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.
Rope Access Work:
A harness selected for rope access work needs
comfort and support very similar to a rescue harness, which is not
available in a harness designed solely for fall arrest applications.
Depending on the applicable regulations, fall protection may also
be required. When so labeled, CMC Rescue harnesses are
independently certified to meet ANSI Z359.1-2007.
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.
The harness is equipped with a dorsal connection point fall arrest
load indicator. This indicator is located on the rear of the harness
and serves to indicate that the harness was subjected to a fall. If
the load indicator is exposed the harness should be removed from
service immediately.
PUTTING ON YOUR HARNESS
1) Loosen the adjusting buckle on each side of the waist belt to make the
waist larger.
2) Holding the harness by the right shoulder strap, unhook all of the
quick-connect buckles. With the shoulder strap in the right hand, step
through the waist belt.
3) Pull the waist belt up around your waist while sliding the shoulder
strap over your right shoulder.
4) Tighten both waist straps until the waist is snug, and the front D-ring is
centered. Fold the ends of the waist straps under the Web-Keepers
™
and secure them tightly.
5) To connect the shoulder strap quick-connect buckle, reach over your
left shoulder and find the left shoulder strap. Slide the 3-bar buckle
coming from the front D-ring assembly through the square buckle on
the shoulder strap.
6) Adjust the shoulder straps by sliding the webbing through the
adjusting buckle until the straps are snug.
7) Connect the leg strap quick-connect buckles and adjust until snug.
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 D-ring holds the user in a more upright position
which may provide easier access during a vertical entry or exit.
•
The side D-rings are for work positioning and must always be used
in pairs.
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 the ANSI Z359.1 standard, Section 7.2.3.
CMC Rescue 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
