Klein Tools Harnesses - Manual (Page 4)

Personal Suspension System
A personal suspension system is required when it
is necessary to suspend and position a worker from
above. A typical system involves the use of a winch,
cable and either a Bosun’s chair or specially
designed suspension harness. A suspension system
is an active system (used constantly). Fall-arrest
protection must always be used with a suspension
system.
For example, the painter shown in Figure 5 is using
both a personal suspension system and a personal
fall-arrest system. Each system has its own A-B-C
components.
Since the worker must be suspended from above in
order to get to his work area, he is using a personal
suspension system. The (A) component is the winch
that serves as a suspension anchorage. Suspension
anchorages must be capable of supporting at least
twice the potential impact load of a worker’s fall or
3,000 lbs., whichever is greater. The (B) component
is the worker’s Bosun’s chair harness with a front
suspension D-ring. The (C) component is the winch
cable which is equipped with a locking snap hook.
Since the painter is at risk of falling, he is also using
a personal fall-arrest system. The (A) component is
the structural beam with the eye bolt which serves as
a fall-arrest anchorage. Fall-arrest anchorages must
be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. and must
be independent of the worker’s support. The (B)
component is the worker’s Bosun’s chair harness
which is also equipped with a D-ring at the back for
attaching a fall-arrest connecting device. The (C)
component is the vertical lifeline equipped with a
locking snap hook.
Remember, a suspension system is designed to
lower, raise and suspend a worker at an
elevated work station. The suspension attachment
points on the harness, such as the front
D-ring or seat-strap D-rings, are NOT designed to
properly distribute the impact forces that result in
arresting a free fall. A suspension system cannot be
relied upon to provide fall-arrest protection. Always
use the fall-arrest features of a suspension harness.
NOTE: Klein suspension harnesses provide
a rear D-ring which must be used for fall-arrest
protection.
(A) Personnel Winch
(Suspension
Anchorage)
(A) Eye Bolt
(Fall-Arrest Anchorage)
(C) Winch Cable
(Suspension
Connecting Device)
(C) Rope Grab with Vertical
Device (Fall-Arrest
Connecting Device)
(B) Full-Body Harness
with Bosun’s Chair
(Fall Arrest and
Suspension Bodywear)
Figure 5
How OPE Systems Are Used
(continued)
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