7
1.0 PRODUCT APPLICATION
1.1 PURPOSE:
Anchorage Connectors are designed to provide anchorage connection points for Fall Arrest
1
or Fall Restraint
2
systems: Restraint, Work Positioning, Personnel Riding, Rescue, etc.
;
Fall Protection Only:
This Anchorage Connector is for connection of Fall Protection Equipment. Do not connect
Lifting Equipment to this Anchorage Connector.
1.2
STANDARDS:
Your Anchorage Connector conforms to the national or regional standard(s) identified on the front cover
of these instructions. If this product is resold outside the original country of destination, the re-seller must provide these
instructions in the language of the country in which the product will be used.
1.3 SUPERVISION:
Use of this equipment must be supervised by a Competent Person
3
.
1.4 TRAINING:
This equipment must be installed and used by persons trained in its correct application. This manual is to be
used as part of an employee training program as required by CE. It is the responsibility of the users and installers of this
equipment to ensure they are familiar with these instructions, trained in the correct care and use of this equipment, and
are aware of the operating characteristics, application limitations, and consequences of improper use of this equipment.
1.5
RESCUE PLAN:
When using this equipment and connecting subsystem(s), the employer must have a rescue plan and
the means at hand to implement and communicate that plan to users, authorized persons
4
, and rescuers
5
. A trained, on-
site rescue team is recommended. Team members should be provided with the equipment and techniques to perform a
successful rescue. Training should be provided on a periodic basis to ensure rescuer proficiency.
1.6
INSPECTION FREQUENCY:
The Anchorage Connector shall be inspected by the user before each use and, additionally,
by a competent person other than the user at intervals of no longer than one year.
6
Inspection procedures are described in
the
“Inspection and Maintenance Log”
. Results of each Competent Person inspection should be recorded on copies of the
“Inspection and Maintenance Log”
.
1.7
AFTER A FALL:
If the Anchorage Connector is subjected to the forces of arresting a fall, it must be removed from service
immediately, clearly marked “DO NOT USE”, and then destroyed.
2.0 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
2.1 ANCHORAGE:
Anchorage requirements vary with the fall protection application. Structure on which the
Anchorage Connector is placed or mounted must meet the Anchorage specifications defined in Table 1.
2.2
PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM:
Figure 1 illustrates the application of this Anchorage Connector. Personal Fall Arrest
Systems (PFAS) used with the system must meet applicable Fall Protection standards, codes, and requirements. The PFAS
must incorporate a Full Body Harness, and limit Arresting Force to the following values:
Maximum Arresting Force
Free Fall
PFAS with Shock Absorbing Lanyard
6 kN (1,350 lb)
Refer to the instruction(s) included with your
Lanyard or SRD for Free Fall limitations.
PFAS with Self Retracting Device (SRD)
6 kN (1,350 lb)
2.3
FALL PATH AND SRD LOCKING SPEED:
A clear path is required to assure positive locking of an SRD. Situations
which do not allow for an unobstructed fall path should be avoided. Working in confined or cramped spaces may not allow
the body to reach sufficient speed to cause the SRD to lock if a fall occurs. Working on slowly shifting material, such as
sand or grain, may not allow enough speed buildup to cause the SRD to lock.
2.4 HAZARDS:
Use of this equipment in areas with environmental hazards may require additional precautions to prevent
injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are not limited to: heat, chemicals, corrosive
environments, high voltage power lines, explosive or toxic gases, moving machinery, sharp edges, or overhead materials
that may fall and contact the user or Personal Fall Arrest System.
2.5
FALL CLEARANCE:
Figure 3 illustrates the components of a Fall Arrest. There must be sufficient Fall Clearance (FC)
to arrest a fall before the user strikes the ground or other obstruction. Clearance is affected by a number of factors
including: Anchorage Location, (A) Lanyard Length, (B) Lanyard Deceleration Distance or SRD Maximum Arrest Distance,
(C) Harness Stretch and D-Ring/Connector Length and Settling. Refer to the instructions included with your Fall Arrest
subsystem for specifics regarding Fall Clearance calculation.
2.6
SWING FALLS:
Swing Falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs (see Figure
4). The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury or death. Minimize swing falls by working as directly
below the anchorage point as possible. Do not permit a swing fall if injury could occur. Swing falls will significantly increase the
clearance required when a Self-Retracting Device or other variable length connecting subsystem is used.
1 Fall Arrest System:
A collection of Fall Protection Equipment configured to arrest a free fall.
2 Fall Restraint System:
A collection of Fall Protection Equipment configured to prevent the person’s center of gravity from reaching a fall hazard.
3 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.
4 Authorized Person:
For purposes of the Z359 standards, a person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed
to a fall hazard.
5 Rescuer:
Person or persons other than the rescue subject acting to perform an assisted rescue by operation of a rescue system.
6 Inspection Frequency:
Extreme working conditions (harsh environments, prolonged use, etc.) may require increasing the frequency of competent person
inspections.
