FallTech 8447A - Manual (Page 3)

3.3 Making Connections: Only use connectors that are suitable to each application. Ensure all connections are compatible in size, shape and
strength. Visually ensure all connectors are fully closed and locked. FallTech carabiners are designed to be used only as specified in each product’s
user’s instructions. Ensure the carabiner is not bent, cracked, broken or otherwise damaged. If inspection reveals a damaged carabiner, remove it
from service immediately. Ensure the lock functions normally. Connect the carabiner to line up the load along the carabiners vertical axis. See
Figure 3.
3.4 Anchorage Strength: The following lists minimum anchorage strength requirements:
 FALL ARREST: Per ANSI Z359, anchorages selected for PFAS shall have:
o
a strength capable of sustaining static loads in the directions permitted by the PFAS when in use of at least; (A) 3,600 lbs. (16 kN) when
certification exists or (B) 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN) in absence of certification.
o OSHA requires that anchorages used for attachment of a PFAS shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend
platforms. The attachment must be able to 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 under the supervision of a qualified person.
 RESTRAINT: Anchorages for restraint applications must support a static load of at least 3,000 lbs. (13.4 kN) applied in any direction permitted
by the system when in use. Each installation must independently sustain this load.
 POSITIONING: OSHA requires that positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage able to support at least twice the potential impact
load of an employee’s fall or 3,000 lbs., whichever is greater. Each work positioning system installation must be independently capable of
sustaining these loads. A free fall of not more than 24” (60.1 cm) is permissible.
 SUSPENSION: Anchorages for suspension applications must support a minimum of 5,000 lbs. per worker attached.
 RESCUE: Anchorages for rescue applications must support a minimum of 5,000 lbs. per worker attached.
4. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
4.1 Inspection: Before every use, inspect the carabiner to ensure its proper working order. Check for worn or damaged parts. Inspect for sharp
edges, burrs, cracks, distortion, or corrosion. Gates must close and lock. Inspect other fall arrest or restraint equipment according to
manufacturer's instructions. Remove the carabiner from service if inspection reveals an unsafe condition.
4.2 Plan for the application: Identify hazards and evaluate the work site. Consult the application information in this manual.
Do not misuse the equipment. Serious injury or death may result. Know the limits and capacities, stated elsewhere in this manual, for this
equipment.
DO NOT use the equipment in a PFAS where there is a possibility of a swing fall that might result in striking an object or contacting the ground or
the lower level. Attach the carabiner, and perform necessary tasks, directly under the attachment point.
Ensure the anchorage location provides a continuous connection for the user when exposed to fall hazards. Select anchorages that are stable and
have the strength required. Select anchorage locations to:
 Maintain a maximum free fall distance of six feet.
 Prevent swing fall hazards.
 Provide clear space in the potential fall paths to avoid striking an object.
See the equipment provider’s instructions regarding fall distance, swing fall hazards and clear fall paths.
4.3 Fall Clearance Distance: When working at heights and using a PFAS, it is important to consider the distance between the walking/working level
and the next lower level to ensure there is sufficient room for the PFAS to arrest a fall. Fall Clearance Distance is the distance that is required to
safely arrest the fall of a user. The Distance may be calculated by adding together the Length of the Lanyard, the Deceleration Distance, the Height
of the Worker, plus a Safety Factor of 1 1/2’. See Figure 4‐A, 4‐B, 4‐C, and 4‐D.
4.4 Swing Fall: Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs. The force of striking an object in a
swing fall may cause serious injury. In a swing fall, the total vertical fall distance will be greater than if the user had fallen directly below the
anchorage point, thus increasing the total free fall distance and the area required to safely arrest the user. An SRD presents the greatest danger in a
swing fall event. Minimize swing falls by working as directly below the anchorage point as possible. Move the anchorage as required. Never permit
a swing fall if injury could occur. If a swing fall situation exists in your application consult a Competent Person before proceeding. A minimum of six
feet from the working level to the lower level or nearest obstruction is recommended. See Figure 5.
4.5 Captive Pin Installation: Certain model carabiners are supplied with a captive pin, that when installed forms a captive eye for connection of a
lanyard, lifeline, or similar component. To install the captive pin, drive the pin into the predrilled hole in the gate bar until the formed capture
portion of the pin engages the carabiner.
4.6 Carabiner instructions: Rotate the twist lock until it stops. Push the gate inward, engage the carabiner onto the selected anchorage, and
release the spring‐loaded gate. Visually ensure the gate closes and rotates into the locked position. Ensure the load direction is aligned with the
carabiner’s vertical axis. See Figure 6.
4.7 Attaching the Carabiner to Anchorage: Attach the carabiner to the anchorage in a correct manner, consistent with ANSI Z359. Comply with
ANSI requirements and OSHA regulations, specified elsewhere in this manual. The carabiner is designed as a first connector in a user’s PFAS and
must be attached to solid structures able to support 5,000 lbs. Only one worker may be attached to any one carabiner.
DO NOT attach the carabiner in a manner that will load the gate, or expose the carabiner to excessive wear or damage. See Figure 7‐A, and 7‐B.
4.8 Attach a Subsystem: Following are recommended methods of attaching subsystem elements and components to FallTech supplied connectors.
See Figure 8.
• When using an energy absorbing lanyard, connect the energy absorber “pack” end to the harness.
• When using a self‐retracting lifeline, ensure the device is properly positioned to ensure retraction is not hindered.
• When connecting, ensure connections are fully closed and locked.
• Ensure all connections are compatible in size, shape, and strength.
DO NOT use a knot to connect a lifeline to the connector.
DO NOT pass a lanyard or lifeline through a connector and hook it back into the lanyard or lifeline. Always protect a lifeline or lanyard from
abrading against sharp or abrasive surfaces. Connectors attached to vertical synthetic rope lifelines must be attached using a spliced eye
termination and thimble.
3