3M DBI-SALA ExoFit STRATA 903S2006, User Instructions

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1.0 PRODUCT APPLICATION
1.1 PURPOSE: Full Body Harnesses are to be used as components in Personal Fall Protection System designed to prevent
a fall or safely arrest a fall (see Figure 2). Consult AS/NZS 1891.4 for selection use and maintenance matters. Full Body
Harnesses are used in the following applications:
A
Fall Arrest (AS/NZS 1891.4): Personal fall arrest systems typically include a Full Body Harness and a connecting subsystem
(Energy Absorbing Lanyard, Self-Retracting Device, etc.). Maximum arresting force must not exceed 6 kN (1,349 lb). Attachment
Elements: Dorsal (feet first with a 0.6 m maximum free fall when using a Self-Retracting Device or 2 m maximum free fall when
using an Energy Absorbing Lanyard), Sternal (feet first with a 0.6 m maximum free fall), Frontal (feet first with a 0.6 m maximum
free fall). Anchorage Strength: Selected anchorage must sustain loads of 15 kN (3,372 lb) or greater.
B
Work Positioning (AS/NZS 1891.4): Work positioning systems typically include a Full Body Harness, positioning lanyard, and a
back-up personal fall arrest system. For work positioning applications, connect the work positioning subsystem (example: lanyard,
Y-lanyard, etc.) to the lower (hip level) side or belt mounted work positioning attachment anchorage elements (D-Rings). Never
use these connection points for fall arrest. Attachment Elements: Frontal, Hip. Anchorage Strength: Selected anchorage must
sustain loads of 12 kN (2,698 lb) or greater.
C
Climbing (AS/NZS 1891.3): The Full Body Harness is used as a component of a climbing system to prevent the user from falling
when climbing a ladder or other climbing structure. Climbing systems typically include a Full Body Harness, vertical cable or rail
attached to the structure, and climbing sleeve. For ladder climbing applications, harnesses equipped with a frontal D-Ring in the
sternal location may be used for fall arrest on fixed ladder climbing systems. Attachment Elements: Sternal. Anchorage Strength:
Structure to which the climbing system is attached must sustain the loads required by the climbing system manufacturer’s
documentation.
D
Rescue: The Full Body Harness is used as a component of a rescue system. Rescue systems are configured depending on the type
of rescue. For limited access (confined space) applications, harnesses equipped with D-Rings on the shoulders may be used for
entry and egress into confined spaces where worker profile is an issue.
Attachment Elements: Dorsal, Sternal, Frontal, Shoulder. Anchorage Strength: Selected anchorage must sustain loads of 8 kN
(1,798 lb) or greater.
E
Controlled Descent: For controlled descent applications, harnesses equipped with a single sternal level D-Ring, one or two
frontal mounted D-Rings, or a pair of connectors originating below the waist (such as a seat sling) may be used for connection to
a descent or evacuation system. Attachment Elements: Dorsal Sternal, Frontal. Anchorage Strength: Selected anchorages must
sustain loads of 12 kN (2,698 lb) or greater.
F
Restraint (AS/NZS 1891.4) : The Full Body Harness is used as a component of a restraint system to prevent the user from
reaching a fall hazard. Restraint systems typically include a Full Body Harness and a lanyard or restraint line. Attachment
Elements: Dorsal, Sternal, Frontal, Hip. Anchorage Strength : Selected anchorage must sustain loads of 12 kN (2,698 lb) or greater.
1.2 STANDARDS: Harnesses included in this manual conform to the standard(s) identified on the front cover of this
instruction. 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 TRAINING: It is the responsibility of the user and the purchaser of this equipment to assure that they are familiar with
these instructions, trained in the correct care and use of, and are aware of the operating characteristics, application limits,
and the consequences of improper use of this equipment.
1.4 LIMITATIONS: Always consider the following application limitations before using this equipment:
• CAPACITY: The Full Body Harness is designed for use by persons with a combined weight (clothing, tools, etc.) of
no more than 136 kg (300 lb). Make sure all of the components in your system are rated to a capacity appropriate to
your application.
• FREE FALL: Personal fall arrest systems used with this equipment must be rigged to limit the free fall to 2 m (6.6 ft)
1
.
Restraint systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. Work positioning systems must be rigged so
that free fall is limited to 0.6 m (2 ft) or less. Personnel riding systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is
possible. Climbing systems must be rigged so that free fall is limited to 0.46 m (18 in) or less. Rescue systems must
be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. See subsystem manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
• 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: (A) Lanyard Length, (B) Lanyard Deceleration Distance or SRL 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.
• 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. Minimise 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.
• EXTENDED SUSPENSION: A Full Body Harness is not intended for use in extended suspension applications. If the
user is going to be suspended for an extended length of time it is recommended that some form of seat support be
used. 3M recommends a seat board, suspension work seat, seat sling, or a boatswain chair. Contact 3M for more
information on these items.
• ENVIRONMENTAL 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, gases, moving machinery, and sharp edges.
• HARNESSES FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENTS: Harnesses with Kevlar webbing are designed for use in
high temperature environments, with limitations: Kevlar webbing begins to char at 477° to 482° C (800° to 900°F).
Kevlar webbing can withstand limited contact exposure to temperatures up to 538° C (1,000° F). Polyester webbing
loses strength at 149° to 204° C (300° to 400° F). PVC coating on hardware has a melting point of approximately
177° C (350° F).
1 Fall Arre s t Free Falls:
Free falls greater than 2 m (6.6 ft) may be permitted when users are secured to the anchorage with a connecting sub-
system which limits maximum arresting force to 6 kN (1,349 lbs) and is authorised for such use (i.e., 3M Force 2™ Lanyards).