The TAN10 is the taller MEGApod 10-foot aluminum confined space tripod.
Same MEGApod head, double pulley, and accessory bracket pattern as the TAN07, sized up for deeper entries: deep manholes, tank and vessel openings with extra freeboard, and vault entries where the attendant needs more headroom above the opening. Telescopic legs adjust from 71.65 in (1.82 m) to 92.91 in (2.36 m) closed-condition height, with a maximum open-condition height of 100.79 in (2.56 m). 310 lb working load. 5,000 lb minimum breaking strength. Independently tested at Dolomiticert (Italy) to ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-2007. Sold as the bare tripod platform without a winch or SRL.
Why Choose the 10-foot MEGApod
Deeper entries, more headroom, same MEGApod accessories. The TAN10 is the right buy when the 7-foot TAN07 doesn't provide enough head clearance above the opening for a clean winch line, or when your entry standoff and floor distance need more cable-routing room above the lip. Maximum open-condition height is roughly 36 in taller at the head than the TAN07. Working load, accessory brackets, head pulley pattern, and certification path are identical between the two tripods. If your fleet already uses MEGApod accessories like the RUW60 winch or the RPG603W 3-Way SRL, the TAN10 slots in without retraining or reconfiguring.
Watch: MEGApod confined space tripod in action (opens in YouTube)
Designed for Confined Space Entry
Permanently installed double pulley in the cast aluminum head. Run a winch cable on one leg and a retrieval block cable on the other simultaneously, with each line tracking cleanly through its own pulley. Two integrated eyebolts provide auxiliary anchor points for PPE attachment.
Three telescopic legs, each adjustable independently by removing one stainless steel locking pin at a time. Closed-condition range 71.65 in (1.82 m) to 92.91 in (2.36 m). Maximum open-condition reach 100.79 in (2.56 m). Anodized finish resists corrosion across plant, refinery, and outdoor utility cycles.
Triangular safety chain spans the three legs at the lower section to prevent leg spread under load and satisfy ANSI tripod configuration requirements. Permanently attached so it cannot be forgotten in the truck.
Each foot pairs a rubber pad for finished concrete or steel deck with a spike for soil, gravel, and uneven exterior surfaces. Keeps the tripod planted on the surfaces real entries actually happen on.
Mounting brackets for the Frontline winch and the retrieval system are pre-installed on the tripod legs at the factory. No drilling, no aftermarket adapters, no field modification.
Prime quality aluminum alloy legs with anodized finish. Cast aluminum head with powder-coated finish. Stainless steel locking pins, polished. Built for repeated field deployment and weather exposure.
Independent strength, stability, marking, and instruction testing at Dolomiticert SCARL, ACCREDIA LAB N. 1539, ILAC-MRA accredited, in Longarone, Italy. Test report 170325 records 22.2 kN sustained for one minute on the complete device with PASS results across all clauses.
Tripod ships with a carry bag for jobsite-to-jobsite transport and storage. Keeps the head, pins, and chain together between deployments.
What Ships in the Box
The bare TAN10 SKU is the tripod itself, ready to accept any Frontline MEGApod accessory. The winch and the retrieval SRL are sold separately and the cross-sell section below links the most common pairings.
- TAN10 MEGApod 10-foot aluminum tripod, cast aluminum head with permanent double pulley, two integrated eyebolts, three telescopic anodized aluminum legs with stainless steel locking pins, integrated triangular safety chain, anti-skid rubber feet with spiked shoes.
- Pre-installed mounting brackets on the legs for the Frontline winch and the retrieval block (per the spec sheet, "Includes mounting brackets for winch and retrieval system installation").
- Mini Hook (MH01) included per the spec sheet head detail.
- Carry bag for transport and storage.
- Frontline MEGApod User Manual covering TAN07 and TAN10 setup, inspection, and retirement.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Frontline TAN10 MEGApod 10-foot Aluminum Tripod (bare tripod, no winch or SRL bundled) |
| Type | Confined space tripod, anchorage connector component |
| Adjustable Height (Closed Condition) | 71.65 in (1.82 m) minimum extension to 92.91 in (2.36 m) maximum extension (Spec Sheet) |
| Maximum Height (Open Condition) | 100.79 in (2.56 m) at full leg extension (Spec Sheet) |
| Closed-Condition Standing Height | 79.13 in (2.01 m) per Spec Sheet illustration |
| Foot Spread Between Legs | 72.44 in (1.84 m) at minimum tripod height; 111.81 in (2.84 m) at maximum tripod height (Spec Sheet) |
| Foot Print Diameter | 58.26 in (1.48 m) at minimum height; 98.42 in (2.50 m) at maximum height (Spec Sheet) |
| Load Capacity (Working Load Limit) | 310 lb (140 kg), single user including clothing, tools, and equipment (Spec Sheet, User Manual Section 2) |
| Minimum Breaking Strength | 5,000 lb (23 kN) per User Manual product markings (Section 14) |
| Test Load Sustained | 22.2 kN static tensile load held for 1 minute without cracking, breaking, or permanent deformation (Test Report 170325, ANSI/ASSE Z359.1:2007 Clause 3.2.5.1) |
| Tripod Weight | 52.5 lb (Spec Sheet) |
| Tripod Material | Prime Quality Aluminum Alloy (Spec Sheet) |
| Tripod Legs Finish | Anodized (Spec Sheet) |
| Tripod Head Finish | Powder Coated (Spec Sheet) |
| Locking Pins Material | Stainless Steel (Spec Sheet) |
| Locking Pins Finish | Polished (Spec Sheet) |
| Leg Adjustment | Height adjustment achieved by sliding telescopic legs, each adjustable independently (Spec Sheet) |
| Auxiliary Anchor Points | Two eyebolts at the cast head for personal protective equipment attachment (Spec Sheet) |
| Pulley System | Two-pulley head, designed to simultaneously pass the wire rope of a winch mounted on one leg and a retrieval block on the other (Spec Sheet) |
| Mounting Brackets | Pre-installed mounting brackets for winch and retrieval system installation (Spec Sheet) |
| Safety Features | Integrated triangular safety chain across all three legs; anti-skid rubber feet with spiked shoes (Spec Sheet, User Manual) |
| Included Hardware | Mini Hook (MH01) per Spec Sheet head detail; carry bag |
| Compatible Accessories | Frontline RUW60 60-foot winch; Frontline RPG603W 3-Way retrieval SRL; other MEGApod accessories that mount to the standard bracket pattern |
| Free Fall Limit | 6 ft (1.83 m) per ANSI Z359.1 (User Manual) |
| Standards | OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 1926; ANSI Z359.1-2007; EN 795:2012 Type B (Spec Sheet, Test Report) |
| Test Laboratory | Dolomiticert SCARL, Zona Industriale Villanova, 32013 Longarone (BL), Italy; ACCREDIA LAB N. 1539; ILAC-MRA accredited (Test Report 170325) |
| Certification Body (Manual) | SATRA Technology Centre, Wyndham Way, Telford Way, Kettering, NN16 8SD, UK (Notified Body 0321) per User Manual |
| Estimated Product Lifespan | 10 years from date of manufacture under proper use, storage, and inspection (User Manual) |
| User Manual | Frontline MEGApod User Instruction Manual (covers TAN07 and TAN10 bare tripods) |
| Country of Manufacture | Imported |
Single-User, 310 lb Working Load Limit. The TAN10 is rated to support ONE person at a time with a combined weight (worker plus clothing, tools, and equipment) of no more than 310 lb (140 kg). The complete assembly is rated for a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lb (23 kN). Do not exceed the rated working load. Do not use the TAN10 for towing, general-purpose hoisting, lifting unattended loads, or as a multi-user anchorage. Confined space entry must be planned and executed in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 and 1926.1200 through 1926.1213, with a documented rescue plan and an attendant stationed at the opening at all times during entry. Per ANSI Z359.1, the free-fall limit for use with personal fall-arrest equipment is 6 ft (1.83 m).
Compliance and Certification
Dolomiticert SCARL: ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-2007 Test Report 170325
Laboratory. Dolomiticert SCARL, Zona Industriale Villanova, 32013 Longarone (BL), Italy. ACCREDIA LAB N. 1539. ILAC-MRA mutual recognition. Lab coordinator Luca Tamburlin. Report number 170325, issued 31 May 2017.
Standard. ANSI/ASSE Z359.1:2007, Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components. The MEGApod tripod family (TAN07 and TAN10 share the same head, leg, and load-path design) was submitted to Dolomiticert for the full Z359.1 confined-space anchorage test path.
| Clause | Test | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2.5.1 | Static Strength, Complete Device (22.2 kN for 1 minute, sample 170325_1) | PASS, no cracking, no breaking, no permanent deformation |
| 3.2 | Stability and Compatibility | PASS |
| 5 | Markings and Instructions | PASS |
Note from the report: the complete tripod assembly held the full Z359.1 ultimate strength test load without failure. The test article matches the TAN10 design because both tripods share the head casting, telescopic leg construction, locking pin pattern, safety chain, and load path. The report covers the MEGApod platform.
Right Tool. Right Job.
Field Setup Procedure
- Plan the entry. Pre-plan the permit-required confined space entry per OSHA 1910.146 and 1926.1200 to 1926.1213. Confirm atmospheric testing, ventilation, communication, attendant duties, and rescue procedures are in place before the tripod leaves the truck.
- Open the tripod and remove locking pins. Place the MEGApod on the floor with feet on the ground. Remove the locking pins from the head and the legs so the legs swing free, per User Manual Section 10 Step 1.
- Spread the legs and lock the head. Fully spread the three legs, then replace the head-locking pins to secure the legs in the open position. Foot spread on the TAN10 is 58.26 in (1.48 m) at minimum height and 98.42 in (2.50 m) at maximum height.
- Adjust each leg to the entry. Place the tripod over the entry point. Adjust each telescopic leg individually by removing one pin at a time. Closed-condition range is 71.65 in (1.82 m) to 92.91 in (2.36 m); maximum open-condition height reaches 100.79 in (2.56 m). Re-install every pin so the head sits level above the entry.
- Attach the safety chain. Connect the triangular safety chain across the lower portion of the three legs to prevent leg spread under load. Verify the chain is tensioned and all hooks are closed before applying any load.
- Mount the MEGApod accessory. Mount the compatible MEGApod winch (such as the RUW60 60-foot winch) or 3-Way retrieval SRL (such as the RPG603W) to the pre-installed mounting bracket on one tripod leg. Route the wire rope up the leg, over the head pulley, and down through the center of the head. For the retrieval block, follow User Manual Section 12 Step 5 (TACBU bracket, solid pin, cotter pin).
- Connect the entrant and verify. Connect the working line snap hook to the entrant's full-body harness dorsal D-ring (or chest connection if the application is rescue retrieval). Pre-tension the line, confirm two-way communication with the attendant, verify the rescue plan, and authorize entry.
Inspection and Retirement
Confined-space tripods endure harsh cycles, weather, and chemical exposure. Routine inspection keeps the system field-ready and protects every entrant.
Pre-Use Inspection (Every Use)
Before each entry, confirm the three telescopic legs slide and lock smoothly with all locking pins fully engaged. Inspect the cast aluminum head, double pulley, and eyebolts for cracks, dents, deformation, or pulley binding. Verify the integrated safety chain is intact, tensioned, and connected. Inspect the anti-skid rubber feet and spiked shoes for wear. Inspect any attached MEGApod winch or SRL per its own manual.
Competent Person Inspection (Minimum Every 6 Months)
A Competent Person, as defined in 29 CFR 1926.32(f), must perform and document a full inspection at least every six months and after any fall arrest, impact, or chemical exposure (User Manual Section 8). Inspection covers permanent deformation of any leg or the head, weld integrity at the head castings, full thread engagement and corrosion on every locking pin, safety chain link condition, foot and spike condition, and label legibility.
Retirement Criteria
Retire the TAN10 immediately on any of the following: fall arrest activation, permanent deformation of any leg or the head, cracked or broken weld at the head castings, deep corrosion that compromises load path, broken or seized locking pin, broken safety chain link, illegible product markings, or expiry of the 10-year service life from date of manufacture (User Manual).
Calculating Fall Clearance
The TAN10 is the anchorage, not the fall arrest device. Fall clearance math depends on the connected subsystem (3-Way SRL, energy-absorbing lanyard, retrieval winch) and the worker's connection point.
Free fall limit. Per ANSI Z359.1 and the MEGApod User Manual, the maximum allowed free fall when the tripod is used with personal fall arrest equipment is 6 ft (1.83 m). Plan the subsystem (SRL leash position, lanyard length, anchor connection height) to keep the worker inside that 6-foot limit.
Anchor height above the opening. The TAN10 head is positioned above the opening by the leg-extension setting. At full open-condition extension the head sits up to 100.79 in (2.56 m) above ground. The extra reach above a 7-foot tripod is the practical reason to choose the TAN10 over the TAN07: it buys you more cable routing room above the rim before the line drops into the opening.
Run the math. Use the Fall Protection Game Plan below to compute the actual fall clearance under the work surface for your SRL or lanyard setup and generate a printable OSHA-compliant Fall Protection Plan structured around 29 CFR 1926.502(k). Per ANSI Z359.1 anchorage strength: 5,000 lb non-certified, 2x maximum arresting force certified.
Fall ProtectionDistributors, LLC Free Tool · No Signup · OSHA 1926.502 Free Interactive Tool Fall Protection Calculator Pick your system. Run the math. Generate a plan. 1 Pick Your System Determine fall restraint vs. fall arrest based on your work surface, edge access, and clearance. 2 Run the Math Calculate exact fall clearance required below the work surface for your SRL or lanyard setup. 3 Generate a Plan Get a printable OSHA-compliant Fall Protection Plan structured around 29 CFR 1926.502(k).
Frequently Asked Questions
Documentation and Submittals
| Document | Link |
|---|---|
| Frontline TAN10 Spec Sheet | Frontline TAN10 Spec Sheet (PDF) |
| Frontline MEGApod User Manual (TAN07 and TAN10) | Frontline MEGApod User Manual (PDF) |
| Dolomiticert ANSI Z359.1-2007 Test Report 170325 | Frontline MEGApod Test Report (PDF) |
Build a Complete Confined Space System
Fall Protection Distributors, LLC stocks the full MEGApod family. Call 863-703-4522 to confirm the right tripod height, winch, and SRL pairing for your entry profile.
