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2.4 Rescue:
Rescue operations require specialized equipment that is beyond the scope of this manual. Users are required to have a written rescue
plan in place, and a method to implement it in a timely manner.
2.5 Application Limits:
Take action to avoid moving machinery and thermal, electrical and chemical hazards as contact may cause serious injury or
death. Avoid swing falls. Follow the weight restrictions and recommendations in this manual. Be advised, the SRD discussed in this manual is NOT
rated for Leading Edge applications. The lifeline is vulnerable to damage by sharp edges and abrasive surfaces. Avoid sharp and abrasive surface
hazards as a damaged lifeline may cause serious injury or death.
DO NOT
attach to a foot-level anchorage.
DO NOT
use the SRD to lift tools, materials, or personnel.
Remove from service any equipment subjected to fall arrest forces.
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Capacity:
The SRD discussed in this manual is rated for a user weight range of 130-310 lbs. (58.9-140.6 kg), including clothing, tools, etc. Use by
those exceeding this maximum weight is not allowed.
3.2 Compatibility of Connectors:
Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting elements when they have been designed to work
together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open regardless of how they become
oriented. Contact FallTech if you have any questions about compatibility. Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system
components. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage. Connectors must be
compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-closing, self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are specified by OSHA and ANSI Z359.12. FallTech offers
a wide variety of connectors for use with the 9'SRD. See Table 1-B and Table 1-C.
3.3 Compatibility of Components:
Equipment is designed for use with approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements
made with non- ANSI Z359 compliant components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect the safety and
reliability of the complete system. Ensure compatibility between the connectors if non-FallTech components are used for fall protection.
3.4 Making Connections:
Only use self-locking snap hooks, rebar hooks, and carabiners with this equipment. Only use connectors that are suitable
to each application. Ensure all connections are compatible in size, shape and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Visually
ensure all connectors close and lock completely. Connectors (snap hooks, rebar hooks, and carabiners) are designed for use only as specified in this
manual. See Figure 13 in Appendix B.
3.5 Personal Fall Arrest System:
A PFAS is an assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a person during a fall event. A PFAS is
typically composed of an anchorage and a FBH, with an energy absorbing connecting device, i.e., a SAL, an SRD, or a Fall Arrester Connecting
Subsystem (FACSS) attached to the dorsal D-ring of the FBH. PFAS components used with this equipment must meet applicable ANSI Z359
requirements and OSHA regulations. OSHA requires a personal fall arrest system be able to arrest the worker’s fall with a maximum arresting force
of 1,800 lbs., and limit the free fall to 6 feet or less. If the maximum free fall distance must be exceeded, the employer must document, based on
test data, that the maximum arresting force will not be exceeded, and the personal fall arrest system will function properly.
3.5.1 Average Arrest Force and Arrest Distance:
The SRD discussed in this manual is classified by ANSI Z359.14 as a Class B device. This ANSI
standard allows a Class B device to have a Maximum Arrest Distance of 54”, an Average Arrest Force of 900 lbs, and a Maximum Arrest Force of
1,800 lbs. Testing is carried out in two unit orientations; SRD attached to overhead anchor, and SRD attached to weight with the leg end connector
attached to an overhead anchor. Testing is also conducted under various environmental conditions; at ambient temperature, hot, cold, and in wet
conditions. In manufacturer's tests, typical performance attributes of the SRD, connected at the FBH D-ring or higher, discussed in this manual are;
•
Longest Arrest Distance = 35"
•
Largest Average Arrest Force = 876 lbs
•
Largest Maximum Arrest Force = 1381 lbs
In addition, Table 1B: Typical FallTech Performance and ANSI Performance Attributes provides two lists of test performance attributes, listed by
Average Values Of Testing, and by Maximum Values Of Testing, using a 310 lb. weight in both an overhead anchorage condition, and in a non-
overhead anchorage conditions. The competent person may find this data useful with planning anchorage location and calculating fall arrest loads
and distances from the walking/working level to the nearest obstruction or lower level. See Section 4.
NOTE:
Arrest distance is one part of the Minimum Required Fall Clearance (MRFC). The MRFC is determined by consideration of multiple factors in
fall protection. Attachment below the level of the FBH D-ring will require additional fall clearance. MRFC is discussed in detail in Section 4.
3.6
PFAS Anchorage Strength:
An anchorage selected for PFAS application must have the strength to sustain a static load applied in the direction permitted
by the PFAS of at least two times the maximum arrest force permitted when certification exists, or 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN) in the absence of certification.
3.7 Definitions:
The following are definitions of terms as defined in ANSI Z359.0-2012.
Authorized Person:
A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed to a fall hazard (otherwise
referred to as “user” for the purpose of these instructions).
Certified Anchorage:
An anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint, or rescue systems that a Qualified Person certifies to be capable of
supporting the potential fall forces that may be encountered during a fall or that meet the criteria for a certified anchorage prescribed in this
standard.
Competent Person:
One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are
unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate hazards.
Harness Stretch:
Amount of vertical travel of the Full Body Harness D-ring during a fall arrest.
Qualified Person:
A person with a recognized degree or 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 protection and rescue systems to the extent
required by this standard.
Rescuer:
Person or persons other than the rescue subject acting to perform an assisted rescue by operation of a rescue system.
