Warning
Products manufactured by Yates Gear Inc. are intended for use by professionals trained and experienced in the use, inspection, and maintenance
of these products. Many products which Yates manufactures are used in high angle environments which pose a very substantial risk of serious injury
or death. You must read and understand all of the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Any person purchasing this equipment assumes the
responsibility for seeking proper training in its use. Purchaser also assumes all risk for any injury or damage sustained while using any of this equip-
ment. Failure to follow these warnings increases the risk of injury and death.
• Bulky garments of any type should be removed from the victim if possible prior to securing in the Spec Pak.
• If the victim has on an existing full body harness, remove it if possible before securing in the Spec Pak for the vertical lifting operation.
• If lifting a victim by the top lifting D ring or using the lifting bridle in a vertical position secure the victim’s head to the sliding head
restraint portion of the Spec Pac with one of the straps around forehead or around helmet. Use of chin strap unless C-spine protocol is
dictated is not necessary as standard operating procedure.
• Ensure that leg straps are the first portion of the Spec Pac to be tightened and secured. They should be tightened very securely. Insure
that the chest cross straps are not overly tightened to the point that the victim’s breathing is compromised.
• Use of this product by unqualified users can cause serious injuries. Only qualified persons shall be authorized to use this product follow-
ing these manufacturers guidelines..
• Victims shall not be kept hanging in vertical position for prolonged periods of time (greater than 10 minutes).
• Local protocols override any information presented in this manual.
• Training is required before using this product. Reading and understanding this manual is required before using this product.
• Recurrent training is required to continually use this product.
• User assumes all responsibility in the use of the Spec Pak.
• User assumes all responsibility of maintenance, upkeep, and inspection.
• Please refer any questions to your Yates dealer or contact Yates Gear directly at 800-928-3716.
• This product has a life span of 10 years from time of production.
• This product has a maximum life span of 5 years with regular use.
• Any failure of this product to meet full inspection criteria requires retirement or return to manufacturer for inspection or repair.
• Inspect after each use and at a minimum of once per year if unused.
• If product is subjected to a shock load, it must be retired.
• If product is exposed to unknown chemicals, extreme temperatures, strong acids, it must be retired.
• Product must be properly stored and maintained throughout the life of product.
903 Yates Intrinsically Safe Spec Pak
Designed for use as a Type III full body harness per the requirements
set forth in ANSI Z359.1-2007.
Usage and Applications
The Spec Pak is designed to be utilized as a rescue device to extricate
and move casualties in a supine, sitting, or vertical orientation in vertical
or horizontal environments. In addition it can be used as a vehicle extri-
cation device.
Before Use
The techniques employed in the proper and safe use of this equipment
may only be learned through
personal
instruction received from an
instructor who is well-qualified in all phases of vertical rope work. Such
instruction will include an evaluation of your comprehension of, and abil-
ity to perform, the tasks required to safely and efficiently use this equip-
ment. Never attempt its use until you have received such instruction and
are believed competent by your instructor.
Application of the Harness
Step 1: Remove Spec Pak from outer bag.
Step 2: Quickly inspect Spec Pak following inspection criteria provided in
this document.
Step 3: Lay Spec Pak out with sliding head block near victim's head. Leg
straps should be oriented to victim's legs.
Step 4: Open velcro head straps on sliding head block.
Step 5: Maintaining spinal immobilization, rotate victim onto side.
Step 6: Place Spec Pak against the back of the victim.
Step 7: Continuing to maintain spinal immobilization, rotate victim flat
onto back.
Step 8: Ensure all straps are out from under victim and lay out to prepare
to secure.
Step 9: Ensure victims waist is positioned at red internal waist belt strap,
secure and snug up waist belt strap.
Step 10: Buckle and secure leg straps.
Step 11: Buckle and secure chest straps.
Step 12: Secure head with velcro head straps. If intent is to lift vertically,
do not utilize the lower (chin) velcro strap.
Note: Semi vertical lifting from chest D rings is the recommended method
of lifting in most situations. LIfting from the main D ring behind the head
should only be used for short duration lifting because of possible sus-
pension syndrome and groin pain.
Sharp Edges
Avoid working where the harness will be in contact with, or abrade
against, unprotected or sharp edges. If working with this equipment near
sharp edges is unavoidable, protection against cutting should be provid-
ed by using a heavy pad or other means over the exposed edge.
Roll Out
When using a hook to connect to an anchor or when coupling compo-
nents of a system together, be certain accidental disengagement (roll
out) cannot occur. Roll out occurs when a hook is snapped into an under-
sized ring or non-compatible shaped connector (D ring) causing the
hook’s gate or keeper to accidentally open and release. Self-locking
snap hooks or self-locking and self-closing gate carabiners should be
used to reduce the possibility of roll out. Do not attach two snap hooks
onto one D ring.
After a Fall
Harnesses which have been subject to the forces involved in arresting a
fall must be removed from service and destroyed.
Maintenance, Service, Storage
Before and after each use, inspect this harness to ensure that it is in a
serviceable condition. Check for worn or damaged parts. Ensure all hard-
ware (D rings, buckles, etc.) are present. Inspect to ensure that all buck-
les work properly and that they do not have any sharp edges, burrs,
cracks or corrosion. Inspect webbing for wear, cuts, burns, frayed edges
or other damage. Inspect all stitching for abrasion, discoloration and
wear to ensure integrity. Thoroughly inspect harness after any period of
extended storage. Store harness in a cool, dry, clean environment out of
direct sunlight. Do not expose harness to flame or high temperature envi-
ronments. Avoid contact with any corrosive or caustic chemical agents
such as acids, bases, or petroleum products. Discontinue use of product
if it has come in contact with any of the above listed or any suspect
chemical agents. Avoid storage and use of harness in areas where
chemical vapors may exist. Discontinue use of harness and remove from
service if inspection reveals an unsafe condition.
Inspection
(minimum once per year, after each use, and prior to each use):
• Labels in place and filled out
• Check all stitching
• No cuts, tears, burns, chemical marks on webbing
• All metal buckles clean and functional
• Integrated spineboard intact
• Exterior skid plate intact
• Skid plate bolts in place and secured
Cleaning
Clean harness with warm water in a mild detergent solution. Wipe off
hardware with clean, dry, cloth and hang to air dry. Do not force dry with
heat.
Additional Information
Additional information regarding this type of equipment can be found in
the following publications:
ANSI Z359.1 Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems,
Subsystems and Components
Records
It is suggested that the user of this harness keep a permanent record list-
ing the date and results of each usage inspection. Such record should
show, as a minimum, inspection criteria as written in section
Maintenance, Service, Storage.
Use of this User Information Sheet
It is suggested that this user information sheet be retained in a perma-
nent record after it is separated from the harness/belt, and that a copy of
it be kept with the harness/belt.
It is suggested that the user refer to this user information sheet before
and after each use of the harness/belt.
WARNING!
• This product is part of a personal protective or rescue system.
• You must read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this prod-
uct and each component of the complete system.
• You are responsible for understanding the intended use of this har-
ness, and the intended application and use of each of the multiple
attachment points located on this harness.
• You could be killed or seriously injured if you do not read and under-
stand the user information before using this piece of equipment.
• The user of this equipment should formulate a rescue plan and the
means at hand to implement it when using this equipment.
• Special training and knowledge are required to use this equipment.
• Use and inspect this equipment only in accordance with these
instructions.
Yates Gear Inc. 2608 Hartnell Ave. Suite 6, Redding, CA. 96002
Phone/Fax 800-Yates-16 (800-928-3716)
Phone 530-222-4606 Fax 530-222-4640
www.yatesgear.com
Limited Warranty
Yates Gear Inc. warrants for one year from the purchase date and only to the original retail buyer that our products are free from defects in materi-
al and workmanship. If the buyer discovers a warranty related defect, the buyer should return the product to Yates Gear Inc. Yates Gear Inc. reserves
the option to repair or replace any product returned under warranty. That is the extent of our liability under this warranty and, upon the expiration
of the applicable warranty period, all such liability shall terminate.
Warranty Exclusions
Yates Gear Inc. does not warrant products against normal wear and tear, unauthorized modification or alteration, improper use, improper mainte-
nance, accident, misuse, negligence, damage, or if the product is used for a purpose for which it was not designed. This warranty gives you spe-
cific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Except as expressly stated in this warranty, Yates Gear Inc. shall
not be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, or other types of damages arising out of, or resulting from the use of the product.
Keep this user instructions/information sheet as a permanent record after it is separated from the harness/belt, and make a copy to be kept with the
harness/belt.
It is suggested that the user refer to this user information sheet before and after each use of the harness/belt.
Do not alter or intentionally misuse this harness in any way. Any alterations or repairs to this harness should be conducted by the manufacturer only.
Use caution when using this equipment around moving machinery, electrical hazards, sharp edges, chemical hazards and high heat environment or
flame. Carry the harness/belt where it will be protected as the harness/belt could melt or burn and fail if exposed to flame or high temperature.
If you have any questions concerning the condition of your harness/belt, or have any doubt about putting it into service contact manufacturer.
Rev. 12.2018
