3M DBI Sala EXOFIT User Instruction Manual Download

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1.0 APPLICATIONS

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). Full Body Harnesses are used in the following applications:

Class A

Fall Arrest: The full body harness is used as a component of a personal fall arrest system. Personal fall arrest systems typically include

a full body harness and a connecting subsystem (energy absorbing lanyard). Maximum arresting force must not exceed 1,800 lbs

(8 kN). For fall arrest applications connect the fall arrest subsystem (example: lanyard, SRL, energy absorber, etc.) to the D-Ring or

attachment element on your back, between your shoulder blades.

Class P

Work Positioning: The full body harness is used as a component of a work positioning system to support the user at a work position.

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.

Class L

Climbing: 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. These are defined in CSA Z259.2.5 in Canada and ANSI A14.3 in the United States.

Class E

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.

Class D

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 descender

or evacuation system (reference in Z259.10 in Canada).

Restraint: 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.

;

Certain application and work conditions require the use of Full Body Harnesses with specific attributes:

• Full body harnesses with Kevlar web should be used when working with tools, materials, or environments of high temperature (foundries, chemical

manufacturing, steel fabrication, emergency rescue services, fire services, welders, oil industry, nuclear industry, explosives).

•

Harnesses with PVC coated hardware should be used when working in explosive or electrically conductive environments, or where surfaces must be

protected from the hardware.

•

Harnesses with high visibility webbing should be used when increased visibility of the user is required.

1.2 STANDARDS:

Harnesses included in this manual conform to the standard(s) identified on the cover of this instruction.

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 maximum combined weight (clothing, tools,

etc.) of 353 lbs (160 kg)

. 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 6 feet (1.8

. 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 2 feet (.6 m) 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 18 in. (.46 cm) 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 1.5 ft). Refer to the instructions
included with your Lanyard or Self-Retracting Device 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. 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.

• 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.

Although PVC coated and zinc plated hardware exhibit excellent corrosion resistance in chemical, acidic, alkaline,

and atmospheric conditions, frequent inspections may be required. Consult with 3M if you question the use of this

equipment in hazardous environments.

• 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 800° to 900° Fahrenheit. Kevlar

webbing can withstand limited contact exposure to temperatures up to 1,000° F. Polyester webbing loses strength

at 300° to 400° F. PVC coating on hardware has a melting point of approximately 350° F. When working with tools,

materials, or in high temperature environments, ensure that associated fall protection equipment can withstand high
temperatures, or provide protection for those items.

1 Capacity: 353 lbs (160 kg) is the maximum capacity allowed by CSA Z259.10. 3M harnesses are factory tested to a OSHA maximum capacity of 420 lbs (191 kg).

2 Fall Arrest Free Falls: Free falls greater than 6 ft. (1.8 m) may be permitted when users are secured to the anchorage with a connecting subsystem which limits maxi

mum arresting force to 1,800 lbs (8 kN) and is authorized for such use (i.e., DBI-SALA Force 2™ Lanyards).