VLCS Securope Stainless Cable Vertical Lifeline for Fixed Ladders
The VLCS retrofits a permanent fall arrest lifeline onto existing fixed ladders - buildings, wind turbines, pylons, masts, and oil and gas structures. A 5/16 inch stainless steel cable runs the climb with swageless fittings and a cable vibration absorption system, and because it is a freehand design, the glider overpasses every intermediate anchor without the climber ever disconnecting.
Stainless steel components throughout, 3,300 lb system breaking strength, rated for 2 users on the system. Available in 20, 30, and 40 ft kits. Conforms to ANSI A14.3 and EN 353-1:2017 and aligns with OSHA 1910.29. Use only with 5/16 inch cable and the Frontline GLC38 openable glider.
Who Needs This Product
This product is a permanent ladder safety system - the vertical lifeline portion of a fall arrest setup for fixed ladders. Each climber wears a full body harness connected by the GLC38 glider (sold separately) that rides the cable and locks instantly in a fall. It replaces the false security of cages and hoops with a system that actually arrests the fall.
Features
Freehand anchor overpass
The glider passes every intermediate cable anchor hands-free - the climber never unclips from bottom to top.
Swageless stainless fittings
Field-installable terminations with no swaging tool, in corrosion-resistant stainless steel for decades of exterior service.
Vibration absorption built in
An integrated cable vibration absorption system steadies the line in wind and keeps the glider tracking smoothly.
Openable glider compatibility
The GLC38 glider inserts or removes at any point on the cable - no need to start at the bottom.
Cost-efficient compliance
Retrofits existing ladders to current fall protection expectations without replacing the ladder.
Three kit lengths
20, 30, and 40 ft kits cover most fixed-ladder climbs; systems can be specified for taller structures.
Configurations
| Length | SKU | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | VLCS20 | $1,421.99 |
| 30 ft | VLCS30 | $1,447.99 |
| 40 ft | VLCS40 | $1,650.99 |
Technical Specifications
| SKUs | VLCS20 (20 ft); VLCS30 (30 ft); VLCS40 (40 ft) |
|---|---|
| Type | Securope cable vertical fall arrest ladder system, permanent retrofit |
| Max users | 2 on the system |
| System breaking strength | 3,300 lb |
| Lifeline | 5/16 in stainless steel cable, swageless fittings |
| Glider | Frontline GLC38 openable glider (sold separately) - the only compatible rope grab |
| Materials | Stainless steel elements throughout |
| Extras | Cable vibration absorption system |
| Standards | ANSI A14.3; OSHA 1910.29; EN 353-1:2017 |
Use only the GLC38. This system is compatible ONLY with 5/16 inch cable and the Frontline GLC38 glider - never pair it with another rope grab. Install per the manual under qualified supervision, and verify every climber weighs between 110 and 330 lbs with tools.
Compliance Standards
ANSI A14.3
American National Standard for fixed ladder safety systems.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29
General industry requirements for ladder safety systems replacing cages on fixed ladders.
EN 353-1:2017
European standard for guided type fall arresters on a rigid anchor line - independently certified.
Independently tested
Third-party test report available in the Submittals section.
Typical Applications
Installation Overview
Follow the manufacturer's manual. The sequence below is an overview only.
- Verify the ladder. A qualified person confirms the ladder and structure can take the system loads.
- Mount top and bottom. Install the top anchor and bottom tensioning bracket per the manual.
- Set intermediates. Space intermediate cable guides per the manual for your climb height.
- Run the cable. Install the 5/16 in stainless cable with swageless fittings and tension to spec.
- Fit the absorber. Install the cable vibration absorption system.
- Commission. Attach the GLC38, test travel and lock-up, and document the installation.
Inspection and Retirement
Inspect before each use, with a documented competent-person inspection at least every 6 months. Pull the equipment from service for any of the conditions below.
- Cable: broken wires, kinks, corrosion, or loss of tension.
- Fittings and anchors: cracks, loosening, or deformation.
- Vibration absorber: damage or displacement.
- Glider interface: smooth travel over every intermediate anchor.
- Labels: legible, with installation records on file.
Retirement triggers: any fall event on the system, cable or fitting damage, or any condition where the inspector cannot verify the system is fit for service - after a fall, the system must be inspected per the manufacturer before returning to service.
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. 1Pick Your SystemDetermine fall restraint vs. fall arrest based on your work surface, edge access, and clearance. 2Run the MathCalculate exact fall clearance required below the work surface for your SRL or lanyard setup. 3Generate a PlanGet a printable OSHA-compliant Fall Protection Plan structured around 29 CFR 1926.502(k).
Frequently Asked Questions
Frontline VLCS Submittals and Documentation
Frontline VLCS Spec Sheet (PDF)Cable, strength, user limits, materials, and the full compliance summary. Frontline VLCS Independent Lab Test Report (PDF)Third-party test results for your submittal package. Frontline VLCS User Manual (PDF)Use, inspection, and retirement procedures. Frontline VLCS Installation Manual (PDF)Anchor spacing, cable tensioning, and commissioning.Compatible and Related Products
- Frontline GLC38 Cable Glider. The openable glider every VLCS climber connects with.
- Frontline VLRS Securail Pro Rigid Rail System. The rigid aluminum rail alternative for fixed ladders.
- Frontline LAC12 Ladder Safety Dock. Non-penetrating extension ladder docking at the roof edge.
- Frontline HCLL260 2-Person Cable Horizontal Lifeline. Horizontal protection once the climb tops out.
Specifying Ladder Fall Protection?
Need help specifying the right system for your jobsite? Confirm your application, anchorage, and clearance with us and we will walk through the kit list so the right equipment ships together.
Call 863-703-4522 to talk to a fall protection specialist.
