EN.................................................................................
ANSI/ASSE Z359 - Requirements for Proper Use and Mainte-
nance of Connectors
These are general requirements and information provided by ANSI/
ASSE Z359, the Manufacturer of this equipment may impose more
stringent restrictions on the use of the products they manufacturer,
see the Manufacturer’s instructions.
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 -
The user’s organization shall retain the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions and make them readily available to all users. Users shall read
and perfectly understand the information provided by the manufac-
turer before using the device, shall comply with all instructions re-
garding the inspection, maintenance and storage of the equipment
and make sure that the device is in perfect condition and working
properly.
Important
: this information relates to the characteristics,
services, assembly, disassembly, maintenance, conservation, dis-
infection, etc. of the device. Although it does include some sugges-
tions on how to use the device, it cannot be considered a true to
life instruction manual (the same as an operating and maintenance
handbook for a car does not teach how to drive it and does not re-
place a driving school).
Warning: rescue work, tree climbing and
works at height are activities with a high degree of risk, which
may lead to accidents and even death.
The user takes complete
responsibility for the risks deriving from these activities and from
using our devices. This device can be used only by individuals medi-
cally fit. It is essential that the users of this type of equipment receive
proper training and instruction, including detailed procedures for the
safe use of such equipment in their work application. ANSI/ASSE
Z359.2 establishes guidelines and requirements for an employer’s
managed fall protection program, including policy statements, du-
ties and responsibilities, training and evaluations, minimum require-
ments for fall protection procedures, eliminating and controlling fall
hazards, rescue procedures, incident investigations, and evaluating
program effectiveness.
1.2 -
If the user has the slightest doubt concerning the efficiency of
the device, it shall be replaced immediately, particularly after having
used it to arrest a fall.
1.3 -
Minimum resistance of anchoring points, on both natural and
artificial elements, can be at least 12 kN. The assessment of those
made on natural elements (rocks, plants, etc.) is possible only em-
pirically, and can therefore be performed by a competent expert,
while those on artificial elements (metal, concrete, etc.) can be cal-
culated scientifically, and can therefore be performed by qualified
personnel.
1.4 – 414.O00 - 414.T00 OVALONE DNA ANSI
is tested in accor-
dance to ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009.
This device is inspected in accordance with the procedures of the
Quality System certified according to the UNI EN ISO 9001.
Warning: laboratory tests, inspections, information and norms
do not always manage to reproduce what actually happens in
practice, and so performance under real usage conditions in a
natural environment may differ, sometimes even considerably.
The best information can be gained by continual practice under
the supervision of skilled, expert, qualified individuals.
2 - WARNINGS
- It is strictly forbidden to altering and/or repair the device, only the
equipment manufacturer, or persons or entities authorized by the
manufacturer, are allowed to repair the equipment.
- Before use make sure that the device is suitable for the purpose:
only the techniques that are not crossed out are permitted, any other
use is considered improper and therefore potentially dangerous.
- Verify combinations of components or sub-systems, or both, they
have not to affect or interfere with the safe function of each other.
- Improper use, deformation, falls, wear, contact with chemical sub-
stances, chemical contamination, exposure to direct sunlight (UV
degradation), heat sources and flames, exposure to temperatures
below -20°F or higher than +120°F, are some examples of other
causes that may produce a harmful effect, or reduce, limit or end
the life of the device. We strongly suggest using the device person-
ally in order to continuously monitor the degree of protection and
efficiency.
- At low temperatures, the presence of moisture can form ice that,
on textile devices, can reduce flexibility and increases the risk of cutting
and abrasion.
- Pay particular attention when using the equipment around moving ma-
chinery and electrical hazards, sharp edges or abrasive surfaces.
3 – MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
- Equipment which is in need of, or scheduled for maintenance shall be
tagged as “unusable” and removed from service.
- Maintenance and storage of equipment shall be conducted by the us-
er’s organization, consists of washing in warm drinking water (90°F),
possibly with the addition of neutral detergent. Rinse and, without spin-
ning, leave it to dry without leaving it in the direct sunlight.
- In addition, if necessary disinfect the device, soaking it in warm water
containing 1% of sodium hypochlorite (bleach). Rinse with drinking wa-
ter and, without spinning, leave it to dry without leaving it in the direct
sunlight. Avoid sterilising textile devices in an autoclave.
- Equipment shall be stored in a manner as to preclude damage from
environment: maintain temperature between 5-30°C (40-85 °F) and
relative humidity between 40-90%, avoid exposure to light, UV, sharp
edges, excessive moisture, oil, chemicals and their vapours or other
degrading elements.
- Exceptional maintenance and storage issues, which may arise due to
unusual conditions of use, shall be addressed with the manufacturer.
4 – INSPECTION
Inspection criteria for the equipment shall be set by the user’s organiza-
tion. Such criteria for the equipment shall equal or exceed the criteria es-
tablished by ANSI/ASSE Z359.2:13 or the manufacturer’s instructions,
whichever is greater. The outcome of these periodic inspections shall be
recorded on the device’s inspection chart or a designated register. 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.
In addition to the inspection requirements set forth in the manufacturer’s
instructions, the equipment shall be inspected by the user before and
after using the device 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 broken stitches fixed to load indicators,
- evidence of defects in or damage to hardware elements including
crack, 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, al-
teration, excessive aging and excessive wear.
5 - DEVICE LIFE
The lifespan of this device is 10 years from the date of production (in-
dicated in the serial number) as long as: maintenance and storage are
carried out as described in point 3, the results of pre-use, post-use and
periodic inspections are all positive, and the device is used correctly.
6 – LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Professional and recreational activities are often regulated by specific
national or governmental laws that may impose specific limits and/or
requirements for the personal fall arrest systems, which includes the
Connector in their components. The user is obliged to know and apply
these laws, which may in some cases impose obligations different from
those contained in this information.
7 – GUARANTEE
The manufacturer guarantees that the device complies with regulations
in force at the time of production. The guarantee covering faults is lim-
ited to production defects and raw materials. It does not include wear
and tear, oxidation, damages caused by improper use and/or during
competition, incorrect maintenance, transport, conservation, storage,
etc. The guarantee becomes void as soon as the device is modified
or tampered with. The validity corresponds to the legal guarantee of
the country where the device was sold by the manufacturer, with effect
from the date of sale. After this period no claim can be made against the
manufacturer. Any request for repair or replacement under this warranty
shall be accompanied by a proof of purchase. If the defect is accepted,
the manufacturer, at its sole discretion, will repair, replace or refund the
device. Under no circumstances does the manufacturer’s liability extend
beyond the invoice price of the device.
8 – USE INFORMATION
The Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
known as
OVALONE DNA
ANSI,
in the versions
Autoblock 414.O00
and
Twistlock 414.T00,
(fig.
1) is a connecting component used to connect two or more pieces of
equipment together in Personal Fall Arrest Systems. This device is cer-
tified according to ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009.
Nomenclature of parts (fig. 1): (A) Body made in Carbon Steel, (B) Gate
made in Steel, (C) Automatic gate locking device made in Steel: (C1)
Autoblock, (C2) Twistlock.
Carefully assess the suitability of the attachment/anchoring point cho-
sen in relation to the application for which it is to be used, applicable
governmental regulations and standards on occupational safety. Espe-
cially, always make sure that the connectors attached to the attachment/
anchoring point are free to move and take up a position in the foresee-
able direction in which the load will be applied, with the gates fully closed
at all times.
Only permitted position, providing the greatest strength (fig 2a).
Warning:
- not permitted positions, those can cause lateral and/or sideways
forces and/or twisting and/or direct forces on the gate (fig. 2b).
- connecting using wide elements reduces the connector’s strength
(fig. 3) and may compromise releasing and closing the gate (fig. 4).
Important:
- before using the connector for hanging, calculate the actual loads that
will be applied (fig. 5).
- it is recommended to never exceed ¼ of the load marked on the con-
nector (SWL 1:4),
- make sure the gate locking device works as described in figures 6 and 7,
- do not open the gate when the connector is loaded,
- regularly inspect and monitor the system during use and check locking
and positioning of the connector,
- take the connector’s length into consideration, when using it in a sys-
tem to prevent falling.
Fig. 8 – Minimum strength of the connector when loaded in directions
set by ANSI/ASSE Z359.12.
9 - CHECKS BEFORE AND AFTER USE
Check and make sure that:
- The connector is suitable for the intended use.
- The connector is not out of shape and does not show signs of cracks
or wear.
- The gate opens completely when pushed and closes automatically and
completely when released.
- The gate locking device works as described in figures 6 and 7.
Before use, on each occasion check that the device holds correctly by
putting your weight on it, in a position that is completely safe.
10 - CERTIFICATION
This device is certified by notified body no. 1539 DOLOMITICERT scarl
- zona industriale Villanova - 32013 Longarone BL – Italia.
ZZV05513 rev
.0
OVALONE DNA ANSI
KONG s.p.a.
Via XXV Aprile, 4 - (zona industriale)
I - 23804 MONTE MARENZO (LC) - ITALY
Tel +39 0341630506 - Fax +39 0341641550 - [email protected]
414.O00 - 414.T00