FallTech Shock-Absorbing Lanyards (SAL’s) - Manual (Page 17)

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7.3: Suspension Trauma
Suspension Trauma (also referred to as orthostatic intolerance) is a
condition that can arise from being suspended in a full-body harness for
a prolonged period of time while awaiting rescue after a fall. Under these
circumstances, blood circulation can be restricted allowing a large
volume of blood to accumulate or pool in the veins of the workers legs.
This condition can result in a variety of symptoms, some of which include
light-headedness, loss of consciousness, difficulty concentrating and
palpitations.
Following a rescue, Suspension Trauma can be so acute as to cause
cardiac arrest when the large volume of un-oxygenated blood
overwhelms the heart. This severity of this condition can be greatly
reduced by using any one of a variety of devices offered to alleviate
Suspension Trauma, such as FallTech’s ReliefPak and by providing a
prompt rescue in the event of a fall.
For additional details on Suspension Trauma, refer to OSHA’s Safety
and Health Information Bulletin SHIB 03-24-2004 at www.osha.gov.
Section 8: Product Inspection
Inspection is a critical element in the employment of any fall
protection equipment. In order to protect Authorized Persons who are
using this SAL, it is important that the employer establishes procedures
that has layers of inspection to ensure that any mechanical or functional
deficiencies are recognized before the product is put into use.
8.1: Issuing
If the SAL is to be kept in a locker or tool crib between periods of use,
the person responsible should inspect the product upon issuing and
receipt to ensure that it is in proper working order. If any deficiency is
noted, this should be logged on the inspection record and the product
should be removed from service and handled in accordance with the
employer’s lock-out/tag-out policy. If this SAL exhibits a deficiency, it
should be immediately removed from service and replaced.
8.2: Daily/Incidental Use
OSHA 1910.66 and OSHA 1926.502 (as well as ANSI Z359.1-2007
and ANSI A10.32-2004) specifically require that the user inspect all
fall protection equipment prior to each use to ensure proper
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function and to ensure that the equipment is in serviceable
condition. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death.
FallTech requires that the following steps be taken during each
inspection prior to use of this Shock-Absorbing Lanyard (SAL):
1. Check the shock-absorber element of the SAL. If the fall
indicator warning label is visible, then the SAL has been
subjected to fall arrest forces and must immediately be removed
from service. See section 10.3 for illustrations.
2. Check each of the connectors (snap hooks, rebar hooks or
carabiners). Check for signs of excessive corrosion, cracking,
breakage, deformation, denting of the gate or keeper, sharp
edges, burrs or any damage whatsoever. Make sure all rivets
and rivet heads are intact with no cracking, sharp edges or burrs.
Ensure the connectors are free of surface contamination from
grease oil, dirt, mud or any other foreign substance that may
interfere with the action of the gate or keeper.
3. Check the action of the gate and keeper on snap hooks and
rebar hooks. Ensure that the gate does not open with the keeper
engaged. Depress the keeper and open the gate, ensuring that
the gate opens smoothly, and closes automatically when
released. Check to ensure that the keeper engages
automatically, locking the gate in the closed position.
4. Check the action of the gate on any carabiner that may be
present. Ensure the gate does not open unless the barrel is
twisted. Twist the barrel and make sure the gate opens
smoothly and that it closes and locks automatically when
released.
5. Check the leg or legs of your SAL for damage. For webbing or
rope, look for fraying, cuts, burns, discoloration or build up of any
surface contaminant such as paint, grease, oil or any other
substance which may change the properties of the webbing or
rope by making it thicker, stiffer, brittle and potentially weaker.
Check all stitch locations and look for broken or pulled stitches.
For steel cable SAL’s, wear glove when handling and check the
cable for corrosion, cuts, burns or broken wires and strands.
Check ferrules (crimped fittings) and ensure that they are firmly
compressed and do not slip and that they are free of damage
due to cracking, bending, etc.
6. Ensure that all labels and warnings remain attached and that
they are legible.
7. If the SAL fails to pass inspection on any of these points, or if
there is any doubt as to whether it is in proper working order,
immediately remove it from service and have it replaced.