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

Page 15

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they are not always the best choice where sharp or angular
edges are present on the structure to which they are attached.

Select a full body harness of appropriate durability for your
workplace which contains all of the attachment elements that you
will require. Never attach any SAL to anything other than the
back/dorsal d-ring of your full body harness.

Depending on workplace conditions and hazards, you may need
to employ multiple systems or different combinations of
components. Do not try and force the system to fit the
application. Use of the correct equipment is the best policy.


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 anchorage to which this SAL 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 the anchorage connector that you are using is compatible
with the anchor point to which you are attaching it. If you are using this
SAL with a Horizontal Lifeline, tripod or davit, ensure that it is compatible
with these systems by checking the manufacturer’s instructions for these
systems for the minimum performance requirements of deceleration
devices.

Be sure that your anchorage is mounted overhead or above the level
of the back d-ring of your full body harness. 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

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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
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

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