User Manual
V1.0 2022 Copyright Safewaze
Unless otherwise noted, Safewaze equipment is designed for use with Safewaze approved components and subsystems
only. Substitutions or replacements made with non approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of
equipment and may affect safety and reliability of the complete system.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for associated components and subsystems
in your personal fall arrest system.
Connectors are 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 regardless of how they become
oriented. Connectors (hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN). Do
not use equipment that is not compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage (See Figure 4).
Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components (See Figure 5). Connectors must be
compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by ANSI Z359 and OSHA
guidelines. Contact Safewaze if you have any questions about compatibility.
NOTE:
SOME SPECIALTY CONNECTORS HAVE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. CONTACT
SAFEWAZE WITH QUESTIONS.
An anchorage point located in a position that is not directly over the user’s fall location results in a swing fall
(See Figure 3).
Swing falls may result in the user striking an object with enough force to cause serious injury. Greater
clearance is needed to ensure safety during a swing fall as vertical fall distance will be greater than a fall originating
directly below the anchorage point.
A
FALL-ARREST
SWIN
G F
AL
L
FIGURE 3 - SWING FALLS
FIGURE 4 - UNINTENTIONAL DISENGAGEMENT
3 - gate opens
2 - gate presses
against
non-complaint part
4 - parts disengage
1 -
Non-compliant part
Using a connector that is undersized or irregular in shape (1) to connect a snap hook or carabiner could allow the
connector to force open the gate of the snap hook or carabiner. When force is applied, the gate of the hook or carabiner
presses against the non-compliant part (2) and forces open the gate (3). This allows the snap hook or carabiner to
disengage (4) from the connection point.
6.9 SWING FALLS
7.0 COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS
8.0 COMPATIBILITY OF CONNECTORS
4