Rope Grab 5/8" Diameter

Palmer Safety C0850 Rope Grab 5/8" – ANSI Z359.1-2007 Compliant Moving/Trailing Fall Arrester

The Palmer Safety C0850 is a 5/8" large bail, yellow chromate finish rope grab engineered for use as a moving and trailing rope grab on flexible vertical lifeline assemblies (VLA). Designed for contractors and trades professionals working at height, it functions as a personal fall arrest component that travels with the user during ascent and descent, automatically locking onto the lifeline in the event of a fall. Constructed from high-strength alloy steel and featuring a unique anti-panic mechanism, the C0850 meets or exceeds ANSI Z359.1-2007 standards for fall protection when used according to specification.

Technical Specifications

The C0850 differentiates itself from fixed-position rope grabs through its trailing design, which eliminates the need to manually reposition the device during movement along the lifeline. The integrated anti-panic feature provides an additional layer of protection by automatically engaging if the user grips the device too tightly during a fall event, a scenario where instinct can otherwise defeat the locking mechanism. Third-party certification by SATRA Technology Centre and ongoing assessment by SGS UK provides independent verification of compliance.

Key Features & Benefits

Moving/Trailing Design

The C0850 travels automatically with the user as they ascend or descend the vertical lifeline, removing the need to stop and reposition the grab. This keeps the worker continuously protected throughout movement and reduces the risk of working above an unengaged device.

Anti-Panic Feature

An integrated anti-panic mechanism automatically activates if the user instinctively grips the fall arrester too tightly during a fall, preventing the device from being held open. This addresses a known human-factors failure mode in rope grab design and adds a critical layer of passive protection.

High-Strength Alloy Steel Construction

The body is manufactured from high-strength alloy steel with a yellow chromate finish, providing corrosion resistance and structural integrity under the demanding conditions of construction job sites. The 15 kN minimum breaking strength meets the anchor load requirements for both fall arrest and restraint applications.

Broad Rope Compatibility

The C0850 is compatible with 0.47 in. diameter kernmantle rope as well as 0.55 in. and 0.63 in. diameter twisted rope, giving contractors flexibility in selecting their vertical lifeline without needing a different grab for each rope type.

Openable Galvanized Sheet Body

The rope grab features an openable flange design that allows the device to be installed onto the rope mid-line without threading from the end. This simplifies rigging and reduces setup time on the job site.

ANSI Z359.1-2007 Compliance with Third-Party Certification

The C0850 meets or exceeds ANSI Z359.1-2007 when used per the instruction manual, and is independently certified by SATRA Technology Centre (Notified Body 0321) with ongoing assessment by SGS UK (Notified Body 0120). This supports compliance documentation requirements for OSHA-regulated job sites.

Common Applications

Personal Fall Arrest on Vertical Lifelines

The C0850 is designed for use as the primary fall arrest component on a vertical lifeline assembly (VLA), supporting a maximum of one PFAS per connection point on structures capable of withstanding at least 15 kN.

Restraint Systems

The device may be used in restraint applications to prevent workers from reaching the leading edge of a fall hazard, provided no free fall is permitted and the anchor structure can withstand at least 15 kN in the permitted load directions.

Roofing and Elevated Surface Work

Workers ascending or descending pitched or flat roof surfaces can use the trailing rope grab to maintain continuous fall protection throughout their movement, with the device locking automatically if a fall occurs.

General Construction at Height

Any elevated work environment where a vertical lifeline is rigged from an overhead anchor point — including structural steel, concrete formwork, and similar applications — is a suitable use case for the C0850 within its rated weight and load parameters.

Compatible Materials

• 0.47 in. diameter kernmantle rope
• 0.55 in. diameter twisted rope
• 0.63 in. diameter twisted rope

Product Documents

• C0850 Tech Sheet
• C0850 User Manual
• SRL170 Dual Leg SRD Converter Quick Installation Guide

Application Instructions

Before Installation

1. Ensure all personal fall arrest system (PFAS) equipment is selected and deemed compatible by a Competent Person.
2. Eliminate or minimize all risk of swing fall.
3. Determine the desired location for the lifeline; ensure the location is free of debris, rot, decay, cracking, and hazardous materials.
4. Confirm that installation, set-up, and use of the lifeline system is performed under the supervision of a Qualified Person.

Installing the Fall Arrester onto the Rope

1. Loosen the nut to open the fall arrester flange.
2. Press the safety clip of the fall arrester.
3. Install the rope into the fall arrester.
4. Close the flange and tighten the screw nut securely.
5. Connect the system to your harness D-ring using a compatible karabiner. The system is now ready for use.

During Use

1. Eliminate all risk of lower-end termination: ensure the VLA will prevent the user from striking the next lower level with adequate fall clearance, or that the VLA will not reach the leading edge of any fall hazard at full length. NEVER tie a knot in the lifeline except at the extreme bottom to prevent the fall arrester from detaching.
2. Eliminate or minimize all risk of swing fall.
3. Attach the snap hook with integrated Shock Pack to a compatible anchorage connector.
4. Attach the snap hook with integrated Fall Arrest to the applicable harness D-ring.
5. To move along the lifeline, compress and hold the Fall Arrest handle. ALWAYS adjust the Fall Arrester to reduce slack in the system as much as possible. When moving along the work surface, ALWAYS move the Fall Arrester along the rope — NEVER move only the rope itself while keeping the Fall Arrester stationary, as this can create free fall in excess of permitted levels.
6. To restrict Fall Arrester movement along the lifeline, release the Fall Arrest handle.
7. The anti-panic feature automatically activates if the user grasps the fall arrester too tightly. Take care NEVER to grab the fall arrester in the event of a fall.
8. NEVER work above the Fall Arrester unless free fall is limited to 6 ft or less.

After Use

1. Remove all dirt, corrosives, and contaminants from the C0850 before and after each use. If it cannot be cleaned with plain water, use mild soap and water, then rinse and wipe dry. NEVER clean with corrosive substances.
2. When not in use, store the equipment where it will not be affected by heat, light, excessive moisture, chemicals, or other degrading elements.
3. Equipment subjected to the forces of fall arrest must immediately be removed from use.

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Improper use, modification, or failure to inspect may result in serious injury or death.
• Swing falls significantly increase the likelihood of serious injury or death; always work as close to in line with the anchor point as possible.
• NEVER work above the Fall Arrester unless free fall is limited to 6 ft or less.
• Sustained post-fall suspension may result in serious injury or death; use trauma relief straps to reduce the effects of suspension trauma.
• Age, fitness, and health conditions can affect a worker's ability to withstand fall arrest forces; consult a doctor if there is any doubt.
• Pregnant women and minors must not use this equipment.
• Equipment subjected to fall arrest forces must be immediately removed from service.
• NEVER use fall protection equipment to hang, lift, support, or hoist tools or equipment unless explicitly certified for such use.
• Maximum 1 attachment per connection point.
• NEVER connect snap hooks or karabiners to each other.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Compatible full-body harness with applicable D-ring
• Self-closing, self-locking snap hooks and karabiners rated to withstand a minimum load of 3,600 lbs
• Trauma relief straps for post-fall suspension scenarios

Safe Handling

• Inspect the C0850 prior to each use for corrosion, deformation, pits, burrs, rough surfaces, sharp edges, cracking, rust, paint buildup, excessive heating, alteration, broken stitching, fraying, bird-caging, and missing or illegible labels.
• A Competent Person other than the user must formally inspect the C0850 at least every 6 months; inspections must be documented in the inspection log and on the equipment inspection grid label.
• Product lifetime is 10 years from date of first use, or from date of manufacture if first use is not recorded, subject to passing all required inspections.
• No on-site repair unless explicitly permitted by the manufacturer; repairs may only be made by a Competent Person or an entity authorized by the manufacturer.
• Ensure the work area is free of debris, rot, rust, decay, cracking, and hazardous materials, and that it will support the application-specific minimum loads stated in the instruction manual.
• Worker weight capacity (including all clothing, tools, and equipment) is 130–310 lbs.
• All fall protection equipment should be purchased new and in an unused condition.
• A pre-planned, project-specific rescue procedure must be in place prior to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What rope types and diameters is the C0850 compatible with?
A: The C0850 is compatible with 0.47 in. diameter kernmantle rope and 0.55 in. or 0.63 in. diameter twisted rope.

Q: Can the C0850 be used in both fall arrest and restraint applications?
A: Yes. The C0850 may be used in personal fall arrest applications (supporting a maximum of 1 PFAS) and in restraint applications. It must NEVER be used simultaneously in both fall arrest and restraint.

Q: What is the worker weight limit for the C0850?
A: The allowable worker weight range, including all clothing, tools, and equipment, is 130–310 lbs (approximately 59–140 kg).

Q: How often must the C0850 be formally inspected by a Competent Person?
A: A Competent Person other than the user must inspect the C0850 at least every 6 months. All inspections must be documented in the inspection log and on the equipment inspection grid label. The user must also inspect the device prior to each use.

Q: What is the service life of the C0850?
A: The product lifetime is 10 years from the date of first use, or from the date of manufacture if the date of first use is not recorded, provided the device continues to pass all required pre-use and Competent Person inspections.

Q: What should be done if the C0850 is involved in a fall arrest event?
A: Equipment subjected to the forces of fall arrest must be immediately removed from service. Contact the manufacturer to inquire about return or repair.