6
1.0 PRODUCT APPLICATION
1.1 PURPOSE:
Flexiguard
™
Anchorage Systems are designed to provide anchorage connection points for a Personal Fall Arrest
System (PFAS).
1.2 SUPERVISION:
Installation of this equipment must be supervised by a Qualified Person
1
. Use of this equipment must be
supervised by a Qualified Person
1
.
1.3 TRAINING:
This equipment must be installed and used by persons trained in its correct application. This manual is to be
used as part of an employee training program as required by OSHA. It is the responsibility of the users and installers of
this equipment to ensure they are familiar with these instructions, trained in the correct care and use of this equipment,
and are aware of the operating characteristics, application limitations, and consequences of improper use of this
equipment.
1.4
RESCUE PLAN:
When using this equipment and connecting subsystem(s), the employer must have a rescue plan and
the means at hand to implement and communicate that plan to users, authorized persons
2
, and rescuers
3
. A trained, on-
site rescue team is recommended. Team members should be provided with the equipment and techniques to perform a
successful rescue. Training should be provided on a periodic basis to ensure rescuer proficiency.
1.5
INSPECTION FREQUENCY:
The Flexiguard Anchorage System shall be inspected by the user before each use and,
additionally, by a competent person other than the user at intervals of no longer than one year.
4
Inspection procedures are
described in the
“Inspection and Maintenance Log”
. Results of each Competent Person inspection should be recorded on
copies of the
“Inspection and Maintenance Log”
.
1.6
AFTER A FALL:
If the Flexiguard Anchorage System is subjected to the forces of arresting a fall, it must be removed from
the field of service immediately and replaced or inspected by an Authorized 3M Representative.
2.0 SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS
2.1 ANCHORAGE:
Structure on which the Flexiguard Anchorage System is placed or mounted must meet the Anchorage
specifications defined in Table 1.
2.2
PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM:
Figure 1 illustrates the application of this Flexiguard Anchorage System. Personal
Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) used with the system must meet applicable OSHA, ANSI, state, and federal requirements. The
PFAS shall incorporate a Full Body Harness and Self-Retracting Device (SRD) with a 900 lb (4 kN) Maximum Arresting
Force.
2.3
FALL PATH AND SRL LOCKING SPEED:
A clear path is required to assure positive locking of an SRL. Situations which
do not allow for an unobstructed fall path should be avoided. Working in confined or cramped spaces may not allow the
body to reach sufficient speed to cause the SRL to lock if a fall occurs. Working on slowly shifting material, such as sand
or grain, may not allow enough speed buildup to cause the SRL to lock.
2.4 HAZARDS:
Use of this equipment in areas with environmental hazards may require additional precautions to prevent
injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are not limited to: heat, chemicals, corrosive
environments, high voltage power lines, explosive or toxic gases, moving machinery, sharp edges, or overhead materials
that may fall and contact the user or Personal Fall Arrest System.
2.5
FALL CLEARANCE:
There must be sufficient clearance below the user to arrest a fall before the user strikes the ground
or other obstruction. Fall Clearance is dependent on the following factors:
•
Deceleration Distance
•
Worker Height
•
Elevation of Anchorage Connector
•
Free Fall Distance
•
Movement of Harness Attachment Element
•
Connecting Subsystem Length
See the Personal Fall Arrest System manufacturer’s instructions for specifics regarding Fall Clearance calculation.
2.6
SWING FALLS:
Swing Falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs (see).
The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury or death. Minimize swing falls by working as
directly below the anchorage point as possible. Do not permit a swing fall if injury could occur. Swing falls will significantly
increase the clearance required when a Self-Retracting Device or other variable length connecting subsystem is used.
2.7
SHARP EDGES:
Avoid working where Lifeline or Lanyard components of the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) can
contact or abrade against unprotected sharp edges (see Figure 4). Where contact with a sharp edge is unavoidable, cover
the edge with protective material (A).
2.8
COMPONENT COMPATIBILITY:
3M equipment is designed for use with 3M approved components and subsystems
only. Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of
equipment and may effect the safety and reliability of the complete system.
1 Qualified Person:
A person with a recognized degree of professional certificate and with extensive knowledge, training, and experience in the fall protection
and rescue field who is capable of designing, analyzing, evaluating, and specifying fall protections and rescue systems to the extent required by OSHA and other ap
-
plicable standards.
2 Authorized Person:
For purposes of the Z359 standards, a person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed
to a fall hazard.
3 Rescuer:
Person or persons other than the rescue subject acting to perform an assisted rescue by operation of a rescue system.
4 Inspection Frequency:
Extreme working conditions (harsh environments, prolonged use, etc.)may require increasing the frequency of competent person
inspections.
