4. Check correct function of Karabiner (9) and Scaffold Hook (13), and smooth operation of their
safety mechanisms.
5. Check the Lanyard (11), Rope Thimble (12) and the Energy Absorber (10) including its protective
sheath for damage.
Note: Refer to the 'Maintenance' section for further advice on fault conditions.
•
If the risk assessment shows that loading over an edge is possible, take appropriate precautions
to ensure safe use of the Lanyard.
Harness fitting & adjustment
Preparation (see Image A):
1. Identify all parts and straps (see 'Product Familiarisation')
2. Open and release the Chest Buckle (4) and both Leg Strap Buckles (5)
Note: Loosen all three-bar slide and square link type connections fully so that they can be retightened
during fitting.
3. Lift the harness on the D-ring of the Dorsal Attachment Point (A) (8), and ensure all straps are
hanging straight
Fitting shoulder and chest (see Image B-C):
1. Fit the Shoulder Straps (1) of the harness over your shoulders
2. Place your arms through the Shoulder Straps, so the Dorsal Attachment Point (A) (8) is located on
the back
Note: Ensure the harness is not twisted 'inside out', by checking that the D-ring of the Dorsal
Attachment Point (A) faces outwards.
3. Close the Chest Strap (2) by inserting the male end into the female connector, and adjust by
pulling or releasing the open end of the webbing material
4. Adjust the Chest Strap Sliders (3) up or down the harness
Note: The Chest Strap must run squarely over the sternum. It must not run diagonally or close to the
throat region.
Note: The Sternal Attachment Point (A/2) (7) must be used with a D-ring and suitable lanyard, shock
absorber and anchorage, as an alternate fall arrest configuration, depending on the nature of the
work being conducted by the user. It is recommended a D-ring always be used in both attachment
points at all times.
Fitting legs (see Image D-G):
1. Stand upright and straight, locate the Leg Straps (6) and ensure they are not twisted.
2. Reach behind and pass the first Leg Strap in between your legs from back to front.
3. Fasten the Leg Strap Buckle (5), by inserting the three-bar slide through the square link, so both
parts sit flat on top of each other and interlock
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. Adjust the Leg Straps by pulling the end of the webbing through the belt slider, until a snug fit is
achieved and the webbing material sits comfortably, as high as possible, between the inside leg
and groin. Release and readjust if necessary, until a safe fit has been achieved.
WARNING: Correct fitting of the Leg Straps (6) is of paramount concern for the safe and effective
function of the harness. Severe injury can occur during an arrested fall, if the webbing material is
twisted, or if the Leg Straps are not adjusted properly in the groin region.
Note: Confirm comfortable yet snug fit of the harness by squatting down and moving your arms
above your head. The user must be able to comfortably move around and reach their working position,
without the harness restricting movement.
Removing the harness
1. Ensure you are located in a safe place, away from any fall hazards
2. Open both Leg Strap Buckles (5) by passing the three-bar slide through the square link
3. Open the Chest Strap (2) buckle
4. Remove your arms from the harness
Note: Inspect the harness after use, and follow instructions for cleaning, disinfection, transport and
storage as outlined in 'Maintenance'.
Connecting to other height safety system components
When using the energy absorbing lanyard provided, connect the system to a suitable anchorage using
the Scaffold Hook (13).
WARNING: Karabiners and other connectors must ALWAYS be used with the gate closed and
securely locked. Refer to the connector manufacturer's instructions for verification and inspection
procedure.
•
Use the Dorsal Attachment Point (A) (8) to connect to the shock absorber or shock absorber/
lanyard combination using a suitable karabiner
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.
•
Use the Sternal Attachment Point (A/2) to connect to a mobile fall arrester and other rope access
systems
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.
•
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.
•
Swing falls occur when the anchorage is not located directly above the point where a fall occurs
•
Minimise swing falls by working as close as possible to the anchorage
•
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.
Anchorage requirements (Fig. IV)
•
The minimum strength of any anchorage must be 10kN, according to EN795.
•
Check anchorage for signs of deterioration.
•
Like all height safety gear, anchorages must be subjected to regular inspections through a
competent person. Inspect at least once every three months, and record findings in a dedicated
service record.
•
Check that the connector is the correct size for the anchorage to be used. If the connector is too
small, use an anchor sling to connect to the anchorage.
Anchorage position
WARNING: When using this equipment for work positioning the anchorage must be positioned
at or above waist level.
•
When using this equipment for fall arrest, the anchorage should preferably be located above
the user's position
Use as part of a fall arrest system
•
Anchorages selected for fall arrest systems should be capable of sustaining a static load,
applied in the directions permitted by the system of at least:
o 22kN for non-certified anchorages
o 2 x the maximum arrest force for certified anchorages
o If more than one system is attached to one anchorage, the required strength should be
multiplied by the number of systems attached
Compatibility
•
This harness, energy absorbing lanyard, karabiner and scaffold hook is compatible with
miscellaneous height safety systems and safety gear
Notes:
WARNING: Always verify that all components used in combination with each other are
compatible.
•
Connecting hardware must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Non-compatible
connectors may accidentally disengage and lead to serious injury or even death.
•
Only use connectors, such as D-rings, snaphooks, karabiners and other equipment, with a
minimum rating of 22kN or 140kg max. load (whichever is appropriate).
Rescue plan
WARNING: A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be carried out before commencing
with any kind of work at height, or any work that requires the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE) as a control measure.
•
The user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement it
•
The plan must take into account the equipment and special training necessary to effectively
conduct prompt rescue under all foreseeable conditions
Operation
WARNING: When connectors are poorly positioned, the attachment D-rings could act as a lever
on the gate of a karabiner and subsequently damage it when sudden tension comes on to the rope.
ALWAYS ensure connectors remain safely positioned during use.
Note: This equipment must ONLY be used by competent operators. All users must be trained
in its safe use. Inexperienced users must receive instruction prior to using this equipment. A
risk assessment must be carried out before undertaking any operations requiring height safety
equipment.
silverlinetools.com
Fall Arrest Kit 5pce
11