KRATOS SAFETY FA3070320 Elastic Lanyard with Energy Absorber User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of the KRATOS SAFETY FA3070320 Elastic Lanyard with Energy Absorber. This equipment is designed for fall protection in various industrial and construction environments. Read and understand all instructions before using this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.

This product is part of a personal fall arrest system and must only be used by trained and competent persons, or under the direct supervision of such a person. Ensure all components of your fall arrest system are compatible and meet relevant safety standards.

2. Product Overview

The KRATOS SAFETY FA3070320 is an elastic webbing lanyard equipped with an integrated energy absorber and two automatic locking connectors. Its elastic design minimizes entanglement and reduces the overall length when not under tension, improving user mobility.

• Elastic Lanyard: Made from 44 mm wide polyester webbing. Length at rest is 1.40 m, extending to 2 m under tension.
• Energy Absorber: A 44 mm wide webbing absorber designed to limit the impact force to less than 6 kN in the event of a fall.
• Connectors:
  • One automatic locking steel carabiner (FA5020217) for connection to the harness.
  • One automatic locking scaffolding hook (FA5020755) for connection to the anchor point.
• Abrasion Protection: Loops are protected by tubular webbing for enhanced durability.
• Fall Indicator: An integrated label indicates if the energy absorber has been deployed due to a fall.

Figure 1: Overview of the KRATOS SAFETY FA3070320 Elastic Lanyard with Energy Absorber and Connectors.

3. Safety Instructions and Pre-Use Checks

WARNING: This equipment is for fall protection. Improper use can lead to severe injury or death. Always follow local regulations and safety standards.

3.1. General Safety Guidelines

• Ensure the user's weight, including tools, does not exceed 100 kg.
• Always connect to an anchor point capable of withstanding a minimum load of 12 kN (or as specified by local regulations).
• Maintain adequate free fall distance below the work area to prevent impact with lower levels or obstructions. Consider the lanyard's extended length (2m), energy absorber deployment (up to 1.75m), and user height.
• Avoid using the lanyard over sharp edges or abrasive surfaces without proper protection.
• Do not modify or alter the equipment.
• Protect the equipment from chemicals, extreme temperatures, and other environmental hazards.

3.2. Pre-Use Inspection

Before each use, perform a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the entire lanyard and its components:

• Webbing: Check for cuts, fraying, burns, discoloration, chemical damage, or excessive wear.
• Stitching: Inspect all stitching for loose, broken, or pulled threads.
• Energy Absorber: Verify that the fall indicator label is not showing "NOT OK". If "NOT OK" is visible, the lanyard has arrested a fall and must be immediately removed from service.
• Connectors (Carabiner and Hook):
  • Check for deformation, cracks, corrosion, or sharp edges.
  • Ensure the gates open and close freely and automatically lock securely.
  • Verify that the locking mechanisms are fully functional.
• Labels: Ensure all product labels are present and legible.

If any defects are found, or if there is any doubt about the equipment's condition, remove it from service immediately and have it inspected by a competent person or the manufacturer.

Figure 2: Inspect connectors and webbing for damage before each use.

4. Setup and Connection

The FA3070320 lanyard is designed to be an integral part of a personal fall arrest system. It must be connected to a full-body harness and a suitable anchor point.

1. Connect to Harness: Attach the automatic locking steel carabiner (FA5020217) to the dorsal (back) attachment point of your full-body harness. Ensure the carabiner gate is fully closed and locked.
2. Connect to Anchor Point: Attach the automatic locking scaffolding hook (FA5020755) to a certified anchor point. Ensure the hook gate is fully closed and locked. The anchor point should be located directly above the work area whenever possible to minimize swing fall hazards.
3. Verify Connections: Double-check both connections to ensure they are secure and properly engaged.

IMPORTANT: Never connect the lanyard to an anchor point that is below the dorsal attachment point of your harness unless specifically designed and certified for such use, as this can increase fall distance and impact forces.

5. Operating and Application Areas

Once properly connected, the elastic lanyard provides freedom of movement while maintaining fall protection. The elastic nature helps keep the lanyard compact, reducing snagging hazards.

5.1. Fall Arrest Function

In the event of a fall, the energy absorber will deploy, tearing open to dissipate the energy of the fall. This action significantly reduces the force transmitted to the user's body, limiting it to less than 6 kN. After a fall, the energy absorber will be visibly deployed, and the fall indicator will show "NOT OK".

5.2. Recommended Application Areas

This lanyard is suitable for use in various work-at-height scenarios, including but not limited to:

• Construction sites
• Roofing work
• Industrial maintenance
• Electrical and energy sector work
• Telecommunication tower maintenance
• Arboriculture (tree work)
• Scaffolding
• Lattice metallic structures
• Fixed ladders
• Horizontal work surfaces

Figure 3: Examples of suitable application environments for the lanyard.

6. Maintenance and Storage

6.1. Cleaning

Clean the lanyard with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to air dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.

6.2. Periodic Inspection

In addition to pre-use checks, a competent person must perform a detailed inspection of the equipment at least every 12 months, or more frequently depending on usage intensity and environmental conditions. Maintain a record of all inspections.

6.3. Storage

Store the lanyard in a cool, dry, dark place, free from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, humidity, corrosive chemicals, and other damaging elements. Avoid storing it near heat sources or in areas where it could be crushed or damaged.

7. Troubleshooting

7.1. Fall Indicator Shows "NOT OK"

If the fall indicator label on the energy absorber shows "NOT OK", it means the lanyard has been subjected to a fall arrest event. In this situation:

• Immediately remove the lanyard from service.
• Do not attempt to reuse or repair the lanyard.
• Replace the lanyard with new, compliant equipment.
• Report the incident according to your company's safety procedures.

7.2. Equipment Damage or Malfunction

If any part of the lanyard or its connectors shows signs of damage, excessive wear, or malfunction during pre-use or periodic inspection:

• Immediately remove the equipment from service.
• Tag it as "UNUSABLE" or "DEFECTIVE".
• Do not attempt to repair it yourself. Consult a competent person or the manufacturer for assessment or disposal.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty, technical support, or replacement parts, please contact your KRATOS SAFETY distributor or the manufacturer directly. Always refer to the official KRATOS SAFETY website or documentation for the most up-to-date information.

It is recommended to keep a record of the purchase date and all inspection records for your equipment.