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1.0 APPLICATIONS
1.1 PURPOSE:
Restraint Lanyards are designed to be a component in a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). They can dissipate
fall energy, limit fall forces transferred to the body, or be used for work positioning and restraint, depending on their type.
Figure 1 identifies the Lanyard models covered by this instruction manual. They may be used in most situations where a
combination of worker mobility and fall protection is required (i.e. inspection work, general construction, maintenance work,
oil production, confined space work, etc.).
1.2 STANDARDS:
Your Lanyard conforms to the national or regional standard(s) identified on the front cover of these
instructions. Refer to the local requirements governing occupational safety for additional information regarding Personal Fall
Protection. 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:
This equipment is intended to be used by persons trained in its correct application and use. It is the
responsibility of the user to assure they are familiar with these instructions and are trained in the correct care and use
of this equipment. Users must also be aware of the operating characteristics, application limits, and the consequences of
improper use.
1.4 REQUIREMENTS:
Always consider the following limitations when installing or using this equipment:
• Capacity:
Lanyards are for use by one person with a combined weight (clothing, tools, etc.) meeting the
Weight
Range
specified in Figure 1 for the Lanyard model. Make sure all of the components in the system are rated to a
capacity appropriate to the needed application.
• Anchorage:
Anchorages selected for fall arrest systems must be capable of sustaining static loads applied in the
directions permitted by the entire system of at least:
1. 12 kN for metal anchors or 18 kN for textile anchors or
2. Two times the maximum arresting force for certified anchorages.
If permitted based on the anchor type, when more than one fall arrest system is attached to an anchorage, the
strengths set forth in (1) and (2) above shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to the anchorage.
• Swing Falls:
Swing Falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs. The
force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury (see Figure 7). Minimize swing falls by working
as directly below the anchorage point as possible.
• Hazards:
Use of this equipment in areas where surrounding hazards exist may require additional precautions to reduce the
possibility of injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are not limited to: high heat, caustic
chemicals, corrosive environments, high voltage power lines, explosive or toxic gases, moving machinery, or overhead
materials that may fall and contact the user or fall arrest system. Avoid working where your Lanyard may cross or tangle with
that of another worker. Avoid working where an object may fall and strike the Lanyard, risking loss of balance or damage to
the Lanyard. Do not allow the Lanyard to pass under the arms or between the legs.
2.0 USE
2.1 FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE PLAN:
The employer must have a Fall Protection and Rescue Plan in place.
The plan should provide guidelines and requirements for an employer’s managed fall protection program, including
policies, duties and training; fall protection procedures; eliminating and controlling fall hazards; rescue procedures;
incident investigations; and evaluating program effectiveness.
2.2 INSPECTION FREQUENCY:
Lanyards shall be inspected by the worker
1
before each use. Additionally, inspections
shall be conducted by a competent person
2
other than the user. Extreme working conditions (harsh environment,
prolonged use, etc.) may necessitate more frequent competent person inspections. The competent person shall
determine appropriate inspection intervals.
Inspection procedures are described in the
Inspection & Maintenance Log
(Table 2)
. Results of the Competent Person inspection should be recorded in the
Inspection and Maintenance Log
or
recorded with the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system.
2.3 BODY SUPPORT:
A Full Body Harness must be used with the Restraint Lanyard. The harness connection point must be
above the user’s center of gravity. A body belt is not authorized for use with the Restraint Lanyard. If a fall occurs when
using a body belt, it may cause unintentional release or physical trauma from improper body support.
2.4 COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS:
Unless otherwise noted, 3M equipment is designed for use with 3M approved
components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non approved components or subsystems may
jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect safety and reliability of the complete system.
2.5 COMPATIBILITY OF CONNECTORS:
Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting elements
when they have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate
mechanisms to inadvertently open regardless of how they become oriented. Contact 3M if you have any questions
about compatibility. Connectors (hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 22 kN.
Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components. Do not use equipment that is not
compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage (see Figure 4). Connectors must be compatible
in size, shape, and strength. Self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are required. If the connecting element to which
a snap hook or carabiner attaches is undersized or irregular in shape, a situation could occur where the connecting
element applies a force to the gate of the snap hook or carabiner (A). This force may cause the gate to open (B),
allowing the snap hook or carabiner to disengage from the connecting point (C).
1 Worker:
Any person wo is protected from falling by an active fall protection system; or, in the case of a fall arrest System; an person who might fall while
attached to the system.
2 Competent Person:
An individual designated by the employer to be responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation, and monitoring of the employer’s
managed fall protection program who, through training and knowledge, is capable of identifying, evaluating, and addressing existing and potential fall hazards,
and who has the employer’s authority to take prompt corrective action with regard to such hazards.
