9
USE
(continued)
dorsal attachment element. Sliding dorsal attachments are generally easier
to adjust to different user sizes, and allow a more vertical rest position
post fall, but can increase FBH Stretch.
Sections 11-16 provide additional information concerning the location and use
of various attachments that may be provided on this FBH.
11. Sternal – The sternal attachment may be used as an alternative fall arrest
attachment in applications where the dorsal attachment is determined to
be inappropriate by a competent person, and where there is no chance to
fall in a direction other than feet first. Accepted practical uses for a sternal
attachment include, but are not limited to, ladder climbing with a guided
type fall arrester, ladder climbing with an overhead self-retracting lifeline
for fall arrest, work positioning and rope access. The sternal attachment
may also be used for travel restraint or rescue.
When supported by the sternal attachment during a fall, the design
of the Full Body Harness shall direct load through the shoulder straps
supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post fall,
by the sternal attachment will result in roughly a sitting or cradled body
position with weight concentrated on the thighs, buttocks and lower back.
Supporting the user during work positioning by this sternal attachment will
result in an approximate upright body position.
If the sternal attachment is used for fall arrest, the competent person
evaluating the application should take measures to ensure that a fall
can only occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free fall
distance. It may be possible for a sternal attachment incorporated into
an adjustable style chest strap to cause the chest strap to slide up and
possibly choke the user during a fall, extraction, suspension, etc. The
competent person should consider Full Body Harness models with a fixed
sternal attachment for these applications.
12. Frontal – The frontal attachment serves as a ladder climbing connection
for guided type fall arresters where there is no chance to fall in a direction
other than feet first, or may be used for work positioning. Supporting the
user, post fall or during work positioning, by the frontal attachment will
result in a sitting body position, with the upper torso upright, with weight
concentrated on the thighs and buttocks. When supported by the frontal
attachment the design of the Full Body Harness shall direct load directly
around the thighs and under the buttocks by means of the sub-pelvic
strap.
If the frontal attachment is used for fall arrest, the competent person
evaluating the application should take measures to ensure that a fall
can only occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free fall
distance.
13. Shoulder – The shoulder attachment elements shall be used as a pair, and
are an acceptable attachment for rescue and entry/retrieval. The shoulder
attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. It is recommended
that the shoulder attachment elements be used in conjunction with a yoke
which incorporates a spreader element to keep the Full Body Harness
shoulder straps separate.
14. Waist, Rear – The waist, rear attachment shall be used solely for travel
restraint. The waist, rear attachment element shall not be used for fall
arrest. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to use the waist, rear
attachment for purposes other than travel restraint. The waist, rear
attachment shall only be subjected to minimal loading through the waist of
the user, and shall never be used to support the full weight of the user.
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