Klein Tools Occupational Protective Connecting Devices User Manual [en, es]

Instructions for the Proper Use and Care of

Klein

Introduction

(B) Body Wear

®

Occupational Protective Connecting Devices

(C) Connecting Devices

(A) Anchorage

These instructions apply to all Klein rope
lanyards, aircraft-cable lanyards, nylon webbing
lanyards, deceleration lanyards, deceleration
units, and V-sling harness attachments.

NOTE: For clarity, illustrations in this instruction

booklet do not show any warning tags or labels,
which are attached to each product. Warning
information for V-slings and all lanyards is printed on
a durable label wrapped around the product.

Klein makes a full line of Occupational Protective
Equipment (OPE). Each OPE product is part of an
OPE system for fall arrest, positioning, suspension,
retrieval, or combination application.

Follow the A-B-C Rule when assembling an OPE
system. All personal OPE systems are made up of
three (3) major components: (A) Anchorage,
(B) Bodywear (for example, a full body harness),
and (C) Connecting Device(s).

Klein’s Lanyard Connecting Devices are used to
attach the harness (the “B” component) to a suitable
anchorage (the “A” component) in order to provide
one of the four OPE functions (Fall Arrest, Positioning,
Suspension, and Retrieval).

Save these instructions. Klein

connecting devices must NOT be
used by anyone who has not read, understood and
followed all instructions and inspection procedures
contained in this booklet. Failure to observe these
warnings, instructions, and inspection procedures
could lead to serious injury or death. Training and
instruction review should be repeated at regular
intervals by the user and his or her employer.

Note: A personal fall-arrest system only becomes

active in a fall. If equipment is required to help hold
or place a worker in position, you must use other
OPE systems in addition to the fall-arrest system.

A personal fall-arrest system is designed only to aid
a worker once a fall occurs, and must be used
whenever there is a danger of falling. Where there is
a danger of being killed or injured from a fall, only
use equipment specifically designed for fall arrest.

Introduction (continued)

When using any OPE system, you must be sure the
entire system meets OSHA regulations. Be sure the
primary anchorage is identified and evaluated by a
competent person, as defined by OSHA, at the job
site. A competent person must also determine that
the type of OPE connecting device and harness are
appropriate for the job.

Many connecting devices can be used properly in
more than one OPE system application. For example,
a Klein rope lanyard can be used as a component in
a positioning, suspension, or retrieval system. Other
connecting devices, such as deceleration lanyards
and deceleration units, can only be used for fall
arrest. All Klein OPE connecting devices meet or
exceed all pertinent OSHA regulatory requirements.

The symbols shown above indicate that a particular

Fall Arrest

Positioning

Suspension

Retrieval

connecting device is appropriate for use in one or
more of the following systems:

• in a fall-arrest system, where there is danger of
falling from an elevated position;

• in a positioning system, where it is necessary to
have your hands free while working on an elevated
surface;

• in a suspension system, where it is necessary to
be positioned and supported from above; or

• in a retrieval system, where it is necessary to
have a quick means of being lifted out of, or pulled
from, a working environment.

Double-check the intended function

of any Klein connecting device
before using it. Proper OPE system applications
are identified in the Klein OPE catalog and are
printed clearly on the warning tags, labels and
other literature provided with each product. Misuse
of a connecting device or any other piece of OPE
equipment can result in serious injury or death.

It is imperative that qualified

people select OPE system

components to fit the specific job requirements.
Incorrect component choices can cause serious
injury or death.

Note: This table lists working heights for which OSHA requires the use of a fall-arrest system.

Heights at Which Guarding or Fall Protection is Required by Federal OSHA:

Industry Height or Depth OSHA Standard

General Industry 4 feet 1910.23

1910.66 (Appendix C)
Construction

- Fall Protection 6 feet 1926.500-.503

- Scaffolding 10 feet 1926.450-.454
Steel Erection 15 - 30 feet 1926.750
Perimeters and Over Water 25 feet maximum at perimeter 1926.105

To measure height:

• Measure the distance from the working/walking surface to grade or lower level.

• The worst fall hazard should be considered in each particular application.

Types of Klein OPE Connecting Devices

Rope Lanyards

Rope Lanyards are designed for use in positioning,
suspension, or retrieval systems. They are made of
long-filament nylon or safety-orange polypropylene
and are available in fixed or adjustable lengths. They
have locking snap hooks (Klein-Lok
attached at both ends. Special-length lanyards are

available through special order at your authorized

Klein distributor.

Nylon-Filament Rope Lanyards are designed for use
in positioning, suspension, or retrieval systems.
They have excellent elasticity. These lanyards also
have good abrasion resistance.

Polypropylene-Rope Lanyards are designed for use
in positioning, suspension, or retrieval systems.
Polypropylene has excellent dielectric properties and

®

) permanently

is ideal for use around live electrical lines, energized

equipment and other electrical OPE applications.
However, take care to keep metal snap hooks away

from live electrical lines or energized equipment.

Note: Rope lanyards can be used with a deceleration
unit for fall arrest.

Aircraft-Cable Lanyards

Aircraft-Cable Lanyards are designed for use in
positioning, suspension, or retrieval systems. They
are vinyl covered for protection from abrasion. They
have locking snap hooks (Klein-Lok
attached at both ends. Common users include
welders and others who must tie off on objects with
sharp edges.

Aircraft-cable lanyards must NOT be used around

live electrical lines or energized equipment. NEVER

use aircraft-cable lanyards alone for fall arrest.
Always use a deceleration unit with aircraft-cable
lanyards for fall arrest.

®

) permanently

Nylon-Webbing Lanyards

Nylon-Webbing Lanyards are designed for use in
positioning, suspension, or retrieval systems. They
are made of orange nylon webbing impregnated
with resin for greater durability. Locking snap hooks
are permanently attached at both ends. These
lanyards are available in fixed or adjustable
lengths.

Do not use aircraft-cable lanyards
near energized equipment.

Note: Nylon-webbing lanyards can be used with a

deceleration unit for fall arrest.

Types of Klein OPE Connecting Devices (continued)

Deceleration Lanyard

The Deceleration Lanyard is designed solely
for use in fall-arrest systems. It features an

energy-absorbing inner core made of polyester,
protected by an outer shell made of orange tubular
nylon webbing. Locking snap hooks are permanently
attached at both ends.

Dual Deceleration Lanyard

The Dual Deceleration Lanyard is designed solely for
use in fall-arrest systems. This “two-legged” lanyard
can be used when 100% tie-off is required. It allows
the user to attach to a new fall-arrest anchorage with
one lanyard leg, while staying connected to the original
fall-arrest anchorage with the remaining lanyard leg.

The Dual Deceleration Lanyard has an energy­absorbing inner core made of polyester, surrounded by
an outer shell made of orange tubular nylon webbing.
Locking snap hooks are permanently attached at the
ends of both legs and at the deceleration end.

On Klein deceleration lanyards,

the uncovering of a red-lettered
warning label indicates that the unit was
subjected to a severe impact force; therefore,
the unit must not be used and must be disposed
of immediately.

On Klein dual deceleration

lanyards, the uncovering of a red­lettered warning label indicates that the unit
was subjected to a severe impact force;
therefore, the unit must not be used and must
be disposed of immediately.

Deceleration Units

Deceleration Units are designed solely for use in
fall-arrest systems. They are made of overlapped

nylon webbing, heavily cross-stitched together
with nylon thread and sewn into a protective breakaway
jacket. Available separately or with permanently­attached lanyards made of nylon rope, aircraft cable,
or nylon webbing.

On Klein deceleration units, the

uncovering of a red-lettered warning
label inside the leather jacket indicates that the
unit was subjected to a severe impact force;
therefore, the unit must not be used and must be
disposed of immediately.

Types of Klein OPE Connecting Devices (continued)

Deceleration Units with Dual Lanyards of Nylon Rope or Nylon Webbing

Deceleration units with dual lanyards are
designed solely for use in fall-arrest systems,

and they can be used when 100% tie-off is
required. They allow the user to attach to a new fall­arrest anchorage with one lanyard, while still being
connected to the original fall-arrest anchorage with
the remaining lanyard.

The deceleration unit is made of overlapped nylon
webbing, heavily cross-stitched together with nylon
thread and sewn into a protective breakaway jacket.
Two lanyards are permanently attached to the
deceleration unit. Also, locking snap hooks are
attached to the free end of the deceleration unit and
to the free ends of both lanyards.

Available in either nylon rope or nylon webbing.

On Klein deceleration units, the

uncovering of a red-lettered
warning label inside the leather jacket indicates
that the unit was subjected to a severe impact
force; therefore, the unit must not be used and
must be disposed of immediately.

V-Slings

V-Slings are used in suspension and retrieval systems.
They include two permanently-attached, locking snap
hooks. These hooks connect to the shoulder D-rings of
retrieval harnesses or to the seat-strap D-rings of
suspension harnesses. Klein V-slings are made of
high-quality, nylon-filament rope.

V-slings are designed for retrieval and suspension
purposes only, and are NOT to be used for fall arrest.

Klein OPE connecting devices are constructed
according to OSHA system criteria for occupational
protective equipment.

NOTE: Other types of Klein connecting devices, not
shown here, include rope grabs, boom straps,
anchorage connectors, and retractable lifelines.
Information on their proper use and care is contained
in separate instruction booklets provided with each
product.

When working with a lanyard,

keep the amount of slack between
the anchorage and the fall-arrest harness at an
absolute minimum to reduce impact forces in
the event of a fall.

NOTE: Special-length lanyards are available.

Contact your authorized Klein distributor.

Construction of Klein Connecting Devices

① Nylon rope used in Klein rope lanyards, deceleration

units, rope grabs and V-slings is a 1/2" (13 mm)

diameter filament-nylon type with long strands for
very high tensile strength, excellent elasticity and
good abrasion resistance.

② Polypropylene rope used in Klein rope lanyards is

a 9/16" (14 mm) diameter safety-orange type with

excellent dielectric characteristics, ideal for working
near live electrical lines and equipment. It also has
good elasticity.

③ Nylon webbing used in Klein webbing lanyards,
deceleration units, deceleration lanyards and boom
straps is a high-quality, commercial-grade nylon
sling webbing. It is impregnated with latex or resin
for extra durability, and it provides extra abrasion
resistance.

④ Polyester core used in Klein deceleration lanyards
resists a wider variety of chemicals than nylon
does.

⑤ Aircraft cable used in Klein aircraft-cable lanyards

and deceleration units is made of 7/32" (5.6 mm)
diameter galvanized steel cable that is vinyl covered

for protection against abrasion. Provides excellent
resistance to heat, chemicals, paints and solvents.
Also resists molten metal splatter and open flame,
although the vinyl coating may melt or char. It will not
resist the flame of a torch.

⑥ Drop-forged steel used in Klein connecting devices
has a corrosion-resistant finish. Examples of Klein
hardware include locking snap hooks and
D-rings. All Klein hardware meets or exceeds
applicable OSHA standards.

Quality Assurance

Thorough testing of all Klein connecting devices
assures durability and quality construction. Klein
connecting devices and accessories meet or exceed
all applicable regulatory requirements.

⑥

①

③

②

⑥

③

⑥

⑤

⑥

⑥

③

⑥

⑥

⑥

⑥

③

④

⑥

Construction of Klein Connecting Devices (continued)

Physical Properties of Materials*

Exposure to
Paints or
Solvents

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”).

Type of Material
Nylon

Exposure to
Excessive Heat

Poor resistance.
Becomes brittle,
has a shriveled
brown appearance.
Fibers will break
when flexed.
Weakens at 300°F
(149°C).

Exposure to
Chemicals

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.

Exposure to
Molten Metal
or Flame

Poor resistance.
Strands fuse
together and form
hard shiny spots.
Has hard and
brittle feel.
Will not support
combustion.

Exposure Near
Live Electrical
Lines and
Equipment

Poor protection (no
dielectric strength).
Provides no
protection to
exposure to live
electrical lines or
equipment.

Polyester

Polypropylene

Poor resistance.
Fibers become
brittle and will
shrivel, turn brown
in color, and break
when flexed.
Should not be used
above 180°F
(82°C).

Poor resistance.
Same as nylon,
except weakens at
230°F (110°C).

Good resistance to
most chemicals,
including
hydrochloric acid,
aqueous alkalies
and many solvents.
Exposure to
incompatible
chemicals may
change fiber color
and texture, similar
to a brownish
smudge or smear.
Also, fibers will
become less
elastic, with
transverse cracks
caused by bending.

Excellent
resistance to most
chemicals, but
is attacked by
chlorinated
hydrocarbons at
elevated
temperatures.

Poor resistance.
Fiber strands fuse
together and
become hard,
brittle, and shiny.

Poor resistance;
same as nylon.

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”).

Good resistance.
However, may
be attacked by
chlorinated
hydrocarbons.

Poor protection (no
dielectric strength).
Provides no
protection to
exposure to live
electrical lines or
equipment.

Good protection
(high dielectric
strength).Generally
provides good
protection, when in
dry, clean condition,
on exposure to live
electrical lines and
equipment.

Metal
(Aircraft Cable,
Vinyl Coated)

* Due to the wide variety of conditions in the workplace, this chart should only be considered as a general guide, and a qualified
person should evaluate the specific applications and hazards to which the material will be exposed. For more information,
call Klein Tools at 1-800-553-4676.

Excellent
resistance.

Excellent
resistance.

Good resistance.
However, coating
may melt or char.

Excellent
resistance.

Poor protection (no
dielectric strength).
Provides no
protection against
exposure to live
electrical lines or
equipment.

Choose the Proper Length Lanyard for the Job

Note: Before choosing the proper length

connecting-device lanyard, you must determine the
distance between the work position and the
anchorage. This is true for all OPE system
applications, but accuracy is most important in fall-

arrest situations. (See “How to Size an OPE

Connecting Device”, on the next page.)

1. In fall-arrest applications, OSHA requires that

the free-fall distance must never exceed 6' (1.8m).
OSHA also requires the maximum impact force for
an OPE harness be under 1800 lbs.

The major factor affecting the severity of the impact
force is the free-fall distance. Therefore, when
choosing connecting devices, it is important to select

the correct length in order to minimize the slack and

thus limit the free-fall distance and impact force in a
fall. When multiple connecting-device components
are used, you must consider the total slack for all
connecting devices. (For greater user control of
length, Klein offers adjustable-length rope and

webbing lanyards in addition to fixed-length rope
and webbing lanyards.)

Another factor that influences the impact force is the
elasticity of the lanyard. The greater the elasticity,
the less the impact force. Other factors affecting
impact force are the age and material of the lanyard
and the rigidity of the anchorage.

2. In positioning applications, choose the correct

lanyard length to hold you at a comfortable distance
to perform the work.

3. In suspension applications, choose the lanyard

length that will vertically position you at the correct
height to perform the work.

4. In retrieval applications, choose the correct

lanyard length with minimum slack to allow your fast
removal in a potentially dangerous situation, while
not interfering with your ability to do the job.

How to Size an OPE Connecting Device

Connecting devices are measured from bearing
point to bearing point (see Figure A on this page).
The undeployed length (or range of lengths, if the
connecting device is adjustable) is clearly printed on
the warning tag or label. This is the undeployed
connecting device length.

The distance between the harness bearing point (the
fall-arrest D-ring) and the anchorage connector
bearing point (the anchorage connector D-ring) must
be determined before choosing the proper length
connecting device (see Figure B on the next page).
This is true for all OPE applications, but accuracy is
most important in fall-arrest systems.

Always rig connecting devices so that you avoid
contact with structures below in a fall. As a general
rule, allow an additional 3.5 feet (1 m) to each fall­arrest connecting device to account for the following
connecting-device extension factors:

• elasticity (stretch) upon impact or load (rope

or web lanyards)

Figure A

Length of undeployed
connecting device (Y)

• extension upon impact (deceleration units or

deceleration lanyards)

(Continued on the next page)

How to Size an OPE Connecting Device (continued)

Any free-fall distance (slack in the connecting device)
must also be added to this 3.5 feet (1 m) connecting­device extension factor to determine the minimum
distance to any structure below.

To determine the free-fall distance, subtract the
distance between the harness and anchorage
connector bearing points (X) from the undeployed
connecting device length (Y). In any situation, the total
free-fall distance must not exceed 6 feet (1.8 m).

For example, if the undeployed connecting device
length is 5 feet and the distance between the harness
and anchorage bearing points is 4 feet, the free-fall
distance is 1 foot (5 feet minus 4 feet equals 1 foot).
Thus, in this example, a minimum 4.5 feet must be
allowed as the distance between the support position
and any structure below (1 foot plus 3.5 feet equals

4.5 feet).

Figure B

Distance between anchorage
connector bearing point and
fall-arrest D-ring bearing
point (X)

Free-fall distance from
connecting device slack

Connecting device extension

factor of 3-1/2 feet (1 m)

How to Use an OPE Connecting Device

1. Read all warning labels and instructions provided

with or attached to Klein connecting devices for
important information on use and care. Keep all this
material for future reference.

2. For fall-arrest applications, attach one end of

the connecting device to the fall-arrest D-ring on the
OPE harness. This D-ring is in the upper middle of a
harness wearer’s back.

For positioning applications, attach one end of
the connecting device to one of the side D-rings.
Then, properly engage the anchorage and attach
the loose end to the unused side D-ring.

For suspension applications, attach the
connecting device to the suspension D-rings(s). Be
sure to select the proper connecting device to fit the
harness, bosun’s chair, or other suspension
equipment.

For retrieval applications, attach the connecting
device to the retrieval D-rings, usually found on the
shoulders of the harness.

anchorages include approved pad eyes, bolt holes,
life lines, beams, pillars, or other approved structural
members.) In fall-arrest applications, keep the
anchorage above the rear fall-arrest D-ring or
overhead, and allow as little slack as possible to limit
the impact force of a fall. Rig to avoid contact with
structures below in case of a fall. Free fall distance
must not exceed 6 ft. (1.8 m). If using a deceleration
lanyard or a deceleration unit, add 3.5 ft (1 m) to the
free-fall distance to allow for unit extension.

When attaching any snap hook to the anchorage,

make sure by visual inspection that the snap
hook freely engages the anchorage and the
keeper is closed completely after each hookup.

Make sure each snap hook is positioned so that its
keeper is never load bearing.

4. Never connect anything to the fall-arrest,

positioning, suspension, or retrieval D-rings other
than the proper connecting device. Also, never
attach more than one connecting device to a single
anchorage.

For all applications, make sure by visual
inspection that all snap hooks engage freely and
that their keepers are closed completely after
each hookup.

3. Connect the other end of the connecting device

to a proper anchorage. (Examples of proper

General Inspection Procedures

1. Check for wear and deterioration.

Before each use, carefully inspect your complete
OPE system for signs of wear or deterioration, or
evidence of impact loading. Visually inspect for loose
threads, pulled rivets, burns, cuts, distortions,
abrasions, or other evidence of chemical or physical
deterioration that may have weakened the material
or assembly.

2. Inspect hardware for malfunctions or cracks.

Check all snap hooks, buckles, and D-rings. Check
that snap hooks are not distorted or cracked,
and that the keepers are free of burrs, functioning
properly, clean, and not bent.

5. In a fall-arrest application, where work position

changes, reposition the connecting device whenever
necessary to make sure the fall-arrest anchorage is
above the rear fall-arrest D-ring or overhead, and
allow as little slack in the connecting device as
possible. Failure to follow this procedure can result
in serious injury or death.

3. Destroy and replace all worn or damaged

equipment.

Immediately destroy and replace any component
which does not pass inspection.

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 as to its usability.

Always inspect your equipment
before using. Destroy and replace

all worn or damaged equipment immediately.