Section 4: Product Selection - Falltech Contractor SRL Serie Manual De Instrucciones

Once the above steps have been taken, the user will have access to their work area
while walking and moving at normal speeds. It is important not to make sudden or
dramatic movements, as the SRL is designed to lock up when the line begins to move at
a rate of 4.5 feet per second. Sudden movements or acceleration can cause the SRL to
lock up, which may "jerk" the user and could result in the user losing his or her balance.
When using the equipment, care must be taken to be aware of the work environment
and any hazards, obstructions or obstacles that may exist. Be careful of any and all fall
hazards and also be aware of slipping and tripping hazards as well.
Section 4: Product Selection
Product selection is as important as the proper use of the product itself. Poor
judgment in product selection can have catastrophic results – therefore be sure to
consult a competent person to ensure that the product that is issued is appropriate for
the application and the specific location for which it is intended.
ANSI Z359.1‐2007, Section 7 describes in detail the steps that should be taken with
regard to the selection of fall arrest equipment. FallTech strongly encourages the use of
this guide by those who employ users of fall arrest products. The ANSI standard
recommends the following steps be taken:
 A workplace assessment by a competent person taking into account the presence of
sources of extreme heat, chemicals, electrical hazards, environmental contaminants,
sharp objects, abrasive surfaces; moving equipment and materials, unstable, uneven
and slippery walking/working surfaces; unguarded openings; climatic/weather factors
and foreseeable changes to these conditions. Care must be taken to ensure that the
equipment that is selected is suitable for use where any of these conditions may exist.
 The workplace assessment must identify all paths of movement and the fall hazards
along these paths. Care must be taken to ensure that there are proper anchorages at
appropriate intervals along these paths to protect the users from these hazards
without exposure to swing‐fall conditions. The PFAS selected must limit the fall
distance in order to avoid contact with the next lower level in the event of a fall.
 Anchorage connectors should be selected on the basis of their suitability for
attachment to the anchor point to ensure a compatible and secure connection.
 The exposure of the anchorage connector to sharp edges, abrasive surfaces and other
physical/structural hazards should be considered when evaluating compatibility.
 The competent person shall calculate the weight of all authorized persons when fully
equipped to ensure that they are within the maximum capacity of the PFAS.
 A full body harness meeting the requirements of Z359 shall be selected, and it shall be
sized to fit the user as per the manufacturer's instructions.
 Connectors that are selected shall be suitably sized and shaped so as to be compatible
with the devices to which they will be attached.
 The competent person shall select the method of protecting the equipment from
damage by workplace conditions, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
 The competent person shall check the equipment instructions and markings to ensure
compliance with the appropriate standards and will ensure that manufacturer's
instructions; markings and warnings are read and followed.
 If the PFAS that is selected is made up of components from different manufacturers,
the competent person will ensure that these components are compatible.
FallTech strongly encourages that the following points also be considered in the
course of product selection, in addition to the points above:
 Select the anchorage connector that is most appropriate for your application and for
the anchor point to which it will be attached. While sling‐style anchors are popular
because of their versatility, they are not always the best choice where sharp or angular
edges are present on the structure to which they are attached.
 Select a full body harness of appropriate durability for your workplace which contains
all of the attachment elements that you will require. Never attach any SRL to anything
other than the back/dorsal d‐ring or the front/chest d‐ring of your full body harness.
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