Klein Tools Linemans Body Belts and Positioning Straps User Manual [en, es, fr]
Instructions for the Proper Use and Care of Klein®
Lineman’s Body Belts and Positioning Straps
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Introduction
This instruction manual explains how to use,
inspect and maintain Klein lineman’s body belts
and positioning straps.
Klein manufactures a full line of lineman’s body belts
and positioning straps, designed to meet OSHA
criteria for positioning applications.
Note: Klein’s lineman’s body belts are for positioning applications only and should not be used
alone as a personal fall-arrest system, as defined
under Subpart M of OSHA standard 1926.
The positioning symbol shown in Figure 1
appears on warning tags attached to each
body belt. This symbol identifies the belt’s
Figure 1
Klein lineman’s body belts are available in full-floating,
semi-floating, or fixed styles. They combine the features of an OPE (occupational protective equipment)
positioning belt with a specialized tool belt. They
meet or exceed all OSHA regulations, which apply to
positioning device systems, for power utilities (OSHA
1926.959) and telecommunications (OSHA 1910.268
and 1910.269). They also meet or exceed standards
ASTM F 887, CSA Z259.1 and CSA Z259.11. Each
belt is affixed with a permanent tag, which identifies model number, serial number, size, and date of
manufacture.
OPE function.
Note: For clarity, illustrations in this instruction
booklet do not show any warning tags or labels,
which are attached to each product.
Save these instructions. This equipment
must not be used by anyone who has not read,
understood and followed all the instructions and
inspection procedures contained in this booklet.
Failure to read, understand and follow all instructions may result in serious injury or death. Training
and instruction review should be repeated at regular
intervals by the user and his or her employer.
Klein positioning straps are available in the following lengths: 5'8" (1.7 m), 6' (1.8 m), 6'6" (2.0 m), 7'
(2.1 m), and 8' (2.4 m). They are designed to conform with OSHA standards 1910.268, 1910.269 and
1926.959.
All individuals who use Klein lineman’s body belts
and positioning straps must be instructed in how to
use that equipment correctly. Also, they must read,
understand and follow all instructions and warnings
contained in this booklet or packed with the product
before each use.
Materials Used in Lineman’s Body Belts & Positioning Straps
Klein-Kord
The load-bearing material in Klein positioning straps
is our exclusive Klein-Kord, an exceptionally strong,
multi-ply filament nylon fabric that is neopreneimpregnated, folded, and vulcanized.
Klein-Kord is abrasion-resistant, non-conductive,
virtually free from stretch, and flexible for ease of use
and durability. It has excellent chemical resistance,
and is virtually unaffected by creosote and other poletreatment chemicals. In addition, its properties and
wear characteristics remain essentially unchanged
at temperatures up to 250°F (121°C).
Shown below is Klein's six-ply Klein-Kord, which is
1-3/4" (44 mm) wide. The center plies of Klein-Kord
are red at the core. When the red plies appear,
remove the strap from use immediately and replace
it. This “early warning” feature is yet another safety
measure provided by Klein Tools.
Note: The red center plies may become discolored
in use. Therefore, visual inspection for wear before
each use is mandatory.
®
Six-ply Klein-Kord with red center plies
Buckles and Billets
Klein lineman’s belts have drop-forged, singletongue buckles. Belt straps and billets are made
of Klein-Kord. On top-of-the-line belts, straps are
covered with harness leather.
Klein strongly recommends using fall-
arrest protection when working at any elevated
position. Therefore, independent fall-arrest equipment
should be used in addition to Klein's body belts
and positioning straps unless a competent person,
as defined by OSHA, has determined that such fallarrest equipment is not necessary or appropriate.
Klein’s lineman’s body belts and posi-
tioning straps are designed for positioning purposes
only, and are not to be used for any other OPE function (such as fall arrest, suspension, or retrieval).
Klein strongly recommends that only
Klein components be used with any Klein lineman’s
equipment. Klein components should NOT be
interchanged with other components made by other
manufacturers, because Klein cannot guarantee
that components made by other manufacturers are
properly designed or are free of defects in materials
or workmanship.
Drop-Forged Steel
Klein D-rings and tongue buckles are made of dropforged steel with a corrosion-resistant finish. All
Klein hardware is tested to meet or exceed applicable OSHA standards.
Nylon Webbing
Klein uses a high-quality, commercial-grade nylon.
The nylon webbing is impregnated with latex or resin
for extra durability and abrasion resistance.
Leather
Rolled-edge, chrome-tanned leather is used for
cushioning in all Klein lineman’s belts. These cushions have sponge-rubber cores for added comfort.
Other components, such as tool loops, are made
of harness leather. Body pads are made of latigo
leather, hand laced and stitched to the belt cushion.
2
Physical Properties of Materials*
Type of Material
Exposure to
Excessive Heat
Exposure to
Chemicals
Exposure to
Molten Metal or
Flame
Exposure to
Paints or Solvents
Nylon Poor resistance.
Becomes brittle,
has a shriveled
brown appearance. Fibers will
break when flexed.
Weakens at 300°F
(149°C).
Klein-Kord
®
Similar to nylon;
however, neoprene
will protect nylon
fabric for a period
of time.
Generally good
resistance except
around strong acids
and phenolic compounds (phenol
is present in coal
tar and wood tar),
which cause it to
become brittle.
Excellent resistance
to hydrocarbons
as used in wood
treatment, due to
neoprene.
Poor resistance.
Strands fuse
together and form
hard shiny spots.
Has hard and brittle
feel. Will not support combustion.
Similar to nylon;
however neoprene
helps protect nylon
fabric from welding
splatter.
Generally offers
good resistance.
However, paint
can penetrate into
the weave and dry.
This can cause
webbing to become
hard and brittle
and can eventually
break the fibers.
Some solvents
may affect fibers
(see “Exposure to
Chemicals”).
Excellent resistance;
however, some
strong solvents
could soften
neoprene and
attack nylon.
Leather Poor resistance.
Excessive heat
destroys strength.
Will burn at 330°F
(165°C). Dry leather slowly at room
temperature.
* This chart shows the general physical qualities of
the materials used in Klein lineman’s body belts and
positioning straps. Due to the wide variety of conditions in the workplace, this information should only
be considered as a general guide, and a qualified
person should evaluate the specific applications and
hazards to which the materials will be exposed.
Generally poor
resistance.
Chemicals tend to
dry leather out.
Will burn; however,
chrome leather is
excellent protection
against welding
splatter.
If you need more information, call Klein Tools at
1-800-553-4676.
Generally poor
resistance.
Chemicals tend to
dry leather out.
3
How to Select a Lineman’s Body Belt
Maximum Length
Center Hole
Minimum Length
D-to-D size:
Hipbone to Hipbone + 2"
1. Know the job and regulations governing per-
formance requirements for the equipment needed.
2. Select the belt style. Klein lineman’s body belts
are available in a choice of fixed, semi-floating and
full-floating styles, and feature the choice of belt pad
size. All Klein lineman’s body belts have chrometanned leather cushions for greater comfort. Fullfloating belts allow lateral movement of the D-rings
during use. Semi-floating belts only allow lateral
movement prior to wearing. Fixed-style belts are
lightweight and the most economical.
3. Select the proper belt size. The comfort of a
lineman’s belt depends on the construction of the
belt and the location of the D-rings. The D-rings should
be located about 1" (25 mm) in front of the hip bones.
Never order Klein lineman’s body belts by waist
size. Always order Klein lineman’s body belts by
the desired distance between D-rings.
Figure 1
Size your body belt using
a tape measure (Figure 1).
To obtain the correct D-to-D
(D-ring to D-ring) size, measure from hipbone to hipbone,
and then add 2" (51 mm).
The Lineman’s Belt Sizing
Table (shown below) contains
more information on selecting the proper belt size. For
non-standard sizes, please call the Klein Tools Sales
Department at 1-800-553-4676.
Lineman’s Belt Sizing Table*
D-to-D 18D 19D 20D 21D 22D 23D 24D 25D 26D 27D 28D 29D 30D
Distance** (46) (48) (51) (53) (56) (58) (61) (64) (66) (69) (71) (74) (76)
Minimum Length 32 33 34 36 37 38 40 41 42 44 45 46 47
(81) (84) (86) (91) (94) (97) (102) (104) (107) (112) (114) (117) (119)
Center Hole 36 37 38 40 41 42 44 45 46 48 49 50 51
Distance (91) (94) (97) (102) (104) (107) (112) (114) (117) (122) (124) (127) (130)
Maximum Length 40 41 42 44 45 46 48 49 50 52 53 54 55
(102) (104) (107) (112) (114) (117) (122) (124) (127) (132) (135) (137) (140)
* All measurements are listed in inches and (cm). This table shows the maximum and minimum lengths and center-hole
distances for the full range of standard D-to-D measurements. A belt sized for the proper D-to-D size will fit correctly
with buckle tongue engaged in the center hole.
** The following D-to-D sizes can be special ordered: 19" (48 cm), 25" (64 cm), 27" (69 cm) and 29" (74 cm).
4
How to Use a Lineman’s Body Belt
1. These belts are for use only by individuals who
have been properly trained and who are qualified to
use this positioning equipment.
2. Read all the warning labels and instructional mate-
rials provided with Klein’s lineman’s belts and related
OPE equipment. They provide important information
on usage and care. Leave all affixed labels in place,
and keep all instructions for future reference.
3. Buckle the belt securely around the waist. Be
sure the buckle is fully closed, and the belt tab is in
its keeper. A lineman’s belt should fit snugly around
the waist. If you cannot achieve a snug fit, replace
the belt with one that fits properly.
4. When using a lineman’s belt, positioning
D-rings should be equally spaced on either side of
the lineman’s body.
5. Attach one end of the positioning strap (or other
positioning connecting device) to one of the positioning D-rings.
6. Pass the positioning strap around the pole (the
positioning anchorage), and then attach the other end
of the strap to the other positioning D-ring.
7. Make sure by visual inspection that both snap
hooks freely engage the positioning D-rings and that
both keepers are closed completely.
8. When properly connected, the positioning strap
will not be twisted, and both snap hooks will face
outward.
9. Do not connect any tools, wires, or other snap
hooks to the positioning D-rings.
Note: See pages 6-7 for complete information on
how to use a Klein positioning strap.
5
How to Select a Lineman’s Positioning Strap
Depending on your application, choose a positioning
strap that allows you to work at arms’ length from the
pole you’ll be working on.
Cat. No.
Klein-Lok® Series
KL5295L
KL5295-6L
KL5295-6-6L
KL5295-7L
KL5295-8L
double end
of positioning strap
leather keeper
Cat. No.
Klein-Gard™ Series
KG5295L
KG5295-6L
KG5295-6-6L
KG5295-7L
KG5295-8L
Maximum
Length
5'8" (1.7 m)
6' (1.8 m)
6' 6" (2.0 m)
7' (2.1 m)
8' (2.4 m)
Lineman’s positioning straps are available in five sizes
and with two snap-hook styles: 5'8" (1.7 m), 6' (1.8 m),
6'6" (2.0 m), 7' (2.1 m), and 8' (2.4 m). For more information, see the following chart.
Minimum
Length
3'10" (1.17 m)
4' (1.2 m)
4'3" (1.3 m)
4'6" (1.35 m)
5'6" (1.7 m)
adjusting buckle
single end of positioning strap
Adjustable
Range
1'10" (0.5 m)
2' (0.6 m)
2'3" (0.7 m)
2'6" (0.8 m)
2'6" (0.8 m)
metal clip
How to Use a Lineman’s Positioning Strap
Note: The following instructions apply to
right-handed people.
1. These positioning straps are for use only by
individuals who have been properly trained and who
are qualified to use this positioning equipment.
2. Before climbing a pole, make sure that both lock-
ing snap hooks of the positioning belt are attached to
the left D-ring of the body belt.
Note: The snap hook closest to the body should
be the snap hook on the positioning strap’s
double end. That snap hook should be engaged
so that the keeper faces outward. The outer snap
hook will be the snap hook on the positioning strap’s
single end. That snap hook should be engaged so
that the keeper faces inward (see Figure 2).
Note: To engage or release the locking snap hook,
depress both the keeper and the lock at the same
time. This can easily be done with one free hand (see
Figure 3).
Figure 2
Figure 3
KL Series
KG Series
Single end of
positioning strap,
with keeper
facing inward
lock
Double end of
positioning strap,
with keeper
facing outward
keeper
keeper
6
lock
How to Use a Lineman’s Positioning Strap (continued)
3. Upon reaching working position, plant both gaffs
firmly into the pole, and hold onto the pole with
both hands.
4. Unsnap the outer snap hook whose keeper faces
inward (that is, the snap hook on the single end of the
positioning strap) with the left hand, while grasping
the pole with the right hand.
5. Pass the single end of the strap around the back
of the pole to the right hand, while maintaining a firm
grip on the pole.
6. Carry the positioning strap to the right D-ring with
the right hand, and fasten the snap hook so that the
keeper faces outward.
7. Make sure the positioning strap lies flat without
twists against the pole, and that the buckle tongue is
turned outward.
8. Before placing your full weight on the positioning
strap, visually check that each locking snap hook
freely engages the D-ring and that the keepers are
completely closed. Never rely solely on the feel or
sound of a snap hook engaging.
10. With the right hand, unfasten the snap hook
on the single end of the positioning strap from the
right D-ring.
11. Pass the single end of the positioning strap
around the back of the pole with the right hand until
the strap can be grasped by the left hand.
12. Now grasping the pole with the right hand, fasten
the snap hook of the single end of the positioning
strap to the left D-ring with the keeper facing in
(above the snap hook that’s already engaged).
13. When the positioning strap is not being used
for support, both ends should be fastened to the left
D-ring (see Figure 2 on page 6).
9. Removing the positioning strap (before descend-
ing the pole). Grasp the pole with the left hand and
release tension on the positioning strap by moving
the body slightly toward the pole.
7
Maintenance Procedures
A written log of all service and inspection dates for this
equipment should be maintained by the company
safety officer or other competent individual.
1. Clean and maintain equipment as recommended.
Wash in warm water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh
chemical agents such as degreasing compounds, turpentine, paint thinner, gasoline, and other solvents.
General Inspection Procedures
1. Check for wear and deterioration. Before each
use, carefully inspect your OPE equipment for signs
of wear or deterioration or evidence of impact loading. Visually inspect for loose threads, pulled rivets,
burns, cuts, abrasions, or evidence of chemical or
physical deterioration that may have weakened the
material or assembly.
2. Inspect hardware for malfunctions and cracks,
including belt buckles, D-rings, and positioning-strap
snap hooks. Check that snap hooks are not distorted
or cracked and that the keepers are free of burrs,
functioning properly, clean, and not bent.
2. Inspect and lubricate all snap hooks after
cleaning to make sure they operate properly and
close securely. Use an all-purpose spray lubricant
or light motor oil.
3. Maintain leather parts with Neat’s-foot oil, saddle
soap or equivalent to help prolong life. Let leather
dry slowly at room temperature.
Should any unusual conditions be
noted during the inspection which are not specified here, do not use the suspect equipment
until a qualified individual has made a decision
on its usability.
KL Style Shown
3. Destroy and replace all worn or
damaged equipment. Immediately destroy and
replace any OPE system component which does not
pass inspection.
8
Inspection of Belts & Straps
1. Straps, stitching and webbing. Check entire
length of the strap for excessive wear. Inspect the
tongue or billet end carefully. This end is subject to
considerable wear as a result of repeated buckling
and unbuckling of the belt. Also, check for torn or
excessively enlarged buckle-tongue holes. Check
stitching for broken, cut or pulled stitches. Check
webbing for broken strands, which appear as tufts
on the surface.
2. D-rings. Check all D-rings for distortion. Check
D-ring attachment points for unusual wear or damaged fibers. Badly pitted D-rings could indicate
chemical corrosion, and the equipment should be
replaced immediately.
4. Stitching or rivets at hardware attachment
points. For stitching-attachment points, check that
stitching is not broken, burned, cut or pulled. For riveted attachment points, check all rivets for tightness,
especially those at D-ring wear pads. Badly-pitted
rivets indicate chemical corrosion, and equipment
should be replaced immediately.
5. Destroy and replace all worn or damaged
OPE equipment. If any evidence of excessive
wear, deterioration, or mechanical malfunction is
observed, replace equipment immediately. Never
work with worn or damaged OPE equipment.
Using damaged or worn equipment can cause
serious injury or death.
3. Tongue buckles. Check tongue buckles for
distortion, sharp edges and cracks. The tongue
should move freely and overlap the frame. Rollers
should not be distorted and should roll freely.
6. The inspector is the most important part of any
inspection procedure. Check all equipment thoroughly
and follow all safety procedures and guidelines.
Do not take any shortcuts.
Important Note: OSHA specifies that all employers
covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act
are responsible for inspection and maintenance of all
tools and equipment used by employees — whether
owned by the employees or by the company.
Personal-protective equipment should be inspected
before each use, and immediately removed from
service if any sign of wear or damage is found.
If you note any unusual conditions dur-
ing the inspection that are not specified here, do
NOT use the suspect equipment until a qualified
individual has made a decision on its usability.
9
Lineman’s Equipment Warning Tags
For Positioning Use Only
■ Use this product for positioning only, NOTfor fall arrest.
■ If possible, the use of fall arrest equipment is highly
recommended in addition to this belt.
■ Assume the responsibilityfor determiningthat your belt is in
good condition at all times.
■ Do NOT use connecting devices made of leather
or
manila rope.
■ Neveruse side D-rings for fall arrest.
■ Positioning anchoragesmust support your
weight
plus any additional job related load.
■ Never allow belt to come in contact with edged or
pointed
tools; or come near a radiator, steam pipe, stove,
heater, engine exhaust pipe or other heat source.
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WARNINGS
W
ARNINGS
■ For use by properly trained professionals only.
■ Only use locking snap hooks.
■ OPE equipment must only be used for the
specific purpose for which it is designed and
intended.
■ OPE equipment must be destroyed if subjected
to impact loading.
■ Always visually check that all buckles are
properly
closed before each use.
■ Never allow a positioning strap to become twisted
before engaging D-ring.
■ Always visually check that: 1) each snap hook
freely engages D-ring or anchor point, 2) keeper is
completely closed with each use. Never rely solely
on the feel or sound of a snap hook engaging.
■ Before each use check that: 1) fabric or belt strap
is free
of burns, cuts, broken stitches or excessive
wear, 2) rivets are not bent, loose or missing, 3) buckles and
D-rings are
not distorted or cracked,
4) if tongue buckle,
tongue does not bind on buckle and buckle holes are
not
damaged. 5) Remove from service, destroy and discard
belt or harness if it fails inspection and replace
immediately.
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INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS
■ For personal use only. NOT for towing or hoisting.
■ Snap hooks attached to D-rings must have
less than 3/4" (19mm) throat opening. Never attach
ladder or r
ebar hooks onto D-rings.
■ Never attach multiple snap hooks onto a D-ring.
■ Never punch additional holes in or alter any belt or
harness in any way.
■ Never work without independent fall arrest
protection if
there is danger of a fall.
■ NOT for recreational or sporting use.
■ Employer— instruct employee as to proper use and
warnings
before use of equipment.
■ Read, understand and follow all instructions and
cautions attached to and/or packed with this and
all occupational protective equipment before each use.
■ Klein strongly
recommends that Klein components
NOT be inter
changed with other components made by
other manufacturers,
because Klein cannot guarantee that
other manufacturers’ components are free of defects in
materials or workmanship.
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INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS
Klein permanently attaches highly durable warning
and instruction tags to its lineman’s body belts and
positioning straps.
If any of these tags become unattached, lost, or
damaged, call Klein Tools, toll-free at 1-800-553-4676,
for information on how to have the tags replaced
free of charge.
Tags for Lineman’s Body Belts
Klein strongly recommends using fallarrest protection when working at any elevated
position. Therefore, independent fall-arrest equipment
should be used in addition to Klein’s body belts
and positioning straps unless a competent person,
as defined by OSHA, has determined that such
fall-arrest equipment is not necessary or appropriate.
10
Lineman’s Equipment Warning Tags (continued)
For Positioning Use Only
■ Always attach snap hooks to positioning
D-rings on both sides of the belt or harness with
keepers facing outward.
■ Never attach multiple snap hooks onto a D-ring.
■ Never allow a positioning strap to become
twisted before engaging D-ring.
■ Never attach multiple positioning straps
together.
■ Never attach a positioning strap back onto
itself.
■ Assume the responsibility for determining that your positioning strap is in good
condition at all times.
■ Never allow positioning strap to come in
contact with edged or pointed tools, welding;
or near a radiator, steam pipe, stove, heater, engine
exhaust pipe, or other heat source.
■ Never use a positioning strap which has worn to
the point of showing the red-colored
interior plies.
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WARNINGS
W
ARNINGS
■ For human support only, NOTfor towing or
hoisting material.
■ Never disable locking keeper on hook, punch holes
in or alter a positioning strap in any way
.
■ Use only with positioning belt or harness with
positioning D-rings meeting government
standards
for
intended use.
■ Klein strongly r
ecommends that Klein components
NOT be inter
changed with other components made by
other manufacturers, because Klein cannot guarantee that
other manufacturers’ components are free of defects in
materials or workmanship.
■ Before
each use check that: 1)
unit is free
of
burns, cuts, abrasions, kinks, knots, broken strands
and excessive wear, 2) hooks, buckle (and D-rings, if
any) are not distorted or cracked, 3) hook keepers are
free of burrs, functioning properly, clean, and not
bent, 4) positioning strap has not worn
to the point of
showing the red-colored interior plies, 5)Remove
from
service, destroy and discard unit if it does not
pass this inspection and replace immediately.
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WARNINGS
WARNINGS
Copy A
( Klein recomienda enfáticamente que
los componentes Klein NO se intercam-
bien con otros componentes hechos
por otros
fabricantes, ya que Klein no
puede garantizar que los componentes
de otros fabricantes estén libres de
defectos de materiales o de fabricación.
Copy B
( Nunca deje que una correa de posi-
cionamiento se retuerza antes de
acoplarse al anillo en D.
Copy C
( Klein strongly
recommends that Klein
components NOT be interchanged with
other components made by other man
-
ufacturers, because Klein cannot guar-
antee that other manufacturers’
compo-
nents are
free of defects in materials or
workmanship.
Copy D
( Never allow a positioning strap to
become twisted before engaging D-ring.
■ For use by properly trained professionals only.
■ OPE equipment must only be used for the
specific purpose for which it is designed and intended.
■ Connecting devices must be destroyed if subjected
to impact loading.
■ Always visually check that: 1) each snap hook
freely engages D-ring or anchorage, 2) keeper is
completely closed with each use. Never rely solely
on the feel or sound of a snap hook engaging.
■ Make sure
each hook is positioned so that its keeper is
never load bearing.
■ Never join two snap hooks together. They are NOT
intended to be used that way, and could twist apart.
■ Never work without independent fall arrest pro-
tection if there is danger of a fall.
■ Employer — instruct employee as to proper use
and warnings
before use of equipment.
■ Read, understand and followall instructions
and
cautions attached to and/or packed with this and all occupational protective
equipment before each use.
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WARNINGS
WARNINGS
Klein permanently attaches highly durable warning
and instruction tags to its lineman’s body belts and
positioning straps.
If any of these tags become unattached, lost, or
damaged, call Klein Tools, toll-free at 1-800-553-4676,
for information on how to have the tags replaced
free of charge.
Tags for Lineman’s Positioning Straps
Klein strongly recommends using fallarrest protection when working at any elevated
position. Therefore, independent fall-arrest equipment
should be used in addition to Klein’s body belts
and positioning straps unless a competent person,
as defined by OSHA, has determined that such
fall-arrest equipment is not necessary or appropriate.
11
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