3.1.1
Rescue and Evacuation
The user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement it. The plan must take into account
equipment and special training necessary to effect prompt rescue under all foreseeable conditions. For
confined space rescue, see OSHA regulation 1910.146 and ANSI Z117.1.
Integral Safety Step, V-Flex harness only:
harness and release the safety step. Place feet in the loops in order to straighten the legs as far as practical.
PRD:
For harnesses equipped with a PRD, reference the instructions that come with the PRD.
3.1.2
Free Fall Distance, Total Fall Distance and System Elongation
WARNING!
DO NOT exceed the allowable free fall distance or exceed the maximum fall arrest forces as specified by
governing standards or subsystem components.
Work directly under the anchorage/anchorage connector at all times. A full body harness is the only
acceptable body holding device that can be used in a fall arrest system.
Ensure that fall clearance is sufficient to meet governing standards or subsystem component requirements.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
When using a shock absorbing lanyard, keep the amount of slack between the anchorage/anchorage connector
and the harness/waist belt at a minimum to reduce the free fall distance and the impact force to the user.
1)
Do not exceed the allowable free fall distance or exceed the maximum fall arrest forces as specified by
governing standards of subsystem components.
2)
Total fall distance. The sum of the free fall distance and deceleration distance plus a 3 ft safety margin.
3)
Harness stretch is considered in the 3 ft (0.9 m) safety margin.
4)
The length of D-ring extenders must be added when calculating the minimum fall clearance.
Example: 6 ft (1.8 m) free fall + 3.5 ft (1.0 m) deceleration distance + 3 ft (0.9 m) safety margin (harness stretch
and additional safety factor) = 12.5 ft (3.8 m) total fall distance.
WARNING!
Prevent swing falls and impact with objects in or adjacent to the fall path.
Always remove obstructions below the work area to ensure a clear fall path. Keep work area free from
debris, obstructions, trip hazards, spills or other hazard which could impair the safe operation of the fall
protection system.
DO NOT use the MSA Harness unless a qualified person has inspected the workplace and determined
that identified hazards can neither be eliminated nor exposures to them prevented.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious injury or death.
3.1.3
Pendulum (Swing) Falls
Minimize swing fall hazards by anchoring directly above the user. Swing impact can cause serious injury.
Always minimize swing falls by working as close to directly below the anchorage point as possible.
3.1.4
Harness Stretch
Fall arrest forces cause harness stretch. Always account for harness stretch when calculating free fall clear-
ance. Harness stretch will be less than 18 inches (0.46 m).
3.2
Donning The Harness
Users must follow instructions for proper fit and sizing, paying particular attention to ensure that buckles are
connected and aligned correctly, leg straps and shoulder straps are kept snug at all times, chest straps are
located in the middle chest area and leg straps are positioned and snug to avoid contact with the genitalia
should a fall occur.
WARNING!
Thoroughly inspect the harness before each use.
Examine all harness straps and stitches for severe wear, tears, fraying, abrasion, or other damage.
Do not use damaged harnesses.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious injury or death.
As soon as practical, after a fall, open the pouches of the V-flex
MSA Harness
US
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