Table Of Contents; Description; Application - Falltech 8447A User Instruction Manual

1. DESCRIPTION
2. APPLICATION
2.1 Purpose
2.2 Fall Arrest
2.3 Restraint
2.4 Work Positioning
2.5 Suspension
2.6 Rescue
2.7 Application Limits
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Capacity
3.2 Compatibility of Components
3.3 Making Connections
3.4 Anchorage Strength

1. DESCRIPTION

FallTech® carabiners are forged steel or aluminum connector components with a normally
closed gate which is opened to allow connection to other components. The gate automatically
closes and locks when released. The gate will remain closed and locked until deliberately
opened. Some models are equipped with an optional captive pin, to isolate attached hardware
components and avoid contact with the gate. Carabiners are available in three broad size
categories, Compact, Medium and Large. See Table 1 in Appendix A (all figure and table
references hereafter are to Appendix A). See Figure 1.
A list of acronyms used in fall protection and fall arrest is provided in Appendix A.
For purposes of this manual, the carabiners may be referred to as the connector, the
equipment, or the unit.

2. APPLICATION

2.1 Purpose: The carabiners covered in this manual are intended as connector components in
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS). Other applications are Restraint, Work Positioning,
Personnel Riding Systems, Suspension and Rescue Systems. See Figure 2.
2.2 Personal Fall Arrest Systems: The carabiner may be used as a component of a PFAS. A PFAS
is an assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a person in a free fall, and will
typically include an anchorage, an energy absorbing connecting subsystem, either a Shock
Absorbing Lanyard (SAL) or a Self-Retracting Device (SRD) or a fall arrestor (rope grab) or lifeline,
or any suitable combination, connected to the dorsal D-ring on a Full Body Harness (FBH).
Maximum permissible free fall is 6'.
2.3 Restraint: Restraint systems are designed to restrain the user from reaching a fall hazard
and typically include an FBH and a restraint lanyard or restraint line. Vertical free fall is not
permitted.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
5. SPECIFICATIONS
6. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
7. INSPECTION
8. MARKING
APPENDIX A - Table 1, List of Acronyms,
Figures 1 - 9, Inspection Record
2
4.1 Inspection
4.2 Plan for the Application
4.3 Clear Fall Distance
4.4 Swing Fall
4.5 Captive Pin Installation
4.6 Carabiner Instructions
4.7 Attaching the Carabiner to
Anchorage
4.8 Attach a Subsystem
4.8.1 Polyester Rope
Connections
7.1 Inspection Procedures