SPS - 2000 PoleShark

The SPS - 2000 PoleShark is a fall arrest and positioning device designed to be used only by professional linemen on wooden utility poles. If used and maintained according to the instruction manual, the PoleShark will prevent a long fall, thereby dramatically reducing the risk of serious injury should the climber lose his footing.

When properly using the SPS - 2000, a climber simply cannot fall beyond the length of his lanyard.

The SPS - 2000, combined with one of the three assembly options (see below), makes it possible to prevent and eliminate falls from poles or wooden structures.

Although the natural hazards of the job - rain, ice, fatigue, poor lighting and pole conditions - are often unavoidable, their consequences can be minimized. If a climber kicks out, the PoleShark will automatically hold him in place to prevent his falling to the ground. Lacerations and splinters caused by grabbing the pole to arrest a fall are substantially reduced.

Option #1: SPS - 2000 with the Double Webbed Lanyard System

Two webbed lanyards and a double locking carabiner used to fix both webbed lanyards to one "D" ring of the lineperson's body belt/harness.

Option #2: SPS - 2000 with a Positioning Pole Strap Plus a Single Webbed Lanyard

Working position Pole-Strap and a single webbed pole-strap and double locking carabiner used to fix lineperson's body belt/harness.

Option #3: SPS - 2000 with Retractable Webbed Lanyard plus a Single Webbed Lanyard

One retractable lanyard, securely attached to the lineperson's body belt/harness. A single webbed lanyard and double locking carabiner fixed to one "D" ring of the lineperson's belt/harness.

SPS - 2000 Design Use Criteria

The SPS - 2000 was designed to allow the gripper wheels to activate from 30 degrees ahead of the poles horizontal centreline to 5 degrees behind the horizontal centreline. (see diagram)

Note: The SPS - 2000 Pole Shark modified "D" rings are designed to be adjusted for use no closer than 10 cm apart. (see diagram)

The SPS - 2000 adjustment was designed to occur without tension applied, i.e. with both feet planted firmly on the ground before climbing begins. In most cases, the adjustment should not have to be changed while climbing up or down the pole.

Note: Should the SPS - 2000 adjustment have to be changed while working aloft, the climber's weight has to be transferred from the SPS - 2000 to the pole, using either a positioning pole-strap or one of the webbed lanyards around the pole and fastened so the climber's weight is supported by their belt/harness "D" rings.