Installation And Operation - Falltech 8447A User Instruction Manual

 POSITIONING: OSHA requires that positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage
able to support at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall or 3,000 lbs.,
whichever is greater. Each work positioning system installation must be independently
capable of sustaining these loads. A free fall of not more than 24" (60.1 cm) is permissible.
 SUSPENSION: Anchorages for suspension applications must support a minimum of 5,000
lbs. per worker attached.
 RESCUE: Anchorages for rescue applications must support a minimum of 5,000 lbs. per
worker attached.
4. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
4.1 Inspection: Before every use, inspect the carabiner to ensure its proper working order.
Check for worn or damaged parts. Inspect for sharp edges, burrs, cracks, distortion, or
corrosion. Gates must close and lock. Inspect other fall arrest or restraint equipment according
to manufacturer's instructions. Remove the carabiner from service if inspection reveals an
unsafe condition.
4.2 Plan for the application: Identify hazards and evaluate the work site. Consult the application
information in this manual.
Do not misuse the equipment. Serious injury or death may result. Know the limits and
capacities, stated elsewhere in this manual, for this equipment.
DO NOT use the equipment in a PFAS where there is a possibility of a swing fall that might result
in striking an object or contacting the ground or the lower level. Attach the carabiner, and
perform necessary tasks, directly under the attachment point.
Ensure the anchorage location provides a continuous connection for the user when exposed to
fall hazards. Select anchorages that are stable and have the strength required. Select anchorage
locations to:
 Maintain a maximum free fall distance of six feet.
 Prevent swing fall hazards.
 Provide clear space in the potential fall paths to avoid striking an object.
See the equipment provider's instructions regarding fall distance, swing fall hazards and clear
fall paths.
4.3 Fall Clearance Distance: When working at heights and using a PFAS, it is important to
consider the distance between the walking/working level and the next lower level to ensure
there is sufficient room for the PFAS to arrest a fall. Fall Clearance Distance is the distance that
is required to safely arrest the fall of a user. The Distance may be calculated by adding together
the Length of the Lanyard, the Deceleration Distance, the Height of the Worker, plus a Safety
Factor of 1 1/2'. See Figure 4‐A, 4‐B, 4‐C, and 4‐D.
4.4 Swing Fall: Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where
a fall occurs. The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury. In a swing
fall, the total vertical fall distance will be greater than if the user had fallen directly below the
anchorage point, thus increasing the total free fall distance and the area required to safely
arrest the user. An SRD presents the greatest danger in a swing fall event. Minimize swing falls
by working as directly below the anchorage point as possible. Move the anchorage as required.
Never permit a swing fall if injury could occur. If a swing fall situation exists in your application
consult a Competent Person before proceeding. A minimum of six feet from the working level to
the lower level or nearest obstruction is recommended. See Figure 5.
4.5 Captive Pin Installation: Certain model carabiners are supplied with a captive pin, that when
installed forms a captive eye for connection of a lanyard, lifeline, or similar component. To
install the captive pin, drive the pin into the predrilled hole in the gate bar until the formed
capture portion of the pin engages the carabiner.
4.6 Carabiner instructions: Rotate the twist lock until it stops. Push the gate inward, engage the
carabiner onto the selected anchorage, and release the spring‐loaded gate. Visually ensure the
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