15
Rev.C1 of 210602
15.
Hip
- The hip attachment elements shall be used as a pair, and shall be used solely for work positioning. The hip attachment
elements shall not be used for fall arrest. Hip attachments are often used for work positioning by arborists, utility workers
climbing poles and construction workers tying rebar and climbing on form walls. Users are cautioned against using the hip
attachment elements (or any other rigid point on the Full Body Harness) to store the unused end of a fall arrest lanyard, as this
may cause a tripping hazard, or, in the case multiple leg lanyards, could cause adverse loading to the Full Body Harness and the
wearer through the unused portion of the lanyard.
16.
Suspension seat
- The suspension seat attachment elements shall be used as a pair, and shall be used solely for work
positioning. The suspension seat attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. Suspension seat attachments are often
used for prolonged work activities where the user is suspended, allowing the user to sit on the suspension seat formed between
the two attachment elements. An example of this use would be window washers on large buildings.
USER INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT
Users of personal fall arrest systems shall, at a minimum, comply with all manufacturer instructions regarding the inspection,
maintenance and storage of the equipment. The user’s organization shall retain the manufacturer’s instructions and make them
readily available to all users. See ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection
Program, regarding user inspection, maintenance and storage of equipment.
1.
In addition to the inspection requirements set forth in the manufacturer’s instructions, the equipment shall be inspected by
the user before each use and, additionally, by a competent person, other than the user, at interval of no more than one year for:
▪
Absence or illegibility of markings.
▪
Absence of any elements affecting the equipment form, fit or function.
▪
Evidence of defects in, or damage to, hardware elements including cracks, sharp edges, deformation, corrosion, chemical
attack, excessive heating, alteration and excessive wear.
▪
Evidence of defects in or damage to strap or ropes including fraying, unsplicing, unlaying, kinking, knotting, roping, broken or
pulled stitches, excessive elongation, chemical attack, excessive soiling, abrasion, alteration, needed or excessive lubrication,
excessive aging and excessive wear.
2.
Inspection criteria for the equipment shall be set by the user’s organization. Such criteria for the equipment shall equal or
exceed the criteria established by this standard or the manufacturer’s instructions, whichever is greater.
3.
When inspection reveals defects in, damage to, or inadequate maintenance of equipment, the equipment shall be
permanently removed from service or undergo adequate corrective maintenance, by the original equipment manufacturer or
their designate, before return to service.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1.
Maintenance and storage of equipment shall be conducted by the user’s organization in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. Unique issues, which may arise due to conditions of use, shall be addressed with the manufacturer.
2.
Equipment which is in need of, or scheduled for, maintenance shall be tagged as unusable and removed from service.
3.
Equipment shall be stored in a manner as to preclude damage from environmental factors such as temperature, light, UV,
excessive moisture, oil, chemicals and their vapors or other degrading elements.