FallTech 8366C Cable D-Ring Extender Instruction Manual

FallTech 8366C Cable D-Ring Extender

Safety Instruction

WARNING

• Avoid moving machinery, thermal, electrical and/or chemical hazards as contact may cause serious injury or death.
• Avoid swing falls.
• Follow the weight restrictions and recommendations in this manual.
• Remove from service any equipment subjected to fall arrest forces.
• Remove from service any equipment that fails inspection.
• Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment.
• Consult FallTech when using this equipment in combination with components or subsystems other than those described in this manual.
• Do not connect rebar hooks, large carabiners, or large snap hooks to the FBH dorsal D-rings as this may cause a roll-out condition and/or unintentional disengagement.
• Avoid sharp and/or abrasive surfaces and edges.
• Use caution when performing arc welding. Arc flash from arc welding operations, including accidental arcs from electrical equipment, can damage equipment and are potentially fatal.
• Examine the work area. Be aware of the surroundings and workplace hazards that may impact safety, security, and the functioning of fall arrest systems and components.
• Hazards may include but not be limited to cable or debris tripping hazards, equipment failures, personnel mistakes, moving equipment such as carts, barrows, fork lifts, cranes, or dollies. Do not allow materials, tools or equipment in transit to contact any part of the fall arrest system.
• Do not work under suspended loads.

IMPORTANT

• This product is part of a personal fall arrest, restraint, work positioning, suspension, or rescue system. A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is typically composed of an anchorage and a Full Body Harness (FBH), with a connecting device, i.e., a Energy Absorbing Lanyard (EAL), or a Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL), attached to the dorsal D-ring of the FBH.
• These instructions must be provided to the worker using this equipment. The worker must read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for each component or part of the complete system. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed for proper use, care, and maintenance of this product. These instructions must be retained and be kept available for the worker’s reference at all times. Alterations or misuse of this product, or failure to follow instructions, may result in serious injury or death.
• A Fall Protection Plan must be on file and available for review by all workers. It is the responsibility of the worker and the purchaser of this equipment to assure that users of this equipment are properly trained in its use, maintenance, and storage. Training must be repeated at regular intervals. Training must not subject the trainee to fall hazards.
• Consult a doctor if there is reason to doubt your fitness to safely absorb the shock of a fall event. Age and fitness seriously affect a worker’s ability to withstand falls. Pregnant women or minors must not use this equipment.
• ANSI limits the weight of fall protection equipment users to a maximum of 310 lbs. Products in this manual may have a rated capacity exceeding ANSI capacity limits. Heavy users experience more risk of serious injury or death due to falls because of increased fall arrest forces placed on the user’s body. In addition, the onset of suspension trauma after a fall even may be accelerated for heavy users.
• The user of the equipment discussed in this manual must read and understand the entire manual before beginning work.
• NOTE: For more information, consult the ANSI Z359 body of standards.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON LEADING EDGE APPLICATIONS

• D-ring extenders are designed to facilitate connecting to the dorsal D-ring of a full body harness (FBH). When used in conjunction with an FBH, the D-ring extender may be used as part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).
• While working at height exposes users to inherent hazards, the use of any D-ring extender in a leading edge environment exposes users to specific risks associated with extended free-fall, increased fall-forces, and potential contact with sharp or abrasive edges.
• It should be understood that connecting directly to the dorsal D-ring mitigates the aforementioned specific risks. As previously discussed, this product should only be used with-in an approved PFAS and in accordance with the user instruction manual.
• It is ultimately the duty of the Competent Person to weigh the associated risks of using a D-ring Extender against the benefit of the convenient attachment point it offers. The risk associated with any part of the energy absorbing element making contact with a sharp edge during a fall-event exists with or without the presence of a D-ring Extender.

Description

The FallTech® D-Ring Extender consists of a length of polyester webbing with one or two D-rings on the anchorage end, and a snap hook or a web loop at the attachment end. The FallTech® Cable D-Ring Extender consists of a swaged length of 1/4” diameter galvanized steel cable with a D-Ring on the anchorage end and a snap hook at the harness attachment end.

• Type A: D-Ring Extender is a length of polyester webbing equipped with a single D-ring on the anchorage end, and a self-closing self-locking snap hook on the harness attachment end. Webbing is in four lengths: 14”, 16”, 18” and 24”.
• Type B: D-Ring Extender is an 18” length of poly webbing equipped with a single D-ring on the anchorage end and a web loop at the harness attachment end.
• Type C: D-Ring Extender is an 18” length of poly webbing equipped with a double D-ring on the anchorage end and a self-closing self-locking snap hook on the harness attachment end.
• Type D: Cable D-Ring Extender is an 18” length of swaged 1/4” diameter galvanized steel cable with a D-Ring on the anchorage end and a snap hook at the harness attachment end.

Application
Purpose: D-Ring Extenders are designed to facilitate connecting to the dorsal D-Ring of the Full Body Harness (FBH). When used in conjunction with an FBH, the D-Ring Extender may be used as part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) only if it is used in combination with other suitable fall arrest components. See Figure 2A and 2B.

WARNING
Do not attach an Energy Absorbing Lanyard (EAL) or other connector to the dorsal D-Ring of a Full Body Harness (FBH) when using a D-Ring ex-tender. Two active connectors on a single D-ring is not in compliance with ANSI requirements or OSHA regulations. Type A, B and D extenders are designed to allow access to the dorsal D-Ring of the FBH without removing the harness. By extending the D-ring, users can connect to an overhead SRL. Type B and C allow the transfer of anchorage connection between deceleration devices while maintaining 100% tie-off. DO NOT attach a EAL/SRL or other connectors to the user’s dorsal D-ring while this product is in use.

1. Fall Restraint: The D-ring extender, when installed by a Competent Person, may be used in restraint applications, to prevent the user from reaching a fall hazard. No free fall is permitted.
2. D-Ring Extender for Fall Arrest Application: The D-ring extender may be used as part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). A PFAS will typically include an anchorage, a Full Body Harness (FBH) and a deceleration device such as an Energy Absorbing Lanyard (EAL), a Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL), or a Vertical Lifeline (VLL) when used with a rope grab/EAL.

D-Ring Extenders can facilitate connection to an anchorage by providing some extra length to make it easier to connect the dorsal D-Ring of the FBH to the deceleration device and provide 100% tie-off while in transition between deceleration devices. Maximum permissible free fall is six feet.

Application Limits: Take action to avoid sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, and thermal, electrical and chemical hazards.
DO NOT:

• Exceed the six-foot limit of free fall.
• Use the D-Ring Extender to hoist tools or materials.
• Use the D-Ring Extender to attach more than one user to an anchorage.
• Exceed the weight capacity of the extender. See Section 4.

Positioning, Suspension, Rescue: This equipment is not suitable for and is not to be used for positioning, suspension, or rescue applications.

System Requirements

1. Capacity: The capacity of the equipment in Specifications is listed as 425 lbs. (193 kg). To maintain ANSI Z359 compliance, limit total user weight (including tools, clothing, etc.) to no more than 310 lbs. (140.6 kg). NOTE: Any use by any worker exceeding a total user weight of 310 lbs. (including tools and equipment) must utilize a PFAS designed for such weight. No more than one PFAS or extender may be connected to one anchorage at one time.
2. Compatibility of Connectors: Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting elements when they have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open regardless of how they become oriented. Contact FallTech if you have any questions about compatibility. Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage. Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-closing, self-locking connectors are required by ANSI and OSHA.
3. Compatibility of Components: Equipment is designed for use with approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect the safety and reliability of the complete system.
4. Making Connections: Only use self-locking connectors with this equipment. Only use connectors that are suitable to each application. Ensure all connections are compatible in size, shape, and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Visually ensure all connectors are fully closed and locked. Connectors are designed to be used only as specified in each product’s user’s instructions. See Figure 3.
5. Personal Fall Arrest System: PFAS used with this equipment must meet ANSI Z359 requirements and applicable OSHA regulations. An FBH must be worn when this equipment is used as a component of a PFAS. OSHA regulations require the PFAS to arrest the user’s fall with a maximum arresting force of 1,800 lbs. and limit the free fall to 6 feet or less. If the maximum free fall distance must be exceeded, the employer must document, based on test data, that the maximum arresting force will not be exceeded and the PFAS will function properly.
   • PFAS Anchorage Strength: An anchorage selected for PFAS must have a strength able to sustain a static load applied in the direction permitted by the PFAS of at least:
     • Two times the maximum arrest force permitted when certification exists, or
     • 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN) in the absence of certification.
6. Restraint System: Restraint systems utilizing a D-ring extender must be designed by a Competent Person.

Installation & Use

Installation of D-Ring Extenders must be under the supervision of a Competent Person trained in their design and use. NOTE: Approved fall protection may be required during installation of all extender units discussed in this manual. DO NOT use any extender discussed in this manual until the system has been completely installed, inspected, and approved for use by a Competent Person.

1. Anchorage Location: Select a suitable anchorage point that will support the strength requirement and minimize free fall and swing hazards. See Section 4.5.1 of this manual for anchorage strength requirements. DO NOT allow free fall to exceed six feet.
2. Fall Clearance Distance: Take action to reduce the danger of falls. Ensure sufficient clearance in the fall area to arrest the fall before contact with the ground or other obstructions. The actual clearance required is dependent upon the type of connecting subsystem used (EAL, SRL). See Figure 4.
   • NOTE: Use of an extender will increase the users potential fall distance. The user must be sure the increased total length of a lanyard is accounted for in calculating fall clearance distances, including swing fall. Be aware that when using an SRL, there may be additional fall clearance required depending on anchor point location. If unsure, consult a Competent Person.
3. Swing Fall: Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs. The total fall distance may be greatly increased during a swing fall. The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury. Minimize swing falls by installing anchors at least six feet from exposed edges and by working as directly below the anchorage point as possible. Consult the equipment manufacturer’s user instructions. See Figure 5.
4. General Installation Requirements: The Type A, B, C and D D-Ring Extenders are designed to enable easier connection to the FBH, or for attaching an EAL or SRL to an anchorage structure. See paragraph 4.5.1. NOTE: The requirement for approved fall protection during installation of this extender applies to all extender models covered in this manual.
5. Use the Type A, B, and C D-Ring Extenders as Extensions:
   • Type A and Type D: Attach the snap hook on the D-Ring extender to the dorsal D-Ring of the FBH only. Ensure the snap hook closes and locks completely. At the work location, attach the extender to the appropriate connecting device, either an EAL or SRL by connecting the attachment end connector to the D-Ring at the end of the extender. Consult the EAL or SRL manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
     See Figure 6.
   • Type B: To attach to the FBH, pass the web loop through the dorsal D-Ring on the FBH, then pass the D-Ring on the extender through the web loop. Choke the extender down on the dorsal D-Ring. See Figure 7.
   • Attach an appropriate connecting device, either an EAL or SRL by connecting the attachment end connector to the D-Ring at the end of the extender. Consult the EAL or SRL manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. See Figure 8.
   • Type C: Attach the snap hook on the D-Ring extender to the dorsal D-Ring of the FBH only. Ensure the snap hook closes and locks completely. The twin D-Rings at the other end of the extender provide multiple connector attachment options. The user may connect a deceleration device to one D-Ring, leaving the other D-Ring free for attachment of another deceleration device during transitions, to maintain 100% tie-off. Consult the EAL or SRL manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. See Figure 9.

DO NOT

• Connect more than one connector (i.e. snap hook or carabiner) to the back D-Ring of an FBH.
• Connect more than one device to the D-Ring of the extender.

After a Fall: Any equipment subjected to fall arrest forces or exhibiting damage consistent with the effect of a fall event must be removed from service immediately.
Maintenance, Service and Storage
Keep the unit clean and free of a build-up of contaminants and corrosion.

1. Storage: When not installed, store in a clean, dry area. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to environmental elements. Do not place other equipment or objects on top of the extender. Do not store in a manner that would allow other equipment to bend, crack, contaminate or otherwise damage the extender.
2. Remove From Service: Remove the extender from service if it has been subjected to fall arrest forces or fails inspection.

Inspection

Prior to each use, the user must inspect the extender for any physical damage, wear, corrosion or missing parts. If the extender has been subjected to fall arrest forces it must be removed from service.

1. Inspect the D-ring extension hardware (D-rings, snap hooks). These items must not be damaged, broken, distorted, or have any sharp edges, burrs, cracks, worn parts, or corrosion.
2. Inspect the webbing (Type A through C Extenders). The material must be free of frayed, cut, or broken fibers. Check for tears, abrasions, mold, burns, or discoloration. Inspect the stitching. Check for pulled or cut stitches. The webbing must be free of knots, ex-cessive soiling, heavy paint buildup, and rust staining. Check for chemical or heat damage, indicated by brown, discolored, or brittle areas. Check for ultraviolet damage, indicated by discoloration and the presence of splinters or slivers on the webbing surface. All of these above factors are known to reduce the webbing strength. Damaged or questionable webbing should be removed from service.
3. Inspect the cable (Type D Cable Extender). Check the entire working length for damage caused by chemical corrosion or excessive heat as evident by discoloration, bird-caging, broken wire strands, kinks and bent strands.
4. Inspect the labels. All labels must be present and fully legible.
5. Inspect each system component or subsystem according to the associated manufacturer’s instructions.
6. The D-ring extension must be inspected by a Competent Person at least every six months.
7. Record inspection results on the Inspection Record provided on the next page or on a similar document.

Labels
The labels must be present and legible.
Type A through C Labels:

Type D Labels:

Definitions

The following are general definitions of fall protection terms as defined by ANSI Z359.0-2012.

• Anchorage: A secure connecting point or a terminating component of a fall protection system or rescue system capable of safely supporting the impact forces applied by a fall protection system or anchorage subsystem.
• Anchorage Connector: A component or subsystem that functions as an interface between the anchorage and a fall protection, work positioning, rope access or rescue system for the purpose of coupling the system to the anchorage.
• Arrest Distance: The total vertical distance required to arrest a fall. The arrest distance includes the deceleration distance and activation distance.
• Authorized Person: A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed to a fall hazard
  (otherwise referred to as “user” for the purpose of these instructions).
• Available Clearance: The distance from a reference point, such as the working platform, to the nearest obstruction that an authorized person might contact during a fall which, if struck, could cause injury.
• Capacity: The maximum weight that a component, system or subsystem is designed to hold.
• Certification: The act of attesting in writing that the criteria established by these standards or some other designated standard have been met.
• Certified Anchorage: An anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint, or rescue systems that a qualified person certifies to be capable of supporting the potential fall forces that could be encountered during a fall or that meet the criteria for a certified anchorage prescribed in the standard.
• Clearance: The distance from a specified reference point, such as the working platform or anchorage of a fall arrest system, to the lower level that a worker might encounter during a fall.
• Clearance Requirement: The distance below an authorized person that must remain clear of obstructions in order to ensure that the authorized person does not make contact with any objects that would cause injury in the event of a fall.
• Competent Person: One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
• Component: An element or integral assembly of interconnected elements intended to perform one function in the system.
• Connecting Subsystem: An assembly, including the necessary connectors, comprised of all components, subsystems, or both, between the anchor-age or anchorage connector and the harness attachment point.
• Connector: A component or element that is used to couple parts of the system together.
• Deceleration Distance: The vertical distance between the user’s fall arrest attachment at the onset of fall arrest forces during a fall, and after the fall arrest attachment comes to a complete stop.
• Energy (Shock) Absorber: A component whose primary function is to dissipate energy and limit deceleration forces which the system imposes on the body during fall arrest.
• Fall Arrest: The action or event of stopping a free fall or the instant where the downward free fall has been stopped.
• Fall Hazard: Any location where a person is exposed to a potential free fall.
• Free Fall: The act of falling before a fall protection system begins to apply forces to arrest the fall.
• Free Fall Distance: The vertical distance traveled during a fall, measured from the onset of a fall from a walking working surface to the point at which the fall protection system begins to arrest the fall.
• Harness, Full Body: A body support designed to contain the torso and distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the upper thighs, pelvis, chest
  and shoulders.
• Horizontal Lifeline: A component of a horizontal lifeline subsystem, consisting of a flexible line with connectors or other coupling means at both ends for securing it horizontally between two anchorages or anchorage connectors.
• Horizontal Lifeline Subsystem: An assembly, including the necessary connectors, comprised of a horizontal lifeline component and, optionally, of: a) An energy absorbing component or, b) A lifeline tensioner component, or both. This subsystem is normally attached at each end to an anchorage or anchorage connector. The end anchorages have the same elevation.
• Horizontal Lifeline: A component of a horizontal lifeline subsystem, consisting of a flexible line with connectors or other coupling means at both ends for securing it horizontally between two anchorages or anchorage connectors.
• Horizontal Lifeline Subsystem: An assembly, including the necessary connectors, comprised of a horizontal lifeline component and, optionally, of: a) An energy absorbing component or, b) A lifeline tensioner component, or both. This subsystem is normally attached at each end to an anchorage or anchorage connector. The end anchorages have the same elevation.
• Lanyard: A component consisting of a flexible rope, wire rope or strap, which typically has a connector at each end for connecting to the body support and to a fall arrester, energy absorber, anchorage connector or anchorage.
• Lanyard Connecting Subsystem: An assembly, including the necessary connectors, comprised of a lanyard only, or a lanyard and energy absorber. Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) – An assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a person in a free fall.
• Positioning: The act of supporting the body with a positioning system for the purpose of working with hands free.
• Positioning Lanyard: A lanyard used to transfer forces from a body support to an anchorage or anchorage connector in a positioning system.
• Qualified Person: A person with a recognized degree or professional certificate and with extensive knowledge, training, and experience in the fall protection and rescue field who is capable of designing, analyzing, evaluating and specifying fall protection and rescue systems to the extent required by the standard.
• Rescuer: Person or persons other than the rescue subject acting to perform an assisted rescue by operation of a rescue system.
• Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL):  A device that contains a drum wound line that automatically locks at the onset of a fall to arrest the user, but that pays out from and automatically retracts onto the drum during normal movement of the person to whom the line is attached.
• Snaphook:  A connector comprised of a hook-shaped body with a normally closed gate or similar arrangement that may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object.
• Swing Fall: A pendulum-like motion that occurs during and/or after a vertical fall. A swing fall results when an authorized person begins a fall from a position that is located horizontally away from a fixed anchorage.

APPENDIX A