fall arrest lanyard manual

Fall Arrest Lanyards Manual

Disregarding the instructions described in this manual could give rise to some serious repercussions. We advise that you re-read these instructions from time to time. In addition, the Supplier or his agent declines all responsibility for any use, storage methods or maintenance carried out in any other manner than that described in this manual.

Attention

Activities at height are dangerous and can bring about serious accidents and injuries.
We remind that you are personally responsible in the case of an accident, injury or fatality to either yourself or a third party during or following the use of one of our products.
The use of our products is reserved for competent people, who have gone through the proper training or who are operating under the supervision and instruction of a competent and experienced person.
Ensure that you have been adequately trained in the use of this PPE and make sure that you have fully understood how it works.
If there is any doubt, do not take any risks but seek advice.
A good physical condition is obligatory in order to carry out work from a height. Some medical indications may be detrimental to user safety during the normal use of the harness (taking medicine, heart problems, etc.); if in doubt, see your doctor.
For your safety, a fall arrest system or anchorage point must always be placed above the user to minimize the risk and height of fall.

Conforming to Standard 354

Connecting lanyard of webbing or rope of synthetic fibres, looped and/or with thimbles with/without connectors (cf. EN 362)
Must not be used except as restraint or work positioning system. (cf. EN 363)
A lanyard without an energy absorber must not be used for fall arrest.

Conforming to Standard 355

Lanyard with webbing or rope energy absorber of synthetic fibres, looped and/or with thimbles with/without connectors (cf EN 362)
Designed more specifically for use in conjunction with a fall arrest harness (cf. EN 361) and an anchorage point (cf. EN 795) as fall arrest system (cf. EN 363).

Use

The lanyard must only be connected by the extremities intended for this purpose,
Do not tie a knot in the lanyard
Protect the lanyard from exposed edges, which could damage it in case of a fall.
Do not join two lanyards together.
The MAXIMUM length from the anchorage point to the attachment point of the harness must NEVER exceed 2 metres,
Reduce by a maximum the flex of a lanyard,
When the energy absorber is interdependent of the lanyard and the length of both (lanyard + absorber) is less than 2 metres, it is forbidden to modify the length with other connection elements,
Do not use the lanyard as a service rope or a handling rope,
During use, regularly check the adjusting and/or attaching elements.

Checking

Before each use, it is advisable to carry out an in-depth visual examination in order to assure the integrity of the PPE and take any steps needed to carry rescue in total safety. In the event of your product being contaminated, consult the manufacturer or his agent. If you have any doubts regarding the safety of the product, or if the product has been used to arrest a fall, it is essential for your safety that the PPE be withdrawn from service and either returned to the manufacturer or to a qualified repair centre for checking or destruction.

Never try to modify or repair a piece of PPE yourself; only the manufacturer or a repair centre are able to carry out these repairs.
Check the state of service of the lanyard:
Absence of the start of any breakage or tearing in the textile elements
Absence of any deformation of the thimbles
The reliability of the splices
Absence of any deforming or use of the connectors.
The smooth working of the connectors.
The good condition of the metallic elements
Absence of any deterioration (tearing, excessive use, burning, etc) of the cord or the webbing. Check the state of service of the energy absorber:
Absence of any deterioration (tearing, excessive use, burning, etc) of the textile buckles.
Absence of any deterioration (tearing) of the protective cover.
In case of doubt, you must stop using the lanyard since the energy absorber was not designed to stop more than one fall.

Clearance

If there is any risk of fall or if the anchorage cannot be made above the harness attaching point, it is imperative to use an energy absorber lanyard. Before using a lanyard with an energy absorber lanyard, check that there is the minimum clearance as needed under the user’s feet to avoid any risk of collision with the structure or the ground.

Considering a 100 kg weight and a fall factor of 2 (least favourable case), clearance D is arrest distance H (2L+1.75m) plus an additional distance of 1m. *(1)

*(1): see drawing in the annex

Periodic Examination

These instructions must be kept with the product; fill in the identification sheet by entering the marked information
This periodic examination is designed to check the efficiency and strength of the equipment and is indispensable to protect the user.
This PPE must be examined at least once a year by the manufacturer or by an approved person and the check must be logged in the log sheet supplied in the appendix.
The frequency of the examination may need to be increased according to the regulations, for intensive use or under harsh environmental conditions.
The product markings must be legible.

Life Duration

It is estimated that the average life duration is 5 years. However, the following factors may reduce the performance of the product and the life duration:
incorrect storage
incorrect use
fall arrest
mechanical deformation
contact with chemicals (acids and alkalis)
exposure to high sources of heat > 60°C.

Anchorage Point

It is preferable to use structural anchorage points (conforming to EN 795).
These are elements attached lastingly to a (wall, post…).
In all cases check that the anchorage point:
offers resistance of more than 10 kN
Is situated above the operator, *(2)
is in the vertical axis to the work surface: (maximum angle ± 30°),
is totally suitable for the equipment anchorage device.
has no sharp edges.

*(2): unless indicated otherwise (refer to the CLEARANCE paragraph).

Maintenance

Good maintenance and appropriate storage of your PPE will prolong the working-life of your product, while guaranteeing your safety.
Be sure to comply with these recommendations:
The harness should be cleaned with water and a mild soap. Never use acid, solvents or anything based on this.
Leave it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of heat. Store the harness from humidity and ultraviolet light.
Avoid any corrosive atmosphere and excessive heat or cold.

Karabiner

Connector conforming to standard EN 362 When the karabiner is used for attachment to an anchorage point, check that recommendations of the Anchorage Point paragraph are complied with.
It is also possible to use webbing loop (EN 795) or anchorage clamp (EN 362) for connecting to the anchorage point.

WHEN CONNECTING THE KARABINER, CHECK THAT THE LOCKING SYSTEM IS PROPERLY POSITIONED.

CAUTION:

The karabiner is an essential element as concerns your safety. Therefore we advise the following:
Attribute the connector to a particular person whenever possible,
Before each use, check in particular for deformation and for the absence of any signs of wear and that the locking system works properly.
Do not attach and remove the device several times during the day if it features a manual lock.
SIMILARLY, IF THE KARABINER HAS BEEN USED TO ARREST A FALL, FOR SAFETY REASONS, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO RETURN IT FOR CHECKING.
The connector may also be an anchorage clamp of wire or a webbing loop (EN 795).

Transport

During transport, check that your PPE is stored away from any source of heat, damp, corrosive atmosphere, ultraviolet light etc. …

Packing

Your PPE is sold packed in a sealed rot-proof plastic wrapper with its instructions.

Last updated: 21-07-2012 16:09:17