DEWALT DXFP532041 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

The instruction manual for the DEWALT DXFP532041 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.

Before using the DEWALT DXFP532041, you must understand and adhere to the following 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.

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.

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.

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 WPS is attached to an anchorage, the strength must be multiplied by the number of WPS attached.

Restraint: The strength requirement of anchorages for restraint and travel restraint systems is a min. of 1000 lbs. (4.5 kN) static load. If more than one system is attached, the 1000 lbs. shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to determine the min. strength requirement.

Rescue: The minimum strength of the anchorage for rescue should be capable of sustaining a static load of min. 3000 lbs. (13.3 kN). If more than one rescue system is attached, multiply 3000 lbs. by the number of systems attached to the anchorage.

There should be sufficient clearance below the user to allow the system to arrest a fall to prevent the user from striking the ground or any other obstruction.

Calculating Total Fall Distances:

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.

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)

The Capacity of the DEWALT full body harness is up to 310 lbs. (140 kg). The combined weight (clothes, tools, shoes etc.) of a person using these harnesses should not be more than 310 lbs. ANSI Z359 recognizes the use of this harness only within the capacity range of 130-310 lbs.

The DEWALT DXFP532041 harness is designed for use as a component in several types of systems:

Personal Fall Arrest: Used with a connecting sub system (e.g., energy absorbing lanyard) to form a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). The maximum arresting force should not exceed 1800 lbs. (8 kN). Only the dorsal D-ring or the sternal D-ring should be connected to the fall arrest subsystem.

Working Positioning: Used to support the user at a work position. The full body harness and a work positioning lanyard constitute a work positioning system. A personal fall arrest system is always used as a backup. For work positioning, connect the lanyard to the belt-mounted work positioning D-rings (hip or side D-rings), which should never be used for fall arrest.

Restraint: Prevents the user from reaching a fall hazard. A full body harness with a restraint lanyard or line constitutes a restraint system.

Controlled Descent: The harness is connected to a descender or an evacuation system. These harnesses are equipped with sternal or frontal attachment points.

Rescue: The harness forms part of a rescue system. Harnesses with shoulder D-rings can be used for entry and egress into confined spaces.

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

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

STEP 1: Locate the impact indicators. This is a section of webbing folded back and held by a specific stitch pattern. If the stitch is open and the warning sign is released, the harness has been subjected to a fall and must 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 it into an inverted U. This helps detect damaged fibers or cuts. Repeat this process for the entire length of the webbing, checking both sides of each strap. Look for 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. Ensure the D-ring pivots freely and check for any broken stitching on the D-ring attachments.

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. Buckle tongues should not be distorted. They should overlap the buckle frames and move freely. The roller should turn freely on the frame. 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. 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, like putting on a jacket. 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. 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. The DEWALT DXFP532041 model uses a tongue buckle connection. 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 it to a comfortable, firm fit. (Note: The DXFP532041 does not include a waist belt).

STEP 5: Next, buckle and adjust the chest strap. The chest strap should sit approximately 6 inches (15 cm) below the top of your shoulders. The DEWALT DXFP532041 uses a quick connect buckle. Once the connection is 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: Check final adjustments to ensure proper fit, as an incorrectly fit harness can cause serious injury in the event of a fall. Double check all connections to make sure they are secure.

It is extremely important that the harness fits snugly and is properly adjusted. Make the following checks after donning the 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 positioned too high, it may cause strangulation in a fall. If too low or not connected, the wearer could risk slipping out.

Check the leg straps: They should be properly adjusted for complete safety. They should be snug but not so tight that they obstruct normal blood circulation in the legs.

Check the sub-pelvic strap: This strap provides support to the body and should comfortably provide a ‘seat’ for the buttocks when in a seated position. It should sit directly under your buttocks without tangles.

The DEWALT DXFP532041 harness features the following attachment points:

Dorsal Attachment: This is the D-ring on the back. 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: This is the D-ring on the front/chest. 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. The sternal attachment can be used for ladder climbing, rope access, and work positioning, and 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.

Maintenance: A full body harness can be cleaned with water and a mild soap solution. Never use bleach or bleach solutions to clean the harness. If a harness is excessively dirty or has a build-up of material like paint, it may not function properly and should be removed from service. Always air dry the harness; do not force dry with heat. The hardware should be wiped off with a clean dry cloth.

Service: Additional maintenance and servicing procedures must be completed by an authorized service center only. Do not attempt to disassemble or make repairs yourself.

Storage: Store the full body harness in a cool, dry, and clean environment away from direct sunlight. Avoid areas where there may be chemical vapors present. It is extremely important to thoroughly inspect the harness 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.