Poly Steel Rope Vertical Lifeline Assembly, 25 to 50 ft
The Guardian poly steel rope vertical lifeline assembly (VLA) is the complete connection between roof anchor and harness: 5/8 in poly steel rope with a snap hook end, an integral shock absorber, a rope positioning device already installed on the line, and an 18 in lanyard extension. Hook it to the anchor, connect the extension to the dorsal D-ring, and the worker can travel the whole slope with continuous protection.
The cut-resistant, moisture-resistant poly steel rope stands up to shingle grit and jobsite abuse, and the assembly meets OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.140 for workers from 130 to 310 lbs. Choose 25 ft (01310), 30 ft (01315), or 50 ft (01320) to match your roof.

Who Needs This Product
A VLA is the standard connecting system for pitched-roof work: one end hooks to the roof anchor, and the rope grab (positioning device) travels the line so the worker can move up and down the slope without disconnecting. This assembly arrives ready to use, with the grab and shock absorbing extension already on the rope. It pairs with any compliant roof anchor, like the Guardian Temper or Ridge-It, and a full body harness. If you already own rope and a grab, the bare VL58 replacement ropes are sold separately.
Features
Complete ready-to-use assembly
Rope, snap hook, integral shock absorber, positioning device, and 18 in lanyard extension arrive assembled; there is nothing to rig on the roof.
Durable poly steel rope
The 5/8 in rope resists cuts, abrasion, and moisture for long service on abrasive shingle surfaces.
Integral shock absorber
Limits arrest forces transmitted to the worker during a fall, keeping the system within OSHA force limits.
Installed positioning device
The rope grab travels the line for hands-free repositioning and locks instantly during a fall.
Locking snap hook end
Connects directly to compliant anchor D-rings with a self-closing, self-locking gate.
Three length options
25, 30, and 50 ft assemblies match single-story homes through large two-story slopes.
Length Options in This Family
| SKU | Description | Sold As |
|---|---|---|
| 01310 | 25 ft poly steel rope VLA with shock absorber and positioning device | Single |
| 01315 | 30 ft poly steel rope VLA with shock absorber and positioning device | Single |
| 01320 | 50 ft poly steel rope VLA with shock absorber and positioning device | Single |
Technical Specifications
| SKU | 01310 (25 ft), 01315 (30 ft), or 01320 (50 ft) |
|---|---|
| Rope | 5/8 in diameter poly steel (polyester over steel core construction) |
| Includes | Snap hook end, integral shock absorber, rope positioning device, 18 in lanyard extension |
| Worker capacity | 130-310 lbs including all clothing, tools, and equipment |
| Tensile strength | 5,000 lbs |
| Maximum free fall | 6 ft |
| Maximum connection length | 36 in combined D-ring, fall arrester, and lanyard extension |
| Applicable D-ring | Dorsal |
| Materials | Polyester and galvanized steel |
| Standards | OSHA 1926.502; OSHA 1910.140 |
| Warranty | Guardian lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship |
Keep the grab high and the slack out. Position the rope grab as high on the lifeline as practical and remove slack before moving. Maximum free fall is 6 ft, and the combined length of D-ring, fall arrester, and lanyard extension must not exceed 36 in. The anchorage must withstand 5,000 lbs in the permitted loading directions.
Compliance Standards
OSHA 1926.502
Meets construction personal fall arrest system requirements for vertical lifelines.
OSHA 1910.140
Meets general industry personal fall protection system requirements.
ISO 17025 lab tested
Tested in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory; the test report is available in the documentation section below.
System compatibility
Use with compliant Type A roof anchors and full body harnesses; a competent person must verify the complete system.
Typical Applications
Use Overview
Use must follow the Guardian VLA instruction manual (1600204). The sequence below is an overview only.
- Inspect first. Check the rope, snap hook, shock absorber, rope grab, and extension before every use.
- Connect to the anchor. Attach the snap hook to a compliant roof anchor D-ring and confirm the gate is closed and locked.
- Drape the line. Run the lifeline down the slope past the work area, keeping it clear of edges and sharp transitions.
- Connect the worker. Attach the 18 in lanyard extension to the dorsal D-ring of the full body harness.
- Position the grab. Slide the rope grab as high on the line as practical and remove slack.
- Verify clearance. Confirm fall clearance below the work area and minimize swing fall by working in line with the anchor.
Inspection and Retirement
Inspect before every use, and have a competent person perform a documented inspection at least every six months under ANSI Z359.2 practice. Remove the assembly from service for any of the conditions below.
- Rope: cuts, abrasion, glazing, flat spots, chemical damage, or core exposure.
- Shock absorber: any evidence of deployment or elongation.
- Rope grab: cracks, corrosion, or a cam that does not lock the rope positively.
- Snap hook: cracks, deformation, or a gate that does not close and lock automatically.
- Extension lanyard and stitching: cuts, fraying, or pulled threads.
Retirement triggers: any fall arrest event, shock absorber deployment, rope damage, or any condition where the inspector cannot positively verify the assembly is fit for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guardian Poly Steel VLA Submittals and Documentation
Guardian Vertical Lifeline Assembly Instruction Manual (PDF)Connection rules, grab orientation, free fall limits, and inspection criteria.Guardian Poly Steel VLA Technical Data Sheet (PDF)Lengths, materials, components, and the full compliance summary.Guardian Poly Steel VLA Test Report (PDF)ISO 17025 accredited laboratory test results.Guardian Poly Steel VLA Declaration of Conformity (PDF)Manufacturer declaration of conformity.Guardian Vertical Lifeline Inspection Form (PDF)Printable competent-person inspection checklist for Guardian lifelines.Compatible and Related Products
- Guardian 00455 Temper Roof Anchor 4-Pack. Reusable Type A anchors to pair with this lifeline.
- Guardian 11322 Polydac Rope VLA 30 ft. Softer-hand 3-strand co-polymer rope version of this assembly.
- Guardian 00815 Bucket of Safe-Tie Rooftop Safety Kit. Complete kit with this 50 ft VLA, a harness, and a Temper anchor.
Sizing Lifelines for Your Crew?
Roof height, pitch, and anchor placement decide the right length. Confirm your measurements with us and we will make sure the right equipment ships together, based on the delivery location.
Call 863-703-4522 to talk to a fall protection specialist.
Guardian Fall Protection Manufacturer Warranty
Guardian warrants to the purchaser that all products are free from defects in material, workmanship, and design (when the design is Guardian's responsibility). This warranty does not cover conditions resulting from normal wear and tear, neglect, abuse, accident, or otherwise. Guardian's obligations under this warranty apply for the lifetime of the product and are limited to the replacement of the product only.
This warranty is not transferable and does not apply to product that is resold after having been put into service. The warranty is void if the product is changed or altered in any way, or if the product is used in a manner other than for which it is intended. No other person, firm, or entity is authorized to assume or assign for Guardian any other liability in connection with the sale or use of Guardian products. There are no implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Source: Guardian Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale, Doc. 102 v3.0. Contact Guardian customer service at +1 (800) 466-6385 or through guardianfall.com for warranty claims and product support.
