1.0
PRODUCT APPLICATION
1.1
PURPOSE: Flexiguard Systems are designed to provide a secure anchorage structure and to provide anchorage
connection points for Fall Protection systems. Flexiguard Systems may be used for Fall Arrest, Fall Restraint, Rescue, and
Work Positioning applications, based on the specific allowed uses for each Flexiguard product. Each Flexiguard System
has detailed information about the allowed uses, anchorage points, and anchorage requirements in Table 1. Flexiguard
Systems are to be used as part of a fall protection system and not for lifting.
1.2
SUPERVISION: Installation of this equipment must be supervised by a Qualified Person
supervised by a Qualified Person
1.3
TRAINING: This equipment must be installed and used by persons trained in its correct application. This manual is to be
used as part of an employee training program as required by OSHA. It is the responsibility of the users and installers of
this equipment to ensure they are familiar with these instructions, trained in the correct care and use of this equipment,
and are aware of the operating characteristics, application limitations, and consequences of improper use of this
equipment.
1.4
RESCUE PLAN: When using this equipment and connecting subsystem(s), the employer must have a rescue plan and
the means at hand to implement and communicate that plan to users, authorized persons
site rescue team is recommended. Team members should be provided with the equipment and techniques to perform a
successful rescue. Training should be provided on a periodic basis to ensure rescuer proficiency.
1.5
INSPECTION FREQUENCY: The Flexiguard Anchorage System shall be inspected by the user before each use and,
additionally, by a competent person other than the user at intervals of no longer than one year.
described in the "Inspection and Maintenance Log". Results of each Competent Person inspection should be recorded on
copies of the "Inspection and Maintenance Log".
1.6
AFTER A FALL: If the Flexiguard System is subjected to the forces of arresting a fall, remove the system from service
immediately and clearly mark it "DO NOT USE." Destroy or repair the system as required by these instructions in Section
5.
1.7
STANDARDS: This Flexiguard System conforms to the national or regional standards identified on the front cover of
these instructions. If this product is resold outside the original country of destination, the re-seller must provide these
instructions in the language of the country in which the product will be used.
2.0
SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS
2.1
ANCHORAGE: Structure on which the Flexiguard Anchorage System is placed or mounted must meet the Anchorage
specifications defined in Table 1.
2.2
PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM: Figure 1 illustrates the application of this Flexiguard Anchorage System. Personal
Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) used with the system must meet applicable OSHA, ANSI, state, and federal requirements. The
PFAS shall incorporate a Full Body Harness and Self-Retracting Device(SRD) with a 900 lb(4 kN) Average Arresting Force.
2.3
FALL PATH AND SRD LOCKING SPEED: A clear path is required to assure positive locking of an SRD. Situations which
do not allow for an unobstructed fall path should be avoided. Working in confined or cramped spaces may not allow the
User to reach sufficient speed to cause the SRD to lock if a fall occurs. Working on slowly shifting material, such as sand
or grain, may not allow enough speed buildup to cause the SRD to lock.
2.4
HAZARDS: Use of this equipment in areas with environmental hazards may require additional precautions to prevent
injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are not limited to: heat, chemicals, corrosive
environments, high voltage power lines, explosive or toxic gases, moving machinery, sharp edges, or overhead materials
that may fall and contact the user or Personal Fall Arrest System.
2.5
FALL CLEARANCE: There must be sufficient clearance below the user to arrest a fall before the user strikes the ground
or other obstruction. Fall Clearance is dependent on the following factors:
•
Deceleration Distance
•
Free Fall Distance
See the Personal Fall Arrest System manufacturer's instructions for specifics regarding Fall Clearance calculation.
2.6
SWING FALLS: Swing Falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs
(Figure 3). The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury or death. Minimize swing falls by
working as directly below the anchorage point as possible. Do not permit a swing fall if injury could occur. Swing falls will
significantly increase the clearance required when a Self-Retracting Device or other variable length connecting subsystem
is used.
.
1
•
Worker Height
•
Movement of Harness Attachment Element
15
. Use of this equipment must be
1
, and rescuers
. A trained, on-
2
3
Inspection procedures are
4
•
Elevation of Anchorage Connector
•
Connecting Subsystem Length