5.0 Installation and Use
WARNING
Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment. Consult FallTech when using this equipment in combination with components or
subsystems other than those described in this manual. All components or subsystems used with the SRD discussed in this manual must be in
compliance with ANSI Z359 and/or OSHA.
Do not use rebar hooks, large carabiners or large snap hooks to connect to the FBH dorsal D-rings or to any small diameter non-compatible
anchor point as this may cause a roll-out condition and/or unintentional disengagement.
Do not insert extra connectors between the SRD lifeline connector and the FBH dorsal D-ring, except an approved D-ring extender.
Use caution. Take action to avoid sharp and/or abrasive surfaces and edges when possible.
5.1
Install the SRD:
Examine the work area for possible hazards. Take caution to avoid overhead hazards such as cranes, poles, overhead
power cables, and walking/working surface hazards such as power cables, welding leads, air and fluid hoses, including obstruction hazards
such as vertical columns and stacks of materials on the lower level. Eliminate hazards where possible.
Ensure the anchorage provides the Minimum Required Fall Clearance (MRFC) in the fall path below the walking/working surface to
prevent striking the lower level or an obstruction during a fall event. Take action to avoid swing falls, which occur when the anchorage is
not directly above the point where the fall occurs.
Fall clearance and swing falls are subject to variable conditions. Anchor height, lateral movement, and setback distance all affect anchor
location with regard to fall clearance and swing fall.
The SRD may be attached to an overhead anchor, i.e. above the user’s FBH dorsal D-ring, or a non-overhead anchor, i.e., below the user’s
FBH dorsal D-ring. A non-overhead anchor may be as low as foot level, but no more than a maximum of 5’ (1.5m) below the user’s FBH
dorsal D-ring. Non-overhead anchor locations result in greater contact between the lifeline and the edge and present greater abrasion
risk hazards.
Use of a foot level anchorage should be as a last resort, when no other anchor option exists.
Performance testing has shown that a fall event over a leading edge will alter SRD performance characteristics and fall clearance
requirements. When anchored below the FBH back D-ring fall events will result in greater fall clearances. Reduced setback distances will
also increase clearance requirements. Non-overhead anchorage when the SRD is set back less than 5’ (1.5 m) will result in the greatest
MRFC and the least amount of worker mobility due to swing fall. Greater set back distances of 5’ (1.5 m) or more will reduce the overall
MRFC and allow for more lateral movement of the worker when attached to a non-overhead anchorage.
If job site geometry allows it, a setback distance of 5’ (1.5 m) is recommended to take full advantage of the SRD performance. In addition,
the Angle of Redirection of the lifeline, i.e., the angle of the lifeline as it passes over the edge, must be at 90 degrees or more, never
less, see Section 5.3.
Do not attach the SRD in a manner that places the edge higher than the SRD.
MSRD28 Rev B
081723
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4.7
PFAS Anchorage Strength:
An anchorage selected for PFAS must have a strength able to sustain a static load applied in the direction
permitted by the PFAS of at least:
a) Two times the maximum arrest force permitted when certification exists, or
b) 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN) in the absence of certification.
Select an anchorage location carefully. Consider structural strength, obstructions in the fall path, and swing fall hazards. In certain
situations, the qualified person can determine that a given structure is able to withstand the applied MAF of the PFAS with a safety factor
of at least two, as required by OSHA.