DEWALT DXFP532061 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

The instruction manual for the DEWALT DXFP532061 harness 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.

When using the DEWALT DXFP532061 harness, it is critical to adhere to the following warnings:

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

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

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

DO NOT ALTER THE EQUIPMENT IN ANY WAY.

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.

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

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.

The products enumerated in this instruction manual are a part of a personal fall restraint, fall arrest or rescue system. It is important that the user reads and follows the manufacturer’s instructions for each component of the system.

Fall arrest systems and equipment are life saving products and are designed to reduce the potential of serious injury in the event of a fall. However, it is important to note that the user may experience an impact of force on their body in the event of a fall. The victim of a fall may also experience adverse effects due to prolonged suspension in a Full Body Harness (FBH). In case there is a doubt about the user’s ability to utilize this product, the user must consult a physician. Pregnant women and minors are not considered fit for the use of this equipment.

The DEWALT DXFP532061 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: 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. 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 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. The connection will either be a pass-through buckle or a quick connect buckle. 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 the following:

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.

The DEWALT DXFP532061 full body harness is designed for several applications:

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 attachment element on the back of the harness, should be connected to the fall arrest subsystem.

Working Positioning: Supports the user at a work position. It’s used with a work positioning lanyard connected to the belt-mounted work positioning attachment elements (lateral D-rings). A personal fall arrest system is always used as a backup. These D-rings 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. 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 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: Prevents the user from falling when climbing a ladder or other structure. A harness with a frontal D-ring on the sternal location is used. Other components include a vertical cable or rail and a climbing sleeve.

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. It is recommended to use them in conjunction with a yoke to keep the shoulder straps separated properly.

Hip Attachment: These elements shall be used solely for work positioning and always as a pair. They are NOT meant for fall arrest. They are often used for climbing poles, tying rebar, and by arborists.

It is extremely important that the harness fits snugly and is properly adjusted. After donning the harness, make the following checks:

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 of the harness.

Check the leg strap: They should be properly adjusted for complete safety. They hold the wearer within the harness in the event of a fall. Leg straps should be snug but not over tight where they obstruct normal blood circulation.

Check the sub pelvic strap: This strap provides support to the body in a fall and for positioning. It provides a ‘seat’ for the buttocks in a seated position. In a fall, the wearer should lift their legs to transfer weight to the sub pelvic strap.

Maintenance, Service, and Storage

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 proper function and should be removed from service. Never use bleach or bleach solutions to clean the harness. Always air dry the harness; 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 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 inspection by a Competent person, can stay in use. Once it fails visual inspection it must be removed from service.

Never Use Inappropriate Connections:

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.

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.

Important Restrictions While Making Connections:

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.

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, the strength must be multiplied by the number of WPS attached.

Restraint: The strength requirement of anchorages for restraint systems is 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.

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, then multiply 3000 lbs. by the number of systems attached.

Capacity: 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.

Free Fall: As per ANSI Z359.11, personal fall arrest systems used with this equipment must be rigged so that the free fall does not exceed 6 ft. (1.8 m). Restraint systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. Work positioning systems require rigging so that free fall does not exceed 2 ft. (0.6 m).

Extended Suspension: A full body harness (FBH) is not intended for use in extended suspension applications. If the user is going to be suspended for an extended length of time, it is recommended that some form of a seat support be used, such as a seat board, suspension work seat, seat sling, or a boatswain chair.

Swing Falls: Swing fall occurs when the anchorage point is not directly above where a fall occurs. This can result in a pendulum swing, causing the victim to strike nearby objects. This can be minimized by ensuring the anchorage is directly overhead and working as close to the anchorage point as possible.

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