2.4
Work
Positioning:
Work
Positioning
systems
are
an
assembly
of
components,
subsystems
and
connectors
to
partially
support
and
stabilize
a
worker
at
an
elevated
work
location
and
allow
the
user
free
use
of
both
hands.
The
system
shall
be
secured
to
an
anchorage
capable
of
supporting
at
least
twice
the
potential
impact
load
of
an
employee’s
fall
or
3,000
lbs.,
whichever
is
greater.
Each
work
positioning
system
installation
must
be
independently
capable
of
supporting
these
loads.
Work
positioning
systems
allow
a
maximum
24”
of
free
fall.
2.5
Suspension:
Suspension
systems
typically
include
body
support
and
a
back
‐
up
PFAS
with
an
FBH,
with
a
suspension
line
and
bosun’s
seat
connected
via
a
carabiner.
2.6
Rescue:
Rescue
systems
typically
include
an
FBH,
and
a
specialized
set
of
equipment
to
rescue
a
worker
after
a
fall
event.
2.7
Application
Limits:
Take
action
to
avoid
sharp
edges,
abrasive
surfaces,
and
thermal,
electrical
and
chemical
hazards.
Consider
system
requirements
when
making
attachments.
DO
NOT
use
the
carabiners
to
hoist
tools
or
materials.
3.
SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS
3.1
Capacity:
The
capacity
of
the
carabiners
in
Specifications
is
listed
as
425
lbs.
(193
kg).
NOTE:
To
maintain
ANSI
Z359
compliance,
limit
total
user
weight
to
no
more
than
310
lbs.,
(140.6
kg),
including
clothing,
tools,
etc.
No
more
than
one
PFAS
may
be
connected
to
one
anchorage
at
one
time.
3.2
Compatibility
of
Components
:
FallTech
equipment
is
designed
for
use
with
compatible
components
and
subsystems
only.
Substitutions
or
replacements
made
with
non
‐
approved
components
or
subsystems
may
jeopardize
compatibility
of
equipment
and
may
affect
the
safety
and
reliability
of
the
complete
system.
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.
Contact
FallTech
if
you
have
any
questions
about
compatibility.
Connectors
(hooks,
carabiners,
and
D
‐
rings)
must
be
capable
of
supporting
at
least
5,000
lbs.
(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.
Connectors
must
be
compatible
in
size,
shape,
and
strength.
Self
‐
locking
snap
hooks
and
carabiners
are
required
by
ANSI
Z359
and
OSHA.
3.3
Making
Connections:
Only
use
connectors
that
are
suitable
to
each
application.
Ensure
all
connections
are
compatible
in
size,
shape
and
strength.
Visually
ensure
all
connectors
are
fully
closed
and
locked.
FallTech
carabiners
are
designed
to
be
used
only
as
specified
in
each
product’s
user’s
instructions.
Ensure
the
carabiner
is
not
bent,
cracked,
broken
or
otherwise
damaged.
If
inspection
reveals
a
damaged
carabiner,
remove
it
from
service
immediately.
Ensure
the
lock
functions
normally.
Connect
the
carabiner
to
line
up
the
load
along
the
carabiners
vertical
axis.
See
Figure
3.
3.4
Anchorage
Strength:
The
following
lists
minimum
anchorage
strength
requirements:
FALL
ARREST:
Per
ANSI
Z359,
anchorages
selected
for
PFAS
shall
have:
o
a
strength
capable
of
sustaining
static
loads
in
the
directions
permitted
by
the
PFAS
when
in
use
of
at
least;
(A)
3,600
lbs.
(16
kN)
when
certification
exists
or
(B)
5,000
lbs.
(22.2
kN)
in
absence
of
certification.
o
OSHA
requires
that
anchorages
used
for
attachment
of
a
PFAS
shall
be
independent
of
any
anchorage
being
used
to
support
or
suspend
platforms.
The
attachment
must
be
able
to
support
at
least
5,000
lbs.
per
user
attached,
or
be
designed,
installed
and
used
as
part
of
a
complete
PFAS
which
maintains
a
safety
factor
of
at
least
two,
and
is
under
the
supervision
of
a
qualified
person.
RESTRAINT:
Anchorages
for
restraint
applications
must
support
a
static
load
of
at
least
3,000
lbs.
(13.4
kN)
applied
in
any
direction
permitted
by
the
system
when
in
use.
Each
installation
must
independently
sustain
this
load.
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