DBI-Sala 1113157 User Manual

USER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

EXOFIT NEX™ FULL BODY HARNESS

This manual is intended to meet the Manufacturer’s Instructions as required by ANSI Z359 and

CSA 259.10 and should be used as part of an employee training program as required by OSHA

WARNING: This product is part of a personal fall arrest, restraint, work positioning, climbing, controlled descent, or rescue system. The user must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each component of the system. These instructions must be provided to the user of this equipment. The user must read and understand these instructions before using this equipment. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed for proper use and maintenance of this equipment. Alterations or misuse of this product or failure to follow instructions may result in serious injury or death.

IMPORTANT: If you have questions on the use, care, or suitability of this equipment for your application, contact Capital Safety.

ExoFit NEX™

Full Body Harness

Model Numbers: (See back pages.)

IMPORTANT: Record the product identiﬁ cation information from the ID label in the inspection and maintenance log in Section 9 of this manual.

DESCRIPTIONS:

The ExoFit NEX™ Full Body Harness is available in Vest (Figure 1) and Cross-Over (Figure 2) styles conﬁ gured with a variety of features including the following:

• Tech-Lite™ Aluminum D-Rings - Varied Locations: Front, Back, Hips, Shoulders

• Duo-Lok™ Quick Connect Buckles

• Repel Technology Webbing

• Hybrid Comfort Padding

• Revolver™ Vertical Torso Adjusters

• Tongue Buckle Body Belt

• Suspension Trauma Straps

NOTE: Some features may not be available on all models of the ExoFit NEX™ Full Body Harness.

Form: 5903027 Rev: D

Figure 1 - ExoFit NEX™ Vest Style Full Body Harness

A. Shoulder Strap w/Hybrid Padding B. Duo-Lok™ Quick Connect Buckle C. Chest Strap D. Hybrid Chest Pad with i-Safe™ RFID Tag & Labels E. Revolver™ Torso Adjustor F. Tech-Lite™ Side D-Ring G. Leg Strap H. Tech-Lite™ Dorsal D-Ring I. Trauma Strap

Figure 2 - ExoFit NEX™ Cross-Over Style Full Body Harness

A. Shoulder Strap w/Hybrid Padding B. Revolver™ Adjustor C. Hybrid Chest Pad with i-Safe™ RFID Tag & Labels D. Tech-Lite™ Front D-Ring E. Duo-Lok™ Quick Connect Buckle F. Trauma Strap G. Tech-Lite™ Dorsal D-Ring

1.0 APPLICATION

1.1 PURPOSE: The DBI-SALA ExoFit NEX™™ Full Body Harness (Figure 1 and Figure 2) should be used as a component in personal fall arrest, restraint, work positioning, climbing, controlled descent, or rescue systems (see Table 1).

ExoFit NEX™ Harnesses included in this manual are full body harnesses and meet ANSI Z359.1, OSHA, and CSA Z259.10 requirements. See Figure 3 for application illustrations.

WARNING: Working at height has inherent risks. Some risks are noted here but are not limited to: falling, suspension/prolonged suspension, striking objects, and unconsciousness. In the event of a fall arrest and/or subsequent rescue (emergency) situation, some personal medical conditions may affect your safety. Medical conditions identiﬁ ed as risky for this type of activity include, but are not limited to: heart disease, high blood pressure, vertigo, epilepsy, drug or alcohol dependence, psychiatric illness, impaired limb function and balance issues. We recommend that your employer/physician determine if you are ﬁ t to handle normal and emergency use of this equipment.

Table 1 - ExoFit NEX™ Full Body Harness Applications

Application CSA Class Description

Personal Fall Arrest Class A

Controlled Descent Class D

The full body harness is used as a component of a personal fall arrest system. Personal fall arrest systems typically include a full body harness and a connecting subsystem (energy absorbing lanyard). Maximum arresting force must not exceed 1,800 lbs (8 kN). For fall arrest applications connect the fall arrest subsystem (example: lanyard, SRL, energy absorber, etc.) to the D-ring or attachment element on your back, between your shoulder blades.

For controlled descent applications, harnesses equipped with a single sternal level D-ring, one or two frontal mounted D-rings, or a pair of connectors originating below the waist (such as a seat sling) may be used for connection to a descender or evacuation system (reference in Z259.10 in Canada).

Rescue Class E The full body harness is used as a component of a rescue system. Rescue systems

Ladder Climbing Class L

Work Positioning Class P

Restraint None The full body harness is used as a component of a restraint system to prevent the

are conﬁ gured depending on the type of rescue. For limited access (conﬁ ned space) applications, harnesses equipped with D-rings on the shoulders may be used for entry and egress into conﬁ ned spaces where worker proﬁ le is an issue.

The full body harness is used as a component of a climbing system to prevent the user from falling when climbing a ladder or other climbing structure. Climbing systems typically include a full body harness, vertical cable or rail attached to the structure, and climbing sleeve. For ladder climbing applications, harnesses equipped with a frontal D-ring in the sternal location may be used for fall arrest on ﬁ xed ladder climbing systems. These are deﬁ ned in CSA Z259.2.1 in Canada and ANSI A14.3 in the United States.

The full body harness is used as a component of a work positioning system to support the user at a work position. Work positioning systems typically include a full body harness, positioning lanyard, and a back-up personal fall arrest system. For work positioning applications, connect the work positioning subsystem (example: lanyard, Y-lanyard, etc.) to the lower (hip level) side or belt mounted work positioning attachment anchorage elements (D-rings). Never use these connection points for fall arrest.

user from reaching a fall hazard. Restraint systems typically include a full body harness and a lanyard or restraint line.

1.2 STANDARDS: Refer to local, state, and federal (OSHA) requirements governing occupational safety for additional information regarding Personal Fall Arrest Systems. Refer to the following national standards on fall protection:

ANSI Z359.0 Deﬁ nitions and Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection and Fall Arrest

ANSI Z359.1 Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems, and Components

ANSI Z359.2 Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program

ANSI Z359.3 Safety Requirements for Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems

ANSI Z359.4 Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems, and Components

ANSI A10.32 Fall Protection Systems for Construction and Demolitions

CSA Z259.10 Full Body Harnesses

ASTM F887-2011 Standard Speciﬁ cations for Personal Climbing Equipment

Figure 3 - Applications

1 Fall Arrest

2 Restraint

3 Ladder Climbing

4a Work Positioning

4b Work Positioning or

Controlled Descent, with Seat Sling

4c Work Positioning,

with Seat Sling

4d Work Positioning,

with Seat Sling - Tower Climbing

A Anchorage

B Anchorage

Connector

C Connecting

Subsystem (SRL shown)

D Full Body Harness

E Restraint Lanyard

F Backup Fall Arrest

System

G Ladder

H Cable Sleeve

I Cable

J Seat Sling

K Tower Structure

4a 4b 4c 4d

D D

1.3 TRAINING: This equipment is intended to be used by persons trained in its correct application and use. It is the responsibility of the user to assure they are familiar with these instructions and are trained in the correct care and use of this equipment. Users must also be aware of the operating characteristics, application limits, and the consequences of improper use.

2.0 SYSTEM LIMITATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Consider the following limitations/requirements prior to installing or using this equipment:

2.1 CAPACITY: ExoFit NEX™ Full Body Harnesses are designed for use by persons with a combined weight (clothing, tools, etc.) of no more than 420 lbs. (191 kg) per OSHA, 310 lbs. (141 kg) per ANSI Z359.1, or 352 lbs. (160 kg) per CSA Z259.10-06. Make sure all of the components in your system are rated to a capacity appropriate to your application.

2.2 FREE FALL: Personal fall arrest systems used with this equipment must be rigged to limit the free fall to 6 feet (1.8 M) per ANSI Z359.1 (see Section 7.1). Restraint systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. Work positioning systems must be rigged so that free fall is limited to 2 feet (.6 m) or less. Personnel riding systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. Climbing systems must be rigged so that free fall is limited to 18 in. (.46 cm) or less. Rescue systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. See subsystem manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

2.3 FALL CLEARANCE: Figure 4 illustrates fall clearance requirements. There must be sufﬁ cient clearance below the user to allow the system to arrest a fall before the user strikes the ground or other obstruction. Clearance required is dependent on the following factors:

• Elevation of Anchorage • Connecting Subsystem Length

• Deceleration Distance • Free Fall Distance

• Worker Height • Movement of Harness Attachment Element

Figure 4 - Fall Clearance (Lanyards)

Figure 5 - Swing Falls

RD = LL + DD + HH + C

RD Required Fall Clearance Distance

LL Length of Lanyard (Speciﬁ ed on labeling)

DD Deceleration Distance = 4 ft (1.2 m) except:

• for ANSI/OSHA Lanyards with Free Fall greater than 6 ft (1.8 m) up to 12 ft (3.7 m), or user weights greater than 310 lbs (141 kg) up to 420 lbs (191 kg); add 1 ft (0.3 m): DD = 5 ft (1.5 m)

• for CSA E6 Lanyards, add 1.7 ft. (0.5 m):

DD = 5.7 ft (1.7 m)

HH Height of Suspended Worker

C Safety Factor = 1.5 ft (0.5 m)

(Factors in D-Ring Slide and Harness Stretch.)

Example: Assuming a 6 ft (1.8 m) tall user with a typical 6 ft (1.8 m) lanyard with 6 ft (1.8 m) Free Fall, Fall Clearance calculation would be as follows:

RD = LL + DD + HH + C RD = 6 ft + 4 ft + 6 ft + 1.5 ft = 17.5 ft RD = 1.8 m + 1.2 m + 1.8 m + 0.5 m = 5.3 m

2.4 SWING FALLS: 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 or death. Minimize swing falls by working as close to the anchorage point as possible. Do not permit a swing fall if injury could occur. Swing falls will signiﬁ cantly increase the clearance required when a self-

retracting lifeline or other variable

length connecting subsystem is used.

2.5 EXTENDED SUSPENSION:

A full body harness is not intended for use in extended suspension applications. If the user is going to be suspended for an extended length of time it is recommended that some form of seat support be used. DBI-SALA recommends a seat board, suspension work seat, seat sling, or a boatswain chair. Contact Capital Safety for more information on these items.

2.6 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Use of this equipment in areas with environmental hazards may require additional precautions to prevent injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are not limited to: heat, chemicals, corrosive environments, high voltage power lines, gases, moving machinery and sharp edges.

2.7 COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS: Unless otherwise noted, DBI-SALA equipment is designed for use with DBI-SALA approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect safety and reliability of the complete system.

2.8 COMPATIBILITY OF CONNECTORS: Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting elements when they have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open regardless of how they become oriented. Connectors (hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22 kN). Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage (see Figure 6). Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by ANSI Z359.1 and OSHA.

2.9 MAKING CONNECTIONS: Use only self-locking snap hooks and carabiners with this equipment. Only use connectors that are suitable to each application. Ensure all connections are compatible in size, shape and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Ensure all connectors are fully closed and locked.

DBI-SALA connectors (snap hooks and carabiners) are designed to be used only as speciﬁ ed in each product’s user’s instructions. See Figure 7 for illustration of the inappropriate connections stated below. DBISALA snap hooks and carabiners should not be connected:

A. To a D-ring to which another connector is attached.

B. In a manner that would result in a load on the gate.

C. In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap hook or carabiner catch on the

anchor and without visual conﬁ rmation seems to be fully engaged to the anchor point.

D. To each other.

E. Directly to webbing or rope lanyard or tie-back (unless the manufacturer’s instructions for both the

lanyard and connector speciﬁ cally allow such a connection).

F. To any object which is shaped or dimensioned such that the snap hook or carabiner will not close and

lock, or that roll-out could occur.

G. In a manner that does not allow the connector to align with the fall arrest device (i.e., lanyard) while

under load.

NOTE: Other than 3,600 lb. (16 kN) gated hooks, large throat opening snap hooks should not be connected to standard size D-rings or similar objects which will result in a load on the gate if the hook or D-ring twists or rotates. Large throat snap hooks are designed for use on ﬁ xed structural elements such as rebar or cross members that are not shaped in a way that can capture the gate of the hook.

Other Restrictions:

• Do not make connections where the hook locking mechanism can come into contact with a structural

member or other equipment and potentially release the hook.

• Do not connect a snap hook into a loop or thimble of a wire rope or attach in any way to a slack wire

rope.

• The snap hook must be free to align with the applied load as intended (regardless of the size or shape of

the mating connector).

• A carabiner may be used to connect to a single or pair of soft loops on a body support such as a body

belt or full body harness, provided the carabiner can fully close and lock. This type of connection is not allowed for snap hooks.

• A carabiner may be connected to a loop or ring connector that is already occupied by a choker style

connector. This type of connection is not allowed for snap hooks.

Figure 6 - Unintentional Disengagement (Rollout)

If the connecting element to which a snap hook (shown) or carabiner attaches is undersized or irregular in shape, a situation could occur where the connecting element applies a force to the gate of the snap hook or carabiner. This force may cause the gate (of either a selflocking or a non-locking snap hook) to open, allowing the snap hook or carabiner to disengage from the connecting point.

Small ring or other non-compatibly shaped element

Figure 7 - Inappropriate Connections

1. Force is applied to the Snap Hook.

2. The Gate presses against the Connecting Ring.

3. The Gate opens allowing the Snap Hook to slip off.

2.10 CONNECTING SUBSYSTEMS: Connecting subsystems (self-retracting lifeline, lanyard, rope grab and lifeline, cable sleeve) must be suitable for your application (see Table 1). See subsystem manufacturer’s instructions for more information. Some harness models have web loop connection points. Do not use snap hooks to connect to web loops. Use a self-locking carabiner to connect to a web loop. Ensure the carabiner cannot cross-gate load (load against the gate rather than along the backbone of the carabiner). Some lanyards are designed to choke onto a web loop to provide a compatible connection. See Figure 8. Lanyards may be sewn directly to the web loop forming a permanent connection. Do not make multiple connections onto one web loop, unless choking two lanyards onto a properly sized web loop.

Figure 8 - Web Loop Connection

1. Insert Lanyard Web Loop (A) through Web Loop or D-ring on harness (B).

2. Insert opposite end of Lanyard through the Lanyard Web Loop.

3. Pull the Lanyard through the connecting Web

Loop to secure.

2.11 ANCHORAGE & ANCHORAGE STRENGTH: Anchorage and anchorage strength requirements are dependent

on the full body harness application (see Figure 3). In accordance with ANSI Z359.1, anchorages selected for Fall Arrest Systems must meet the anchorage strength requirements deﬁ ned in Table 2.

Table 2 - Anchorage Strength Requirements

Fall Arrest

Restraint

Work Positioning

Rescue

Climbing The structure to which a climbing system is attached must sustain the loads required by that

1 Multiple Systems:

or Certiﬁ ed anchorages shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to the anchorage.

2 Certiﬁ ed Anchorage: An anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint, or rescue systems that a qualiﬁ ed person certiﬁ es to be

capable of supporting the potential fall forces that could be encountered during a fall or that meet the criteria for a certiﬁ ed anchor- age prescribed in this standard.

Non-Certiﬁ ed Anchorages: 5,000 lbs (22.2 kN)

Certiﬁ ed Anchorages

: 2 times the Maximum Arresting Force for Certiﬁ ed

Anchorages

Non-Certiﬁ ed Anchorages 1,000 (4,5 kN)

Certiﬁ ed Anchorages

: 2 times the foreseeable force for certiﬁ ed anchorages.

Non-Certiﬁ ed Anchorages 3,000 lbs (13.3 kN)

Certiﬁ ed Anchorages

: 2 times the foreseeable force for certiﬁ ed anchorages.

Non-Certiﬁ ed Anchorages 3,000 lbs (13.3 kN)

Certiﬁ ed Anchorages

: 5 times the foreseeable force for certiﬁ ed anchorages.

particular system. See the instructions for the climbing system for requirements.

When more than one of the deﬁ ned system is attached to an anchorage, the strength deﬁ ned for Non-Certiﬁ ed

3.0 DONNING AND USE

WARNING: Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment. Consult Capital Safety when using this

equipment in combination with components or subsystems other than those described in this manual. Some subsystem and component combinations may interfere with the operation of this equipment. Use caution when using this equipment around moving machinery, electrical and chemical hazards, and sharp edges.

3.1 BEFORE EACH USE: Before each use of this equipment inspect the ExoFit NEX™ Full Body Harness according to Section 5 of this manual.

3.2 PLANNING: Plan your system before use. Consider all factors that will affect your safety during use of this equipment. Consider the following aspects when planning your system:

• ANCHORAGE: Select an anchorage that meets the anchorage requirements speciﬁ ed in Section 2.

• SHARP EDGES: Avoid working where system components may be in contact with, come in contact with,

or abrade against, unprotected sharp edges.

• AFTER A FALL: Any equipment which has been subjected to the forces of arresting a fall, or exhibits

damage consistent with the effect of fall arrest forces as described in Section 5, must be removed from service immediately and destroyed by the user, the rescuer

• RESCUE: The employer must have a rescue plan when using this equipment. The employer must have

the ability to perform a rescue quickly and safely.

3.3 DONNING AND FITTING THE HARNESS: The ExoFit NEX™ Full Body Harness is available in Vest (Figure 1) and Cross-Over (Figure 10) styles. Donning procedures will vary with the harness style.

WARNING: Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment. Consult Capital Safety when using this equipment in combination with components or subsystems other than those described in this manual. Some subsystem and component combinations may interfere with the operation of this equipment. Use caution when using this equipment around moving machinery, electrical and chemical hazards, and sharp edges.

, or an authorized person2.

Figure 9 - Vest Style Harness Figure 10 - Cross-Over Style Harness

A. Belt Loops A. Belt Loops

1 Rescuer: Person or persons other than the rescue subject acting to perform an assisted rescue by operation of a rescue system. 2 Authorized Person: A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed to a fall hazard (otherwise referred to as “user” for the purpose of these instructions).

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DBI-Sala 1113157 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual