FallTech DuraTech 10’ Self Retracting Device - Manual (Page 3)

Self ‐closing, self‐locking snap hooks and carabiners are specified by OSHA and ANSI Z359.12. FallTech offers a wide variety of connectors for use with the 10'
SRD. See Table 1‐B and Table 1‐C.
3.3 Compatibility of Components: Equipment is designed for use with approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made
with non‐ ANSI Z359 compliant components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect the safety and reliability of the
complete system. When using non‐FallTech components for fall protection, ensure compatibility between the connectors.
3.4 Making Connections: Only use self‐locking snap hooks, rebar hooks, and carabiners with this equipment. Only use connectors that are suitable to each
application. Ensure all connections are compatible in size, shape, and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Visually ensure all connectors
are fully closed and locked. Connectors (snap hooks, rebar hooks, and carabiners) are designed to be used only as specified in this manual. See Figure 13 in
Appendix B.
3.5 Personal Fall Arrest System: A PFAS is an assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a person during a fall event. A PFAS is typically
composed of an anchorage and an FBH, with an energy absorbing connecting device, i.e., a SAL, an SRD, or a Fall Arrester Connecting Subsystem (FACSS)
attached to the dorsal D‐ring of the FBH. PFAS components used with this equipment must meet applicable ANSI Z359 requirements and OSHA regulations.
OSHA requires a personal fall arrest system be able to arrest the worker’s fall with a maximum arresting force of 1,800 lbs., and limit the free fall to 6 feet
or less. If the maximum free fall distance must be exceeded, the employer must document, based on test data, that the maximum arresting force will not
be exceeded, and the personal fall arrest system will function properly.
3.5.1 ANSI Z359.14 Classification: The SRD discussed in this manual is classified by ANSI Z359.14 as a Class B device, which allows for a maximum arrest
distance of 54”, an average arrest force of less than 900 lbs., and a maximum free fall of 24”. The SRD discussed in this manual has an arrest distance of less
than 44”, and meets ANSI requirements for average arrest force and maximum free fall.
NOTE: Arrest distance is one part the Minimum Required Fall Clearance (MRFC) which is determined by taking into account other factors in fall protection.
MRFC is discussed in detail in Section 4.
3.6 Personal Fall Arrest System Anchorage Strength: An anchorage selected for PFAS application must have the strength to sustain a static load applied in
the direction permitted by the PFAS of at least two times the maximum arrest force permitted when certification exists, or 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN) in the
absence of certification.
NOTE: OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.66 requires that anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest systems shall be independent of any anchorage
being used to support or suspend platforms, and be capable of supporting 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.
3.7 Definitions: The following are definitions of terms as defined in ANSI Z359.0‐2012.
Authorized Person: A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed to a fall hazard (otherwise
referred to as “user” for the purpose of these instructions).
Certified Anchorage: An anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint, or rescue systems that a Qualified Person certifies to be capable of supporting the
potential fall forces that could be encountered during a fall or that meet the criteria for a certified anchorage prescribed in this standard.
Competent Person: One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary,
hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Harness Stretch: Amount of vertical travel of the Full Body Harness D‐ring during a fall arrest.
Qualified Person: A person with a recognized degree or professional certificate and with extensive knowledge, training, and experience in the fall
protection and rescue field who is capable of designing, analyzing, evaluating and specifying fall protection and rescue systems to the extent required by
this standard.
Rescuer: Person or persons other than the rescue subject acting to perform an assisted rescue by operation of a rescue system.
4. INSTALLATION AND USE
WARNING
Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment. Consult FallTech when using this equipment in combination with components or subsystems other
than those described in this manual.
Do not use rebar hooks, large carabiners or large snap hooks to connect to FBH dorsal D‐rings or to any small diameter non‐compatible anchor point as
this may cause a roll‐out condition and/or unintentional disengagement
4.1. Plan the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). Inspect the SRD before each use in accordance with the procedures detailed in Section 7. Examine the
work area and take action to address hazards. See paragraph 2.4. Falls are a serious hazard when working at height. Training and equipment are the tools
of fall hazard management. There are several closely related facets of fall hazard management with a PFAS;
 Anchorage

Minimum Required Fall Clearance (MRFC)

Overhead (Above the D‐ring) Anchorage Condition

Non ‐Overhead (Below the D‐Ring) Anchorage Condition:
 Swing Fall
 Overhead (above the FBH D‐ring) Anchorage and Swing Fall
 Non ‐overhead (Below the FBH D‐ring) Anchorage and Swing Fall
4.2 Anchorage: Select a suitable anchor point. See paragraph 3.6. In addition to strength and load requirements, consider the height of the anchorage, the
distance between the anchorage and the user’s FBH dorsal D‐ring, the distance between the anchorage and the walking/working surface, and the distance
between the walking/working surface and any obstructions below it, including the ground.
Also consider the area where the work is being performed. The area below the anchorage is the work zone. The point directly below the anchorage is the
center of the work zone. As the user moves outward from the center in a lateral movement, the work zone expands. Work zone expansion is measured in feet
and has a direct effect on user safety.
NOTE: OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.66 requires that anchors for a PFAS be able to hold at least 5,000 pounds of weight per person or maintain a safety factor
of at least two (twice the impact load) under the supervision of a qualified person. Also ensure the anchor point will provide sufficient MRFC.
4.3 Minimum Required Fall Clearance: The MRFC is the minimum distance a user needs between himself and the nearest obstruction (or ground) below
the walking/working surface to avoid serious injury or death in case of a fall event. The user of this equipment must determine the MRFC for the
equipment discussed in this manual to ensure adequate clearance exists in the fall path. Variables discussed in this manual include the height of the anchor