FallTech Shock-Absorbing Lanyards (SAL’s) User Manual

Page 14

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surface and that the rebar hook will be unable to slide off the end
of the member. Never attach to a diagonal or vertical structural
member or any anchor point where the rebar hook may slide off
in the event of a fall. See Section 5 for additional information on
proper anchor-points.

7. If using an Ironman SAL on a Beam Anchor or Beam Clamp,

check to ensure that the gate on your anchorage end connector
does not engage the edge of the beam flange. If the flange is
able to load the gate in the event of a fall, this could create a
forced disengagement resulting in serious injury or death. In
these circumstances, consider using a FallTech #7214 choker
attached to the beam anchor as a “D-ring extender”, particularly
if your Ironman SAL is equipped with an Anchorage- End rebar
hook.

8. You are now tied-off and protected by your SAL. Proceed with

your work, moving carefully and deliberately while being aware
of slipping, tripping and snagging hazards. Be aware that the
SAL is only six feet long, and any of these may cause you to
loose your footing, resulting in a possible fall.

9. When proceeding to another work location, and not tied off to an

anchor point, the anchorage end or ends of your SAL should be
attached to the lanyard keepers on or adjacent to the chest strap
of your full body harness. Never attach the anchorage end or
ends to any other point on your harness, as this could result in
serious injury or death.

Section 4: Product Selection

Product selection is as important as the proper use of the product
itself. Poor judgment in product selection can have catastrophic results –
therefore be sure to consult a competent person to ensure that the
product that is issued is appropriate for the application and the specific
location for which it is intended.

ANSI Z359.1-2007, Section 7 describes in detail the steps that should
be taken with regard to the selection of fall arrest equipment. FallTech
strongly encourages the use of this guide by those who employ users of
fall arrest products. The ANSI standard recommends the following steps
be taken:

A workplace assessment by a competent person taking into
account the presence of sources of extreme heat, chemicals,
electrical hazards, environmental contaminants, sharp objects,
abrasive surfaces; moving equipment and materials, unstable,
uneven and slippery walking/working surfaces; unguarded
openings; climatic/weather factors and foreseeable changes to

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these conditions. Care must be taken to ensure that the
equipment that is selected is suitable for use where any of these
conditions may exist.

The workplace assessment must identify all paths of movement
and the fall hazards along these paths. Care must be taken to
ensure that there are proper anchorages at appropriate intervals
along these paths to protect the users from these hazards
without exposure to swing-fall conditions. The PFAS selected
must limit the fall distance in order to avoid contact with the next
lower level in the event of a fall.

Anchorage connectors should be selected on the basis of their
suitability for attachment to the anchor point to ensure a
compatible and secure connection.

The exposure of the anchorage connector to sharp edges,
abrasive surfaces and other physical/structural hazards should
be considered when evaluating compatibility.

The competent person shall calculate the weight of all authorized
persons when fully equipped to ensure that they are within the
maximum capacity of the PFAS.

A full body harness meeting the requirements of Z359 shall be
selected, and it shall be sized to fit the user as per the
manufacturer’s instructions.

Connectors that are selected shall be suitably sized and shaped
so as to be compatible with the devices to which they will be
attached.

The competent person shall select the method of protecting the
equipment from damage by workplace conditions, in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The competent person shall check the equipment instructions
and markings to ensure compliance with the appropriate
standards and will ensure that manufacturer’s instructions;
markings and warnings are read and followed.

If the PFAS that is selected is made up of components from
different manufacturers, the competent person will ensure that
these components are compatible.


FallTech strongly encourages that the following points also be
considered in the course of product selection, in addition to the points
above:

Select the anchorage connector that is most appropriate for your
application and for the anchor point to which it will be attached.
While sling-style anchors are popular because of their versatility,

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