2.5 FALL CLEARANCE:
There must be suf cient clearance below the user to arrest a fall before the user strikes the ground
or other obstruction. Fall Clearance is dependent on the following factors:
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•
•
Free Fall Distance
•
Movement of Harness Attachment Element
• Connecting Subsystem Length
See the Personal Fall Arrest System manufacturer’s instructions for speci cs regarding Fall Clearance calculation.
2.6 SWING FALLS:
Swing Falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where the fall occurs (see
Figure 3). The force of striking an object while swinging from the pendulum effects of a Swing Fall can cause serious
injury. Swing Falls can be minimized by limiting the horizontal distance (H) between the user and the anchorage point.
In a Swing Fall, the total vertical fall distance (F) will be greater than if the user had fallen directly below the anchorage
point, thus increasing Fall Clearance required to safely arrest the user’s fall. See the PFAS manufacturer’s instructions for
details regarding Swing Falls and Fall Clearance calculation.
2.7 SHARP EDGES:
Avoid working where Lifeline or Lanyard components of the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) can
contact or abrade against unprotected sharp edges (see Figure 4). Where contact with a sharp edge is unavoidable, cover
the edge with protective material (A).
2.8 COMPONENT COMPATIBILITY:
Capital Safety equipment is designed for use with Capital Safety approved components
and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize
compatibility of equipment and may effect the safety and reliability of the complete system.
IMPORTANT:
Equipment substitutions require written consent from Capital Safety.
2.9 CONNECTOR
COMPATIBILITY:
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 Capital Safety if you have any questions about
compatibility.
Connectors (hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22.2 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 5). Connectors must be compatible in size, shape,
and strength. 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).
Self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by ANSI Z359 and OSHA.
2.10 MAKING CONNECTIONS:
Snap hooks and carabiners used with this equipment must be self-locking. Ensure all
connections are compatible in size, shape and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Ensure all
connectors are fully closed and locked.
Capital Safety connectors (snap hooks and carabiners) are designed to be used only as speci
fi
ed in each product’s user’s
instructions. See Figure 6 for examples of inappropriate connections. Do not connect snap hooks and carabiners:
A. To a D-ring to which another connector is attached.
B. In a manner that would result in a load on the gate.
NOTE:
Large throat snap hooks should not be connected to standard size D-rings or similar objects which will
result in a load on the gate if the hook or D-ring twists or rotates, unless the snap hook complies is equipped with
a 3,600 lb (16 kN) gate. Check the marking on your snap hook to verify that it is appropriate for your application.
C. In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap hook or carabiner catch on the anchor, and
without visual con
fi
rmation seems to be fully engaged to the anchor point.
D. To each other.
E. Directly to webbing or rope lanyard or tie-back (unless the manufacturer’s instructions for both the lanyard and
connector speci
fi
cally allows such a connection).
F. To any object which is shaped or dimensioned such that the snap hook or carabiner will not close and lock, or that
roll-out could occur.
G. In a manner that does not allow the connector to align properly while under load.
DISTRIBUTED BY CAI SAFETY SYSTEMS | Phone: (888) 246 6999 | Web: caisafety.com | Email: [email protected]
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