FallTech DuraTech SRL’s User Manual
Instructions for DuraTech Series SRL’s
Warning!
THE USER OF THIS EQUIPMENT, AND THE USER’S EMPLOYER MUST READ AND
COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS. FURTHERMORE, THE USER AND THE
USER’S EMPOLYER MUST READ AND COMPLY WITH ALL INSTRUCTIONS, LABELS
WARNINGS AND MARKINGS INCLUDED WITH EACH COMPONENT OF THE FALL
ARREST SYSTEM OF WHICH THIS PRODUCT IS A PART. FAILURE TO
UNDERSTAND AND COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
IF THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE UNCLEAR TO YOU, PLEASE CONSULT A
COMPETENT PERSON. SHOULD THESE INSTRUCTIONS BECOME LOST OR
DAMAGED, OR SHOULD AND LABELS, INSTRUCTIONS OR MARKINGS BECOME
ILLEGIBLE, PLEASE CONTACT FALLTECH FOR REPLACEMENTS. SHOULD YOU
NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE WITH UNDERSTANDING THE PROPER
EMPLOYMENT OF THIS PRODUCT, PLEASE CONTACT FALLTECH FOR
ASSISTANCE:
Alexander Andrew, Inc. (dba FallTech)
1306 South Alameda Street
Compton, CA 90221, USA
1-800-719-4619
1-323-752-0066
www.falltech.com
FallTech DuraTech Series SRL’s
Model # Description Cable
Type
7226 15’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7226HW 15’ Heavyweight SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 400 lbs Y
7226S 15’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7226SS 15’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Stainless 310 lbs N
7227 20’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7227HW 20’ Heavyweight SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 400 lbs Y
7227S 20’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7227SS 20’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs N
7229 25’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7229S 25’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7232 30’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7232HW 30’ Heavyweight SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 400 lbs Y
7232S 30’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7232SS 30’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Stainless 310 lbs N
7232SSHW 30’ Heavyweight SRL Stainless Stainless 400 lbs N
7265 60’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7265HW 60’ Heavyweight SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 400 lbs Y
7267 40’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7267S 40’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7268 60’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7268HW 50’ Heavyweight SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 400 lbs Y
7268S 50’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7268SS 50’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Stainless 310 lbs N
72687447 50’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
72688448 50’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7266 60’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7266SS 60’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Stainless 310 lbs N
726575 75’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
726575SS 75’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Stainless 310 lbs N
7211 98’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7211S 98’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7212 138’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7212S 138’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7212145 145’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7212195 195’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7213S 195’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7279 10’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7285 60’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7285S 60’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7285SS 60’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Stainless 310 lbs N
7287 82’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7287S 82’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7288 138’ DuraTech SRL Galvanized Alloy Steel 310 lbs Y
7285S 138’ DuraTech SRL Stainless Alloy Steel 310 lbs N
Connector
Type
Max.
Capacity
3,600 lb.
Gate
1
2
Table of Contents
Section 1: Warnings and Advisories
Section 2: Fall Protection Basics – ABCD’s
2.1: Anchorage
2.2: Body wear
2.3: Connectors/Connecting devices
2.4: Deceleration devices
2.5: Fall Arrest
2.6: Fall Restraint
2.7: Work Positioning
2.8: Free-fall
2.9: Clear-fall
2.10: Swing-fall
Section 3: Use and Limitations
3.1: General Guidelines
3.2: Approved applications
3.3: Restricted Applications
3.4: Installation and use
Section 4: Product Selection
Section 5: Anchorage Considerations
Section 6: Employer and User Training
6.1: Special notes for the employer
6.2: User training
Section 7: Fall Protection Plan
7.1: The fall protection plan
7.2: Suspension trauma
7.3: Rescue plan
Section 8: Product Inspection
8.1: Issuing
8.2: Daily/Incidental use
8.3: Mandatory semi-annual inspection
Section 9: Maintenance and Storage
Section 10: Specifications
10.1: Mandatory disclosures
10.2: Performance specifications
10.3: Labels and markings
10.4: Standards and references
Section 1: Warnings and Advisories
This product is to be used as a part of a personal fall arrest system,
and should be used only with compatible components. Please see
Advisory #3 in this section for further details. Failure to use
compatible components can result in a failure of the system to
perform as intended, which may result in serious injury or death.
Throughout the OSHA regulations for safety and health, there are
references to Competent Persons and Qualified Persons. ANSI
Z359.0-2007 goes on to further define the roles and qualifications of
these individuals; as well as Authorized Persons and their
importance in the workplace. These terms are also used in these
instructions. Below is a brief description of the part these
individuals play in the employment of fall protection equipment:
Authorized Person - a person who is exposed to fall hazards during
the course of their work. This individual requires formal training in
the use of personal fall protection equipment and systems.
Competent Person – a trained and experienced person who is
designated to supervise, implement and monitor an employer’s
managed fall protection program. This individual is capable of
identifying and addressing fall hazards and is authorized to make
decisions and take corrective action in the workplace.
Qualified Person – a person possessing a degree or professional
certificate and having extensive training, knowledge and experience
with fall protection and who is capable of designing and specifying
fall protection equipment and systems to address fall hazards.
Please read these instructions and be sure that you understand
them prior to utilizing this equipment. Also be sure to read the
instructions included with other components which are being
utilized in your Personal Fall Arrest System (Harnesses,
connectors, anchorage connectors, etc.). Failure to understand and
comply with manufacturer’s instructions may result in serious
injury or death.
IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND ANY PART OF THESE
INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE HAVE THEM EXPLAINED TO YOU BY A
COMPETENT PERSON OR EXPERIENCED SUPERVISOR OR
FOREMAN.
3
4
This product is to be used as part of a complete fall arrest system in
accordance with industry-recognized best-practices and your
employer’s fall protection plan, as required by the Occupational
Health and Safety Administration. Be aware of your employer’s fall
protection plan and rescue plan. Be aware of the specific fall
hazards on your jobsite and work deliberately to avoid these
hazards in the course of your work. Also be aware of hazards and
obstructions in your fall path, and work with your employer to
eliminate these hazards where possible. Failure to be aware of and
to address these hazards may result in serious injury or death.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do use this device only with compatible components of a
comprehensive fall arrest system.
Do use this device only in a system which limits free fall distance
to 5 ft or less.
Do use extreme caution when rigging this device.
Do rig this device to avoid the hazards of “swing fall” (see
Section 2.9)
Do inspect the entire lifeline of the SRL for cuts, abrasions,
kinks, wear, or other damage.
Do wear gloves when handling wire rope.
Do inspect the load indicating swivel snap hook for the red fall
indicator band.
Do use this device only when your clearance distance is a
minimum of 2 ft AFTER you have calculated the total fall
distance (see section 2.8 for details on clear fall distances).
Do check the brake mechanism by “hand locking” the device
before each use. Pull out 4 ft of line from the SRL and give a
swift pull to activate the brake. Then allow the line to retract
SLOWLY back into housing.
Do make compatible connections (see Advisory #3 at the end of
this Section).
Do use a tagline, if the SRL is remotely mounted, to access
cable and control the retraction speed of cable after use (see
Section 7)
Do call FallTech if the device is damaged, does not pass
inspection (see Section 6), or has arrested a fall.
Don’t use this device as a load arrestor when hoisting materials
or equipment.
5
Don’t use this device if it has been exposed to corrosion,
chemicals, excessive heat, flames, or electrical charge or shows
signs of any physical damage or deformation.
Don’t allow the lifeline to wrap around your body. Severe injury
or death could result.
Don’t loop the lifeline under an arm or leg, turn toward the SRL
and walk toward the SRL. If a fall should occur while the line is
under an arm or leg, severe injury may result.
Don’t move too quickly when using this device. The brake may
activate and cause the loss of footing or a fall.
Don’t leave lifeline exposed when the device is not in use.
Retract lifeline fully into the housing using a tagline when needed
Don’t use oil on the carabiner or any part of the device, except
the cable. If needed, use only 100% silicone lubricant for the
load indicating swivel snap hook.
Don’t use any type of cable in this device if you are working near
high voltage power lines or other energized electrical equipment.
Extreme caution must be taken when working under these
conditions, even when equipped with a FallTech approved hightech rope
Don’t use this device if you are pregnant, a minor, or have a
reduced tolerance to fall forces by reason of age, physical
medical condition, or other pre-existing disorders.
Don’t use this device if you weigh less than 75 lbs.
Don’t use this device if your total combined weight (body,
clothes, tools, etc) exceeds 310 lbs. Model #’s ending in HW
are approved for a maximum capacity of 400 lbs.
Don’t release the lifeline allowing it to “free wheel” (see Section
7) or retract back uncontrolled into the device.
Don’t attempt to open, repair or alter this device in any way
unless trained and certified to do so by FallTech.
Don’t knot, clamp, or rig lifeline in any fashion as to inhibit its
automatic retraction function.
Don’t use the device if it does not lock or retract automatically.
Don’t use this SRL with the cable fully extended. This product
has a red coating on the cable. If this red cover is exposed, then
your operating at the maximum allowable extension of the cable.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PULL ADDITIONAL CABLE OUT OF
THE UNIT!
Advisory #1: Further Reading
If you have access to the internet, please go to www.osha.gov.
This website is an exceptional resource, and has a great deal of
information which is easy to access. Use the search field to find
information on fall arrest, including standards, news,
6
interpretations and other valuable tools. The more you know about
how this product works and how it is supposed to be used, the
safer you will be during the course of your work.
Advisory #2: Proper product selection
Product selection is an important element of fall protection. Fall
Arrest products are like any other tools that you may use in the
course of your work – there is a proper tool for every application.
You may find that while this product is suitable for some
applications, it may not be suitable for others. Please be sure to
pay close attention to sections 2, 3, and 4, for greater detail on this
point.
Advisory #3: Connector Compatibility
Making compatible connections may mean the difference
between life and death. Connectors (snap hooks, rebar hooks and
carabiners), must be of the locking type and require two distinct
actions to open the gate. Your connectors must be sized and
shaped so that the rings or structural members to which they are
attached will not pose a risk of forcing the gate open, and must fully
captivate the connector so that it cannot become disengaged, slide
or shift during use or in the event of a fall.
Certain connections are forbidden and should never be
attempted with this product or any other unless there is a specific
allowance in the manufacturer’s instructions. Forbidden
connections include, but are not limited to:
Two or more connectors to one d-ring are a forbidden
connection.
A connection that rests on or loads the gate is a forbidden
connection.
A connection that does not allow the gate to clos e and lock
is a forbidden connection.
Two or more connectors attached to one another are a
forbidden connection.
Connecting directly to webbing, rope, cable (wire rope) is a
forbidden connection.
Connecting directly to a horizontal lifeline is a forbidden
connection.
Tie-back with your FallTech DuraTech Series SRL is a
forbidden connection.
Connecting to any ring or structure that does not fully
captivate and completely restrict the movement your
connector is a forbidden connection.
Section 2: ABCD’s
Every Personal Fall Arrest System consists of four basic elements –
Anchorage, Body-wear, Connectors/Connecting Devices and
Deceleration Devices. Each of these four elements is discussed in
greater detail below. If, after reading though this section, you do not fully
understand these items and how they work together to form a compatible
fall arrest system, please be sure to have this explained to you by a
Competent Person.
It is absolutely critical that you be familiar with the proper wear and/or
use of each component of your Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).
Failure to read, understand and adhere to instructional materials and
warnings provided with each of these components could lead to
catastrophic failure of your PFAS, possibly resulting in serious injury or
death.
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 DuraTech 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
7
8
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.
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 DuraTech 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 DuraTech 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, shockabsorbing lanyard or other deceleration device designed to bring a falling
user to a stop in the shortest possible distance while limiting the force
imparted to the user’s body.
2.6: Fall Restraint
Fall Restraint is an area of Fall Protection devoted to restraining the
user of the system in a manner which restricts his or her access to the
fall hazard in a manner such that they cannot be subjected to a fall. A
typical Fall Restraint System consists of an anchorage, a full body
harness or a restraint belt and a restraint lanyard. An SRL should never
be utilized in a restraint application as it is not capable of restricting a
user’s access to fall hazards.
2.7: Work Positioning
Work Positioning is an area of Fall Protection devoted to allowing a
user to work on a vertical surface by means of a positioning assembly,
and restricting the user’s exposure to a fall of no more than two feet.
Typical positioning assemblies consist of a large rebar hook and a length
of chain, rope, wire rope or webbing with a double locking snap hook on
either end. These snap hooks are attached to d-rings on the hips or on
the waist of the user’s full body harness, with the rebar hook attached to
the structure upon which the user is working. An SRL should never be
used for work positioning, nor should it ever be attached to a side or hip
d-ring on a full body harness.
2.8: Free-Fall
Free-Fall is the distance that a worker will fall before the connecting
device or deceleration device elements of the PFAS will begin to engage
during a fall event. OSHA allows a maximum Free-Fall Distance of 6’ (6
feet) when rigging a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). In some
cases, exceptions may be allowed when there is no practical way to limit
the Free-Fall Distance to 6’, such as a job-site where no overhead
9
10
anchor-point is available. Tying off in a manner that would create a
Free-Fall greater than 6’ should always be a last resort. If you are
rigging a system that allows more than 6’ of Free-Fall, make sure your
Connecting Device/Deceleration Device is rated for this application.
FallTech DuraTech Series SRL’s ARE NOT rated for Free-Falls
greater than 5’!
2.9: Clear-Fall
Clear-Fall or Clear-Fall Distance is the distance that is required to
safely arrest the fall of a user. When working at heights and using a
PFAS, it is important to consider the distance between the
walking/working level and the next lower level to ensure that the
components selected are capable of arresting the user’s fall before they
hit the next lower level. The required Clear-Fall Distance can easily be
calculated by adding together the Free-Fall Distance, the Deceleration
Distance, the height of the user plus a safety factor of 2 feet. The
formula for calculating Clear-Fall Distance is shown below:
Free-Fall Distance + Deceleration Distance + Height of Worker + Safety Factor = Clear-Fall
Distance
The matrix below can be used as a guide for calculating Clear-Fall
Distance on your job-site:
Free-Fall Distance
(OSHA allows up to 6’)
Deceleration
Distance
Example Values Actual Values
6’
3.5’
(Typically 3.5’ or less)
Height of Worker 6’
Safety Factor
(Minimum of 2’)
Total
(Sum of all values)
2’
17.5’
See figure 2.1 on the next page for a graphic illustration of Clear-Fall
Distance and the method for calculating. It is also necessary to consider
the fall path when determining the Clear-Fall limitations in your
application. Ensure the fall path is clear of obstructions, protrusions,
equipment or materials that may be a hazard in the event of a fall. Pay
special attention to those items which may present an impalement
hazard. Obstructions in the fall path may be just as hazardous as the fall
itself, and your PFAS may not be able to protect you from these hazards.
Failure to clear the fall path may result in serious injury or death. Rig
your PFAS with extreme caution, and be aware of all of the factors that
may come into play in the event of a fall.
Figure 2.1: Clear-Fall Diagram
2.10: Swing-Fall
Swing-Fall is the phenomenon that occurs when the user falls from a
location that is not directly adjacent to, or directly below the anchorage
connector. This is also referred to as the “pendulum effect”, and can
result in a situation where the user is not only falling vertically, but is also
swinging horizontally as well. This can bring additional hazards into play,
as you may swing into an obstruction or structural element, causing
11
12
Loading...