DEWALT DXFP532021 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

The instruction manual uses the following safety alert symbols and words to alert you to hazardous situations and your risk of personal injury or property damage:

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

(Used without word) Indicates a safety related message.

NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

WARNING: Read and follow the manufacturer’s instruction for each component of the system.

WARNING: Do not remove product labels which include important warnings and information for all authorized users.

WARNING: Always have a Rescue Plan ready and at hand when using this equipment.

WARNING: DO NOT ALTER THE EQUIPMENT IN ANY WAY.

WARNING: It is important to inspect the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions before each use. Inspection of equipment should be done at least annually by a Competent person and the results recorded in the inspection log.

WARNING: Every individual requires formal training in the use of fall protection equipment and system.

WARNING: In order to ensure that the user is familiar with the instructions provided in this manual, it becomes the responsibility of the user to undergo proper training on the proper inspection, use and maintenance of this equipment. It is also the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all users are trained in proper use, inspection and maintenance of Fall Protection Equipment.

a) It is crucial that the Authorized person/user of this fall protection equipment reads and understands these instructions. In addition, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all users are trained in the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of fall protection equipment.

b) Proper use of fall arrest systems can save lives and reduce the potential of serious injuries from a fall.

c) The user must be aware that forces experienced during the arrest of a fall and prolonged suspension may cause injury.

d) Consult a physician if there is any question about the user’s ability to use this product.

e) Pregnant women and minors must not use this product.

General Requirements:

a) All warnings and instructions shall be provided to Authorized persons/users.

b) All Authorized persons/users must refer to the regulations governing occupational safety, as well as applicable ANSI standards.

c) Please refer to product labels for information on specific OSHA regulations, and ANSI standards met by the product.

d) Proper precautions should always be taken to remove any obstructions, debris, material, or other recognized hazards from the work area that could cause injuries or interfere with the operation of the system.

e) All equipment must be inspected before each use according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

f) All equipment should be inspected by a Competent person on at least an annual basis.

g) To minimize the potential for accidental disengagement, a Competent person must ensure system compatibility.

h) Equipment must not be altered in any way. Repairs must be performed only by the manufacturer, or persons or entities authorized in writing by the manufacturer.

i) Any product exhibiting deformities, unusual wear, or deterioration must be immediately removed from service for inspection by Qualified person.

j) Any equipment subject to a fall must be removed from service.

Work Area Safety:

a) Keep children and bystanders away while working. Distractions can cause hazardous conditions.

b) The authorized person/user shall have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement it when using this equipment.

c) All synthetic material must be protected from slag, hot sparks, open flames, or other heat sources. The use of heat resistant materials is recommended in these applications.

d) Environmental hazards should be considered when selecting fall protection equipment. Equipment must not be exposed to chemicals which may produce a harmful effect.

e) Polyester should be used in certain chemical or acidic environments. Use in highly corrosive or caustic environments dictates a more frequent inspection and servicing program to ensure the integrity of the device is maintained.

f) Do not allow equipment to come in contact with anything that will damage it including, but not limited to, sharp, abrasive, rough or high-temperature surfaces, welding, heat sources, electrical hazards, or moving machinery.

g) Always check for obstructions below the work area to make sure potential fall path is clear.

h) Allow adequate fall clearance below the work surface.

i) Never remove product labels, which include important warnings and information for the authorized person/user.

Component Compatibility: Component compatibility with DEWALT manufactured fall protection equipment is ensured by strictly following the instructions for each type of equipment used. However, if the user utilizes combinations of components or sub systems that are manufactured by others, only a “qualified” or “competent” person (as defined in OSHA) can ensure the compatibility. If substitutions or replacements are made with non-approved components or sub systems, then this may severely affect the compatibility of the equipment, making the complete system unsafe for use.

Compatibility of Connectors: To ensure the compatibility of the connectors with their connecting element, it is important to safeguard that the sizes and shapes of the connectors and the connecting elements do not allow their gate mechanisms to open inadvertently, notwithstanding their orientation with each other. All hooks, carabiners, D-rings and other such connectors must be capable of supporting a min. force of 5000 lbs. (23 kN). All connectors must be compatible with all system components like anchorages, etc. Never use equipment which is not compatible as this may cause the connectors to disengage unintentionally. All connectors must be compatible in shape and size. As per ANSI Z359.12 and OSHA, only self-locking snap hooks and carabiners may be used.

While using DEWALT snap hooks and carabiners, they should not be connected as below:

a) Two or more connectors should never be attached to a single D-ring.

b) Never attach a connector that could result in a load on its gate.

c) Connectors should not be connected in a false engagement. It should be visually confirmed that the connector is fully engaged to the anchor point. Avoid conditions that allow for features that protrude from the connectors to catch on the anchor, giving a false sense of being connected.

d) Connectors should not be connected to each other.

e) Connectors should not be connected directly to the webbing or to the rope lanyard or tie back, unless specifically allowed by the manufacturer.

f) Connectors should not be connected to any object which does not allow the connector gate to close or lock. Anchor shapes that allow roll out to occur should never be used for connection. If the anchor, to which the snap hook or carabiner is attached, is under sized or irregular in shape, then this may allow for the gate of the connector to come in contact with the anchor, thereby causing the connector to open up and possibly disengage from the anchor. This is known as roll out of the connector.

WARNING: Large throat opening snap hooks such as scaffold or rebar hooks should not be connected to standard size D-rings or similar objects. The reason for this is if the hook or D-ring twists or rotates, then this may result in a load on the gate of the connector. Large throat snap hooks are specifically designed for use on fixed structure elements such as rebar or cross members. These are shaped in such a way that they cannot capture the gate of the hook.

a) A snap hook should not be connected into a loop or thimble of a wire rope, or attached to it in any way that may slack the wire rope.

b) Do not make connections where the connector locking mechanism can come into contact with a structural member, or other such equipment, as it may potentially unlock the connector and release the connection.

c) To connect to a single or a pair of soft loops on a harness, a carabiner that can fully close and lock should only be used. Snap hooks are not allowed for such connections, unless specifically allowed by manufacturer.

d) A carabiner may be connected to a loop or ring connector that is already occupied by a choker style connector. Snap hooks are not allowed for such connections.

Rescue Plan

a) A rescue plan should be well documented and in place before performing work at height.

b) The rescue operation must be performed by trained and competent personnel only.

c) The rescue team expert should supervise the rescue operation performed.

d) It is also advised to work in pairs while working on the site.

Environmental Hazards

Environmental hazards may include the following, but are not limited to:

Chemicals

Extreme Temperatures

Corrosive Environments

Gases

High Voltage Power Lines

Sharp Edges

Moving Machinery and Vehicles

The application type determines the anchorage strength requirement. As per ANSI Z359.1 the necessary anchorage strength for the following applications is listed below:

Fall Arrest: As per OSHA 1926.500 and 1910.66 anchorages that are used for attachment of Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms. They should be capable of withstanding a minimum load of 5000 lbs. (23 kN) per user attached, or should be designed, installed and used as part of a complete PFAS which maintains a safety factor of at least two. Rating of the anchorage should always be done under the supervision of a qualified person.

Work Positioning: The structure to which the work positioning system (WPS) is attached must be able to sustain a static load of min. 3000 lbs. (13.3 kN), applied in the directions permitted by the work positioning system. Or, it should be able to sustain two times the potential impact load, whichever is greater; see 1926.502. However, if more than one work positioning system is attached to an anchorage, then the strength mentioned above must be multiplied by the number of WPS attached to the anchorage.

Restraint: The strength requirement of anchorages which are selected for restraint and travel restraint systems is min. of 1000 lbs. (4.5 kN) static load applied in the directions permitted by the system. If more than one restraint and travel restraint system is attached to anchorage, then the 1000 lbs. shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to the anchorage to determine the min. strength requirement.

Rescue: The minimum strength of the anchorage selected for rescue should be such that it is capable of sustaining a static load of min. 3000 lbs. (13.3 kN) applied in the direction permitted by the system. To determine the strength requirement of the anchorage if more than one rescue system is attached, then multiply 3000 lbs. (13.3 kN) by the number of the systems attached to the anchorage.

Swing fall occurs when the position of the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs. In such a case if a fall were to occur, it will result in a pendulum swing of the fall victim and may also cause them to strike nearby objects with force. This may cause serious injury or even death. Such swing falls may be minimized by ensuring that the anchorage is directly overhead, and by working as close to the anchorage point as possible. Swing falls will substantially increase the fall clearance required with a SRL or other variable length connecting.

Capacity: The Capacity of the DEWALT full body harness is up to 310 lbs. (140 kg) hence, the combined weight (clothes, tools, shoes etc.) of a person using these harnesses should not be more than 310 lbs. It is important to ensure that all the components in the system are rated to a capacity which is appropriate to the application.

Free Fall: As per ANSI Z359.11 the personal fall arrest systems used with this equipment must be rigged in such a way that the free fall does not exceed 6 ft. (1.8 m). Restraint systems must be rigged in such a way that no vertical free fall is possible. Work positioning systems are required to be rigged in a way that the free fall does not exceed 2 ft. (0.6 m). Personal riding systems must be rigged so that there is no vertical free fall possible. Climbing systems must be rigged so that free fall is less than 18 inches (46 cm). Rescue systems must be rigged in such a way that there is no vertical free fall.

Total Fall Clearance below worker is calculated from Anchorage Connection. (A) Free Fall Distance (lanyard length) + (B) Energy Absorber Deceleration Distance + (C) Worker height (includes height to worker D-ring and harness stretch) + (D) Safety Factor. Care must be taken to ensure that the total fall distance is clear of obstructions, such as equipment, to avoid contact with a lower level.

6 FEET FREE FALL – (A) Free Fall Distance + (B) Energy Absorber Deceleration Distance + (C) Worker height + (D) Safety Factor = 18.5 ft. (5.6 m)

12 FEET FREE FALL – (A) Free Fall Distance + (B) Energy Absorber Deceleration Distance + (C) Worker height + (D) Safety Factor = 19.5 ft. (5.9 m)

Personal Fall Arrest: DEWALT full body harnesses along with a connecting sub system (e.g. energy absorbing lanyard) typically constitutes a PFAS. The maximum arresting force should not be more than 1800 lbs. (8 kN). Only the dorsal D-ring of the full body harness, D-ring or the attachment element on the back of the full body harness, should be connected to the fall arrest subsystem for fall arrest.

Working Positioning: The full body harness is used to support the user at a work position hence being used as a component of a work positioning system. The full body harness together with a work positioning lanyard constitutes a work positioning system. Personal fall arrest system is always used as back up. For work positioning at height, connect the work positioning sub system (e.g. positioning lanyard) to the belt mounted work positioning attachment anchorage elements (also known as lateral D-rings), or to hip level side D-rings. These D-rings should never be used as connection points for fall arrest.

Restraint: The full body harness constitutes a component of a restraint system, which prevents the user from reaching a fall hazard (e.g. edge of a platform or roof). A full body harness together with a restraint lanyard or restraint line constitutes a restraint system.

Controlled Descent: For applications of controlled descent, a full body harness is connected to a descender or an evacuation system. Such harnesses are equipped with a single sternal level D-ring, one or two frontal D-rings, or a pair of connectors originating below the waist.

Rescue: Configuration of rescue systems is dependent upon the type of rescue. Harnesses that are equipped with D-rings on the shoulders may be used for entry and egress into confined spaces. Hence, the FBH forms a part of the rescue system.

Ladder Climbing: A climbing system prevents the user from falling when climbing a ladder or other climbing structure. A FBH equipped with frontal D-ring on the sternal location is used as a component of the climbing system. Other components of a climbing system includes a vertical cable or rail attached to the structure and a climbing sleeve.

The harness should be inspected prior to each use as per the following guidelines:

STEP 1: Locate the impact indicators. The stitched impact indicator is the section of the webbing that is folded back into itself and held in place with a specific stitch pattern. This stitch opens up releasing the warning sign on the unfolded webbing when the harness is subjected to a fall. If an impact indicator is found to have been released, then the harness should be immediately removed from service.

STEP 2: Check the stitches on the harness. They should be intact, no cuts, severe abrasion or visual damage.

STEP 3: Check the webbing by holding it with your hands 6 to 8 inches apart and bending the webbing in an inverted U. By doing it this way, any damaged fibers or cuts can be easily detected. Repeat this process for the entire length of the webbing, checking both sides of each strap. Look out for any frayed edges, broken fibers, cuts, burns, pulled stitches and chemical damage.

STEP 4: Check the D-rings for sharp edges, distortion, cracks, breaks, and rough edges. Look out for any broken stitching of the D-ring attachments. Also, ensure the D-ring pivots freely.

STEP 5: Inspect the pads for any cracks, excessive wear and other signs of damage.

STEP 6: Check the buckle attachments for abrasion, rust or cracks. Check all connections to the webbing for unusual wear, frayed or cut fibers, or broken stitching.

STEP 7: Check the tongue buckles and grommets. The buckle tongues should not be distorted in shape and motion. They should overlap the buckle frames and freely move in their sockets. Also, the roller should turn freely on the frame. Look for any distortion or sharp edges. The grommets should not be loose, distorted or broken. Also, there should not be any additional punched holes in the webbing.

STEP 8: Friction buckles should be inspected for distortion. The center and outer bars of the buckle should be straight. Carefully inspect the corners and attachment points at the center bar.

STEP 9: If your harness has a quick connect buckle at the chest it should be inspected for distortion, cracks and breaks. The buckles should engage properly and function smoothly.

STEP 1: Lift up and hold the harness by the back D-Ring. Check to ensure that the straps are not twisted.

STEP 2: Open the quick connect buckle.

STEP 3: Grab the shoulder straps and put the harness on over one arm. Be sure that the dorsal D-ring is located on your back and that all straps hang freely and without tangles. Slide your head into the harness between the shoulder pads, like putting on a t-shirt. Ensure that both shoulder straps are sitting flat on top of your shoulders. Adjust the shoulder straps for a comfortable, firm fit.

STEP 4: Reach between your legs and grasp one of the leg straps. Pull it up between your legs and make the connection in front of your harness. The connection will either be a pass-through style buckle, a tongue buckle with grommet or a quick-connect buckle. For pass-through buckles, slide the smaller buckle through the larger buckle to make a secure connection. For tongue buck connections slide the strap through the buckle to the grommet that provided a secure, snug fit. For the quick connect buckle insert the tab of the buckle into the receptor end until you hear a click. This means that the connection has been made. In all cases tuck the excess end of the strap under the strap keeper and make the connection snug, allowing enough space under each leg strap to slide at least three fingers through.

STEP 5: Final adjustments should be checked to ensure proper fit as an incorrectly fit harness can cause serious injury in the event of a fall.

The straps should be snug but still allow you to easily fit several fingers behind the strap.

The sub-pelvic strap should sit directly under your buttocks without tangles in the straps.

Double check all connections to make sure they are secure.

It is of extreme importance that the harness fits snugly and is properly adjusted on the wearer. Loosely fitted harnesses can result in serious injury or even death. It is extremely important that all straps of the harnesses are properly connected so as to ensure fall safety. Make the following checks after donning a harness:

Check the chest strap: It should be in the middle of your chest in front of the sternum, 6 inches below the shoulders. If the chest strap is positioned too high, then this may cause strangulation when the strap moves upwards in the event of a fall. Conversely, if the chest strap is positioned too low or is not connected at all, then the wearer could risk slipping out of the harness in the event of a fall.

Check the leg strap: They should be properly adjusted for complete safety. It is extremely important to wear the leg straps as they hold the wearer within the harness in the event of a fall preventing serious injury or death. Leg straps should be snug but not over tight where they obstruct normal blood circulation in the legs.

Check the sub pelvic strap: Which not only provides support to the body in the event of a fall, but also gives support when used for positioning. This strap comfortably provides a ‘seat’ for the buttocks, when in a seated position. In the event of a fall, the wearer should simply lift up his legs to transfer weight to the sub pelvic strap.

Lanyard Keeper: When not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to a full body harness D-ring should not be attached to a work positioning element or any other structural element on the full body harness unless deemed acceptable by the competent person. This is especially important when using some types of “Y” style lanyards, as some load may be transmitted to the user through the unused lanyard leg if it is not able to release from the harness. DEWALT harnesses come with Lanyard Keepers located at the sternal area, specially meant for parking the unused leg of the lanyard. These also reduce tripping and entanglement hazards.

Web Keepers: DEWALT harnesses are provided with web keepers that serve to control the loose ends of the straps. These loose ends of straps, if left uncontrolled, can get caught in machinery or cause accidental disengagement of an adjuster. Hence, the user must ensure that there are no loose ends of the straps, and that these are kept in place by the web keepers.

Dorsal Attachment: Always use the dorsal attachment element as the primary fall arrest attachment, unless the application allows the use of an alternate attachment. You may also use the dorsal attachment for travel restraint or rescue.

Sternal Attachment: You may use the sternal attachment as an alternative fall arrest attachment in applications where the dorsal attachment is found to be inappropriate by a competent person, and where there is no chance to fall other than feet first. Sternal attachment can be used for ladder climbing in various situations including ladder climbing with an overhead self-retracting lifeline for fall arrest, rope access, ladder climbing with a guided type fall arrester and work positioning. The sternal attachment may also be used for travel restraint or rescue.

Frontal Attachment: Where there is no chance to fall in a direction other than feet first, the frontal attachment may be used as a connection for ladder climbing, for guided type fall arresters and also for work positioning.

Shoulder Attachment: Always use the shoulder attachment elements as a pair. They are an acceptable attachment for rescue and entry/retrieval. Never use shoulder attachment elements for fall arrest. Recommendation: The shoulder attachment elements should always be used in conjunction with a yoke which comes with a spreader element keeping the FBH shoulder straps separated properly.

Hip Attachment: The hip attachment elements shall be used solely for work positioning and shall always be used as a pair. The hip attachment elements are NOT meant for fall arrest. These hip attachments are often used for utility workers climbing poles, construction workers tying rebar and using the same to climb on form walls, and also used by arborists for work positioning. Users are cautioned not to store the unused end of a fall arrest lanyard on the hip attachment elements to avoid any tripping hazards. Excessive loading could be caused to the full body harness and the user through the unused portion of the Multiple Leg Lanyard.

A full body harness can be cleaned with water and a mild soap solution. However, if a harness is excessively dirty, or there is a build-up of material like paint, etc., then this may hamper the harness from functioning properly. In severe cases the webbing may be degraded to a point where it weakens. In such a case remove the harness from service. Never use bleach or bleach solutions to clean the harness as this may damage the webbing. Always dry the harness by hanging to air dry. Do not force dry with heat. The hardware should be wiped off with a clean dry cloth.

Additional maintenance and servicing procedures must be completed by an authorized service center only.

Store full body harnesses in a cool dry and clean environment away from direct sunlight. Avoid areas where there may be the presence of chemical vapors. It is extremely important to thoroughly inspect the FBH after extended storage.

The lifespan of any component of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is dependent upon its level of use, the environment in which it is used and how it is maintained. Any part of the PFAS that passes daily inspection by an Authorized person or periodic (annual or semiannual) inspection by a Competent person, can stay in use. Once it fails visual inspection it must be removed from service.

The label on the DEWALT DXFP532021 includes the following information:

ANSI Standards: ANSI Z359.11-2021, recognizes the use of this harness only within the capacity range of 130-310 lbs.

Identification: Serial Number, Batch Number, Model Number (e.g., DXFP532021), and a QR Code.

Warning: A trilingual warning to reduce the risk of injury, user must read the enclosed instruction manual before using the product.

Harness Details:

Product Type: FULL BODY HARNESS VEST STYLE 5 POINT QC – BACK D-RING

Material: REPELLENT DURABLE POLYESTER WEBBING

Harness Size: (e.g., S-M, M-L, L-XL, XL-2XL)

Max Capacity: ANSI 310 LBS./140 KG.

Harness Application: A diagram showing the location of the Dorsal Attachment point.

Inspection Grid: A grid for recording monthly inspections over 5 years.

Compliance: OSHA COMPLIANT (1910 and 1926 Subpart M), ANSI Z359.11-2021.

Manufacturing Info: Date of Manufacture, Made in India, and licensee information.

You should maintain a record for your equipment. Fill in the following fields:

Equipment Record

Product: DEWALT DXFP532021

Model and type/identification: Crossover Harness

Trade name: DEWALT

Identification number: [Enter the unique serial/ID number from the label]

Manufacturer: [Enter manufacturer details]

Address: [Enter manufacturer address]

Tel, fax, email: [Enter manufacturer contact info]

Year of manufacture: [Enter year from label]

Purchase date: [Enter the date you purchased the harness]

Date first put into use: [Enter the first date the harness was used]

Other relevant information (e.g. Document number): [Enter any other relevant info]

Periodic Examination and Repair History

For each inspection or repair, record the following:

Date: The date of the examination.

Reason for entry: Note whether it’s a periodic examination or a repair.

Defects noted, repair carried out and other relevant information: Detail any findings, defects, or repairs performed.

Name and signature of competent user: The name and signature of the person who performed the inspection.

Periodic examination next due date: The date the next scheduled inspection is due.