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4. INSTALLATION AND USE
WARNING
Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment. Consult FallTech when using this equipment in combination with components or
subsystems other than those described in this manual.
Do not use rebar hooks, large carabiners or large snap hooks to connect to FBH dorsal D-rings or to any small diameter non-compatible anchor
point as this may cause a roll-out condition and/or unintentional disengagement
4.1. Plan the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).
Inspect the SRD before each use in accordance with the procedures detailed in Section 7. Examine
the work area and take action to address hazards. See paragraph 2.4. Falls are a serious hazard when working at height. Training and equipment
are the tools of fall hazard management. There are several closely related facets of fall hazard management with a PFAS;
•
Anchorage
•
Minimum Required Fall Clearance (MRFC)
•
Overhead (Above the D-ring) Anchorage Condition
•
Non-Overhead (Below the D-Ring) Anchorage Condition:
•
Swing Fall
•
Overhead (above the FBH D-ring) Anchorage and Swing Fall
•
Non-overhead (Below the FBH D-ring) Anchorage and Swing Fall
4.2 Anchorage:
Select a suitable anchor point. See paragraph 3.6. In addition to strength and load requirements, consider the height of the
anchorage, the distance between the anchorage and the user’s FBH dorsal D-ring, the distance between the anchorage and the walking/working
surface, and the distance between the walking/working surface and any obstructions below it, including the ground.
Also consider the area where the work is being performed. The area below the anchorage is the work zone. The point directly below the anchorage
is the center of the work zone. As the user moves outward from the center in a lateral movement, the work zone expands. Work zone expansion is
measured in feet and has a direct effect on user safety.
NOTE:
OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.66 requires that anchors for a PFAS be able to hold at least 5,000 pounds of weight per person or maintain a safety
factor of at least two (twice the impact load) under the supervision of a qualified person. Also ensure the anchor point will provide sufficient MRFC.
4.3 Minimum Required Fall Clearance:
The MRFC is the minimum distance a user needs between himself and the nearest obstruction (or ground)
below the walking/working surface to avoid serious injury or death in case of a fall event. The user of this equipment must determine the MRFC for
the equipment discussed in this manual to ensure adequate clearance exists in the fall path. Variables discussed in this manual include the height
of the anchor point relative to the user’s FBH D-ring, i.e., overhead or non-overhead anchorage condition, plus swing fall and how an expanded
work zone affects these variables.
4.3.1 Overhead (Above the D-ring) Anchorage Condition:
In an overhead anchorage condition, the SRD is installed anywhere in the allowable
attachment area, which ranges from directly above the user to level with the FBH D-ring, as shown in Figure 3A . The overhead condition MRFC has
three metrics, labeled A, B, and C, measured from the walking/working surface. The sub total of these metrics, labeled D, is the MRFC.
A = SRD deceleration distance
B = D-ring shift and harness stretch
C = Safety factor
The MRFC for an overhead anchorage is calculated as A+B+C=D.
The user must be aware that if a swing fall hazard exists, additional steps are required. Use Chart 1 to determine the amount of swing fall, and
place that value in E. Add the E value to the D value to determine the total MRFC. See paragraph 4.4.
4.3.2 Non-Overhead (Below the D-Ring) Anchorage Condition:
In a non-overhead anchorage condition, the anchor point is level with the FBH
dorsal D-ring, or up to 2' below it, as shown in Figure 3B. The MRFC for a below the D-ring condition has five metrics, labeled A, B, C, D, and E, and
are measured from the walking/working surface. The sum total of these metrics, labeled F, is the MRFC.
A = Added Free Fall Distance Required Due To Non-Overhead Anchorage
B = SRD Deceleration Distance
C = Additional Deceleration Distance Due To Below D-Ring Attachment
D = D-Ring Shift And Harness Stretch
E = Safety Factor
The MRFC for an anchorage below the D-ring is calculated as A+B+C+D+E=F.
The user must be aware that if a swing fall hazard exists, additional steps are required. Use Chart 1 to determine the amount of swing fall, and
place that value in E. Add the G value to the F value to get H, the MRFC. See paragraph 4.4.
4.4 Swing Fall:
A swing fall occurs when the worker moves laterally out from under the anchor and creates an expanded work zone condition. If a fall event
occurs, the worker would swing back toward the anchorage. The swinging action generates considerable force, and if the worker strikes an obstruction or
the lower level, this force could cause severe injury or death.
Swing falls may be one of two types; with an overhead anchorage, and with a non-overhead anchorage. Both types require additional fall clearance.
4.4.1 Overhead Anchorage and Swing Fall:
For each foot of work zone expansion, the risk of severe injury or death from a swing fall increases. This
increased risk requires additional MRFC distance, as shown in Figure 4A
4.4.2 Non-Overhead Anchorage and Swing Fall:
A swing fall from a non-overhead anchorage, one that is lower than the user's FBH D-ring .
Combine an expanded work zone with a lower anchorage and the risk increases greatly, as shown in Figure 4B.
A swing fall from an expanded work zone, combined with the much lower height of a non-overhead anchorage, will significantly increase the risk
of severe injury or death. This condition requires an increased MRFC. See Chart 1 for instructions on how to determine a safe work zone.
WARNING
An expanded work zone combined with an SRD used in a non-overhead (below the D-ring) condition is extremely hazardous.
DO NOT
attach to an anchorage more than 2 feet below the level of the FBH D-ring.
4.5 Installation And Use Of The SRD:
Use compatible connectors when connecting to the anchorage and ensure unintended disengagement cannot
occur. Visually ensure all connectors close and lock securely. See Figure 13 in Appendix B.
