3M DBI-SALA Nano-Lok Edge Self-Retracting Lifeline 3500248, 8 ft Single-Leg SRL
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review β 3M DBI-SALA 3500248 Nano-Lok Edge Self-Retracting Lifeline, 8 ft Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category f...
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Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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3M DBI-SALA Nano-Lok Edge Self-Retracting Lifeline 3500248, 8 ft Single-Leg SRL Overview
The 3M DBI-SALA 3500248 Nano-Lok Edge Self-Retracting Lifeline is a compact 8 ft single-leg SRL built for leading-edge work, where the lifeline can run over or contact a sharp edge during a fall. It is one of the most common attachment points in a modern fall protection kit because it keeps the worker tied off with minimal slack and a short, controlled arrest distance.
An SRL is only one part of a compliant personal fall arrest system. Under OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.140 and ANSI Z359, you must combine this lifeline with a full body harness (never a body belt for fall arrest) and connect it to an anchorage capable of supporting 5,000 lb per attached worker, or engineered to a 2:1 safety factor. The 3500248 attaches to the harness dorsal (back) D-ring and locks under sudden load, the way an automotive seatbelt does, while paying out smoothly for normal movement.
Because edge-rated SRLs are designed for foot-level and leading-edge tie-off, they suit roofing, steel erection, formwork, and similar work the way fixed-length lanyards often cannot. Compare it against other self retracting lifelines by length, single- vs twin-leg configuration, and edge rating before you buy. Any component that has arrested a fall must be retired β inspect every SRL before each use and remove it from service after deployment, per 3M instructions and ANSI Z359.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Leading-edge / foot-level tie-off (roofing, formwork, steel) | Strong fit | The edge-rated design is built for lifelines that may contact a sharp edge in a fall; pair with a full-body harness dorsal D-ring and a 5,000 lb anchor. |
| Single-worker connection from one anchor | Strong fit | Single-leg 8 ft SRL keeps slack low for one attachment point; for 100% tie-off while moving between anchors, choose a twin-leg SRL instead. |
| 100% continuous tie-off across two anchors | Not ideal | A single-leg SRL disconnects during transfer; use the twin-leg 3500276 Nano-Lok Edge for uninterrupted connection. |
| Overhead anchorage well above the D-ring | Possible | Edge-rated SRLs also work overhead; confirm the application and clearance against the 3M instruction manual for your anchor height. |
| Restraint or positioning only (no fall-arrest exposure) | Not ideal | An SRL is fall-arrest equipment; for positioning use a rated positioning lanyard and keep this unit for arrest duty. |
| Reuse after a fall has occurred | Not allowed | Any SRL that has arrested a fall must be removed from service and retired β do not redeploy. |
Fall protection is life-safety equipment. A personal fall arrest system must limit free fall and arrest forces under OSHA 1926.502 / 1910.140 and ANSI Z359: use a full-body harness (never a body belt for fall arrest) with a compatible shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline and an anchorage rated 5,000 lb per worker (or engineered to a 2:1 safety factor). Inspect every component before each use, immediately retire anything that has arrested a fall or shows damage, and work to a documented rescue plan. Browse fall protection and full-body harnesses.
Pros & Cons
- Edge-rated for leading-edge applications where the lifeline may contact a sharp edge
- Compact 8 ft single-leg SRL keeps slack low and arrest distance short
- Connects directly to a full-body harness dorsal D-ring for a complete fall arrest system
- Self-locking, seatbelt-style action pays out smoothly and locks under sudden load
- Backed by the established DBI-SALA Nano-Lok Edge platform
- Single-leg design does not provide 100% continuous tie-off when moving between anchors
- Must be retired after arresting any fall β not reusable post-deployment
- Requires a separate compliant full-body harness and 5,000 lb anchorage (sold separately)
- 8 ft working length may be short for some applications versus 30β60 ft SRLs
How It Compares
Within the DBI-SALA Nano-Lok Edge family, the 3500248 is an 8 ft single-leg SRL. Compare it with its closest siblings before choosing, and browse all self retracting lifelines to confirm length and configuration:
| Model | Configuration | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3500248 Nano-Lok Edge | Single-leg | 8 ft | Single-anchor leading-edge tie-off |
| 3500295 Nano-Lok Edge | Single-leg | 8 ft | Single-anchor edge work (alternate connector configuration) |
| 3500276 Nano-Lok Edge | Twin-leg | 8 ft | 100% continuous tie-off when moving between anchors |
All three connect to a full body harness and require a compliant anchor. If you need fixed-length connection instead of a retracting unit, review shock-absorbing lanyards. Confirm exact specifications and connector hardware against the 3M instruction manual before purchase β do not assume capacities not stated by the manufacturer.
Specifications
| Brand | 3M DBI-SALA |
| Model | Nano-Lok Edge 3500248 |
| Product type | Self-retracting lifeline (SRL) |
| Working length | 8 ft |
| Configuration | Single-leg |
| Edge rating | Edge-rated (leading-edge applications) |
| Harness connection | Full-body harness dorsal (back) D-ring |
| Required anchorage | 5,000 lb per worker, or 2:1 engineered safety factor (per OSHA/ANSI) |
| Service rule | Retire after any fall arrest |
Related Resources
fall protection full body harnesses lanyards self retracting lifelines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3M DBI-SALA 3500248 Nano-Lok Edge SRL?
It is an 8 ft single-leg self-retracting lifeline rated for leading-edge applications, where the lifeline may contact a sharp edge during a fall. It connects a full-body harness dorsal D-ring to a compliant anchor to form a personal fall arrest system. Browse all self retracting lifelines to compare.
What length is the 3500248?
The 3500248 has an 8 ft working length. If you need a longer reach, compare it against 30 ft, 50 ft, and 60 ft units in our self retracting lifelines collection.
Does this SRL come with a harness?
No. The SRL is sold on its own. You must add a compliant full body harness and connect to a rated anchorage to complete a personal fall arrest system. A body belt is never permitted for fall arrest.
What anchorage does it require?
Under OSHA 1926.502 / 1910.140, the anchorage must support 5,000 lb per attached worker, or be engineered to at least a 2:1 safety factor under a qualified person's supervision. Verify your anchor before each use as part of your fall protection plan.
Where does the 3500248 attach on the harness?
It connects to the dorsal (back) D-ring of a full body harness. The dorsal D-ring is the standard fall-arrest attachment point; do not connect a fall-arrest SRL to side or chest D-rings unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically allow it.
Is this a single-leg or twin-leg SRL?
The 3500248 is single-leg. For 100% continuous tie-off while moving between anchors, choose the twin-leg 3500276 Nano-Lok Edge instead. Both appear in our self retracting lifelines range.
What does 'edge-rated' mean?
Edge-rated (leading-edge) SRLs are designed and tested for situations where the lifeline can run over or contact a sharp edge during a fall, which is common in foot-level tie-off. Standard SRLs are not. Confirm the edge rating matches your work before buying.
Can I reuse the SRL after it stops a fall?
No. Any component that has arrested a fall must be removed from service and retired, per 3M instructions and ANSI Z359. Inspect the unit before every use and replace it after any deployment.
How is the 3500248 different from the 3500295?
Both are 8 ft single-leg Nano-Lok Edge SRLs; they differ in connector configuration. Match the model to the connector hardware your harness and anchor require, and confirm details against the 3M manual. See both in self retracting lifelines.
Can I use a lanyard instead of this SRL?
A shock-absorbing lanyard is an alternative connecting means, but it provides a fixed length and a longer fall distance than a retracting SRL. Review options in our lanyards collection and choose based on clearance and work height.
Is the 3500248 OSHA compliant on its own?
No single component is 'OSHA approved.' Compliance comes from using a complete system correctly: a full-body harness, this SRL as the connecting means, and a 5,000 lb anchorage, all used per OSHA 1926.502 / 1910.140 and the manufacturer's instructions.
How do I inspect the SRL before use?
Follow the 3M instruction manual: check the lifeline for cuts or fraying, confirm the unit locks when pulled sharply and retracts fully, verify the load-indicator and connectors, and check the inspection date. Remove any unit that fails inspection from service. See more fall protection guidance.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from 3M published data. Compare the range in full-body harnesses.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the product to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
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