FallTech Contractor Series SRL’s - Manual (Page 12)

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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 SRL, 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 SRL 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 SRL 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 Contractor Series Cable SRL:
1. Check the load-indicating swivel carabiner at the attachment
end of the SRL. If the red indicator is visible between the swivel
mechanism and the carabiner body, then the SRL has been
subjected to fall arrest forces and must immediately be removed
from service.
2. Pull approximately 4 feet of cable out of the unit and hand-lock
the unit by pulling sharply on the line. Repeat this procedure
three times – if the unit does not lock up each time, or if it “slips”
after locking up, immediately remove the unit from service and
have it replaced.
3. Ensure that the SRL cable extends and retracts freely.
4. Using gloved hands to avoid injury, pull the complete length of
webbing out of the unit and look for kinks, knots, fraying,
corrosion, surface contamination or evidence of damage from an
electrical arc or welding splatter. Surface contamination should
be removed with a damp rag and a simple solution of soapy
water. Any damage to the cable may indicate an unsafe
condition, and the SRL should be removed from service.
5. Inspect the exit bushing for excessive wear, sharp edges or
burring. If these conditions exist and are beginning to cause
damage to the cable, remove the SRL from service.
6. Inspect the carabiner gates at the anchorage and attachment
ends of the product to ensure proper locking function. If the
gates do not close and lock automatically, then the SRL should
be removed from service.
7. Check the SRL housing for signs of cracking or denting. Also
check for loose screws and any bent, cracked or damaged parts.
If the SRL exhibits any structural damage, then remove it from
service immediately.
8. Ensure that all metal components are free of corrosion, and that
there is no evidence of cracking, denting or distortion.
9. Ensure that all labels and warnings remain attached and that
they are legible.
10. If the SRL 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.