Fall Protection Applications
9
PORTA
BASE
Use as a Fall Protection Anchor
This section must not be read in isolation from
all other sections of this manual. Read the whole
manual before using this product.
Fall arrest:
This product is tested and conforms
to the requirements of ANSI Z359.18 type D for
fall arrest protection for a single user subject to
the configuration of the product and the Davit
being used. This product can also be used as part
of a personal fall protection system that meets
the requirements of OSHA 1910 subpart I, OSHA
1910.66 Appendix C (I) and OSHA 1926.502 subpart
M. When being used for fall arrest purposes, the
operator must use a body harness and a shock
absorber that complies with the relevant national
standards and regulations and that limits the
maximum allowed force (m.a.f.) to 8kN.
Each personnel lift must be properly planned,
and all weights clearly known along with a clear
understanding of the capacity and constraints of all
personal fall arrest system components.
The capabilities stated in the table below apply to
standard range systems only. If unsure about your
system consult serial labels, information filled in on
page 31 or consult your supplier.
Custom versions of the system are available
tailored to specific lifting needs. These versions
are designated with a ‘C’ at the end the product
number on the serial label attached to each
product.
This product has different ratings depending upon
the application as detailed in the table below:
Additional Notes for Correct Operation
& Warnings
Always carry out pre-use checks before
using this equipment. It is advised to use a
buddy system and inspection must be by a
competent person
Never walk away from the footprint of the
product or move outside designated safe zones
whilst connected to it where there is a risk of
a fall
When using this product as a fall arrest anchor
ensure there is adequate fall clearance when
working at height. A competent person should
calculate this taking in to account all of the
components of the personal fall arrest system.
Always consider the potential effects of
sharp edges, chemical reagents, electrical
conductivity, cutting, abrasion, climatic
exposure on all components of the fall
protection system, and the effect of offset
forces as a result of pendulum falls
Ensure the structure on which the product is
mounted is horizontal enough to get it to be
level (check bubble indicator) after the feet are
adjusted
If the product has been subjected to a fall arrest
or impact force it must be immediately removed
from service
The substrate of the structure on which the
product is placed must be able to sustain the
loads specified for the device in all orientations
permitted, including a safety factor of at least 2
Never exceed the number of allowable users
Never adjust the product whilst a person is
attached to it
Only use designated anchor points for the
attachment of fall protection devices
Ensure that any fall protection system
components being used are compatible and
meet the requirements of applicable standards
When using this product ensure that there is a
rescue plan prior to starting work and ensure that
users are trained in the correct execution of the
plan and have all necessary rescue equipment
to hand
Where required by regulation, each installation
must be approved by a qualified person
Always wear appropriate PPE when installing,
setting up, dismantling and using this equipment
Misuse of this product could result in serious
injury or death
Warning
For fall protection applications the maximum
user weight is 330lb (150kg) or the weight
allowed by the lowest rated piece of
equipment in the fall arrest system
Ensure that you have read and understood
the maximum force tables for each anchor
point on the corresponding Davit selected
to be used with the Porta Base. This varies (is
reduced) as the Davit radius increases.
When using for fall protection, only use one
fall arrest device with each pulley/sheave and
make sure they never cross paths with each
other
When using the product in conjunction
with another manufacturers fall protection
products, ensure that you have read the
instructions for use of those products to
ensure their suitability and any restrictions
for use. Only use approved brackets for the
connection of winches and self retracting
lifelines.
It is essential for safety that the product is
withdrawn from use immediately and not be
used again until confirmed in writing by a
competent person should;
1. Any doubt arises about its condition for
safe use or;
2. It has been used to arrest a fall
3. It has been used for any other purpose,
other than as a component of a personal
fall protection system
IRATA [International Rope Access Trade
Association]
This product is suitable for rope access and has
been tested to 15kN (3300lb) static load as per
test requirements of IRATA International Code of
Practice (ICOP).
Davit Radius
Counterweight Required [lb]
ANSI
8kN
[1800lb] M.A.F
6kN
[1350lb]M.A.F
4kN
[900lb]M.A.F
31½"
1100lb
1100lb
800lb
800lb
35½"
X
1100lb
800lb
800lb
39¼"
X
1100lb
800lb
800lb
43¼"
X
1100lb
800lb
800lb
47¼"
X
1100lb
800lb
800lb
The system is not suitable for fall arrest
applications.
The system is suitable for fall arrest
applications. Specify number of users.
Max weight of 330lb.