3M PROTECTA Cobra, User Instructions

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1.0 PRODUCT APPLICATION
1.1 PURPOSE: Rope Grabs are designed to be a component in a Fall Arrest
1
or Fall Restraint
2
system. See Figure 9 for system
applications. Figure 9.1 shows a typical Fall Arrest System and figure 9.2 shows a typical fall restraint system. Each
system should contain a full body harness (E) connected to a lanyard (D or F). The lanyard is connected to the Rope Grab
(A), which is installed on a vertical lifeline (B) connected to an anchorage connector (C). An Energy Absorbing Lanyard (D)
must be used in a fall arrest system and a Restraint Lanyard (F) must be used in a fall restraint system.
1.2 STANDARDS: Your Rope Grab 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 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 and OSHA, and/or regional 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.
1.4 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
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, and rescuers
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. 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.
1.5 AFTER A FALL: If the Rope Grab or its attaching lanyard or vertical lifeline are subjected to the forces of arresting a fall,
it must be removed from service immediately and destroyed. Do not attempt maintenance or repair.
2.0 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
2.1 ANCHORAGE: Anchorage structure requirements vary with the system application and whether it is a certified anchorage
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or non-certified anchorage
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. The structure to which a fall arrest, restraint, positioning, or rescue system is attached must
sustain static loads applied in the directions permitted as shown in the following table. Anchorage Strength requirements,
along with system applications, are specified below, unless noted or defined otherwise in Table 1:
Fall Protection System Certified Anchorage Non-Certified Anchorage Defined by
Fall Arrest 2 times maximum arresting force 5,000 lbs (22.2 kN) OSHA, ANSI
Restraint/Travel Restraint 2 times foreseeable force
1,000 lbs (4.4 kN) per ANSI
5,000 lbs (22.2 kN) per OSHA
OSHA, ANSI
Work Positioning 2 times foreseeable force 3,000 lbs (13.3 kN) OSHA, ANSI
Rescue 5 times applied load 3,000 lbs (13.3 kN) ANSI
When more than one system is attached to an anchorage, the strengths stated above must be multiplied by the number
of systems attached to the anchorage. See ANSI Z359.2 for more information.
2.2 PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM: Figure 9 illustrates the application of this Rope Grab. The Personal Fall Arrest
System (PFAS) 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 Energy-Absorbing Lanyard 1800 lbs (8 kN) 6 ft. (1.82 m)
2.3 LANYARDS: Refer to the instruction(s) included with your Lanyard for limitations specific to Lanyard use. See Table 1
for limitations of Lanyard use specific to this Rope Grab. Do not lengthen Lanyards for use with this Rope Grab without
consulting 3M. All Lanyards must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs (22.2 kN).
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 system. 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, (C) Harness Stretch, D-Ring/
Connector Length and Settling, (D) Rope Grab Lock-Up Distance, (E) Vertical Lifeline Length and Stretch, and (SF) Safety
Factor. Lanyard Length and Lanyard Deceleration Distance will vary with the Lanyard model.
Refer to Table 1 for details on Fall Clearance requirements. Figure 4 illustrates how positioning of the Rope Grab affects
the required Fall Clearance. Figure 5 gives the specific Fall Clearance value that is necessary, based on the exact
positioning of the Rope Grab. See Figure 4 and Figure 5 to determine Fall Clearance requirements. Fall Clearance values
include a Safety Factor of 1.5 ft and already account for stretch in the rope.
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 (for use with an Energy-Absorbing Lanyard only).
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 vertical free fall is permitted.
3 Authorized Person:
A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed to a fall hazard.
4 Rescuer:
Person or persons other than the rescue subject acting to perform an assisted rescue by operation of a rescue system.