Kong SIERRA DUO ANSI Manual

ANSI/ASSE Z359 - Requirements for Proper Use and Maintenance of
Full Body Harnesses
These are general requirements and information provided by ANSI/ASSE
Z359, the Manufacturer of this equipment may impose more stringent
restrictions on the use of the products they manufacturer, see the
Manufacturer's instructions.
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 - The user's organization shall retain the manufacturer's instructions
and make them readily available to all users. Users shall read and perfectly
understand the information provided by the manufacturer before using
the device, shall comply with all instructions regarding the inspection,
maintenance and storage of the equipment and make sure that the device
is in perfect condition and working properly.
Warning: rescue work, tree climbing and works at height are
activities with a high degree of risk, which may lead to accidents
and even death.
The user takes complete responsibility for the risks deriving from these
activities and from using our devices. This device can be used only by
individuals medically fit. It is essential that the users of this type of equipment
receive proper training and instruction, including detailed procedures for
the safe use of such equipment in their work application. ANSI/ASSE
Z359.2 establishes guidelines and requirements for an employer's
managed fall protection program, including policy statements, duties and
responsibilities, training and evaluations, minimum requirements for fall
protection procedures, eliminating and controlling fall hazards, rescue
procedures, incident investigations, and evaluating program effectiveness.
1.2 - If the user has the slightest doubt concerning the efficiency of the
device, it shall be replaced immediately, particularly after having used it
to arrest a fall.
1.3 - Minimum resistance of anchoring points, on both natural and artificial
elements, can be at least 12 kN. The assessment of those made on
natural elements (rocks, plants, etc.) is possible only empirically, and can
therefore be performed by a competent expert, while those on artificial
elements (metal, concrete, etc.) can be calculated scientifically, and can
therefore be performed by qualified personnel.
1.4 – 8W0.320 SIERRA DUO ANSI is tested in accordance ANSI/ASSE
8W0.320 SIERRA DUO ANSI
ANSI USE WWW.KONG.IT
read and always follow the information supplied by the manufacturer
Find the digital version of the information supplied by the manufactured here:
https://www.kong.it/en/product/sierraduo
KONG S.p.A. - Via XXV Aprile, 4 23804 Monte Marenzo (LC) - Italy
Y5635000BAK
+39 0341 630506 | info@kong.it
Z359.11-2014 by testing laboratory no. 1539 DOLOMITICERT scarl - zona
industriale Villanova - 32013 Longarone BL - Italia, meeting standard
ISO 17025.
This device is inspected in accordance with the procedures of the Quality
System certified according to the UNI EN ISO 9001.
Warning: laboratory tests, inspections, information and norms do
not always manage to reproduce what actually happens in practice,
and so performance under real usage conditions in a natural
environment may differ, sometimes even considerably. The best
information can be gained by continual practice under
the supervision of skilled, expert, qualified individuals.
2 - WARNINGS
- It is strictly forbidden to altering and/or repair the device, only the
equipment manufacturer, or persons or entities authorized by the
manufacturer, are allowed to repair the equipment.
- Before use make sure that the device is suitable for the purpose: only
the techniques that are not crossed out are permitted, any other use is
considered improper and therefore potentially dangerous.
- Verify combinations of components or sub-systems, or both, they have
not to affect or interfere with the safe function of each other.
- Improper use, deformation, falls, wear, contact with chemical substances,
chemical contamination, exposure to direct sunlight (UV degradation),
heat sources and flames, exposure to temperatures below -20°F or higher
than +120°F, are some examples of other causes that may produce a
harmful effect, or reduce, limit or end the life of the device. We strongly
suggest using the device personally in order to continuously monitor the
degree of protection and efficiency.
- At low temperatures, the presence of moisture can form ice that, on
textile devices, can reduce flexibility and increases the risk of cutting and
abrasion.
- Pay particular attention when using the equipment around moving
machinery and electrical hazards, sharp edges or abrasive surfaces.
3 - MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
- Equipment which is in need of, or scheduled for maintenance shall be
tagged as "unusable" and removed from service.
- Maintenance and storage of equipment shall be conducted by the user's
organization, consists of washing in warm drinking water (90°F), possibly
with the addition of neutral detergent. Rinse and, without spinning, leave
it to dry without leaving it in the direct sunlight.
- In addition, if necessary, disinfect the device, soaking it in warm water
containing 1% of sodium hypochlorite (bleach). Rinse with drinking
water and, without spinning, leave it to dry without leaving it in the direct
sunlight. Avoid sterilising textile devices in an autoclave.
- Equipment shall be stored in a manner as to preclude damage from
environment: maintain temperature between 5-30°C (40-85 °F) and
relative humidity between 40-90%, avoid exposure to light, UV, sharp
edges, excessive moisture, oil, chemicals and their vapours or other
degrading elements.
- Exceptional maintenance and storage issues, which may arise due to
unusual conditions of use, shall be addressed with the manufacturer.
4 - INSPECTION
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 ANSI/ASSE Z359.2:13 or the manufacturer's instructions, whichever is
greater. The outcome of these periodic inspections shall be recorded on
the device's inspection chart or a designated register.
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.
In addition to the inspection requirements set forth in the manufacturer's
instructions, the equipment shall be inspected by the user before and
after using the device 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 broken stitches fixed to load indicators,
- 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, excessive aging and excessive wear.
5 - DEVICE LIFE
The lifespan of metal components is indefinable, theoretically unlimited,
while for those affected by aging the date beyond which the device must
be replaced is calculated after 10 years from first use and in any case no
later than 12 years from the date of manufacture as long as: maintenance
and storage are carried out as described in point 3, the results of pre-use,
post-use and periodic inspections are all positive, and the device is used
correctly.
6 - LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Professional and recreational activities are often regulated by specific
national or governmental laws that may impose specific limits and/or
requirements for the personal fall arrest systems, which includes the Full
Body Harness in their components. The user is obliged to know and apply
these laws, which may in some cases impose obligations different from
those contained in this information.
7 - GUARANTEE
The manufacturer guarantees that the device complies with regulations
in force at the time of production. The guarantee covering faults is
limited to production defects and raw materials. It does not include wear
and tear, oxidation, damages caused by improper use and/or during
competition, incorrect maintenance, transport, conservation, storage,
etc. The guarantee becomes void as soon as the device is modified or
tampered with. The validity corresponds to the legal guarantee of the
country where the device was sold by the manufacturer, with effect from
the date of sale. After this period no claim can be made against the
manufacturer. Any request for repair or replacement under this warranty
shall be accompanied by a proof of purchase. If the defect is accepted,
the manufacturer, at its sole discretion, will repair, replace or refund the
device. Under no circumstances does the manufacturer's liability extend
beyond the invoice price of the device.
8 - SPECIFIC INFORMATION
8W0.320 SIERRA DUO ANSI (fig. 1) is a full body harnesses (FBH)
compliant with ANSI/ASSE Z359.11:2014, fitted with two attachment
points, one dorsal (D) and one sternal (C) consisting of two attachment
elements.
It is intended to be used with other components of a personal fall arrest
system that limit maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8 kN) or less.
8.1 - Nomenclature of the parts (fig. 1)
A Shoulder straps | B Leg loops | C Sternal attachment point composed
by two elements | D Dorsal attachment point | E Leg loops adjustment
buckles | F Sternal webbing | G Sternal webbing adjustment buckle | H
Shoulder straps adjustment buckles | I Load indicators | L Gear loops.
Metal material: carbon steel
Textile materials: polyester, polyamide
8.2 - Wearability
- Check the size suitability (SIZE table),
- loosen the shoulder straps (A) and the leg loops (B),
- unthread the sternal webbing (F) from its buckle (G) - (fig. 2),
- holding the harness by the dorsal attachment point (D) spread out the
shoulder straps (A),
- slip your legs through leg loops (B),
- slip your arms into the shoulder straps (A),
- fasten the sternal buckle (G),
- tighten the adjustment straps (fig. 4),
- check that the attachment elements (dorsal and sternal) are correctly
positioned (fig. 5),
- insert the excess webbing into the elastic loops.
Important:
- before using the harness, in an absolutely safe position, carry out
movements and suspension tests to ensure that it is correctly adjusted
and comfortable for the intended use;
- check the buckles regularly during use;
- when not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to a Full Body
Harness D-ring should not be attached to a work positioning element or
any other structural element on the Full Body Harness.
8.3 - Use in a fall arrest system
For the sake of safety in case of risk of falls from a height, it is essential to:
- assess the risks and make sure that the whole system, where this device
is only a component, is reliable and safe,
- prepare a rescue plan to deal with any emergencies possibly arising
while the device is being used,
- have the means at hands to implement the rescue plan,
- make sure that the anchor device or the anchor point is always positioned
as high up as possible, and that work is done in such way as to reduce
potential falls and relevant heights to a minimum,
- connect the harness to other devices (e.g. energy absorbers, ropes, etc.)
to achieve a fall arrest system, as it is only one component of a fall arrest
system,
- use an energy absorber to limit maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds
(8 kN),
- carefully assess the free height under the user (clearance). Examples of
main factors can be: height of a potential fall, Full Body Harness Stretch
(Hs), rope paid out, the length of any attachment element extender, the
stretch in any energy dissipaters or absorbers, the height of the user and
the "pendulum" effect.
Note: Full Body Harness Stretch (Hs) is the amount the FBH component
of a personal fall arrest system will stretch and deform during a fall (fig. 6
and 7), can contribute to the overall elongation of the system in stopping a
fall. 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. 8W0.320 SIERRA
DUO ANSI Full Body Harness Stretch (Hs) is by far less than 18 in. (457 mm).
Important: in a fall arrest system, it is mandatory to use a complete
harness in compliance with current regulations.
Warning: if the load indicators (I) are unstitched, replace the device
immediately (fig.8).
8.4 - Acceptable use for attachment elements
Warning: connect to the attachment point with soft loops carabiner
connectors only. Plain hooks cannot be used!
8.4.1 - Use with dorsal attachment
The dorsal attachment element shall be used as the primary fall arrest
attachment (fig. 9), unless the application allows the use of an alternate
attachment. It may also be used for travel restraint or rescue.
Post fall, supported by the dorsal attachment the user will result in an
upright body position with a slight lean to the front with some slight
pressure to the lower chest.
8.4.2 - Use with sternal attachment
Warning, danger of death! The sternal attachment point (C) is
composed by two attachment elements. Never connect to only one
attachment element (fig. 10).
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 arrestor, 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. Post fall, supported by the
sternal attachment the user will result in roughly a sitting 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. When 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.