CMC ATOM HARNESS Manual

also called suspension trauma or orthostatic intolerance, is a serious
condition that can be controlled with good harness design, prompt
rescue and post fall suspension relief devices. A conscious user
may deploy a suspension relief device allowing the user to remove
tension from around the legs, freeing blood flow, which can delay the
onset of suspension intolerance. An attachment element extender is
not intended to be attached directly to an anchorage or anchorage
connector for fall arrest. An energy absorber must be used to limit
maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8kN). The length of the
attachment element extender may affect free fall distances and free fall
clearance calculations.
5. FBH stretch, the amount the FBH component of a personal fall arrest
system will stretch and deform during a fall, can contribute to the
overall elongation of the system in stopping a fall.
6. It is important to include the increase in fall distance created by FBH
stretch, as well as the FBH connector length, the settling of the user's
body in the FBH and all other contributing factors when calculating
total clearance required for a particular fall arrest system.
7. When not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to a FBH
D-ring should not be attached to a work positioning element or any
other structural element on the FBH unless deemed acceptable by the
competent person and manufacturer of the lanyard. This is especially
important when using some types of "Y" style lanyards, as some load
may be transmitted to the user through the unused lanyard leg if it is
not able to release from the harness. The lanyard parking attachment
is generally located in the sternal area to help reduce tripping and
entanglement hazards.
8. Loose ends of straps can get caught in machinery or cause accidental
disengagement of an adjuster. All FBH shall include keepers or other
components which serve to control the loose ends of straps.
9. Due to the nature of soft loop connections, it is recommended that
soft loop attachments only be used to connect with other soft loops or
carabiners. Snaphooks should not be used unless approved for the
application by the manufacturer.
Sections 10-16 provide additional information concerning the location and
use of various attachments that may be provided on this FBH.
10. Dorsal - The dorsal attachment element shall be used as the primary
fall arrest attachment unless the application allows the use of an
alternate attachment. The dorsal attachment may also be used for
travel restraint or rescue. When supported by the dorsal attachment
during a fall, the design of the FBH shall direct load through the
shoulder straps supporting the user and around the thighs. Supporting
the user, post fall, by the dorsal attachment will result in an upright
body position with a slight lean to the front with some slight pressure
to the lower chest. Considerations should be made when choosing
a sliding versus fixed dorsal attachment element. Sliding dorsal
attachments are generally easier to adjust to different user sizes, and
allow a more vertical rest position post fall, but can increase FBH
stretch.
11. Sternal - The sternal attachment may be used as an alternative fall
arrest attachment in applications where the dorsal attachment is
determined to be inappropriate by a competent person and where
there is no chance to fall in a direction other than feet first. Accepted
practical uses for a sternal attachment include, but are not limited to,
ladder climbing with a guided type fall arrester, ladder climbing with an
overhead self-retracting lifeline for fall arrest, work positioning and rope
access. The sternal attachment may also be used for travel restraint
or rescue.
12. When supported by the sternal attachment during a fall, the design
of the FBH shall direct load through the shoulder straps supporting
the user and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post fall, by
the sternal attachment will result in roughly a sitting or cradled body
position with weight concentrated on the thighs, buttocks and lower
back. Supporting the user during work positioning by this sternal
attachment will result in an approximate upright body position.
13. If the sternal attachment is used for fall arrest, the competent person
evaluating the application should take measures to ensure that a fall
can only occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free fall
distance. It may be possible for a sternal attachment incorporated into
an adjustable style chest strap to cause the chest strap to slide up and
possibly choke the user during a fall, extraction, suspension, etc. The
competent person should consider FBH models with a fixed sternal
attachment for these applications.
14. Frontal - The frontal attachment serves as a ladder climbing
connection for guided type fall arresters where there is no chance
to fall in a direction other than feet first or may be used for work
positioning. Supporting the user, post fall or during work positioning,
by the frontal attachment will result in a sitting body position with
the upper torso upright with weight concentrated on the thighs and
buttocks. When supported by the frontal attachment the design of the
CMC Rescue, Inc.
6740 Cortona Drive
Goleta, CA 93117, USA
805-562-9120 / 800-235-5741
cmcpro.com
ISO 9001 Certified
© CMC Rescue, Inc. All rights reserved
CMC and are registered marks of CMC Rescue Inc.
CMC Control No.: 202DIN01_Rev00
FBH shall direct load directly around the thighs and under the buttocks
by means of the sub-pelvic strap.
15. If the frontal attachment is used for fall arrest, the competent person
evaluating the application should take measures to ensure that a fall
can only occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free
fall distance.
16. Shoulder - The shoulder attachment elements shall be used as a
pair and are an acceptable attachment for rescue and entry/retrieval.
The shoulder attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. It
is recommended that the shoulder attachment elements be used in
conjunction with a yoke which incorporates a spreader element to
keep the FBH shoulder straps separate.
17. Waist, Rear - The waist, rear attachment shall be used solely for travel
restraint. The waist, rear attachment element shall not be used for fall
arrest. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to use the waist, rear
attachment for purposes other than travel restraint. The waist, rear
attachment shall only be subjected to minimal loading through the
waist of the user and shall never be used to support the full weight of
the user.
18. Hip - The hip attachment elements shall be used as a pair and shall
be used solely for work positioning. The hip attachment elements shall
not be used for fall arrest. Hip attachments are often used for work
positioning by arborists, utility workers climbing poles and construction
workers tying rebar and climbing on form walls. Users are cautioned
against using the hip attachment elements (or any other rigid point on
the FBH) to store the unused end of a fall arrest lanyard as this may
cause a tripping hazard or, in the case of multiple leg lanyards, could
cause adverse loading to the FBH and the wearer through the unused
portion of the lanyard.
19. Suspension Seat - The suspension seat attachment elements shall
be used as a pair and shall be used solely for work positioning. The
suspension seat attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest.
Suspension seat attachments are often used for prolonged work
activities where the user is suspended allowing the user to sit on the
suspension seat formed between the two attachment elements. An
example of this use would be window washers on large buildings.
USER INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF
EQUIPMENT
Users of personal fall arrest systems shall, at a minimum, comply with all
manufacturer instructions regarding the inspection, maintenance and storage
of the equipment. The user's organization shall retain the manufacturer's
instructions and make them readily available to all users. See ANSI/
ASSP Z359.2, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall
Protection Program, regarding user inspection, maintenance and storage of
equipment.
1. In addition to the inspection requirements set forth in the
manufacturer's instructions, the equipment shall be inspected by the
user before each use and additionally by a competent person, other
than the user, at interval of no more than one year for:
• Absence or illegibility of markings.
• Absence of any elements affecting the equipment form, fit or
function.
• Evidence of defects in, or damage to, hardware elements including
cracks, sharp edges, deformation, corrosion, chemical attack,
excessive heating, alteration and excessive wear.
• Evidence of defects in, or damage to, strap or ropes including
fraying, unsplicing, unlaying, kinking, knotting, roping, broken or
pulled stitches, excessive elongation, chemical attack, excessive
soiling, abrasion, alteration, needed or excessive lubrication,
excessive aging and excessive wear.
2. Inspection criteria for the equipment shall be set by the user's
organization. Such criteria for the equipment shall equal or exceed the
criteria established by this standard or the manufacturer's instructions,
whichever is greater.
3. When inspection reveals defects in, damage to, or inadequate
maintenance of equipment, the equipment shall be permanently
removed from service or undergo adequate corrective maintenance by
the original equipment manufacturer or their designate before return
to service.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Maintenance and storage of equipment shall be conducted by the
user's organization in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Unique issues, which may arise due to conditions of use, shall be
addressed with the manufacturer.
2. Equipment, which is in need of, or scheduled for, maintenance shall be
tagged as unusable and removed from service.
3. Equipment shall be stored in a manner as to preclude damage from
environmental factors such as temperature, light, UV, excessive
moisture, oil, chemicals and their vapors or other degrading elements
ATOM™ HARNESS
WARNINGS
Activities involving the use of this device are potentially dangerous. You are responsible for your own
actions and decisions. Before using this device, you must:
• Read and understand these user instructions, labels, and warnings.
• Familiarize yourself with its capabilities and limitations.
• Obtain specific training in its proper use.
• Understand and accept the risks involved.
FAILURE TO HEED ANY OF THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
MEETS THE LIFE SAFETY HARNESS REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1983,
INCORPORATED IN THE 2022 EDITION OF NFPA 2500. THIS HARNESS IS NOT
FLAME-RESISTANT!
FULL BODY HARNESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANSI / ASSP Z359.11-2021 AND
CSA Z259.10-2018
Find the latest version and translations of this manual at cmcpro.com
Manual refers to multiple product configurations.