Related Manuals for MSA alphaBELT Pro
Summary of Contents for MSA alphaBELT Pro
- Page 1 Operating Manual alphaBELT Pro, alphaBELT Basic, alphaBELT Lanyard System for Positioning and Rescue, with SCBA Integration Order No.:10156928/04 MSA safety .com...
- Page 2 The Declaration of Conformity can be found under the following link: https://MSAsafety.com/DoC. MSA is a registered trademark of MSA Technology, LLC in the US, Europe and other Countries. For all other trademarks visit https://us.msasafety.com/Trademarks. Schlüsselstrasse 12 8645 Rapperswil-Jona Switzerland For your local MSA contacts, please go to our website www.MSAsafety.com © MSA 2021. All rights reserved...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Safety Regulations 1.1 Correct Use 1.2 Liability Information 1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted Description 2.1 Overview 2.2 Connecting Points for Breathing Apparatus 2.3 Labels and Markings 3.1 Safety Instructions 3.2 Preparing the Belt System for Use 3.3 Using the Belt System Maintenance and Cleaning 4.1 Regular Checks 4.2 Cleaning and Drying 4.3 Maintenance 4.4 Lifespan Transport and Storage 5.1 Transport 5.2 Storage Certification Ordering Information Appendix... -
Page 4: Safety Regulations
Correct Use alphaBELT Pro and alphaBELT Basic (hereafter also referred to as belts) are waist belts for restraining and positioning. In accordance with EN 358:2018 and EN 137:2006 they can be integrated into a breathing apparatus (hereafter referred to as SCBA) or can be used to carry other specifically certified devices on the back. The belts are intended to secure the user at the workplace (positioning function) or prevent the user from reaching a place from which the user could fall (restraining function). The belt system is personal protective equipment (PPE) for protection against falls from heights. The alphaBELT Lanyard (hereafter referred to as lanyard) for itself can be used as lanyard according to EN 358:2018, as lanyard for work positioning, as rescue loop according to EN 1498:2006 class A and C and as well as an anchor device according to EN 795 type B. In combination with the alphaBELT Lanyard the alphaBELT Pro also function as a rescue seat in accordance with EN 1498:2006 class B to hold the body of the user, who must be conscious and in a sitting position. The belts and the lanyard were specifically developed for extreme working conditions, for example for fire fighters, also in combination with a breathing apparatus from MSA (series AirGo, AirMaXX and M1). DANGER! • Do not perform any work with this belt system if due to physical condition health could be detrimentally affected during normal usage or in an emergency. • If the alphaBELT components have been placed under strain by a rappelling or fall or have been damaged by other influences (for example high temperatures, flames, chemical or mechanical influences, etc.), they must be taken out of use immediately. If there is even the slightest doubt, the product must be taken out of use or must not be used again until a knowledgeable person has given written approval to do so after conducting a test. Failure to follow these warnings will result in serious personal injury or death. WARNING! • The user instructions for all components used in the system (for example breathing apparatus etc.) must be followed at all times. -
Page 5: Liability Information
• The recommendations for use with other components must be followed: All other components in the rappelling and other attached systems (for example SCBA) must be certified and meet the requirements of the corresponding standards for personal protective equipment. • Combinations of equipment parts that negatively affect the safe and reliable functioning of a piece of the equipment or the equipment as a whole endanger the user. • The max. permissible loads for the components making up the rappelling or positioning belt system (for example belt fall cushioner, height restraint belt, etc.) must be observed. • The components used in the PPE system must be suitable for the operation (regarding heat, chemicals, etc.), for example while working under conditions that require an SCBA according to EN 137:2006 and ATEX. • The PPE system for protection like restraining, positioning and rescue rappelling is not designed for usage under direct exposure to flames or longer influence of high temperatures above 100 °C. During rappelling, the supply of breathable air by the system may be impaired. • After contact with hot parts, the protective effect against tensile strength may be impaired. • If the belt system is used to rescue the wearer (in accordance to EN 1498, rescue loops), potential hazards (for example snagging of the conscious person on obstacles etc.) are to be noted and evaluated accordingly. • Before using the belt system, it is to be examined for any effects which could result in damage to the belt system (for example direct contact with hot parts, chemicals, gases) or impair the safety of the user and any appropriate protective measures should be taken. • After exposure to chemical contamination, the PPE may only be reused for protection like restraining, positioning and rescue rappelling once it has been examined to ensure it is safe for use (the textile material used in the load bearing strap is impregnated flame retardant polyester). The specifications of a resistance list are to be taken into account and the examination is to be conducted by a suitably qualified person (for example a chemist). • Any changes or adaptations to the product by the user which are not intended by the manufacturer are not permitted. Adaptations may only be carried out by the manufacturer. • Only those products on the positive list in the part "Accessories" of this manual are positively tested, approved and may be attached to the belt. • Due to ergonomic benefits while using the rescue seat with the alphaBELT Pro MSA recommends to use the shoulder harness types MAX or EXX. ... -
Page 6: Description
2 Description Description The belts alphaBELT Pro/alphaBELT Basic and the alphaBELT Lanyard is a part of personal protective equipment for zones where the risk of a fall from a height exists. alphaBELT Basic and the alphaBELT Pro are body supports that encircles the body at the waist. In addition to the components of the alphaBELT Basic the alphaBELT Pro has the following components (see Figure 1 ): • Front pouch with webbing loop, label and heat sensor • Ergo-Click buckle • The alphaBELT Lanyard is already included in the package. The alphaBELT Lanyard can be used with or without a belt. For example the lanyard can be used without belt as an anchor point and with belt as a rescue seat. For the belts and the lanyard it should be noted that, in the event of a rappelling, there is a possible risk of injury if the system is not worn correctly. It is important to note that the user must be in appropriate physical and mental condition to enable them to carry additional weight (for example respirator) using their own muscle power. -
Page 7: Overview
2 Description Overview Figure 1 alphaBELT Pro and alphaBELT Basic 1 Safe-Click buckle Connecting buckle (for SCBA back plate or device holder strap) 2 Front pouch Holder for connecting buckle 3 Webbing loop for rescue loop seat Ergo-click buckle 4 Length adjustment buckle 10 D-rings/ supporting eyes are restraining arresting points (EN 358) 5 Hip padding 11 Main strap 6 Back pouch for lanyard ... -
Page 8: Connecting Points For Breathing Apparatus
2 Description Figure 2 alphaBELT Lanyard 1 Carabiner in D-RIng 4 Middle loop for rescue loop seat (EN 1498 class B) (with red stitching) 2 Length adjustment buckle 5 Label with markings 3 Main strap 6 End loop Connecting Points for Breathing Apparatus The back-plate of the breathing apparatus must only be connected to the belt system at the two points provided for that purpose and only with the connecting buckles delivered with the belts. Only the following self-contained breathing apparatus may be attached: • AirMaXX • AirGo • M1 For correct use observe the operating manual of the respective breathing apparatus. Any configuration of above breathing apparatus can be used if there is no other fall arrest harness connected to the back plate in parallel. -
Page 9: Labels And Markings
2 Description Labels and Markings Figure 3 Label on alphaBELT Pro 1 Date of manufacture (year/month) CE 0408 *) 2 Serial Number Manufacturer 3 Control number Icon “Observe the manual” 4 Approved standards Care instruction symbols 5 Name of product Rated weight (user and equipment incl. SCBA) 6 Material number *) CE mark certifies compliance with the basic requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (personal protective equipment). 0408: identification number of the notified body TÜV Austria Services GmbH, responsible for conformity assessment procedure. -
Page 10: Use
3 Use Safety Instructions WARNING! Do not perform any work with this belt system if due to physical condition health could be detrimentally affected during normal usage or in an emergency. Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death. Before using the belt system for the first time, the user has to perform a suspension test to ensure that the belt system offers sufficient possibility for adjustment and is appropriately comfortable for the intended use. Preparing the Belt System for Use Before the belt system can be used, the entire system has to be visually inspected to ensure it is complete, in proper condition for being used and is operating properly. All buckles, adjusting straps and restrain eyelets must be checked regularly. A plan for rescue measures that takes into consideration all possible emergency cases must be on hand before the equipment is used. Before and during use it has to be considered how the rescue measures can be performed safely and effectively. Connecting the Belts with the Lanyard Figure 4 Connecting belt with lanyard (1) ... - Page 11 3 Use (5) Reduce the size of the free hanging loop with the length adjustment buckles. Figure 6 Storing SCBA connecting buckles (6) Store SCBA connecting buckles close to the belt under the holders for the SCBA connecting buckles to avoid free hanging parts. – Use this procedure also when the back plate is mounted to enhance the wearing comfort by bringing the backplate closer to the body. (7) Close the front pouch of the alphaBELT Pro even if a carabiner is connected to this webbing loop. Fasten the Back Plate on the Restraint Harness (1) If necessary, remove the original waist belt of the harness from the back plate before installing the belts. (2) Fasten the belts onto the back plate with the two SCBA connecting buckles. – SCBA connecting buckles are inserted through the corresponding fastening slots and aligned. WARNING! Especially for the alphaBELT Pro the straps of the shoulder harness must run outside of the belt and must not fitted between any straps and padding. This measure allows a quick dropping or easy demounting of the back plate by opening the two Ergo-Click buckles on the backside of the alphaBELT Pro. Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death. (3) ...
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Page 12: Using The Belt System
3 Use Using the Belt System WARNING! • The belt system for rescue and work positioning harnesses according to EN 358 is not designed for fall arrest purposes. Wherever applicable, adequate protective equipment (like fall arrest systems) as well as redundant security methods should be used. • If a second carabiner is used with the belt system (for example for rescue loop according EN 1498 class B) the carabiner must be able to be used with an EN 137 approved breathing apparatus (for example made of steel) and must be approved according to EN 362:2004 for applications according to EN 358 and EN 1498. Do not use carabiners made of aluminium. • The Carabiner of the lanyard must not be used with the middle loop. This loop is only meant to be used for the rescue loop type B. • Exposure to high temperatures or contact to hot objects or flames might affect the effectiveness of the belt. The heat load on the belt system should not exceed 100 °C. Short heat impacts above this temperature level can have damaging effects on the strap material. Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death. A non-reversible temperature/heat indicator in the front pouch shows if a temperature of 104 °C have been reached at exactly this specific point of the belt system. Once these indicator shows a black coloured square (normally white) the belt system must not be used anymore for any load bearing work like for example restraining, positioning or rescue rappelling. The product must not be used until a knowledgeable person has given written approval to do so after conducting tests. ... - Page 13 3 Use Use of Click Buckles Safe-Click Buckle (Main Lock with Three Point Safety) Open Close Separate To close the buckle (1) Push the parts of the buckle together until the "click" sound is noticeable. (2) Check if the buckle is locked and functioning properly. – Buckle halves freely movable within each other, pull on both buckle halves. A gap between the buckle halves remains. To open the buckle (1) Push the parts of the buckle together while simultaneously pressing the two unlocking buttons in the direction of the MSA logo. (2) Pull the buckle halves apart.
- Page 14 3 Use Ergo-Click Buckle (Only on alphaBELT Pro) General Operation Open Close Separate To close the buckle (1) Push the parts of the buckle together until the "click" sound is noticeable. (2) Check if the buckle is locked and functioning properly. – Pull on the buckle halves. A gap between the buckle halves remains. To open the buckle (1) Press the two unlocking buttons simultaneously in the opening direction. (2) Pull the buckle halves apart. If the belt buckle still cannot be operated correctly, replace the alphaBELT.
- Page 15 3 Use Mounting Additional Tools on the Belt WARNING! The small connector strap loop must only be used with objects that are tested for SCBA usage, which are not heavier than 1 kg and will not influence the ergonomic attributes of the harness. We are warningly emphasizing to follow the restriction of the EN 137:2006 (for example no aluminum parts). Thus means also the overall weight of the SCBA needs to be chosen according to the EN 137:2006. Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death. Figure 7 Additional tools on the belts (1) Install the small connector strap loop on the main strap of the belts around or beside the D-ring. – Both ends of the small connector strap must be on top and the loop of the small connector strap must hang behind the D-Ring. Figure 8 Using the lanyard Restraint lanyard to EN 358:2018 Positioning lanyard to EN 358:2018 Restraint lanyard to EN 358:2018 ...
- Page 16 3 Use WARNING! The lanyard should be positioned in such a way that the anchorage point according to EN 795 is maintained at or above waist level; the lanyard should be kept taut and free movement is restricted to a maximum of 0,6 m. Local regulations can require different measures, therefore local regulations that are relevant for your work environment should be considered. Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death. Anchor Strap (According to EN 795 B for 1 Person) WARNING! Anchor devices according to EN 795 B are not allowed to be used in fall arrest systems without energy absorbers according to EN 355. Connected carabiners must comply with EN 362. Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death. (1) ...
- Page 17 Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death. Rescue loop class A Figure 10 Rescue loop class A (1) Place the lanyard under the axles and connect the lanyard carabiner with the end loops of the lanyard. (2) Attach the resulting rescue loop as close as possible and not twisted to the body to avoid injuries. – Use the length adjustment buckle for adjusting. (3) Only load and use the carabiner at the chest as anchor point for rescue rappelling. Rescue Loop class B – Only with alphaBELT Pro (1) Prepare belt like described in point manual in the point “Preparing the Belt System for Use”. (2) Pull the lanyard completely out of the back pouch of the belt and position the front pocket with the webbing loop in the middle of the body. While rescuing it is recommended that the middle carabiner is positioned more upwards in direction of the shoulders. All harness straps and especially the shoulder straps should be pulled tight to the body. Therefore loosen the waist belt to allow the system to move upwards while pulling the shoulder straps very tight, and ...
- Page 18 3 Use Figure 11 Rescue seat/rescue loop class B (3) Connect a second carabiner according to EN 362:2004 (for example of a rescue system according to EN 341:2011 class D) to the webbing loop in the front pouch of the belt. (4) Connect the end loop of the lanyard to one D-ring like described in part “Preparing the alpha- BELT System for Use”. – Lead the lanyard behind the legs to connect the carabiner with the opposite D-ring. (5) Grab the middle loop of the lanyard between the legs from the front side and pull the lanyard upwards to the front pouch area. Figure 12 Connecting the red color stitched loop (6) Connect the red color stitched loop with the second carabiner which is also connected with the front webbing loop to form the rescue loop. – To avoid injuries do not twist the lanyard.
- Page 19 3 Use Figure 13 Use the rescue seat/rescue loop class B (7) Only use the second carabiner at the front of the red stitched loops to load and as an anchor point for rescue rappelling. Rescue Loop Class C Figure 14 Rescue loop class C The rescue loop of class C is constructed that during the rescue operation, the rescued person is transported with the head down and the belts is closely wrapped around the ankle. (1) Connect the carabiner from the lanyard to the end loop of the lanyard to form a closed rescue loop.
- Page 20 3 Use (2) Lay the closed loop around the ankles, so that the long flat side of the lanyard contacts the back of the ankles and the carabiner is in front. (3) Pull the lanyard which is running around the ankles upwards between the ankles. (4) Pull the carabiner from bottom to top through the resulting loop in front of the feet and pull the loop tight away from the body. The loop then winds close and surrounds both ankles. (5) Only load and use this carabiner as the anchor point for rescue rappelling. ...
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Page 21: Maintenance And Cleaning
4 Maintenance and Cleaning Maintenance and Cleaning Regular Checks DANGER! If the alphaBELT Pro or alphaBELT Basic has been placed under strain by a rappelling or fall or has been damaged by other influences (for example high temperatures, flames, chemical or mechanical influences, like sharp edges, abrasion, cuts or ultraviolet radiation, etc.), it must be taken out of use immediately. If there is even the slightest doubt, the product must be taken out of use or must not be used again until a knowledgeable person has given written approval to do so after conducting a test. Failure to follow this warning will result in serious personal injury or death. Before and after every use the equipment has to be checked for damage (for example abrasion, cuts, tears, etc.). The product identification has to be legible. In addition, if the equipment is used in work safety in accordance with the mentioned standards, it must be checked at least every 12 months by a knowledgeable person and must be replaced if necessary. Therefore all parts of the manual of this product or other corresponding documents handed out by the manufacturer needs to be taken into account. Records of this test must be kept (for documentation of equipment, see accompanying check sheet). This test must include: • Checking general condition: age, completeness, dirt, correct composition. • Checking label: whether present and legible (CE mark, date of manufacture, serial number, EN standard, manufacturer, product name). • Checking all individual parts for mechanical damage such as, but not limited to: cuts, tears, notches, abrasion, deformation, formation of ribs, kinks, crushes, etc. -
Page 22: Lifespan
4 Maintenance and Cleaning DANGER! This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use, maintenance or servicing may affect the function of the device and thereby seriously compromise the user's life. Before lubricating, cover the belt material to prevent the ingress of lubricant into the textile fabric. Failure to follow this warning will result in serious personal injury or death. During Lubrication Before lubricating, cover the belt material to prevent the ingress of lubricant into the textile fabric. Belt Buckle (1) Cover the belt material to prevent the ingress of lubricant into the textile fabric. (2) With a curved or flexible small tube, spray lubricant into the areas shown in the image. The spring and spring bore are lubricated (image shows the cross-section of the buckle). Buckle (1) Cover the belt material to prevent the ingress of lubricant into the textile fabric. (2) With a curved or flexible small tube, spray lubricant into the areas shown in the image. - Page 23 4 Maintenance and Cleaning • UV radiation • Intensity and frequency of use • Care • Effects of weather such as temperature, moisture, snow; environment with salt, sand, chemicals, etc. This list is not complete, other means of damage can apply. The service life may be reduced under unusual circumstances to a single use or the equipment may even become unusable before the first time it is used (for example damage during transport).
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Page 24: Transport And Storage
5 Transport and Storage Transport and Storage The straps of the products are mainly made of Polyester (PES) and partially Polyamide (PA). The heat load must therefore never exceed 100 °C. Transport Suitable packaging has to be used for transport (providing protection against dirt, moisture, chemicals, UV radiation, mechanical damage, etc.) Storage Storage conditions: • Dry and clean • At room temperature • Protected from light (UV radiation, welding devices, etc.) • Away from chemicals (acids, bases, liquids, vapors, gases, etc.) and other aggressive conditions • Protected from objects with sharp edges ... -
Page 25: Certification
The product complies with the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (Personal Protective Equipment). The PPE is subject to the conformity assessment procedure based on internal production control plus supervised product checks at random intervals (Module C2) under surveillance of the notified body TÜV Austria Services GmbH, Deutschstraße 10, 1230 Vienna, Austria, identification number 0408. The notified body DGUV Test Prüf- und Zertifizierungsstelle Fachbereich Persönliche Schutzausrüstungen, Zwengenberger Straße 68, 42781 Haan, Germany, identification number 0299, has performed the EU type-examination (Module B) and issued the EU type-examination certificate. Approvals A belt system mounted to a MSA AirGo, AirMaXX or M1 breathing apparatus complies with the following standards: alphaBELT Basic EN 137:2006, Class 2: Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus for Fire Service use Operating temperature of belt system: -40 °C to +100 °C EN 358:2018 Work positioning and restraint belts ATEX II 3G IIB II 3D alphaBELT Pro Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus for Fire Service use Operating temperature of belt EN 137:2006, Class 2: system: -40 °C to +100 °C EN 358:2018 Work positioning and restraint belts EN 1498:2006, class B: Rescue loop class B only in combination with alphaBELT Lanyard ATEX II 3G IIB II 3D alphaBELT Lanyard EN 137:2006, Class 2: Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus for Fire Service use Operating temperature of belt system: -40 °C to +100 °C ... - Page 26 6 Certification ATEX The permitted operating range of the basic device may be restricted through the modification with appropriate MSA components. Once a component is used, which has a different operating range than the basic device, then the operating range of the component with the most restricted (limited) operating range applies to the new complete product. The operator of the device is responsible for the documentation of such a modification. Declaration of Conformity The Declaration of Conformity can be found under the following link: https://MSAsafety.com/DoC.
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Page 27: Ordering Information
7 Ordering Information Ordering Information 10151246 alphaBELT Pro, Positioning and Rescue belt 10151241 alphaBELT Basic, Positioning belt w/o lanyard 10151242 alphaBELT Lanyard 10151249 Small connector loop for SCBA belts, 2x 10151248-SP Adapter quick release buckle to SCBA, 2x 10157585 Carabiner, 3600 LB gate, triple lock... -
Page 28: Appendix
8 Appendix Appendix Equipment Record - Inspection Sheet for Personal Protective Equipment against falling from heights For each component, subsystem or system a record must be kept! Contact us! Product type: Year of manufacture: Product name: Purchase date: Serial number: Date first put into use: Periodic examination and repair history Date: ... - Page 29 8 Appendix ...
- Page 30 For local MSA contacts, please visit us at MSAsafety.com...
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