Product Familiarisation
1.
Nose
2.
Frame
3.
Spine
4.
Gate
5.
Locking Sleeve
6.
Rope or Webbing
7.
Rivet Pin
8.
Gate Opening
Fig. II
A.
Anchorage
B.
Length of connector
C.
Length of elongation
D.
User height
E.
Safety distance
Obstacle / floor
F.
G.
Clearance
Intended Use (Fig. I)
This karabiner is used as a connector in height safety systems. It may be used to connect
components including anchorages for fall arrest, work positioning, travel restriction, rescue,
retrieval, evacuation and confined space entry/exit operations, depending on the associated system
components used.
Note: For non-commercial use only.
Usage Limitations
WARNING: Do not use a work positioning or restraint belt if there is a risk of becoming
suspended or exposed to unintended tension by the belt.
WARNING: Height safety gear is designed to arrest a fall from height ONLY ONCE! If subjected
to an arrested fall, the gear must be withdrawn from service and rendered unusable.
Manual-locking or self-closing gates should only be used where the user does not have to
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attach and remove the connector frequently, i.e. many times during a working day.
This equipment is designed for use by one person with a combined total weight no greater
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than 140kg, including clothing, tools, and other user-borne objects.
Use extreme CAUTION when working near energised electrical sources. Metal hardware
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conducts electric current. Maintain a safe working distance (at least 3m) from all electrical
hazards.
Never exceed a total sub-system length of 2m with an energy absorber, including lanyard,
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terminations and connectors.
Take the limitations of the materials from which this equipment is made into account in use and
when maintaining and storing:
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Equipment must be shielded when used near welding, metal cutting, or other activities that
produce large amounts of heat
•
Do not use in environments with temperatures lower than -40°C / -40°F or greater than
80°C / 176°F
The strength, durability and functionality of hardware (buckles, linkages etc.) and connectors
•
(karabiners, scaffold hooks etc.) are affected by factors including the following:
o
Contamination with substances such as acids, alkali, food and drink (such as milk, wine
and vinegar) and water (especially salt water)
o Temperature extremes
• Acidic, alkaline, or other environments with harsh substances may damage hardware (buckles,
linkages etc.) and connectors (karabiners, scaffold hooks etc.). Organic substances and salt water
are particularly corrosive to metal parts.
Screwgate Karabiner
Take steps to reduce exposure to situations that may compromise the strength of the equipment.
Always follow guidance for maintenance, storage and transportation. Steps may include the
following:
•
Avoiding contact with rough, abrasive surface, sharp edges, cutting tools etc.
•
Avoiding contact with chemicals known to cause weakening of the materials
•
Following proper cleaning and maintenance processes
•
Avoiding working with this equipment in wet weather
Avoiding working with this equipment when it is very hot and sunny, or very cold
•
Note: Different materials have different resistances and vulnerabilities. Ensure a specific risk-
reduction approach is adopted for each system relevant to the materials and system set-up.
Equipment must receive regular inspections (see 'Inspection procedure'). If damage is suspected,
remove the equipment from service and render unusable (see 'Disposal').
Unpacking your Product
Carefully unpack and inspect your product. Fully familiarise yourself with all its features and
•
functions.
Ensure all parts of the product are present and in good condition. If any parts are missing or
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damaged, have such parts replaced before attempting to use this product
Before Use
IMPORTANT: Always work in such a way as to minimise both the potential for falls and the
subsequent fall distance.
Pre-use checks
An inspection must be carried out before every use. All parts of the gear must be inspected in
•
an area with appropriate light conditions.
1. Check correct function of karabiner and smooth operation of its safety mechanisms.
2. Give the karabiner both a tactile and visual inspection for any signs of deterioration in the
metal such as corrosion, warping, cracks, breaks or abrasions.
Note: Refer to the 'Maintenance' section for further advice on inspection and fault conditions.
WARNING: Karabiners and other connectors must ALWAYS be used with the gate closed and
securely locked. Refer to the connector manufacturer's instructions for verification and inspection
procedure.
Clearance
ALWAYS take the length of the karabiner (see 'Specification') into consideration when planning the
layout of a fall arrest system, as it will influence the total length of the fall.
Fall clearance (Fig. II):
Before use, it is essential to verify the clearance required beneath the user. This clearance must be
sufficient to prevent the user from hitting the ground or another obstacle in the event of a fall.
The necessary clearance should be calculated using the following basic formula:
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Connector length including energy absorber elongation +
height of the person + safety distance = clearance required
In a fall factor 2 situation with a 100kg load, the safety distance is considered to be 1m. The
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safety distance should be calculated appropriately for the fall factor and load of the activity.
Swing falls (Fig. III):
WARNING: The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury or death.
Swing falls occur when the anchorage is not located directly above the point where a fall occurs
•
Minimise swing falls by working as close as possible to the anchorage
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DO NOT enter a situation where a swing fall could occur, if it is likely to result in an injury
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Note: The risk of swing falls significantly increases the clearance required when using a self-
retracting lifeline or another variable length connecting system.
Anchorage requirements (Fig. IV)
The minimum strength of any anchorage must be 10kN, according to EN795.
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Check anchorage for signs of deterioration.
As with all height safety equipment, anchorages must be subjected to regular inspections by a
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competent person. Inspect at least once every three months and record findings in a dedicated
service record.
Check that the connector is the correct size for the anchorage to be used. If the connector is too
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small, use an anchor sling to connect to the anchorage.
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