A retractable fall arrester block, also called a self retracting lifeline or SRL, is fixed to one anchor point above the worker. Its line pays out and winds back in as the worker moves, so it stays taut with no slack, and the brake locks at once if the line is pulled out suddenly in a fall. Karam states its blocks to EN 360:2023, the European standard for retractable type fall arresters, and the PCWB (IS) blocks also to the Indian standard IS 3521(Part 3):2021. Start by choosing a length that covers the full working range, from the 2 m Micron Block up to 30 m blocks.
Then choose the line and casing. Webbing (25 mm polyester on most blocks) is light and suits lengths up to 12 m. Galvanized steel wire rope (ALGS and TPGS blocks) and stainless steel wire rope (TPGS SS and SLBL blocks) go up to 20 m or 30 m, and stainless steel suits wet and corrosive sites. Casings are high impact polymer or plastic, powder coated aluminium, or fully sealed stainless steel on the SLBL blocks for offshore and chemical work. For work where the line may run over an edge, Karam offers sharp edge tested webbing blocks. Many wire rope blocks and all load arresters also list ATEX 2014/34/EU, the EU directive for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
For rescue, retrieval blocks (TPGS R, TPGS R SS and PCSR18R) combine fall arrest with a built-in winch, so a fallen worker can be hoisted out when the block is mounted on a tripod, megapod or k-pod with the right bracket. These are also stated to EN 1496:2017 Class B, the standard for rescue lifting devices. Twin units (the ALWB2X2 twin block and the Mikron twin lanyard) carry two lines, so the worker can clip the second line on before unclipping the first.
Load arresters are a different product: backup devices that catch a suspended load, such as machinery, stage equipment or a lighting rig, if the primary lifting system fails. Pick them by the maximum load (200 kg, 300 kg, 400 kg, 500 kg or 1000 kg) and the cable length. Prices for all Karam fall arresters are on request: call or WhatsApp +91 92440 89060.