Peakworks Confined Space Yoke

Peakworks Confined Space Yoke — Y-Lanyard with Spreader Bar

The Peakworks confined space yoke (FPLRKL) is an essential connection accessory for any confined space operation involving a rescue winch. It connects the dorsal D-ring of a full-body harness to a fixed overhead system — typically a tripod fitted with a rescue winch — while its two lower branches attach to the metallic shoulder rings of the harness. This Y-configuration distributes pulling forces across two separate attachment points, stabilizes the worker's vertical position during descent and ascent, and prevents involuntary rotation inside a shaft or vessel. The yoke is rated for a maximum combined working load of 350 lb (158 kg), including clothing, tools, and carried equipment, and is certified to CSA Z259.11-05 and ANSI Z359.1-2007.

The integrated spreader bar — a rigid PVC pipe with a 1 in (2.5 cm) diameter and a total width of 14 in (35.5 cm) — plays a critical mechanical role: it keeps the two shoulder carabiners spread apart, preventing the webbing from pinching inward under winch tension. Without this spreader, the shoulder rings would be pulled toward the center, potentially compressing the worker's chest during rapid emergency retrieval and reducing the effectiveness of the protection system. The spreader bar length is calculated to match the standard shoulder width of an adult worker while remaining compatible with standard manhole opening dimensions.

The upper D-ring has an inside diameter of 2 1/8 in (54 mm), compatible with winch hooks and standard fall protection system connectors. It serves as the main anchor point of the yoke and must be connected to a system with a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lb (22 kN). The three double-locking carabiners — one on the D-ring and two on the shoulder branches — feature a 3/4 in (19 mm) gate opening and withstand 3,600 lb (16 kN) without permanent deformation. This strength level, exceeding the normative minimum, provides a significant safety margin in industrial environments subject to impact loads or vibration.

Materials were selected for durability and versatility in demanding industrial settings. The 1 in (2.5 cm) woven polyester webbing is recognized for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio: lighter than nylon at equivalent strength, it also offers superior resistance to mechanical abrasion (contact with manhole or pipe walls) and to alkalis (cement environments, wastewater). Polyester absorbs minimal moisture, preventing humidity-related degradation and maintaining consistent mechanical properties even after extended wet exposure. The forged steel alloy carabiners — resistant to impact and cyclic fatigue — complete an assembly engineered to perform in the harshest conditions.

Advantages of the Peakworks Confined Space Yoke for Your Operations

Vertical Stabilization and Rotation Prevention

The dual-point Y-configuration on the shoulder rings keeps the worker in a stable vertical position, eliminating the lateral oscillation and rotation that occur with a single-point lanyard. This stability is especially important in small-diameter shafts where any involuntary movement can wedge the worker against the walls or impede their progress.

Force Distribution and Chest Protection

By distributing pulling load across two shoulder rings rather than a single dorsal ring, the yoke reduces the force at each individual attachment point. The PVC spreader bar keeps the shoulder connections spread apart, protecting the worker's ribcage from compression that could occur during high-velocity emergency retrieval.

Compatibility and Regulatory Compliance

The FPLRKL yoke is certified to CSA Z259.11-05 (Connectors for personal fall arrest systems) and ANSI Z359.1-2007. This dual North American certification guarantees acceptance during safety audits and regulatory inspections. It is compatible with any full-body harness fitted with metallic shoulder rings — always verify the presence of shoulder rings before purchasing.

Industries and Work Sites Where This Product Is Required

• Municipalities — descent and retrieval of technicians in sewer manholes, valve chambers, and underground utility access pits
• Oil and gas — entry into storage tanks, hydrocarbon vessels, separators, and processing columns
• Chemical and pharmaceutical — inspection and cleaning of reactors, mixing tanks, and distillation columns
• Food processing — maintenance of grain silos, fermentation tanks, freezer tunnels, and pasteurization vats
• Civil engineering and construction — work in foundation pits, caissons, deep trenches, and buried structures
• Utilities — maintenance of underground electrical vaults, utility galleries, and telecommunications manholes
• Mining — confined spaces in underground operations (raises, service shafts, ventilation galleries)
• Water treatment — descent into pump wells, settling basins, and meter chambers
• Pulp, paper, and forestry — cleaning of digesters, bleaching vessels, and liquor storage tanks

Installation, Use, and Inspection of the Peakworks Confined Space Yoke

The FPLRKL yoke is designed for use with a full-body harness that must be fitted with metallic shoulder rings — use with a harness lacking shoulder rings is prohibited and voids regulatory compliance. Before each use, visually inspect the webbing (no cuts, fraying, or burns), the PVC spreader bar (no cracks or deformation), the upper D-ring (no deformation or corrosion), and all three double-locking carabiners (locking mechanism function, no excessive play). Connect the upper D-ring to the winch hook or fixed anchor point, then attach each shoulder carabiner to the corresponding metallic ring on the harness. Verify that each carabiner is fully locked (two audible clicks) before descent.

The confined space worker must also be equipped with a Type 3 self-retracting lifeline (SRL with integrated retrieval) as required by CSA Z1006 (Management of work in confined spaces). The yoke provides connection to the rescue winch but does not replace the integrated safety system — both devices must be used simultaneously. The anchor point to which the upper D-ring is connected must have a minimum tensile capacity of 5,000 lb (22 kN). In accordance with CSA Z259.11-05, the equipment must be removed from service and submitted for inspection by a qualified competent person after any fall event, overload, or visible sign of damage. Annual documented preventive maintenance is required.

FAQ — Peakworks Confined Space Yoke (FPLRKL)

What is the difference between a confined space yoke and a standard fall arrest lanyard?

A standard fall arrest lanyard is designed to stop a free fall by limiting fall distance to 6 ft (1.8 m); it connects to the dorsal ring of a harness and a fixed overhead anchor. The Peakworks confined space yoke (FPLRKL) serves a different purpose: it acts as a rescue connector between the harness and a winch or retrieval system, distributing load across the shoulder rings to keep the worker in a stable vertical position during descent and ascent. It is not certified as a standalone fall arrest device — it must always be used in conjunction with a complete fall protection system (such as a Type 3 SRL).

Is my harness compatible with the FPLRKL yoke?

The FPLRKL yoke is compatible only with full-body harnesses equipped with metallic rings at both shoulders. Single dorsal ring harnesses (class A) or harnesses without shoulder rings are not compatible. Before purchasing, verify your harness specifications or contact us. If you also need a harness, the Koala Behr universal harness (FPH2000A) with shoulder rings is available at Sylprotec and is compatible with this yoke.

How is the 350 lb (158 kg) maximum capacity calculated, and which standards apply?

The 350 lb (158 kg) limit represents the total combined load: worker weight + work clothing + tools + carried equipment. This value is established through static and dynamic load testing prescribed by CSA Z259.11-05 (Connectors for personal fall arrest systems) and ANSI Z359.1-2007. The carabiners withstand 3,600 lb (16 kN) without deformation, and the connected anchor point must be rated for at least 5,000 lb (22 kN). For workers whose total equipped weight exceeds 350 lb, consult your safety supplier to identify a higher-capacity certified device.

Complementary equipment suggestions for your confined space system

To optimize your confined space protection, see the Peakworks 3-way confined space kit with SRL 60 ft and aluminum tripod (FPLRK1), the confined space winch with man/material winch 65 ft (FPLRK2), the all-in-one 3-way SRL 60 ft and winch combo kit (FPLRK3), the standalone Peakworks tripod 7 ft (2 m) with chain and pulley (FPLRKT) and the Koala Behr universal harness with quick-connect buckles, class A — shoulder rings required for this yoke (FPH2000A).

Under "Accessories" at the bottom of the page, complete your setup with the davit 3-way 60 ft confined space system with winch for offset access (FPLRK4), the DBI-SALA 3M tripod base mount support (FPLR8005048) and the DBI-SALA 3M Advanced carry bag for 7 ft tripod (FPLR9503094).

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