5.4 Installation and Use of VLL, Fall Arrester and Fall Arrester Lanyard Set: This manual assumes the anchorage and the FBH is in
compliance and has been previously installed and inspected by a Competent Person. VLLs and Fall Arrester Lanyard Sets are components
in a FACSS.
The basic function is to provide a length of lifeline for the Fall Arrester to travel on and grip the rope to arrest fall events. For best
performance, tension in the lifeline allows the Fall Arrester to be positioned with greater ease. Adding a weight to the to the bottom is
described in the following sections. When it is not possible to add weight to maintain a taut line, the lower end shall have rope stop to
prevent the fall arrestor from inadvertently traveling off the end of the lifeline.
Do not manipulate or hold the Fall Arrester body or lever, use the connected lanyard to move the Fall Arrester to the desired location.
5.4.1 VLL: The VLL has a self-closing and self-locking snap hook pre-installed in a thimbled eye at the anchorage end. Attach the
self-closing self-locking snap hook or carabiner to the anchorage. Attach a minimum five-pound counterweight to the non-anchorage and
to maintain a taut line, see Figure 6. Let the non-anchorage end hang freely. If the rope passes over an edge of any kind, or any type of
rough or uneven surface, provide abrasion protection. See Figure 7.
Counterweight
Abrasion
Protection
Figure 6
Figure 7
NOTE: The Fall Arrester discussed herein have an UP arrow stamped in a prominent location. When installing a grab onto a VLL, visually
ensure the UP arrow is pointed at the anchor end of the VLL. The grab must be right-side up to fully close. This Fall Arrester employs an
anti-inversion cam to prevent closure if installed upside down.
WARNING
The Fall Arrester must be installed with the arrow pointing upward. If the grab is installed upside down, it WILL NOT LOCK during a fall event,
which could result in serious injury or death.
5.4.2 Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, the VLL system should be inspected by the user for damage, wear and to ensure the fall
arrester works properly on the rope.
Inspection Checklist: A general inspection should be done at the intervals specified in this manual. Inspect as follows:
Step 1: Inspect labels. Ensure legibility of content. If labels are missing or illegible, remove the system from service.
Step 2: Inspect all metal components for cracks, corrosion, deformities, missing parts or noticeable defects. Metal components include,
snap hooks or carabiners, thimble eyes, fall arresters, D-rings, ferrules, etc.…
Step 3: Inspect rope for wear, paying particular attention to the areas of rope most likely in contact with the fall arrester teeth. The
rope should not present frayed strands, cuts, abrasions, burn marks, and discoloration indicating UV damage.* Thimble eyes
should be firmly in place, and there should be no build-up of foreign matter such as paint, dirt, rust, concrete or cement, etc…
*Minor fuzziness of rope is acceptable so long as the inner core of the rope is not damaged.
If the FACSS has been subjected to a fall arrest load, it must be removed from service.
Record inspection results on the Inspection Log.
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