for the maximum ease of movement. These proven
designs have been utilized in Gorbel’s crane products for many years. Refer to the Introduction to Jib Cranes and
Introduction to Work Station Cranes for more details and additional definition of terms.
APPLICATION
Tether Track® Swing Arms are the best choice for providing coverage to a semi-circular fall zone. The rigid
anchorage, maintaining the anchorage trolley overhead and the use of a “Class A” Self Retracting Lanyard provides
the best solution to minimize fall distance when fall clearance height is restrictive. Note: specify Class A requirement
at time of quote, standard design is for “Class B” SRLs. The pivoting arm can be swung out of the way of overhead
cranes or equipment when the system is not in use. Thrust and pull forces are provided to determine the adequacy
of the available support structure. These forces are calculated using proof loading requirements of 1.25 * MAAF and
dead weight. When an existing support structure is unavailable or inadequate, Free Standing Tether Track® Swing
Arms can be provided. Foundation requirements are provided based on 3000 psi concrete strength and 2500 psi
allowable soil bearing strength.
When using a Tether Track® Swing Arm for more than one worker, either the motorized or friction brake option is
required. Both of these options, when properly adjusted, prevent excessive movement of the Swing Arm during a fall
event while limiting high lateral impact stresses in the swing arm and supporting structure.
This product meets all applicable OSHA and ANSI standard for all protection.
Dimensions contained in this installation manual are for reference only and may differ for your particular
application. Please refer to the enclosed General Arrangement Drawing for actual dimensions.
Normal safety precautions:
These include, but are not limited to:
• Checking for obstructions in the fall clearance zone
• Coordinating fall hazard activities with assigned rescue personnel
• Making sure that end stops are in place
• Making sure that trolley freely moves
• For Motorized Swing Arms, verifying that lock out is in place
• When used by more than one worker at the same time, verifying friction brake or motorized clutch restricts
Swing Arm rotation
For additional safety precautions, see page 21.
1
10/12 Rev. E
