DEWALT DXFP532032 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

When using the DEWALT DXFP532032 harness, it is crucial to adhere to the following safety warnings:

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.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, read and understand these safety warnings and instructions before using the product. Keep these instructions for future reference.

This 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.

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.

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.

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.

WARNING: 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. This is also known as roll out.

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.

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.

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.

a) Use only those connecting subsystems (self-retracting lifeline, lanyard, rope grab and lifeline, cable sleeves) that are suitable for your application.

b) See subsystems manufacturer’s instructions for more information. Some harness models have web loop connecting points.

c) Do not use snap hooks to connect to the web loop. Use a self-locking carabiner to connect to a web loop.

d) Ensure the carabiner cannot cross-gate load (load against the gate rather than along the backbone of the carabiner).

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 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

This equipment should not be used in high temperature environments unless specifically designed and designated for those applications. Protect this equipment when using near activities like welding or metal cutting.

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 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 Falls: 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 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 a 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)

WARNING: If the only available anchorage is situated below the attachment on the harness, and if there is a risk of fall, then it is essential to use a lanyard with a properly rated energy absorber. It is important to ensure that there is sufficient fall clearance below the user.

The DEWALT DXFP532032 harness can be used in the following applications:

• Personal Fall Arrest: The harness, along with a connecting sub system (e.g. energy absorbing lanyard), 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 for fall arrest.

• Working Positioning: The harness is used to support the user at a work position. It’s used with a work positioning lanyard. A personal fall arrest system is always used as a backup. Connect the positioning sub system to the belt mounted lateral D-rings. These D-rings should never be used for fall arrest.

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

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

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, 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. 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.

WARNING: It is mandatory that a Competent Person other than the user must perform a formal inspection of the PFAS and its components at least once annually. This frequency should be altered on the basis of conditions for use or exposure. The inspection results should be recorded in the inspection and maintenance log.

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. You will note that the chest strap and buckle should be located in front of you.

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. The connection will either be a pass-through style buckle, a tongue buckle with grommet or a quick-connect buckle. 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. Check that:
• The chest strap is snug and positioned approximately 6″ below shoulder level.
• The leg straps are snug but still allow you to easily fit several fingers behind the strap.
• The sub-pelvic strap sits directly under your buttocks without tangles in the straps.

Double check all connections to make sure they are secure.

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. 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. Check that:
• The straps are snug but still allow you to easily fit several fingers behind the strap.
• The sub-pelvic strap sits 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 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.

WARNING: After donning the harness, fasten and adjust all the buckles properly before performing any work. If the buckles are not fastened and adjusted properly, then this may result in serious injury or death in the event of a fall from height.

• 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, 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. Recommendation: The shoulder attachment elements should always be used in conjunction with a yoke which comes with a spreader element keeping the 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. Users are cautioned not to store the unused end of a fall arrest lanyard on the hip attachment elements to avoid any tripping hazards.

• 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.

WARNING: Do not attempt to disassemble the unit or make repairs to the equipment. Send the equipment back to the manufacturer, or persons or entities authorized in writing by the manufacturer to make repairs to the equipment.

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.

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

You should maintain an equipment record and log all periodic examinations. The logs should contain the following information:

EQUIPMENT RECORD

PERIODIC EXAMINATION AND REPAIR HISTORY