Buckingham GLIDE Series Product manual

Buckingham Mfg. Co.
GLIDE SERIES SADDLES - INSTRUCTIONS/WARNINGS
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The Buckingham Glide Series Saddle is a light weight, modularly designed saddle developed for the professional
arborist. Its modular design is fully adjustable at the sides, waist, and legs to provide ease of use, comfort, adjustability,
versatility, and safety. The Glide Series offers several advantages over a conventional saddle including:
Multiple adjustments to obtain a custom fit.
The ability to change the length and type of suspension strap.
The ability to attach a full body harness.
The ability to replace worn parts.
The Glide Series Saddle is available in a wide variety of styles and combinations ranging from the complete
system, to individual components.
DISASSEMBLED SADDLE:
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ASSEMBLED SADDLE:
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(A)‐WarpSpeedRope
SuspensionBridge
Part#W1‐size:
13”=S&M
15”=L&XL
(A)‐SpectraWeb
SuspensionBridge
Part#W2‐size:
13”=S&M
15”=L&XL
(B)
(B)‐RubberGrommet
(C)‐RingAssembly
(C)
(E)‐OptionalRingfor
SuspensionBridgeSlide
(D)‐Suspension
AdjustmentStraps
(F)‐FrictionBuckle
(F)
(G)‐LegStrapswith
pads,elastic,&
femalequickconnect
bucklesections
(G)
(H)‐LegStrapMale
QuickConnectbuckle
sections
Fig.1
Fig.3
Fig.2
GlideSeriesSaddles.pub (P/N 230168)
12/16/03 (Rev. 08/02/12)
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DISASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:
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1. Remove the existing Suspension Adjustment Strap (D) material from the elastic keeper on the rear of the body
belt.
2. Weave the Suspension Adjustment Strap (D) end through the friction buckle (see Fig. 5-7).
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3. Remove the Suspension Adjustment strap (D) from the D ring slot, the retainer strap on the main body belt,
the elastic keeper (see Fig. 8-10), and then from the Suspension Bridge Ring (A). The Suspension Adjustment
Strap (D) should now be completely removed from the Bridge on the one side (see Fig. 11).
4. Repeat steps 1
through 3 above for the opposite of the saddle. Note: See assembly instructions. This step may be saved until the
one side is done.
5. Next, the Elastic Leg Pad Straps will need to be removed. Remove the Elastic Strap end from the Elastic Keeper,
weave through the plastic buckle, and remove (see Fig. 12-15). The Leg Pad and Strap (G) should now only be
attached to the Bridge (see Fig. 16).
6. Repeat for the opposite side.
7. Now the Quick Connect Buckles and Leg Straps (G) will need to be removed. First, remove the Leg Strap end
from the Elastic Keeper (see Fig.17). Next, press the Quick Connect Buckle pawls to release the male portion of
the buckle (see Fig. 18-19). The Leg Strap should now look like Fig.20.
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8. Next, weave the webbing off of the Male portion of the Quick Connect Buckle according to Figures 21-25 below.
Fig.5Fig.6Fig.7
Fig.8Fig.9Fig.10 Fig.11
Fig.17Fig.18Fig.19Fig.20
Fig.21
Fig.22 Fig.23 Fig.24
Fig.25
GlideSeriesSaddles.pub (P/N 230168)
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Fig.12Fig.16Fig.15Fig.14Fig.13
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9. Now that the Leg Strap (G) is free of the Male Quick Connect Buckle sections (H), it can be slid off of the looped
web portion of the Ring Assembly (C)-See Fig. 26. The Leg Strap with pad, elastic, & Female Quick Connect
Buckle section should now be completely removed as seen in Fig. 27.
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10. Repeat for the opposite side, and the Suspension Bridge Assembly should now be completely removed
(see Fig. 28). Note: See assembly instructions. This step may be saved until the one side is done.
11. The disassembled saddle is now shown in Figure 29.
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12. To Remove the Warp Speed Rope (or Spectra Web) from the assembly, loosen the rope (or web) loop and
continue to move the loop over the rest of the Bridge assembly as shown in Figures 30-32.
13. Repeat for the opposite side. The completely disassembled components for the Bridge are shown in Figure 33.
Note: See assembly instructions. This step may be saved until the one side is done.
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ASSEMBLY:
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To assemble the Glide Series Saddle, merely follow the DISASSEMBLY instructions in reverse order. It may be prudent
to disassemble one side at a time, such that the opposite side will serve as an example for re-assembly.
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Fig.28
Fig.27
Fig.26
Fig.29
Fig.30Fig.31Fig.32
Fig.33
GlideSeriesSaddles.pub (P/N 230168)
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PUSH
PUSH
Fig.35
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*To make assembly easier, it is recommended to re-attach the suspension
bridge first, weave the suspension web adjustment straps (D) through all
the correct loops and retainers, and then reconnect the leg pads to the
saddle (using the elastic leg pad straps and the leg pad straps after the
correct orientation is met, with the padding of the leg straps facing up and
the male end of the buckles at the bottom. Note that the saddle is sitting
upright to obtain correct orientation (Fig. 34)).*
WEARING INSTRUCTIONS
1.Make sure that the waist strap and leg straps are unbuckled.
2.Step into the belt, pulling it up around the waist.
3.Fasten and adjust the waist belt strap buckle until the work positioning D-rings are positioned slightly forward
of the hip bones and the belt is snug, but comfortable. Use the elastic Keeper
to contain any excess strap.
4.Wrap the leg straps around the legs so that padded portion is behind the
leg and the buckles in the desired position towards the outside of your leg.
5.Connect the quick connect buckles as shown in figure 35.
6.Adjust the leg pad elastic strap as necessary.
7.Adjust the leg straps until they are snug, but comfortable. Contain the
excess strap with the elastic Keepers.
ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Once the saddle has been properly fitted, you can adjust the suspension strap for the perfect feel.
Adjustment of the suspension strap will change your center of gravity. Tightening the suspension straps
will move your center of gravity forward and loosening them will move it backwards.
Adjustment of the elastic leg pad support straps ensures that the leg strap section will be in the most
comfortable position on your legs.
INSPECTION
Prior to each use, carefully inspect this equipment for indications of wear or deterioration. The inspection should
include, but not be limited to:
webbing and suspension bridge cuts, kinks, abrasions, burns, excessive swelling, excessive wear, discoloration,
cracks, charring, broken fibers, loose stitching chemical or physical exposures.
loose, bent, or pulled rivets.
nicks, cracks, distortion, or corrosion of hardware (buckle, D-ring, etc.)
If any evidence of wear or deterioration as outlined is observed, immediately cease use, destroy the product and
replace it with new equipment. Should any unusual conditions not outlined above be observed, or you have reasonable
doubt about a particular condition, remove the equipment from service and notify your Supervisor, Safety Director, or
contact Buckingham Mfg. (1-800-937-2825) for clarification.
Failure to carefully and completely inspect your equipment could result in serious injury or death.
CLEANING, STORAGE, and TRANSPORTATION
Proper maintenance, storage, and transportation of your equipment will prolong its useful life and contribute toward its
performance. Nylon and polyester should be cleaned / disinfected with water and mild soap and be allowed to air dry
thoroughly without using excessive heat. Your equipment should be stored and transported so that it does not come
into contact with moisture, ultra violet rays, extreme temperatures, or chemical agents. Warnings pertaining to cleaning,
storage, and transportation should be strictly adhered to.
NOTE: Ensure proper fit / size of product before use. This product cannot be returned unless it is in new /
unused condition.
GlideSeriesSaddles.pub (P/N 230168)
12/16/03 (Rev. 08/02/12)
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Fig.34

WARNINGS
Read, understand, and follow all instructions, warnings, and cautions before using this equipment. Failure to do so
could result in your serious injury or death.
This product is designed to be used by a person with a maximum weight of 350 lbs. when fully equipped.
Fall protection equipment, (i.e. fall arrest, work positioning belts, climbers, retrieval, suspension etc.) should
notbe resold or provided to others for re-use after use by original user as assurance cannot be granted that a
used product meets criteria of applicable standards and is safe for use to a subsequent user.
KNOW and FOLLOW ANSI Z133.1 for Tree Care Operations
Buckingham Glide arborist saddles are intended for use as personal protection equipment only, not for towing or
hoisting and when properly used, comply with the requirements of ANSI Z133.1.
Do not use without proper training.
Before using the first time, the user should carry out a suspension test in a safe place to ensure that the equipment
is the correct size, has sufficient adjustment, and is of an acceptable comfort level for the intended use.
Before use of the equipment, consideration should be given as to how any necessary rescue could be safely
achieved.
This product is to be used for positioning and suspension only, NOT FOR FALL ARREST UNLESS USED WITH
OPTIONAL RETROFIT HARNESS. Therefore, it may be necessary to supplement arrangements for work
positioning / suspension with collective means (i.e. safety nets) or personal means of protection against falls from a
height (i.e. fall arrest system).
This equipment must only be used for the specific purpose for which it is designed and intended.
Destroy any and all equipment subjected to impact loading.
Never work without independent fall arrest protection if there is danger of a fall.
Keep equipment from coming into contact with sharp edges, extreme temperatures, excessive ultra violet rays,
and chemical agents. Exposure to these elements may have a detrimental effect on the integrity of the equipment.
Always visually check that all buckles are properly closed before use.
Attach only connecting devices meeting standards/regulations for intended use for positioning and suspension to
belt D-rings and attachment points.
Only positioning connection devices should be attached to side D-rings, as side D-rings are not intended for fall
arrest or suspension.
Position and / or adjust the work positioning lanyard in such a manner that the anchorage point is maintained at or
above waist level, the lanyard is kept taut, and free movement is restricted to a maximum of 1.96 ft. (0.6 m).
Positioning and suspension anchor points, as a minimum, must support user’s weight plus all additional job related
loads. Fall arrest anchor points must support a minimum of 5000 pounds per attached worker and be independent
of worker support.
As a minimum the materials used in the manufacture of this product are acceptable for use under all normal
environmental conditions tolerable to humans.
Always visually check that each snap hook freely engages D-ring, or anchor point, and keeper is completely
closed with each use. Never rely solely on the feel or sound of a snap hook engaging.
Before each use check that: 1) fabric or belt strap is free of burns, cuts, broken stitches, or excessive wear, 2)
rivets are not bent, loose, or missing, 3) buckles and D-rings are not distorted or cracked, 4) if there is a tongue
buckle, that the tongue does not bind on the buckle and buckle holes are not damaged. Always remove from
service, destroy, and discard a belt or harness if it fails inspection.
Always use locking snap hooks, or locking carabiners, as outlined in the ANSI Z133.1 standards for suspension,
work positioning, and fall arrest.
When in the work position, ensure there is no pressure on the snap hook locking mechanism sufficient to depress
it as this will, due to its length, render it incompatible with currently designed D-rings and make it very susceptible
to rollout.
During use, all fastening and adjusting elements must be regularly checked to ensure adjustment and closure.
Never attach multiple snap hooks to a D-ring unless they are of the locking type and designed for such
attachment.
Never disable locking keeper on a snap hook or carabiner.
Never punch additional holes in, or alter, any belt or harness in any way.
Product covered under these instructions / warnings should not be resold, redistributed, or re-used afteruse
by original user.
This equipment should be a personal issue to the employee using it.
GlideSeriesSaddles.pub (P/N 230168)
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Documentation containing the following information should be issued and kept for each sit harness (saddle):
identification marks, manufacturer’s or suppliers name and address, manufacturer’s serial number (if
applicable), date of manufacture, suitability for use with other components within personal fall arresting
systems, date of purchase, date first put into service, name of user and space for comments.
Employer - instruct your employees as to proper use, warnings, and cautions before use of this equipment.
SIZING
Fit is important to comfort. Be sure to allow for wearing over heavy clothing. In order to obtain an optimum fit, the
work positioning D-rings should be positioned slightly forward of the hip bones. Below are typical fits given
according to waist size.
X-Small (1S) = 24 -28” (610 - 711 mm) waist size Large (L) = 36-40” (914-1016 mm) waist size
Small (S) = 28 - 32” (711-813 mm) waist size X-Large (X) = 40-44” (1016-1118 mm) waist size
Medium (M) = 32-36” (813-914 mm) waist size
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Additional Instructions / Warnings for Quick Connect Buckle
For your information and attention:
Quick Connect Buckles on those Full Body Harnesses and Arborist’s Tree Saddles that include this style of buckle
may unintentionally disengage under the condition outlined below:
If the pawls of the buckle do not freely rotate, proper engagement of the tab end to the receptor end of the
buckle will be hindered / restricted. If, as a result of the users movements or through contact with an
obstruction during the course of his/her work, one of the two pawls of the receptor end of the buckle is
depressed while tension is induced on the strapping attached to the buckle, the potential exists that
disengagement of the tab end of that side from the pawl may occur. If that position is maintained, and again
through the users’ movements or contact with an obstruction the opposite side pawl is depressed, the tab end
of the buckle may totally disengage from the receptor end.
To eliminate the potential for this condition, you the user should:
1. Inspect your equipment before each use as you would for all safety equipment. Equipment should be replaced if
you have any question / doubt about it being safe for use.
2. Always position the buckles of your equipment so that contact with obstructions is avoided.
3. Test the pawls on your Quick Connect Buckles to ensure they freely rotate and return back to their original
position. If any pawl does not freely rotate, the buckle should be (a) cleaned as outlined below to ensure there
are no obstructions inside the buckle hindering its intended function and (b) lubricated with a lightweight lubricant
such as WD-40® as recommended for locking snap hooks. If the pawl still does not freely rotate, you should
contact Buckingham Mfg. at the telephone number outlined below and request a Returned Goods Authorization
Number for immediate return of your harness or Arborists tree saddle for our inspection and/or buckle
replacement.
4.Ensure the receptor end and tab end of the Quick Connect Buckle is fully connected with both locking pawls
engaged. When the two halves are properly attached together, a clicking sound should be heard. Complete by
pulling the adjuster strap through the buckle and tighten until it is snug but comfortable, thus ensuring complete
engagement.
Cleaning Instructions: The Quick Connect Buckle may be cleaned by using a cotton swab, limited air pressure, or
dipping it into a container of water to remove fine particles and any foreign matter which may enter the receptor end
of the buckle and prevent the proper engagement and function. The exterior of the buckle should be dried with a
clean cloth. The inside of the receptor end of the buckle should be air-dried and re-lubricated.
Maintenance: Lubricate pawls weekly or as often as required to maintain smooth operation (no binding) with a
lightweight lubricant such as WD-40®. Wipe any excess lubricant off with a clean dry cloth.
BUCKINGHAM MFG. CO., INC.
BINGHAMTON, NY
1-800-937-2825
Fax [phone]
e-mail - [email protected]
Information contained in these written instructions supersedes all other information (written, audio, video etc.) produced by Buckingham Mfg. prior to the revision date of this document
GlideSeriesSaddles.pub (P/N 230168)
12/16/03 (Rev. 08/02/12)
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