DEWALT DXFP532031 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

When using the DEWALT DXFP532031 harness, please adhere to the following warnings:

DANGER: Do not skip the instruction manual. Alterations or misuse of this product, or failure to follow instructions may result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: This product is part of a personal fall arrest or restraint system. The user must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each component of the system. These instructions must be provided to the user of this equipment. The user must understand these instructions before using this equipment.

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.

Personal Safety:

• 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.

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

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

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

• Pregnant women and minors must not use this product.

General Requirements:

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

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

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

• 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.

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

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

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

• 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.

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

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

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

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Allow adequate fall clearance below the work surface.

• 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.

Using Connectors:

Ensure that only self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are used with this equipment. All connections should be compatible in size, shape and strength. The connectors used should be suitable to each application. Ensure that they are fully closed and locked while in use.

Inappropriate Connections:

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

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

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

• 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.

• Connectors should not be connected to each other.

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

• 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.

Unintentional disengagement, or “roll out,” can occur with the DEWALT DXFP532031 harness. If the connecting element to which a snap hook or carabiner attaches is undersized or irregular in shape, a situation could occur where the connecting element applies a force to the gate of the snap hook or carabiner. This force may cause the gate (of either a self-locking or a non-locking snap hook) to open, allowing the snap hook or carabiner to disengage from the connecting point. To prevent this, always ensure you are connecting to a compatibly shaped and sized element.

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. If more than one work positioning system is attached to an anchorage, then the strength must be multiplied by the number of WPS attached.

• 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 system is attached to an anchorage, then the 1000 lbs. shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached.

• 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. If more than one rescue system is attached, then multiply 3000 lbs. (13.3 kN) by the number of systems attached.

To calculate total fall distance, the total fall clearance below the worker is calculated from the anchorage connection. The formula is:

(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.

Example Calculations:

• 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)

A 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 Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) or other variable length connecting device.

The DEWALT DXFP532031 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. If an impact indicator is found to have been released (the stitch is open), then the harness should be immediately removed from service.

STEP 2: Check the stitches on the harness. They should be intact, with 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 shape. This makes damaged fibers or cuts easier to detect. 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. The roller should turn freely on the frame. Look for any distortion or sharp edges. The grommets should not be loose, distorted or broken. 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: 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 other arm into the harness, like putting on a jacket. Ensure that both shoulder straps are sitting flat on top of your shoulders.

STEP 3: 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. For tongue buck connections on the DEWALT DXFP532031, slide the strap through the buckle to the grommet that provides a secure, snug fit. 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 4: If your harness has a waist belt you can adjust and buckle the belt to a comfortable, firm fit.

STEP 5: Next you need to buckle and adjust the chest strap to a proper fit. The chest strap should sit approximately 6 inches (15 cm) below the top of your shoulders. Once the connection has been made and the strap is positioned properly and snug to the chest you can tuck any excess webbing into the strap keeper.

STEP 6: Adjust the shoulder straps by pulling on the torso adjustment buckles located on each side of the harness. Adjust the shoulder straps equally. This will also allow you to center the chest strap as mentioned in step 5.

STEP 7: 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 chest strap should be snug and positioned approximately 6″ below shoulder level.

• The legs 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. Make the following checks after donning the DEWALT DXFP532031:

• 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, it may cause strangulation in a fall. Conversely, if it is too low or not connected, the wearer could risk slipping out of the harness.

• Check the leg strap: They should be properly adjusted for complete safety. They should be snug but not over tight where they obstruct normal blood circulation in the legs.

• Check the sub pelvic strap: This strap provides support to the body in the event of a fall and comfortably provides a ‘seat’ for the buttocks. In the event of a fall, the wearer should simply lift up his legs to transfer weight to the sub pelvic strap.

• 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. It can be used for ladder climbing, rope access, and work positioning.

• 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.

• 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. Users are cautioned not to store the unused end of a fall arrest lanyard on the hip attachment elements to avoid any tripping hazards.

The DEWALT DXFP532031 full body harness is designed for the following applications:

• Personal Fall Arrest: Along with a connecting sub system (e.g., energy absorbing lanyard), it constitutes a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). The maximum arresting force should not be more than 1800 lbs. (8 kN). Only the dorsal D-ring should be connected to the fall arrest subsystem.

• Working Positioning: The harness is used to support the user at a work position. It is used with a work positioning lanyard and connected to the side D-rings. A personal fall arrest system is always used as a back-up.

• Restraint: The harness is a component of a restraint system, which prevents the user from reaching a fall hazard. It is used with a restraint lanyard or restraint line.

• Controlled Descent: The 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: Harnesses equipped with D-rings on the shoulders may be used for entry and egress into confined spaces, making the harness part of the rescue system.

• Ladder Climbing: A harness equipped with a frontal D-ring on the sternal location is used as a component of the climbing system to prevent falls when climbing a ladder or other structure.

• A full body harness can be cleaned with water and a mild soap solution. If a harness is excessively dirty or has a build-up of material like paint, it may hamper its function and should be removed 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 harness after extended storage.

• Lifespan: The lifespan of any component is dependent upon its level of use, the environment, and how it is maintained. Any part that passes daily inspection by an Authorized person or periodic inspection by a Competent person can stay in use. Once it fails visual inspection it must be removed from service.

MODEL NUMBER	DXFP532031
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION	DEWALT D3000 Vest Style, 5-Point, back and side D-rings, QC Chest, TB legs
CONSTRUCTION OF WEBBING	Polyester
HARDWARE	STEEL
MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH	5000
CONFORMITY	ANSI Z359.11-2021

Feature	Included
Rear D Ring Fall Arrest	Yes
Front D Ring Fall Arrest	No
Shoulder D Rings	No
Tongue Buckle Leg Buckles Connection	Yes
Quick Connect Buckle Leg Connections	No
Pass-Through Buckle Chest Connection	Yes
Quick Connect Buckle Chest Connection	No
Adjustable Chest Strap	Yes
Adjustable Leg Straps	Yes
Adjustable Shoulder Straps	Yes
Sliding Chest Strap	Yes
Rear Sit Strap	Yes
Side D Rings w/o padded waist belt	Yes
Padded Waist Belt with Side D Rings	No
Plastic Webbing Holders	Yes
Plastic Web End Stops	Yes
Fall Arrest Indicator Tags	Yes
Lanyard Keepers	Yes
Contrasting Stitching	Yes
Label / Instruction Pouch	Yes
Light-weight, Polyester webbing, Oil Repellent	Yes
Steel hardware	Yes
Suspension Trauma Strap	Yes
Shoulder Padding	Yes

Suspension intolerance, also known as suspension trauma or orthostatic intolerance, is a serious condition that can be controlled with prompt rescue and post-fall suspension relief devices. A conscious and able user may deploy a suspension relief device, allowing the user to remove tension from around the legs and freeing blood flow, which can delay the onset of suspension intolerance.

An attachment element extender is not intended to be attached directly to an anchorage or anchorage connector for fall arrest. An energy absorber must be used to limit maximum arrest forces to 1800 lbs. (8 kN). The length of an attachment element extender may affect free fall distances and free fall clearance calculations.