FallTech Shock-Absorbing Lanyards (SAL’s) - Manual (Page 4)

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hazards on your jobsite and work deliberately to avoid these
hazards in the course of your work. Also be aware of hazards and
obstructions in your fall path, and work with your employer to
eliminate these hazards where possible. Failure to be aware of and
to address these hazards may result in serious injury or death.
Do’s and Don’ts
 Do use this device only with compatible components of a
comprehensive fall arrest system.
 Do use this device only in a system which limits free fall distance
to 6 ft or less (except for Ironman series SAL’s, which are rated
for free falls up to 12 feet).
 Do use extreme caution when rigging this device.
 Do rig this device to avoid the hazards of “swing fall” (see
Section 2.9)
 Do inspect the entire SAL for cuts, abrasions, kinks, wear, or
other damage.
 Do wear gloves when handling wire rope.
 Do inspect the shock absorber for signs of activation.
 Do use this device only when your clearance distance is a
minimum of 2 ft AFTER you have calculated the total fall
distance (see section 2.10 for details on clear fall distances).
 Do make compatible connections (see Advisory #3 at the end of
this Section).
 Don’t use this component to hoist materials or equipment.
 Don’t use this device if it shows evidence of corrosion or
exposure to chemicals, excessive heat, flames and electrical
charge or shows signs of any physical damage or deformation.
 Don’t allow the lanyard to wrap around your body. Severe injury
or death could result.
 Don’t loop the lanyard under an arm or leg. If a fall should occur
while the lanyard is under an arm or leg, severe injury may
result.
 Don’t move too quickly when using this device - You may
engage the lanyard resulting in the loss of footing or a fall.
 Don’t use oil on the carabiner or snap hook. If needed, use only
100% silicone lubricant for the gate and keeper.
 Don’t knot any component of your PFAS – knotting reduces
strength by up to 50%.
 Don’t use this device if you are pregnant, a minor, or have a
reduced tolerance to fall forces by reason of age, physical
medical condition, or other pre-existing disorders.
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 Don’t use this device if you weigh less than 75 lbs.
 Don’t use this device if your total combined weight (body,
clothes, tools, etc) exceeds 310 lbs (except for 7246 and 8246
series lanyards which are rated for up to 425 lbs).
 Don’t attempt to modify, repair or alter this device in any way.
 Don’t knot, clamp, or rig this SAL in any fashion as it may
reduce the strength of the lanyard.
 Don’t use this component near moving machinery which may
entangle any part of your PFAS.
 Don’t use this SAL if there are any signs of excessive wear, or
any signs of structural deterioration.
 Don’t use this SAL if shock absorber shows any signs of
deployment, elongation or activation.
Advisory #1: Further Reading
If you have access to the internet, please go to www.osha.gov.
This website is an exceptional resource, and has a great deal of
information which is easy to access. Use the search field to find
information on fall arrest, including standards, news,
interpretations and other valuable tools. The more you know about
how this product works and how it is supposed to be used, the
safer you will be during the course of your work.
Advisory #2: Proper product selection
Product selection is an important element of fall protection. Fall
Arrest products are like any other tools that you may use in the
course of your work – there is a proper tool for every application.
You may find that while this product is suitable for some
applications, it may not be suitable for others. Please be sure to
pay close attention to sections 2, 3, and 4, for greater detail on this
point.
Advisory #3: Connector Compatibility
Making compatible connections may mean the difference
between life and death. Connectors (snap hooks, rebar hooks and
carabiners), must be of the locking type and require two distinct
actions to open the gate. Your connectors must be sized and
shaped so that the rings or structural members to which they are
attached will not pose a risk of forcing the gate open, and must fully