PONSA CGPK8 ECO8Solo Fall Arrest and Positioning Safety Harness

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of the PONSA CGPK8 ECO8Solo Fall Arrest and Positioning Safety Harness. This Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed for work at height, offering protection against falls and enabling work positioning. Read and understand all instructions before use. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.

The PONSA CGPK8 ECO8Solo harness is a one-size-fits-all, adjustable safety harness, providing comfort and protection for the chest and leg areas. It is ideal for demanding work at height, including tasks on roofs, poles, scaffolding, and during maintenance operations.

2. Safety Information and Warnings

WARNING: Work at height is inherently dangerous. This equipment must only be used by trained and competent persons, or under the direct supervision of such a person. Always perform a pre-use inspection.

• Ensure all components are in good working order before each use.
• Never modify the harness.
• Always connect to a suitable anchorage point capable of withstanding the forces generated during a fall.
• Regularly inspect the harness for wear, damage, or degradation.
• In the event of a fall, the harness must be immediately removed from service and inspected by a competent person or the manufacturer.
• Be aware of potential hazards in the work environment, such as sharp edges, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures.
• Ensure adequate rescue procedures are in place before commencing work.
• This harness is designed for fall arrest and work positioning. Do not use it for lifting or other purposes for which it is not intended.

The harness complies with European standards EN361 (fall arrest harnesses) and EN358 (work positioning belts).

3. Components and Features

The PONSA CGPK8 ECO8Solo harness is equipped with the following key components:

• Dorsal Anchorage Point: Located on the back, typically for fall arrest systems.
• Frontal Anchorage Point: Consists of two textile loops on the chest, used for fall arrest or rescue.
• Positioning Belt: Integrated waist belt with two lateral D-rings for work positioning.
• Adjustable Straps: For shoulders, chest, waist, and legs to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
• Buckles: For quick and intuitive adjustment and fastening.

4. Setup and Fitting

Proper fitting is crucial for safety and comfort. The PONSA CGPK8 ECO8Solo harness is designed for easy adjustment to various body types.

1. Inspect the Harness: Before putting on the harness, visually inspect all webbing, buckles, D-rings, and stitching for any signs of damage, wear, cuts, or corrosion. Ensure the inspection log is up to date.
2. Untangle and Orient: Hold the dorsal D-ring (or the top of the harness). Allow the straps to fall freely. Ensure there are no twists in the webbing.
3. Don the Harness: Slip the shoulder straps over your shoulders, similar to putting on a jacket. Ensure the dorsal D-ring is centered on your back between the shoulder blades.
4. Connect Leg Straps: Pull the leg straps between your legs and connect them to the appropriate buckles. Ensure they are not twisted.
5. Adjust Leg Straps: Tighten the leg straps so they are snug but allow for full range of motion. You should be able to slide your flat hand between the strap and your leg, but not your fist.
6. Adjust Shoulder Straps: Tighten the shoulder straps to ensure the dorsal D-ring remains properly positioned and the harness feels secure on your upper body.
7. Adjust Chest Strap: Fasten and adjust the chest strap across your sternum. It should be snug but not restrictive, keeping the shoulder straps in place.
8. Adjust Waist Belt: Fasten and adjust the waist belt (positioning belt) around your waist. Ensure it is snug and comfortable, with the lateral D-rings positioned on your hips.
9. Final Check: Ensure all buckles are securely fastened and all straps are properly adjusted and snug, with no excessive slack. The harness should fit comfortably and securely, allowing freedom of movement without being loose.

5. Operating Instructions / Usage

The PONSA CGPK8 ECO8Solo harness is designed for fall arrest and work positioning applications.

5.1. Fall Arrest System Connection

Connect your fall arrest lanyard or retractable lifeline to either the dorsal anchorage point (D-ring on the back) or the frontal anchorage point (two textile loops on the chest). Ensure the connection is secure and compatible with EN362 connectors. Always verify the anchorage point is above the user and capable of supporting the required load.

5.2. Work Positioning System Connection

For work positioning, connect a work positioning lanyard to the two lateral D-rings on the waist belt. This system allows the user to be supported in tension, freeing their hands for work. The work positioning system should always be used in conjunction with a separate fall arrest system.

5.3. General Usage Guidelines

• Always ensure a clear fall path below you, free from obstructions.
• Calculate fall clearance to prevent striking a lower level or obstruction in the event of a fall.
• Avoid working alone when using fall protection equipment.
• The harness is suitable for professional work on scaffolding, roofs, trees, suspended systems, electrical work, maintenance, pruning, caving, and high-altitude excursions.

6. Maintenance and Storage

6.1. Cleaning

Clean the harness with a damp cloth. Air dry thoroughly. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals, solvents, or bleach, as these can degrade the webbing material.

6.2. Storage

Store the harness in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and corrosive environments. Protect it from sharp objects, chemicals, and other potential sources of damage. Ensure it is stored untangled and not under heavy objects.

7. Inspection

Regular inspection is critical for maintaining the safety of the harness. A detailed control and inspection log is included with each harness.

7.1. Pre-Use Inspection

Before each use, perform a thorough visual and tactile inspection of all components:

• Webbing: Check for cuts, fraying, abrasions, burns, discoloration, or chemical damage.
• Stitching: Examine all stitching patterns for broken, loose, or pulled threads.
• Buckles and Adjusters: Ensure they operate smoothly, engage correctly, and show no signs of deformation, cracks, or corrosion.
• D-Rings and Metal Hardware: Check for cracks, deformation, sharp edges, corrosion, or excessive wear.
• Labels: Ensure all labels are present and legible.

7.2. Periodic Inspection

In addition to pre-use inspections, the harness must undergo periodic inspections by a competent person at least every 12 months, or more frequently depending on usage intensity and environmental conditions. Record all inspections in the provided logbook.

Any harness that has been subjected to a fall or shows any signs of damage or excessive wear must be immediately removed from service and either destroyed or returned to a competent person for evaluation and repair (if permissible by manufacturer guidelines).

8. Troubleshooting

Most issues with safety harnesses relate to improper fitting or inspection. Refer to the "Setup and Fitting" and "Inspection" sections for guidance.

• Harness feels uncomfortable or restrictive: Re-adjust all straps according to the "Setup and Fitting" section. Ensure no straps are twisted.
• Harness feels too loose: Tighten all straps until snug but not overly tight. Ensure buckles are fully engaged.
• Difficulty connecting to anchorage points: Ensure you are using compatible connectors (e.g., EN362 certified karabiners) and that the anchorage points on the harness are clear of obstructions.
• Visible damage or wear: Immediately remove the harness from service. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. Consult a competent person or the manufacturer.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

PONSA is committed to providing high-quality Personal Protective Equipment. This product is manufactured in Europe with tested materials and rigorous quality control, adhering to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

For specific warranty information, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact PONSA directly. General return policies may apply through your retailer.

For technical support or inquiries regarding the use, inspection, or maintenance of your harness, please contact the manufacturer or your local distributor.

11. Certifications

The PONSA CGPK8 ECO8Solo harness is fully CE certified and complies with the following European standards:

• EN361: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Full body harnesses.
• EN358: Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height – Belts for work positioning and restraint lanyards.

Each harness undergoes individual inspection to ensure the highest level of safety and reliability.