DBI SALA RPD User Instruction Manual

Copyright 2005 DB Industries, Inc.

User Instruction Manual For

Rescue-Positioning Device

Systems (RPD)

This manual is intended to meet the

Manufacturer's Instructions as required

by the standards and should be used

as part of an employee training
program as required by OSHA.

W ARNING: This product is part of a rescue and
positioning system. The user must read and follow the
manufacturer's instructions for each component part of
the complete system. These instructions must be
provided to the user of this equipment. The user must
read and understand these instructions or have them
explained to them before using this equipment.
Manufacturer's instructions must be followed for proper
use and maintenance of this product. Alter ations or
misuse of this product or failure to follow instructions
may result in serious injury or death.

IMPORTANT: If y ou have any questions on the use,
care, application, or suitability for use of this safety
equipment, contact DBI/SALA immediately .

IMPORTANT: Before using this equipment, record the
product identification information found on the I.D. label
of your RPD on the inspection and maintenance log in
section 9.0 of this manual.

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Figure 1 - Parts Identification

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DESCRIPTIONS

Rescue Positioning Device (RPD ): 3/8 in. static k ernmantle rope, mode

indicator , s wiv eling connection loop, and aluminum, stainless steel and
brass construction. (3:1 or 4:1 ratio)

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Calculate rope length as follows:

(3:1) multiply working travel length by 4 and add 10 feet for total.
(4:1) multiply working travel length by 5 and add 10 feet for total.

1.0 APPLICATIONS

1.1 PURPOSE: DBI/SALA rescue and positioning devices are designed

to be components of a rescue-positioning system. This equipment is
used for applications where personnel need to be raised or lowered
over a vertical distance. The maximum working load for this
equipment is one person [350 lbs. (160 Kg.)] The system is available
with 3:1 or 4:1 lifting ratios. When using this equipment for personnel,
federal law (OSHA) requires that a secondary or back-up fall
protection system be used.

NOTE: The back-up or secondary fall protection system is not required in
applications where the RPD is only used to retrieve personnel (i.e.
emergency rescue operations).

A. POSITIONING APPLICATION: In this application, the RPD is

used as part of a complete positioning and personnel riding
system. Such systems typically include a full body harness,
boatswain's chair or work-seat, independent personal fall
protection system, and the RPD. See Figure 2.

Figure 2 - Positioning Operation

Figure 3 - Emergency Operation

Operator raising

and/or lowering

himself.

Co-worker raising

and/or lowering a

person.

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B. RESCUE APPLICATION: In this application, the RPD is used as

part of a complete rescue system. Such systems typically include
a full body harness or rescue sling, anchorage connector (i.e.
carabiner, etc.) and the RPD. See Figure 3.

1.2 LIMITATIONS: The following application limitations m ust be
recognized and considered before using this product:

A. CORROSION: Do not leave this equipment for long periods in

environments where corrosion of metal parts could take place as
a result of vapors rising into the atmosphere from organic
materials. Caution should be exercised when working around
sewage or fertilizer because of their high concentration of
ammonia, which is very corrosive. Use near sea water or other
corrosive environments may require more frequent inspections or
servicing to assure corrosion damage is not affecting the
performance of the product.

B. CHEMICAL HAZARDS: Solutions containing acids, alkali or other

caustic chemicals, particularly at elevated temperatures, may
damage DBI/SALA RPD’ s. When working with such chemicals,
frequent inspection of the entire RPD must be completed. Consult
DBI/SALA if doubt exists concerning using this equipment around
chemical hazards.

C. HEAT: In gener al, RPD equipment is not intended f or use in

environments where incendiary sparking could cause an
explosion or fire. Use of this equipment is prohibited where there
exists the possibility of the rope coming into contact with power
lines, live cables, etc. Consult the manufacturer for special
applications of this equipment. Do not use where air
temperatures exceed 300° F (145°C) or where the rope may
come into contact with material that is above 250° F (120°C).

D. CAPACITY: These RPD’s are designed for use by persons with a

combined weight (person, clothing, tools, etc.) of 350 lbs.
maximum. At no time shall more than one person connect to a
single RPD for rescue or personnel riding applications. In
emergency or life threatening situations, the capacity is 500 lbs.
and two (2) people maximum.

E. TRAINING: This equipment is intended to be installed and used

by persons who have been properly trained in its correct
application and use.

1.3 Refer to national consensus standards (including ANSI A10.14, ANSI
Z117.1, 29 CFR 1910-146 and applicable local, state and federal

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(OSHA) requirements governing this equipment for more information
on personal fall arrest systems and associated system components.

WARNING: Manufacturer's instructions must be follow ed for proper system
use and maintenance of this product. Alterations or misuse of this system
or failure to follow instructions may result in serious injury or death.

2.0 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

2.1 COMP A TIBILITY OF COMPONENTS: The RPD (rescue-positioning

device) is designed for use only with DBI/SALA approved components.
Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components
and subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may
affect the saf ety and reliability of the complete system. The RPD rope
has been especially selected to provide the user with the maximum
performance and safety. Substituting standard saf ety rope must not be
attempted. Contact DBI/SALA if you have any questions about
compatibility.

2.2 COMP A TIBILITY OF CONNECT ORS: 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 D­rings) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22 kN).
Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system
components. See Figure 4 and section 3.4 on making anchorage

connections. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Non­compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage. See Figure 5.
Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self

Figure 4 - Anchoring

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locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by ANSI Z359.1 and
OSHA.

2.3 MAKING CONNECTIONS: Only use 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 specified in each product’s user’s instructions. See
Figure 6 for inappropriate connections. DBI/SALA snap hooks and
carabiners should not be connected:

A. T o a D-ring to which another connector is attached.
B. In a manner that would result in a load on the gate.

NOTE: 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 fixed structural elements such as rebar or cross
members that are not shaped in a way that can capture the gate of the
hook.

Figure 5 - Unintentional Disengagement (Roll-out)

If the connecting element that a snap hook (shown) or carabiner attaches to 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 self-locking or a non-locking snap hook) to open,
allowing the snap hook or carabiner to disengage from the connecting point.

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.

Small ring or other
non-compatibly
shaped element

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C. In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap

hook or carabiner catch on the anchor and without visual
confirmation 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 lan yard and connector
specifically 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 .

2.4 ANCHORAGE STRENGTH: Anchorages selected for rescue or
personnel riding systems (RPD’s) shall ha ve a strength capable of
sustaining static loads applied in the directions permitted by the RPD
of at least 2,500 lbs.

2.5 In applications where the RPD is used in conjunction with a horizontal
system (i.e. horizontal I-beams and trolleys), compatibility between
the RPD and horizontal system components must be achieved.
Horizontal systems must be designed and installed under the
supervision of a qualified person (engineer).

Figure 6 - Inappropriate Connections