FallTech DuraTech 10’ Self Retracting Device User Manual
Page 4
point
relative to the user’s FBH D‐ring, i.e., overhead or non‐overhead anchorage condition, plus swing fall and how an expanded work zone affects these
variables.
4.3.1 Overhead (Above the D‐ring) Anchorage Condition:
In an overhead anchorage condition, the SRD is installed anywhere in the allowable attachment
area,
which ranges from directly above the user to as low as the level of the FBH D‐ring, as shown in Figure 3A in Appendix A. The overhead condition
MRFC
has three metrics, labeled A, B, and C, measured from the walking/working surface. The sum total of these metrics, labeled D, is the MRFC.
A
= SRD deceleration distance
B
= D‐ring shift and harness stretch
C
= Safety factor
The
MRFC for an overhead anchorage is calculated as A+B+C=D.
4.3.2 Non‐Overhead (Below the D‐Ring) Anchorage Condition: In
a non‐overhead anchorage condition, the anchor point is level with the FBH dorsal D‐
ring,
or up to 2' below it, as shown in Figure 3B in Appendix A. The MRFC for a below the D‐ring condition has five metrics, labeled A, B, C, D, and E, and are
measured
from the walking/working surface. The sum total of these metrics, labeled F, is the MRFC.
A
= Anchorage Distance below Dorsal D‐ring
B
= SRD Deceleration Distance
C
= Additional Deceleration Distance due to Below D‐ring attachment
D
= D‐ring shift and harness stretch
E
= Safety factor
The
MRFC for an anchorage below the D‐ring is calculated as A+B+C+D+E=F. Be aware that if the user is kneeling or crouching while performing work, add
up
to an additional 3 feet to the total MRFC.
4.4 Swing Fall:
A swing fall occurs when the worker moves laterally out from the center of the work zone and creates an expanded work zone condition.
See
Figure 4 in Appendix A. If a fall event occurs, the worker would swing back toward the anchorage. The swinging action generates considerable force,
and
if the worker strikes an obstruction or came into contact with the lower level or the ground, this force could cause severe injury or death.
4.4.1 Overhead Anchorage and Swing Fall:
For each foot of work zone expansion, the risk of severe injury or death from a swing fall increases. Also, as an
anchorage
becomes lower relative to the FBH D‐ring, risk increases. Combine an expanded work zone with a lower anchorage and the risk increases
greatly.
This increased risk requires additional MRFC distance. See Chart 1 for instructions on how to determine a safe work zone.
4.4.2 Non‐Overhead Anchorage and Swing Fall:
A swing fall from an expanded work zone, combined with the much lower height of a non‐overhead
anchorage,
will significantly increase the risk of severe injury or death due to the longer distance the user would fall. This condition requires an increased
MRFC.
See Chart 1 for instructions on how to determine a safe work zone.
WARNING
An expanded work zone combined with an SRD used in a non‐overhead (below the D‐ring) condition is extremely hazardous.
DO NOT attach
to an anchorage more than 2 feet below the level of the FBH D‐ring.
4.5 Locking Speed: The
SRD utilizes a centrifugally activated pawl locking mechanism to apply a disc brake to slow and arrest a fall. This requires a certain
minimum
pay‐out rate to function. Some situations, confined or cramped spaces, shifting footing such as sand, gravel, grain, or a sloped surface, may not
allow
the lifeline to reach sufficient speed to activate the lock mechanism. A clear path is required to assure positive locking of the SRD.
4.6 Installation and Use of the SRD:
Use compatible connectors when connecting to the anchorage and ensure unintended disengagement cannot occur.
Visually
ensure the connector closes and locks securely. See Figure 13 in Appendix B. The SRD is configurable into two orientation options;
4.6.1 Housing End Attached to the FBH:
The SRD housing end is installed to the dorsal D‐ring of an FBH and the leg end attached to a suitable anchorage.
The
anchorage may range from directly overhead, to as low as 2' below the dorsal D‐ring. Refer back to Figure 2A
in
Appendix A
.
To
attach the SRD on the
harness
see Figure 5A in Appendix A. Follow these steps:
1. Don
the harness in accordance with the harness manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Insert
the nose end of an ANSI compatible double‐locking carabiner through the SRD housing swivel eye.
3. Attach
the carabiner to the dorsal D‐ring of the FBH. Ensure the carabiner is oriented with the lock opening up and will take the load along its major
axis.
Visually ensure the carabiner lock is fully closed and locked.
4. Connect
the leg end connector to an approved, suitable anchor that meets work zone requirements.
The
SRD will pay out and retract smoothly to maintain a taut line during normal movement. Work as directly under the anchor as possible. If necessary, the
leg
end connector may be attached to a lower level anchorage, up to 2 ft. below the user’s harness D‐ring. Be aware that a lower anchorage increases the
risk
of injury due to swing fall. Additional fall clearance is required.
4.6.2 Housing End Attached To The Anchorage:
The housing end connector is installed to a suitable anchorage. The anchor point may range from directly
overhead
to as low as 2' below the dorsal D‐ring. Refer back to Figure 2B. The leg end is connected to the dorsal D‐ring of the FBH.
To
attach the housing to an anchorage, see Figure 5B and follow these steps;
1. Don
the harness in accordance with the harness manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Insert
the nose end of an ANSI compatible double‐locking carabiner through the SRD housing swivel eye.
3. Attach
the carabiner to the anchor point. Ensure the carabiner is oriented with the lock opening up and will take the load along its major axis. Visually
ensure
the carabiner lock is fully closed and locked.
4. Connect
the leg end connector to the dorsal D‐ring of the FBH. Visually ensure the connector is fully closed and locked.
The
SRD will pay out and retract smoothly to maintain a taut line during normal movement. Work as directly under the anchor as possible. If necessary, the
leg
end connector may be attached to a lower level anchorage, up to 2 ft. below the user’s harness D‐ring. Be aware that a lower anchorage increases the
risk
of injury due to the swing fall effect. Additional fall clearance is required.
DO NOT
attach the SRD leg end to the FBH with a rebar hook or any large‐throat snap hook or large carabiner. A side load could cause an unintentional
disengagement.
Use small snap hooks only.
DO NOT attach
the housing to the FBH with a rebar hook or any large‐throat snap hook or large carabiner. A side load could cause unintentional
disengagement.
4.7 Impact Indicator:
The SRD incorporates a fall arrest impact indicator in the web lifeline, between the housing and leg end connector, in the form of a
stitched
fold. Broken or torn stitching indicates the SRD has been subjected to fall arrest forces. Remove the SRD from service immediately.
DO NOT
allow the lifeline to become tangled or twisted as this may prevent it from retracting.
DO NOT
allow the lifeline to pass under arms or between legs during use.