System and Method for Tensioning and Locking a Safety Strand

A method of securing a safety strand to a plurality of sequentially arranged stanchions, each stanchion having a stanchion cross section and a passage bore adapted for slidable passage of the safety strand therethrough, the method comprising:

• securing a first end of the safety strand to an object that is substantially immovable relative to the plurality of stanchions;
• threading the safety strand sequentially through the passage bore of each of the plurality of stanchions;
• applying a tensile force to at least a portion of the safety strand, thereby placing the at least a portion of the safety strand in tension, the at least a portion of the safety strand being disposed through the passage bore of at least one of the plurality of stanchions;
• applying a locking mechanism to the safety strand and to a selected one of the at least one of the plurality of stanchions, the locking mechanism comprising a cable cradle having a receiving channel configured for receiving a portion of the safety strand, a clamping arrangement adapted for engaging and trapping the portion of the safety strand within the receiving channel, and means for securing the cable cradle and clamping arrangement to the selected stanchion with the receiving channel in registry with the passage bore so that the at least a portion of the safety strand is received within the receiving channel;
• securing the clamping arrangement to lock the safety strand to the cable cradle and the selected stanchion;
• and
• releasing the tensile force.