1. DESCRIPTION
1.1 ANSI and OSHA
2. APPLICATION
2.1 Purpose
2.2 Personal Fall Arrest System
2.3 Rescue
2.4 Application Limits
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Capacity
3.2 Compatibility of Connectors
3.3 Compatibility of Components
3.4 Making Connections
3.5 Personal Fall Arrest System
3.5.1 Anchorage Strength
3.6 Definitions
1. DESCRIPTION
The FallTech® TowerClimber® Rope Positioning Lanyard (RPL) is for those working at height and subject to fall hazards. The RPL is for work
positioning applications only, and is not to be used as the primary fall protection system. Workers using a RPL must employ an approved PFAS; a
SAL, an SRD or Vertical Lifeline (VLL)) as a primary fall arrest system.
This manual contains two Appendices, Appendix A and Appendix B. Appendix A contains figures and tables specific to the RPL discussed in this
manual. Appendix B contains figures and tables applicable to fall protection equipment in general. All figure, table, and chart references in this
manual are to Appendix A unless otherwise noted.
For purposes of this manual, the TowerClimber® Rope Positioning Lanyard, in all iterations, may be referred to collectively as the RPL, the
equipment, the device, the product, or the unit.
The RPL consists of a self‐closing, self‐locking captive eye steel carabiner or snap hook, fitted to one end of various lengths of 11mm Kernmantle
rope. The part of the lanyard immediately adjacent to the connector is incased in an abrasion‐resistant sleeve. A sliding rope adjuster, equipped
with a self‐closing, self‐locking steel carabiner, is installed on the rope. The rope adjuster is secured against sliding off and fraying of the lanyard
with a sewn termination. The two carabiners provide attachment to the FBH side D‐rings. When the user is properly attached, the lanyard and
harness secures the user in position to perform work.
See Table 1A for product and materials specifications and ratings, and Table 1B for a list of approved rope adjuster and lanyard connectors. See
Figure 1 for an illustration of the product.
1.1 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): The RPL discussed in this manual meets the
standards of ANSI Z359.3‐2007, and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regulations 1926.502, 1926 .268.
2. APPLICATION
2.1 Purpose: A Rope Positioning Lanyard is designed and used as a component in a work positioning system, to provide a combination of worker
mobility and worker support as required for tower and pylon inspection work, general construction, maintenance work, oil production, etc.
2.2 Personal Fall Arrest System: Use of this product must be in conjunction with a PFAS. A PFAS is an assembly of components and subsystems
used to arrest a person during a fall event. A PFAS typically consists of an anchorage, a deceleration device such as a Shock Absorbing Lanyard (SAL)
or Self Retracting Device (SRD), or a Fall Arrester Connecting Subsystem (FACSS), and a properly fitted Full Body Harness (FBH). Maximum
permissible free fall in a typical PFAS is 6'. See Figure 2.
PFAS used in conjunction with this equipment must meet ANSI Z359 requirements and applicable OSHA 1926.502 regulations. When used in
accordance with OSHA regulations, the RPL is rigged so that, in case of a fall event, the PFAS will engage before the fall arrest load can impact the RPL.
2.3 Rescue: Rescue operations require specialized equipment that is beyond the scope of this manual. An employer is required to have a written
rescue plan, the means to implement it, and the ability to communicate that plan to users, authorized persons, and to rescuers. See ANSI Z359.4‐
2007.
2.4 Application Limits: Take action to avoid moving machinery, sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, as well as chemical, thermal, and electrical
hazards, including the arc from welding applications, as contact between the user and/or equipment with an electric arc may cause serious injury
or death. The RPL is designed for use as a work positioning system only and must be used in conjunction with an approved PFAS.
The RPL is not designed for use as the fall arrest system, or for personnel riding, or suspension.
See paragraph 3.1 for capacity information.
DO NOT use the RPL to lift tools, materials, or personnel.
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Capacity: The RPL is designed for use by personnel with a total weight (tools, clothing, etc.) of a maximum of 425 lbs. To maintain ANSI
compliance, limit user weight to a maximum of 310 lbs, including tools, clothing, etc.
3.2 Compatibility of Connectors: Connectors are considered 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 required by ANSI and OSHA.
3.3 Compatibility Of Components: Equipment is designed for use with approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or
replacements made with non‐approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect the safety and
reliability of the complete system.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. USER INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 Install and Use the RPL
5. SPECIFICATIONS
6. MAINTENANCE, SERVICE, AND STORAGE
6.1 Maintenance
6.2 Service
6.3 Storage
7. INSPECTION
7.1 Pre‐Use Inspection
7.2 Inspection Frequency
7.3 Inspection Results
7.4 Inspection Document
8. LABELS
APPENDIX A Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Figures 1 – 5
APPENDIX B Figures 1 – 13, Inspection Record
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