2.0 USE
2.1
FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE PLAN: The employer must have a Fall Protection and Rescue Plan in place.
The plan should provide guidelines and requirements for an employer's managed fall protection program, including
policies, duties and training; fall protection procedures; eliminating and controlling fall hazards; rescue procedures;
incident investigations; and evaluating program effectiveness.
2.2
INSPECTION FREQUENCY: Lanyards shall be inspected by the worker
shall be conducted by a competent person
prolonged use, etc.) may necessitate more frequent competent person inspections. The competent person shall
determine appropriate inspection intervals. Inspection procedures are described in the Inspection & Maintenance Log
(Table 2). Results of the Competent Person inspection should be recorded in the Inspection and Maintenance Log or
recorded with the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system.
2.3
BODY SUPPORT: A Full Body Harness must be used with the Energy Absorbing Lanyard. The harness connection point must be above the
user's center of gravity. A body belt is not authorized for use with the Energy Absorbing Lanyard. If a fall occurs when using a body belt, it
may cause unintentional release or physical trauma from improper body support.
2.4
COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS: Unless otherwise noted, 3M equipment is designed for use with 3M approved
components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non approved components or subsystems may
jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect safety and reliability of the complete system.
2.5
COMPATIBILITY OF CONNECTORS: 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. Contact 3M if you have any questions
about compatibility. Connectors (hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 22 kN.
Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components. Do not use equipment that is not
compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage (see Figure 6). Connectors must be compatible
in size, shape, and strength. Self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are required. If the connecting element to which
a snap hook or carabiner attaches 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 (A). This force may cause the gate to open (B),
allowing the snap hook or carabiner to disengage from the connecting point (C).
2.6
MAKING CONNECTIONS: Snap hooks and carabiners used with this equipment must be self-locking. 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. 3M connectors (snap hooks and carabiners) are designed to be used only as
specified in each product's user's instructions. See Figure 7 for examples of inappropriate connections. Do not connect
snap hooks and carabiners:
A.
To a D-ring to which another connector is attached.
B.
In a manner that would result in a load on the gate. Large throat 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, unless the snap hook is equipped with a 16 kN (3,600 lb) gate.
C.
In a false engagement, where size or shape of the mating connectors are not compatible and, without visual
confirmation, the connectors seem fully engaged.
D.
To each other.
E.
Directly to webbing or rope lanyard or tie-back (unless the manufacturer's instructions for both the lanyard and
connector specifically allows 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.
G.
In a manner that does not allow the connector to align properly while under load.
1 Worker: Any person wo is protected from falling by an active fall protection system; or, in the case of a fall arrest System; an person who might fall while
attached to the system.
2 Competent Person: An individual designated by the employer to be responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation, and monitoring of the employer's
managed fall protection program who, through training and knowledge, is capable of identifying, evaluating, and addressing existing and potential fall hazards,
and who has the employer's authority to take prompt corrective action with regard to such hazards.
other than the user. Extreme working conditions (harsh environment,
2
20
before each use. Additionally, inspections
1