SafeWaze FS580 6-Foot Low Profile Energy Absorbing Lanyard with Snap Hooks User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of the SafeWaze FS580 6-foot low profile energy absorbing lanyard. This device is a critical component of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) and is designed to reduce the forces experienced by a worker during a fall. Adherence to these instructions is crucial for user safety and product longevity.

The SafeWaze FS580 lanyard is intended for use by trained and competent persons only. Misuse or failure to follow instructions can result in serious injury or death.

2. Safety Information

• Read All Instructions: Before using this equipment, read and understand all instructions, warnings, and labels.
• Training: Users must be trained by a competent person in the proper use of fall protection equipment, including this lanyard, and understand the limitations and consequences of improper use.
• Inspection: Always inspect the lanyard before each use. Do not use if any damage, wear, or defects are found.
• Compatibility: Ensure all components of your personal fall arrest system (PFAS) are compatible and meet applicable standards.
• Clearance: Verify adequate fall clearance is available below the work area to prevent striking a lower level or obstruction during a fall.
• Capacity: This lanyard has a weight capacity of 310 lbs (140 kg). Do not exceed this limit.
• After a Fall: If the lanyard has been subjected to fall arrest forces, it must be immediately removed from service and destroyed.
• Proposition 65 Warning: This product may expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

3. Product Overview

The SafeWaze FS580 is a 6-foot low profile energy absorbing lanyard designed for fall arrest applications. It features a tubular webbing that encases an energy absorber, and two forged steel snap hooks for connection.

Figure 1: SafeWaze FS580 Lanyard. An image showing the SafeWaze FS580 lanyard. It features a black tubular webbing, which houses the energy absorber, and two gold-colored forged steel snap hooks attached at each end.

Key Components:

• Energy Absorber: Integrated within the tubular webbing, designed to deploy and dissipate energy during a fall, reducing impact forces.
• Tubular Webbing: High-strength polyester webbing that protects the energy absorber and provides the connection length.
• Snap Hooks: Two forged steel snap hooks, gate-rated at 3600 lbs, for secure connection to a harness and anchor point.
• Stitching: High-strength polyester stitching ensures structural integrity.

4. Setup and Connection

1. Harness Connection: Connect one snap hook of the FS580 lanyard to the dorsal D-ring of your full-body harness. Ensure the snap hook gate is fully closed and locked.
2. Anchor Point Connection: Connect the other snap hook of the FS580 lanyard to an approved anchor point. The anchor point must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs (22.2 kN) per worker attached. Ensure the snap hook gate is fully closed and locked.
3. System Check: Before beginning work, visually verify that all connections are secure, gates are closed and locked, and there are no twists or obstructions in the lanyard.

5. Operating Instructions

The SafeWaze FS580 lanyard is designed for use as part of a complete personal fall arrest system. It is crucial to understand the principles of fall protection and ensure proper system setup.

• Anchor Point Selection: Always connect to an anchor point located above the worker's dorsal D-ring to minimize fall distance.
• Fall Clearance: Calculate and ensure sufficient fall clearance. This includes lanyard length (6 ft), deceleration distance (up to 3.5 ft for energy absorber deployment), harness stretch, and a safety factor (e.g., 3 ft).
• Swing Falls: Avoid situations where a swing fall could occur. Position the anchor point directly above the work area to prevent swinging into obstructions.
• Environmental Factors: Be aware of environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, or sharp edges that could damage the lanyard.

6. Inspection and Maintenance

6.1 Pre-Use Inspection (Before Each Use):

• Webbing: Check for cuts, fraying, abrasions, burns, discoloration, or chemical damage. Ensure stitching is intact.
• Energy Absorber: Inspect the tubular webbing for any signs of deployment (e.g., torn stitching, elongated webbing). If deployed, the lanyard must be removed from service.
• Snap Hooks: Verify that gates open and close freely and lock securely. Check for distortion, cracks, corrosion, or sharp edges.
• Labels: Ensure all labels are present and legible.

6.2 Periodic Inspection:

A competent person must perform a thorough inspection of the lanyard at least every six months, or more frequently depending on use and environmental conditions. Maintain inspection records.

6.3 Cleaning:

Clean the lanyard with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to air dry completely in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight or heat.

6.4 Retirement Criteria:

The lanyard must be immediately removed from service and destroyed if:

• It has been subjected to fall arrest forces.
• Inspection reveals any damage, excessive wear, or defects.
• Labels are missing or illegible.
• There is any doubt about its safety or integrity.

7. Storage

Store the lanyard in a cool, dry, clean area, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and sharp objects. Avoid storing in areas where it could be damaged by machinery or vehicles.

8. Troubleshooting

As a passive fall protection component, troubleshooting for a lanyard primarily involves inspection and proper usage.

• Issue: Lanyard appears damaged or worn.
  Solution: Immediately remove from service and destroy. Do not attempt repairs.
• Issue: Lanyard has been involved in a fall.
  Solution: Immediately remove from service and destroy. Even if no visible damage, the energy absorber may have deployed internally.
• Issue: Snap hook gate does not close or lock properly.
  Solution: Immediately remove from service. A faulty gate compromises safety.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty, technical support, or any questions not covered in this manual, please contact SafeWaze directly through their official website or customer service channels. Always refer to the manufacturer's official documentation for the most current warranty terms and conditions.

Manufacturer: SafeWaze

Website: www.safewaze.com

Note: The provided product data did not include specific warranty details or a direct support link. Please consult the manufacturer's official resources for this information.