FallTech Sling Anchors - Manual (Page 16)

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Section 5: Anchorage Considerations
OSHA 1910.66 and 1926.502 state that anchorages used for
attachment of a PFAS must be independent of any anchorage being
used to support or suspend platforms, and must support at least 5,000
lbs. per user attached, or be designed, installed and used as part of a
complete PFAS which maintains a safety factor of at least two, and is
supervised by a qualified person (architect, structural engineer, etc.).
The anchor-point to which this Beam Anchor is attached must
capable of sustaining static loads in directions applied by the personal
fall arrest system of at least 3,600 lbs (or at least twice the expected
dynamic load) with certification of a qualified person (architect, structural
engineer, etc.), or 5,000 lbs in the absence of certification. If multiple
personal fall arrest systems are being attached to the same anchorage,
the minimum values stated above must be multiplied by the number of
users.
Ensure that this Sling Anchor is compatible with the anchor point to
which you are attaching it. Be sure that this Beam Anchor is compatible
with other elements of your Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) by
checking the manufacturer’s instructions for these components.
Be sure that your anchorage is mounted overhead or above the level
of the back d-ring of your full body harness if at all possible (check for
specific restrictions in sections 3.3 – 3.10). Be sure to calculate your
clear-fall (as discussed in section 2.9) and to avoid swing fall hazards.
Ensure the fall path is clear of obstructions and impalement hazards.
Section 6: Employer and User Training
6.1: Special notes for the Employer
As an employer, you may be obliged to provide Personal Protective
Equipment (to include Personal Fall Arrest and Fall Protection
Equipment) along with an appropriate amount of training to your
employees so that they will be adequately prepared to use this
equipment in the course of their work. If you are unsure about your duty
to provide fall protection, consult Title 29 CFR, section 1926.501 which
can easily be viewed at www.osha.gov. Another important resource for
employers is the Consensus standard on Managed Fall Protection:
ANSI Z359.2-2007.
Equally important is the subject of product/equipment selection. If
you are obliged to provide fall protection equipment for your employees,
be sure to consult with or appoint a competent or qualified person to
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select and prescribe equipment that is suitable to address the specific
hazards which may be present on your job-site or in your facility. There
are different products for different applications, and under many
circumstances these products are not interchangeable. If you have
questions as to whether this product is suitable for your application,
please contact FallTech for assistance.
It is important to note that improper use of fall arrest equipment can
be just as dangerous as not using it at all. Failure to adequately train
and supervise your employees may result in serious injury or death. It is
critical to have a training program supported by documentation,
refresher/remedial training and to establish best practices where the
employment of all PPE is concerned.
6.2: User Training
It is the responsibility of the user of this equipment to read and fully
understand these instructions before employing this product as part of a
Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). Every user of fall protection should
be provided a four to eight hour course of instruction for the Authorized
User. Training must also be provided in the use of each component of
the user’s PFAS and in the recognition of fall hazards. During the course
of this training, the user may not be exposed to a fall hazard.
In the absence of a formal training program, FallTech has designed
these instructional materials to act as an abbreviated course of
instruction in an effort to give the user an over-view of fall arrest. This
manual does not constitute a comprehensive training program, and it is
not all-inclusive. Be sure to consult www.osha.gov for details on OSHA
requirements for training. FallTech has additional services available to
assist with end-user training – contact a FallTech sales professional for
additional details.
As a minimum, training should address the following points:
 ABCD’s of Fall Arrest (as discussed in Section 2).
 Recognition of fall hazards.
 Fall hazard elimination and control methods.
 Applicable fall protection regulations and standards.
 The responsibilities of designated persons (Authorized,
Competent, Qualified).
 How to use written fall protection procedures.
 Inspection of equipment components and systems before use.
 Fall protection rescue procedures.
 Installation and use of products common to your duties, job-site
or facility.