Anchorage; Body-Wear; Connectors/Connecting; Deceleration Devices - Falltech Contractor SRL Serie Manual De Instrucciones

2.1: Anchorage
The selection of an anchor point and anchorage connector is critical to the successful
function of any Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). OSHA 1926.502 (d) (15) states that:
"Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent
of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting
at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed,
and used as follows: as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a
safety factor of at least two; and under the supervision of a qualified person."
Ensure that the structure to which you are attaching your anchorage connector is
capable of meeting the above requirements and that your anchorage connector is
installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Also be sure to check that
the anchorage connector is compatible with your FallTech Contractor SRL and that it
securely retains the SRL without inhibiting its function. If you are unable to determine
whether your SRL and your anchorage are compatible, please immediately consult with
a competent person or your immediate supervisor. For more details on anchorages,
please see section 5 of this instruction manual.
2.2: Body‐wear
Body wear for any application where this SRL is to be used will be defined as a full
body harness specifically manufactured for fall arrest. The load‐indicating swivel
carabiner on the attachment end of this SRL should only be attached to the back d‐ring
of your full body harness for fall arrest applications. The only allowable exception would
be in situations where the free fall is limited to an absolute maximum of two feet – in
this case, the attachment‐end carabiner may be connected to the front d‐ring of a full
body harness that is so equipped. Under no circumstances should the SRL ever be
attached to a side or hip d‐ring: Such a connection could cause serious injury or death.
Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions included with your full body
harness at the time of purchase.
2.3: Connectors/Connecting Devices
Connectors and Connecting Devices are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably.
It is important to note the differences between these two terms in order to help distinguish
the parts that these components play in the rigging of your PFAS. In both cases, these
products/components are required to have a minimum static strength of 5,000 lbs. For
additional details on requirements for connectors and connecting devices, see OSHA
1926.502 at www.osha.gov as referenced in section 1, advisory #1.
A connector is any metallic, mechanical element such as a carabiner, snap hook or
rebar hook that physically links one or more elements of a your PFAS together in a
manner such that they will remain engaged to one another unless they are intentionally
disengaged.
A connecting device is an element that connects your full body harness to the
anchorage in an effort to ensure that you remain attached or tethered to the structure
upon which you are working. In other words, the connecting device is that element
which secures you to your anchorage.
2.4: Deceleration Devices
A deceleration device is the element of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) which is
activated during a fall event and reduces the forces exerted on the user's body and on
the anchorage during the arrest of the fall. In the case of your FallTech Contractor SRL,
this product is both a connecting device and a deceleration device as it will keep you
attached to your anchorage and will reduce the forces on your body in the event of a
fall. For more details on the capabilities and specifications of your FallTech Contractor
SRL, please see section 10 of this instruction manual.
2.5: Fall Arrest
Fall Arrest is an area of Fall Protection which focuses on stopping a fall once it has
occurred. Personal Fall Arrest Systems typically consist of an anchorage, a full body
harness and a self‐retracting lifeline, shock‐absorbing lanyard or other deceleration
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