Application; Personal Fall Arrest System; Application Limits; System Requirements - Falltech HeavyWeight Manual De Instrucciones Para El Usuario

The SRD has been tested by the manufacturer to ascertain dynamic performance data. Dynamic performance
means that the SRD is installed in a testing drop tower that will simulate real‐world ambient conditions. A test
weight is attached to the SRD and then dropped. Instruments record the test results.
Parameters tested are:
 Arrest Distance (AD)
 Average Arrest Force (AAF)
 Maximum Peak Arrest Force (MPAF)
The Arrest Distance is the total vertical distance required to arrest a fall. The Arrest Distance is a combination
of deceleration distance and activation distance.
The Average Arrest Force is the average of the forces applied to the body and the anchorage by the fall
protection system.
The Maximum Peak Arrest Force is the maximum amount of force that may be applied to the body and the
anchorage by the fall protection system.
In addition to the above tests conducted in ambient conditions, the units must be retested for average and peak
forces under certain environmental conditions, where the units are cooled, then tested, heated, then tested, then
saturated in water and tested again. Separate units may be used for each test. All test results are recorded.
This test data is then used to establish the basis for fall clearance guidelines published in the user instruction manual.
The SRD discussed in this manual has an AAF of 900 lbs and an AD of less than 54".
Table 1B provides FallTech performance attributes test data. This table is included here to enable real‐world
determination of anchor requirements by the qualified person. See paragraph 3.5.1.
NOTE: Arrest distance is one part of the Minimum Required Fall Clearance (MRFC). The MRFC is determined by
multiple factors in fall protection and is discussed in detail in Section 4.
OSHA requires the SRD 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.
2. APPLICATION
2.1 Purpose: The SRD discussed in this manual is designed for use as a component in a PFAS, to provide a
combination of worker mobility and fall protection as required for inspection work, general construction,
maintenance work, oil production.
The SRD is intended for Personal Fall Arrest applications only.
2.2 Personal Fall Arrest System: A PFAS is typically composed of an anchorage and 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 properly fitted and adjusted FBH. See Figure 2. Maximum permissible free fall in a typical PFAS is 6'.
PFAS used in conjunction with this equipment must meet applicable OSHA 1926.502 regulations. When used
in accordance with OSHA regulations, the SRD will limit free fall to 2 feet or less. The Self‐Retracting Devices
discussed in this manual are intended for overhead use only.
2.3 Rescue: Rescue operations require specialized equipment that is beyond the scope of this manual.
2.4 Application Limits: Take action to avoid moving machinery, sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, and thermal
and electrical hazards, including the arc from welding applications, and chemical hazards, as contact may
cause serious injury or death.
The SRD is not designed for use in restraint, personnel riding, suspension, or work positioning. Rescue applications
are beyond the scope of this manual. Do not use the SRD for these applications except as a back‐up PFAS.
The SRD discussed in this manual is not designed for Leading Edge applications. See paragraph 3.1 for capacity
information.
DO NOT use the SRD to lift tools, materials, or personnel. Only one PFAS may be attached to an anchorage at
one time. Only one person may connect to the SRD at a time.
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Capacity: The Heavyweight model SRD is designed for use by one person with a combined user weight
(tools, clothing, etc.) of between 250 lbs and 425 lbs. The HeavyWeight model SRD is not ANSI Z359 compliant
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