6
7
Product limitations
ANSI/CSA
Standard operating temperature -4°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C)
ANSI only
Extended operating temperature -40°F to +140°F (-40°C to + 60°C). If
the unit is used between -40°F to -4°F (-40°C to -20°C), it must be in a
dry condition before use
• Users of the Latchways PRD shall be medically fit and suitably trained. Latchways PRDs shall
not be used by pregnant women, minors or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Follow all instructions, cautions and warnings in the harness instruction manual.
• Before initiating a self-rescue descent:
- check the ground below the ensure that the descent path is clear and a safe landing is
possible
- Avoid descending into electrical, thermal, chemical sources or other hazards
- confirm that the descent distance is less than or equal to 20m (65 ft.)
• Do not land on a lower part of a structure during a descent. This can cause slack and create
the potential for a secondary fall.
• Following a descent, internal components of the Latchways PRD may become hot. Allow to
cool before opening the backpack.
• Do not attempt to disassemble the Latchways PRD from the harness.The Latchways PRD is
only to be used for its intended purpose and within its limitations. Further clarification may be
obtained from MSA.
• Only MSA or persons or entities with written authorization from the manufacturer may make
repairs to the Latchways PRD.
• For single User only within the weight range 59 - 140 kg (130 - 310 lbs) (including tools).
• This Latchways PRD shall be connected to a suitable anchor point (Table 1).
• The Latchways PRD shall be protected from sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, fire, acids, caustic
solutions or temperatures outside the range listed in this manual.
• The Latchways PRD shall not come into contact with hot surfaces (such as hot pipes) or
electrical hazards (such as power lines), or become entangled with moving machinery.
• Chemical hazards, heat and corrosion may damage the Latchways PRD and should be
avoided where possible. In cases of doubt consult MSA. More frequent inspections are
required in these environments.
• The Latchways PRD shall not be altered, misused, or added to.
• If an issue is identified, the Latchways PRD has been subject to a fall, has been used for
a descent or any doubt exists as to the suitability of the Latchways PRD, it shall be tagged
“unusable” and withdrawn from service.
• RESCUE AND EVACUATION: the user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to
implement it. The plan must take into account the equipment and specific training necessary to
affect prompt rescue under all foreseeable conditions. If the rescue be from a confined space,
the provisions of OSHA regulation 1910.146 and ANSI Z117.1 must be taken into account. It
is recommended to provide means for user evacuation without assistance of others. This will
usually reduce the time to get to a safe place and reduce or prevent the risk to rescuers.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
WARNING
Latchways PRD descender device user instructions
Pre-use checks and requirements
Risk assessment and rescue planning
The Latchways PRD forms part of a fall protection system and it is
therefore recommended that before undertaking work at height and
at regular intervals during the period of work, a risk assessment is
carried out. The risk assessment should cover, but is not limited
to,
descent height, descent path, suitability of landing areas,
unprotected edges and rescue.
A rescue plan shall be in place to deal with any emergency that may
arise.
The Latchways PRD is designed, primarily, as a self-rescue system
and will assist with rescue planning. In the event that the User is
unable to initiate self-rescue a secondary release means is provided
on the right-hand shoulder area. This is a red and black rubberised
loop (figure 3a) which can be pulled by a Rescuer, by hand or with
the aid of the Latchways PRD Rescue Pole (figure 3b) or by other
means, to activate the descent. A telescopic pole assembly is
available (MSA part number 68099-00) for this purpose. Secondary
release by a Rescuer should be taken into account in the risk
assessment.
Anchor point requirements
ANSI
The anchor point shall be able to sustain a minimum certified load of 3600 lbs
(16 kN) or 5000 lbs (22.2 kN) in the absence of certification.
Refer to 7.2.2-7.2.4 of
ANSI Z359.4 for anchorage requirements.
CSA
The anchor point shall be able to sustain a minimum load of 5000 lbs (22.2 kN).
Refer to CSA Z259.15 CSA Z259.13, CSA Z259.15
Note: If multiple fall arrest systems are attached to the same anchor point the strength
requirement shall be multiplied by the number of personal fall arrest systems.
Figure 3b
Figure 3a
EN
EN
• It is essential for safety that the anchor device or anchor point should always be positioned
and work carried out, in such a way as to minimize both the potential for falls and potential fall
distance. It is also recommended that the anchor device/point is positioned above the position
of the user.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
WARNING
