System and method for tensioning and locking a safety strand

A system comprising:

• a safety strand;
• a plurality of sequentially arranged stanchions each having a passage bore therethrough;
• tensioning means for applying a tensile force to a first end of the safety strand when the safety strand is disposed through the passage bore defined in each of the sequentially arranged stanchions and a second end of the safety strand is secured to an immovable object;
• and
• a plurality of locking mechanisms, each locking mechanism comprising a cable cradle having a receiving channel receiving a portion of the safety strand, a clamping arrangement engaging and trapping the portion of the safety strand within the receiving channel, and means for securing the cable cradle and clamping arrangement to a selected one of the plurality of stanchions when the safety strand is disposed through the passage bore of the selected stanchion, the cable cradle and means for securing being configured so that when the cable cradle is secured to the selected stanchion, the receiving channel is arranged adjacent an outer surface of the stanchion and is in registry with the passage bore wherein after the tensile force is applied to the first end of the safety strand and the locking mechanisms have engaged and trapped the safety strand, the safety strand resists sliding through the passage bore and the safety strand remains taut from the second end to the selected stanchion.