HARNESS CERTIFICATION AND USE
Rescue and work harnesses from CMC Rescue are designed to
comfortably support the wearer, creating a safe work platform.
Because our harnesses are used when working at heights, they are
also built with the strength to catch a fall. Depending on the intended
use (rescue, rope access or fall protection) harnesses are tested to
specific standards set by the applicable industry.
Rescue:
NFPA 1983-2012 provides specifications for a rescue
harness. All front and back D-ring connection points are dynamically
and statically tested to this standard. The side D-rings are tested as
pairs in the manner of use.
Fall Protection:
While some models of our harnesses are certified to
fall protection standards, fall arrest was not the primary design
influence. Traditional fall arrest harnesses are designed to be easily
donned and to stay out of the way while working. CMC's harnesses
are designed to provide work positioning with extended seating
comfort whether you are tending a patient or rigging an amphitheater.
The user should refer to these standards for the proper use of and
limitations on the use of fall-arrest systems and equipment.
USER INFORMATION
User Information shall be provided to the user of the product. NFPA
Standard 1983 recommends separating the User Information from the
equipment and retaining the information in a permanent record. The
standard also recommends making a copy of the User Information to
keep with the equipment and that the information should be referred
to before and after each use.
Additional information regarding auxiliary equipment can be found in
NFPA 1500,
Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and
Health Programs
, and NFPA 1983,
Standard on Life Safety Rope and
Equipment for Emergency Services.
INSPECTION
Inspect the equipment according to your department's policy for
inspecting life safety equipment. The equipment should be inspected
after each use by an inspector that meets your department's training
standard for inspection of life-safety equipment. Record the date of
the inspection and the results in the equipment log or on a tag that
attaches to the equipment. Each user should be trained in equipment
inspection and should do a cursory inspection before each use.
When inspecting the harness, check the webbing for cuts, worn or
frayed areas, broken fibers, soft or hard spots, discoloration, or melted
fibers. Check the stitching for pulled threads, abrasion, or breaks.
Check the hardware for damage, sharp edges, and improper
operation. If any of the above are noted, or if the harness has been
subjected to shock loads, fall loads, or abuse other than normal use,
remove the harness from service and destroy it. If there is any doubt
about the serviceability of the harness, remove the harness from
service and destroy it.
PUTTING ON YOUR HARNESS
1) Loosen the adjusting buckle on each side of the waist belt to make
the waist larger.
2) Loosen the leg loop straps and separate the quick connect buckles.
3) Step into the waist belt, pull the harness up an don the vest.
4) Tighten both waist straps until the waist is snug, and the front loop
is centered. Fold the ends of the waist straps under the
Web-Keepers™ and secure them tightly.
5) Fasten the quick connect buckles and adjust so that the leg loops
are snug.
6) The height of the leg loops can be adjusted using the rear
adjustment straps.
7) The vertical tether strap should be adjusted according to your torso
height and connected to the chest loops with a Delta Quick Link.
A suspension test should be carried out in a safe place prior to
putting the harness in service. A suspension test will verify that the
harness is the correct size, has sufficient adjustment and is of an
acceptable comfort level for the intended use.
WARNING: Make sure the straps are snug. This increases the
comfort when sitting in the harness and helps prevent the quick-
connect buckles from disconnecting. When wearing the harness,
double-check the buckles, adjusters, and fit of the harness
immediately prior to relying on it for support.
ATTACHMENT POINTS
•
The dorsal D-ring is the attachment point for the personal fall arrest
system (PFAS) as specified in ANSI Z359.1. Follow your industry’s
protocol for selecting compatible connectors and system
components such as energy absorbers.
•
The front waist D-ring is the primary rescue/work positioning
attachment point. It allows the user to be in a sitting position which
provides the most comfort and freedom of movement.
•
The front sternum Delta Quick Link holds the user in a more upright
position which may provide easier access during a vertical entry or
exit.
•
The rear waist D-ring is the primary travel restraint attachment
point. Being securely connected to this attachment point allows for
ease of rigging and inspection of the primary attachment points.
•
The shoulder V-rings provide vertical lift capability and must always
be used with the CMC ProSeries Spreader Bar connected into both
V-rings. Adjusting the harness for a very tight fight provides the
most comfort during a vertical lift.
To prevent roll out when using carabiners to attach to an
attachment point, use only locking models. If using manual
locking carabiners, verify that they are locked before use.
USING YOUR HARNESS
The PFAS should be attached to an anchor situated above the user
capable of sustaining static loads of 3,600 pounds when certification
exists, or 5,000 pounds in the absence of certification. For additional
information, refer to ANSI Z359.1.
CMC harnesses are not intended for rock climbing. Lead climbing
ropes should not be tied into the D-ring or connected into it with a
carabiner.
MAXIMUM PERMITTED FREE-FALL DISTANCE
Consult with the current edition of ANSI Z359 or appropriate State
or Provincial regulations for maximum permitted free-fall distance. The
user should consider all component extensions and allow clearance
for an arrest to take place a safe distance away from the ground or
structure.
CARRYING, MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
During use, carrying, and storage keep the harness away from
acids, alkalis, exhaust emissions, rust and strong chemicals. Do not
expose the harness to flame or high temperatures. Carry the harness
where it will be protected as the harness could melt or burn and fail if
exposed to flame or high temperatures.
If the harness becomes soiled, it can be washed in cold water with a
mild detergent. CMC Rescue recommends the use of LifeLine
Cleaner. Dry out of direct sunlight. Do not dry in an automatic dryer.
Store in a cool, dry location.
REPAIR
All repair work shall be performed by the manufacturer. All other
work or modifications may void the warranty and releases CMC
Rescue, Inc. from all liability and responsibility as the manufacturer.
SAMPLE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE LOG
The sample log suggests records that should be maintained by the
purchaser or user of rescue equipment.
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Log
Item __________ # __________ Date in Service _____________
Brand/Model ________________ Strength ___________________
Date How Used or Maintained Comments Name
