FallTech Shock-Absorbing Lanyards (SAL’s) - Manual (Page 23)

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FallTech maintains the position that compliance with the Z359 family of
standards on the jobsite is an industry best-practice and that connectors with
3,600 lb gates do provide an additional measure of protection. However, 3,600
lb gates are not impervious to destruction and connector compatibility is still an
important issue for consideration. Making incompatible connections with Z359
products is a dangerous practice and can result in serious injury or death. Do not
use Z359 connectors in any manner that you would not typically use “A10 or
OSHA” connectors. If you have questions about connector compatibility, please
consult a competent person immediately or contact FallTech for further
assistance.
Snap Hooks:
As discussed earlier in this appendix, snap hooks are one of the most
common connectors and feature a gate and keeper which close and lock
automatically. All FallTech SAL’s feature a snap hook at the attachment end for
attachment to the back D-ring of your Full Body Harness. Never attach an SAL
to any other D-ring on your Full Body Harness and never use an SAL with a Body
Belt. See Figure A-1 below for an example
Fig. A-1 – Snap Hook
Rebar Hooks:
A rebar hook is essentially a large snap hook, generally having a gate
opening of two to two and a half inches. Like the smaller snap hooks, rebar
hooks feature a gate and keeper which close and lock automatically. These are
often preferred for their versatility as they can easily be attached to structural
members up to 2 inches in diameter when conventional anchorage connectors
may be unavailable or impractical. It is important to ensure that and structural
member selected as an anchor point is able to withstand a 5,000 lb static load,
and that the
rebar hook is unable to slide off or shift during a fall. Never
connect to a vertical or diagonal structure or member.
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Rebar hooks should never be attached to any part of your Full Body Harness:
Rebar hooks are only to be used as an Anchorage-End Connector. Make only
compatible connections – any connection which loads the gate or the side
of the hook body has the potential to force an accidental disengagement in
the event of a fall, regardless of gate strength.
Fig. A-2 – Rebar Hook
Carabiners:
Carabiners are connectors having gates which generally consist of an inner
shaft and an outer barrel. The barrel is rotated to unlock the inner shaft so that it
can be opened. Both the inner shaft and the outer barrel are spring-loaded so as
to allow the gate to close and lock automatically when released. Carabiners
come in many shapes and sizes and it is important to make only compatible
connections. Any connection which loads the gate or side of the carabiner
body has the potential to force an accidental disengagement in the event of
a fall, regardless of gate strength.
Fig. A-3 – Carabiner