Product Manual
14
12. Frontal - The frontal attachment serves as a ladder climbing connection
for guided type fall arresters where there is no chance to fall in a direction
other than feet first, or may be used for work positioning. Supporting the
user, post fall or during work positioning, by the frontal attachment will
result in a sitting body position, with the upper torso upright, with weight
concentrated on the thighs and buttocks. When supported by the frontal
attachment the design of the Full Body Harness shall direct load directly
around the thighs and under the buttocks by means of the sub-pelvic
strap. If the frontal attachment is used for fall arrest, the competent person
evaluating the application should take measures to ensure that a fall can
only occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free fall distance.
13. Shoulder - The shoulder attachment elements shall be used as a pair, and
are an acceptable attachment for rescue and entry/retrieval. The shoulder
attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. It is recommended that
the shoulder attachment elements be used in conjunction with a yoke which
incorporates a spreader element to keep the Full Body Harness shoulder
straps separate.
14. Waist, Rear - The waist, rear attachment shall be used solely for travel
restraint. The waist, rear attachment element shall not be used for fall arrest.
Under no circumstances is it acceptable to use the waist, rear attachment
for purposes other than travel restraint. The waist, rear attachment shall only
be subjected to minimal loading through the waist of the user, and shall
never be used to support the full weight of the user.
15. Hip - The hip attachment elements shall be used as a pair, and shall
be used solely for work positioning. The hip attachment elements shall not
be used for fall arrest. Hip attachments are often used for work positioning
by arborists, utility workers climbing poles and construction workers tying
rebar and climbing on form walls. Users are cautioned against using the hip
attachment elements (or any other rigid point on the Full Body Harness) to
store the unused end of a fall arrest lanyard, as this may cause a tripping
hazard, or, in the case multiple leg lanyards, could cause adverse loading
to the Full Body Harness and the wearer through the unused portion of the
lanyard.
16. Suspension seat - The suspension seat attachment elements shall be
used as a pair, and shall be used solely for work positioning. The suspension
seat attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. Suspension seat
attachments are often used for prolonged work activities where the user is
suspended, allowing the user to sit on the suspension seat formed between
the two attachment elements. An example of this use would be window
washers on large buildings.
USER INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT
Users of personal fall arrest systems shall, at a minimum, comply with
all manufacturer instructions regarding the inspection, maintenance
and storage of equipment. The user’s organization shall retain the
manufacturer’s instructions and make them readily available to all users.
See ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive
Managed Fall Protection Program, regarding user inspection, maintenance
and storage of equipment.
1. In addition to the inspection requirements set forth in the manufacturer’s
instructions, the equipment shall be inspected by the user before each use
and, additionally, by a competent person, other than the user, at interval of
no more than one year for:
• Absence or illegibility of markings.
• Absence of any elements aecting the equipment form, fit or function.
• Evidence of defects in, or damage to, hardware elements including cracks,
sharp edges, deformation, corrosion, chemical attack, excessive heating,
alteration and excessive wear.
• Evidence of defects in or damage to strap or ropes including fraying,
unsplicing, unlaying, kinking, knotting, roping, broken or pulled stitches,
excessive elongation, chemical attack, excessive soiling, abrasion,
alteration, needed or excessive lubrication, excessive aging and excessive
wear.
2. Inspection criteria for the equipment shall be set by the user’s organization.
Such criteria for the equipment shall equal or exceed the criteria established
by this standard or the manufacturer’s instructions, whichever is greater.
3. When inspection reveals defects in, damage to, or inadequate
maintenance of equipment, the equipment shall be permanently removed
from service or undergo adequate corrective maintenance, by the original
equipment manufacturer or their designate, before return to service.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Maintenance and storage of equipment shall be conducted by the user’s
organization in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Unique
issues, which may arise due to conditions of use, shall be addressed with
the manufacturer.
2. Equipment which is in need of, or scheduled for, maintenance shall be
tagged as unusable and removed from service.
3. Equipment shall be stored in a manner as to preclude damage from
environmental factors such as temperature, light, UV, excessive moisture,
oil, chemicals and their vapors or other degrading elements.
ANSI Z359.11 Annex A (continued)