7
1.0 PRODUCT APPLICATION
1.1 PURPOSE:
Anchorage Connectors are designed to provide anchorage connection points for Fall Arrest
1
, Fall Restraint
2
,
Work Positioning
3
, or Rescue
4
systems.
;
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:
Installation of this equipment must be supervised by a Qualified Person
5
. Use of this equipment must be
supervised by a Competent Person
6
.
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 ANSI, OSHA, CE, and/or local regulations. 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
7
, authorized persons
8
, and rescuers
9
. 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 AFTER A FALL:
If the product is subjected to fall arrest or impact force, remove the product from service immediately.
Clearly tag the product “DO NOT USE”. See Section 5 for more information.
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. Refer to
the instructions included with your Lanyard or Self-Retracting Device for Free Fall limitations. The PFAS must incorporate a
Full Body Harness and limit Maximum Arresting Force (MAF) to the following values:
ANSI/OSHA
CE
PFAS with Shock Absorbing Lanyard
1,800 lbf (8 kN)
1,350 lbf (6 kN)
PFAS with Self Retracting Device
1,800 lbf (8 kN)
1,350 lbf (6 kN)
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 (typically a Safety Factor of 1 m). 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. Protects the user in the event of a fall. Free fall is permitted up to
the limits allowed by the connecting device (either an Energy Absorbing Lanyard or Self-Retracting Device (SRD)).
2 Restraint System:
A collection of Fall Protection Equipment configured to prevent the person’s center of gravity from reaching a fall hazard.Prevents the user
from reaching a hazard. No verical free fall is permitted.
3 Work Positioning System:
A collection of Fall Protection Equipment configured to support a user at a work position. Must include a back-up personal fall
arrest system. Maximum permissible free fall is 2 feet.
4 Rescue System:
A collection of Fall Protection Equipment configured to remove a person from danger, harm, or confinement to a safe location. No vertical free
fall is permitted.
5 Qualified Person:
A person with a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has
successfully demonstrated their ability to solve or resolve problems relating to fall protection and rescue systems to the extent required by applicable national,
regional, and local regulations.
6 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.
7 User:
A person who performs activities while protected by a Fall Protection system.
8 Authorized Person:
A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed to a fall hazard.
9 Rescuer:
A person using the rescue system to perform an assisted rescue.
