EN
Intended Use (Fig. I)
Energy absorbing lanyard
This shock absorbing lanyard is primarily used to connect to a suitable anchorage as part of a fall
arrest system. Use for work positioning or restraint is not recommended.
Screwgate karabiner
This karabiner is used as a connector in height safety systems. It may be used to connect
components including anchorages, for fall arrest, work positioning, travel restriction, rescue,
retrieval, evacuation and confined space entry/exit operations, depending on the associated system
components used.
Scaffold hook
This scaffold hook is used as a connector to anchorages in height safety systems. It may be used for
fall arrest, work positioning and travel restriction, depending on the associated system components
used.
Note: For non-commercial use only (applies to system and all components).
Usage Limitations
WARNING:Do not use a work positioning or restraint belt if there is a risk of becoming
suspended or exposed to unintended tension by the belt.
WARNING:Height safety gear is designed to arrest a fall from height ONLY ONCE! If subjected
to an arrested fall, the gear must be withdrawn from service and rendered unusable.
•
Manual-locking or self-closing gates should only be used where the user does not have to
attach and remove the connector frequently, i.e. many times during a working day.
•
This equipment is designed for use by one person with a combined total weight no greater
than 140kg, including clothing, tools, and other user-borne objects.
•
Use extreme CAUTION when working near energised electrical sources. Metal hardware
conducts electric current. Maintain a safe working distance (at least 3m) from all electrical
hazards.
•
A full body harness is the only acceptable body holding device that can be used in a fall arrest
system.
•
Never exceed a total subsystem length of 2m with an energy absorber, including lanyard,
terminations and connectors.
•
Never use a lanyard for fall arrest purposes without an Energy Absorber (3).
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Always minimise the amount of slack in the lanyard near a fall hazard.
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Always move to an area where there is no fall hazard to adjust the lanyard length.
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Never clip the free tail of a twin lanyard combined with an energy absorber back on the
harness.
•
Never use separate lanyards each with energy absorbers parallel to each other in a fall arrest
system. Otherwise, they may become entangled and prevent the Energy Absorbers from
functioning.
Take the limitations of the materials from which this equipment is made into account in use and
when maintaining and storing:
•
Equipment must be shielded when used near welding, metal cutting, or other activities that
produce large amounts of heat.
•
Do not use in environments with temperatures lower than -40°C / -40°F or greater than 80°C
/ 176°F.
•
The strength, durability and functionality of hardware (buckles, linkages etc.) and connectors
(karabiners, scaffold hooks etc.) are affected by factors including the following:
o Contamination with substances such as acids, alkali, food and drink (such as milk, wine
and vinegar) and water (especially salt water).
o Temperature extremes.
•
Acidic, alkaline, or other environments with harsh substances may damage hardware (buckles,
linkages etc.) and connectors (karabiners, scaffold hooks etc.). Organic substances and salt
water are particularly corrosive to metal parts.
•
The strength of synthetic fibres used in height safety equipment (e.g., the webbing used in a
fall arrest harness) are affected by factors including the following:
o Ingress of dirt, grit and other abrasives.
o Mechanical damage (e.g. friction during use).
o Chemical contamination with substances such as acids, alkali, oils and seawater.
o UV radiation from sources including sunlight.
o Temperature extremes.
Note: Height safety equipment containing synthetic fibres are subject to a mandatory obsolescence
period. Please see the 'Disposal' section for more information.
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Take steps to reduce exposure to situations that may compromise the strength of the equipment.
Always follow guidance for maintenance, storage and transportation. Steps may include the
following:
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Avoiding contact with rough, abrasive surfaces, sharp edges, cutting tools etc.
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Avoiding contact with chemicals known to cause weakening of the materials
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Following proper cleaning and maintenance processes
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Avoiding working with this equipment in wet weather
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Avoiding working with this equipment when it is very hot and sunny, or very cold
Note: Different materials have different resistances and vulnerabilities. Ensure a specific risk-
reduction approach is adopted for each system relevant to the materials and system set-up.
Equipment must receive regular inspections (see 'Inspection procedure'). If damage is suspected,
remove the equipment from service and render unusable (see 'Disposal').
Unpacking your Product
•
Carefully unpack and inspect your product. Fully familiarise yourself with all its features and
functions.
•
Ensure all parts of the product are present and in good condition. If any parts are missing or
damaged, have such parts replaced before attempting to use this product.
Before Use
IMPORTANT: Always work in such a way as to minimise both the potential for falls and the
subsequent fall distance.
Pre-use checks
•
An inspection must be carried out before every use. All parts of the gear must be inspected in
an area with appropriate light conditions.
1. Slowly pass webbing, belt or rope through your hands to detect small cuts of 1mm or more in
material edges, abrasions and twist damage. Feel for softening and hardening of fibres and
look for ingress of contaminants.
2. Inspect all stitching and for visual damage.
3. Check all hardware and connectors for damage and confirm functionality.
4. Check correct function of Karabiner (2) and Scaffold Hook (1), and smooth operation of their
safety mechanisms.
5. Check the Lanyard (4), Rope Thimble (5) and the Energy Absorber (3) including its protective
sheath for damage.
Note: Refer to the 'Maintenance' section for further advice on inspection and fault conditions.
•
If the risk assessment shows that loading over an edge is possible, take appropriate precautions
to ensure safe use of the Lanyard.
Connecting to other height safety system
components
WARNING: Karabiners and other connectors must ALWAYS be used with the gate closed and
securely locked.
• When used as part of a fall arrest system, connect to dorsal attachment point of harness
WARNING: The total length of a lanyard connected to an energy absorber (including
terminations such as rope eyes and connectors such as karabiners and scaffold hooks) must NOT
exceed 2m.
Clearance
Fall clearance (Fig. II):
Before use, it is essential to verify the clearance required beneath the user. This clearance must be
sufficient to prevent the user from hitting the ground or another obstacle in the event of a fall.
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The necessary clearance should be calculated using the following basic formula:
Connector length including energy absorber elongation + height of the
person + safety distance = clearance required
•
In a fall factor 2 situation with a 100kg load, the safety distance is considered to be 1m. The
safety distance should be calculated appropriately for the fall factor and load of the activity.
Swing falls (Fig. III):
WARNING: The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury or death.
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Swing falls occur when the anchorage is not located directly above the point where a fall occurs
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Minimise swing falls by working as close as possible to the anchorage
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DO NOT enter a situation where a swing fall could occur, if it is likely to result in an injury
Note: The risk of swing falls significantly increases the clearance required when using a self-
retracting lifeline or another variable length connecting system.