Falltech APEX Pro Operator's manual

APEXTM Pro Wood Pole Fall Restrict Device (WPFRD)
User Instrucon Manual
MFRD01 Rev A 113022 FallTech 1306 S. Alameda Street Compton, CA 90221, USA Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
This manual is intended to meet the Manufacturer’s Instrucons as required by the American Naonal Standards
Instute (ANSI) Z359, Canadian Standards Associaon (CSA) Z259, and American Society for Tesng and Materials
(ASTM) F887 and should be used as part of an employee training program as required by the Occupaonal Safety
and Health Administraon (OSHA).

Table of Contents
1.0 Warnings and Important Informaon ..................................................................................
2.0 Descripon ..........................................................................................................................
3.0 Applicaon ...........................................................................................................................
4.0 System Requirements ..........................................................................................................
5.0 Installaon and Use .............................................................................................................
6.0 Maintenance, Service and Storage ......................................................................................
7.0 Inspecon ............................................................................................................................
8.0 Labels ...................................................................................................................................
9.0 Denions ...........................................................................................................................
Appendix A .........................................................................................................................
3
4
5
5
6
13
13
15
16
17
For purposes of this manual, the FallTech Wood Pole Fall Restrict Device in all iteraons may be referred to collecvely as the wood pole fall restrict
device, the APEXTM Pro WPFRD, THE WPFRD, the fall restrict device, the equipment, the device, the product, or the unit.
Throughout this manual, ANSI Z359.0-2012 fall protecon words, phases and terms are used. These terms are all formally dened in Secon 9 of
this manual.
MFRD01 Rev A 113022 2

1.0 Warnings and Important Informaon
This product is part of a personal fall restrict system. This equipment is designed for use by persons trained in its correct applicaon and use.
These instrucons must be provided to the worker using this equipment. The worker must read and understand the manufacturer’s instrucons for
each component or part of the complete system. Manufacturer’s instrucons must be followed for proper use, care, and maintenance of this
product. These instrucons must be retained and be kept available for the worker’s reference at all mes. Alteraons or misuse of this product, or
failure to follow instrucons, may result in serious injury or death.
A Fall Protecon Plan must be on le and available for review by all workers. It is the responsibility of the worker and the purchaser of this
equipment to assure that users of this equipment are properly trained in its use, maintenance, and storage. Training must be repeated at regular
intervals. Training must not subject the trainee to fall hazards.
Consult a doctor if there is reason to doubt your tness to safely absorb the shock of a fall event. Age and tness seriously aect a worker’s ability
to withstand falls. Pregnant women or minors must not use this equipment.
ANSI limits the weight of fall protecon equipment users to a maximum of 310 lbs. Products in this manual may have a rated capacity exceeding
ANSI capacity limits. Heavy users experience more risk of serious injury or death due to falls because of increased fall arrest forces placed on the
user’s body. In addion, the onset of suspension trauma aer a fall even may be accelerated for heavy users.
The user of the equipment discussed in this manual must read and understand the enre manual before beginning work.
NOTE: For more informaon consult the ANSI Z359, CSA Z259, or ASTM F887 body of standards.
• Avoid moving machinery, thermal, electrical and/or chemical hazards as contact may cause serious injury or death.
• Follow the weight restricons and recommendaons in this manual.
• Remove from service any equipment subjected to a fall. Product may return to service aer passing inspecon by a Competent Person who is
not the user.
• Remove from service any equipment that fails inspecon.
• Do not alter or intenonally misuse this equipment.
• Consult FallTech when using this equipment in combinaon with components or subsystems other than those described in this manual.
• Avoid sharp and/or abrasive surfaces and edges.
• Examine the work area. Be aware of the surroundings and workplace hazards that may impact safety, security, and the funconing of fall
restrict systems and components.
• Hazards may include but not be limited to cable or debris tripping hazards, equipment failures, personnel mistakes, moving equipment such as
carts, barrows, fork lis, cranes, or dollies. Do not allow materials, tools or equipment in transit to contact any part of the fall restrict system.
• Do not work under suspended loads.
WARNING
IMPORTANT
MFRD01 Rev A 113022 3

2.0 Descripon
The FallTech® APEXTM Pro Wood Pole Fall Restrict Device is a pole-climbing device to be used as part of a personal fall restrict system for use when
climbing and working on wood ulity poles.
This manual contains one Appendix that contains gures and table specic to the WPFRD discussed in this manual.
The WPFRD discussed in this manual must be properly adjusted and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instrucons. The WPFRD dis-
cussed in this manual has a maximum freefall limit of 2 feet (0.6 m). Working above this 2 foot (0.6 m) freefall limit is prohibited. Keep the WPFRD
at or above waist height. To minimize freefall distance, work as close to the pole as possible.
Figure 1 below depicts the FallTech WPFRD and all of its components that will be referenced throughout this user instrucon manual. In the event
of a fall while in use, the WPFRD’s cleats on the outer strap will bite into the wood pole and the inner rope will ghten against the pole, restricng
or liming the workers’ fall.
See Table 1A in Appendix A for product and materials specicaons.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Figure 1 - About FallTech® APEXTM Pro Wood Pole Fall Restrict Device
8Snap Hook
9Rope Adjuster
10 Body Belt Aachment Carabiners
11 15 mm Cut and Fire Resistant Rope
12 Web Strap Cleat
13 Fixed Bent D-ring
14 Web Strap Handle
MFRD01 Rev A 113022 4
1Neoprene Impregnated Web Strap
2Strap Adjuster
3Strap Adjuster Cleat
4Strap Adjuster Thumb Release
5Adjuster Eye
6Adjuster Handle
7 Stopper
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

3.0 Applicaon
3.1 Purpose: The FallTech® Wood Pole Fall Restrict Device is a pole-climbing device to be used as part of a personal fall restrict system for use
when climbing and working on wood ulity poles.
3.2 Personal Fall Restrict System: A Personal Fall Restrict System is an assembly of components and subsystems used to restrict or limit
freefall during a fall event. It typically consists of a WPFRD and a properly ed lineman’s body belt. Maximum permissible free fall in a
typical Personal Fall Restrict System is 2’ (0.6 m). Ensure that adequate fall clearance exists in the potenal fall path to prevent
contact with a lower level or obstrucon. The WPFRD discussed in this manual may be used on wood poles only.
3.3 Rescue: Ensure a wrien rescue plan, method and system is in place and readily available for rapid response. Rescues may require
specialized equipment or measures. Rescue operaons are beyond the scope of this manual. See ANSI Z359.4 and Z359.2. See Secon 5
for specic instrucons for Pole Top Rescue.
4.0 System Requirements
4.1 Capacity: The Falltech WPFRD is designed for use by a single user with a combined maximum weight of user, tools, clothing, etc.,
of 425 lbs (191 kg).
4.2 Compability of Connectors: Connectors are considered to be compable with connecng elements when they have been designed to
work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open regardless of how
they become oriented. Contact FallTech if you have any quesons about compability. Connectors must be compable with the
anchorage or other system components. Do not use equipment that is not compable. Non-compable connectors may unintenonally
disengage. Connectors must be compable in size, shape, and strength. Self-closing, self-locking connectors are required by ANSI, CSA,
ASTM, and OSHA.
4.3 Compability of Components: Equipment is designed for use with approved components and subsystems only. Substuons or
replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compability of equipment and may aect the safety
and reliability of the complete system.
4.4 Making Connecons: Only use self-locking connectors with this equipment. Only use connectors that are suitable to each applicaon.
Ensure all connecons are compable in size, shape, and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compable, see Figure 2.
Visually ensure all connectors are fully closed and locked. Connectors are designed to be used only as specied in each product’s user’s
instrucons.
MFRD01 Rev A 113022 5
ANever connect two acve components (snap hooks or carabiners) to each other.
BNever connect two acve components (snap hooks or carabiners) to a single D-ring at the same me.
CNever connect in a way that would produce a condion of loading on the gate.
DNever aach to a object in a manner whereby the gate (of the snap hook or carabiner) would be
prevented from fully closing and locking. Always guard against false connecons by visually inspecng for closure and lock.
ENever aach explicitly to a constuent subcomponent (webbing, cable or rope) unless specically provided for by the manufacturer’s instrucons for both
subcomponents (snap hook or carabiner and webbing, cable or rope).
FNever aach in a manner where an element of the connector (gate or release lever) may become caught on the anchor thereby producing addional risk of
false engagement.
GNever aach a spreader snap hook to two side/posioning D-rings in a manner whereby the D-rings will engage the gates; the gates on a spreader must
always be facing away from the D-rings during work posioning.
Figure 2 - Non-Compable Connecons

MFRD01 Rev A 113022 6
4.5 Total Fall Distance: Total fall distance is the expected distance that the WPFRD will travel down the pole in the event of a fall. Total fall
distance is the sum of two values: freefall distance and the deceleraon or slippage distance. The data contained in Table 1 below
is based on ASTM and CSA qualicaon tesng in accordance with ASTM F887 and CSA Z259.14. Performance may vary with
climbing condions.
4.5.1 Freefall Distance: The freefall distance is approximately the distance between the user and the pole under normal climbing condions,
which is the distance that the user may fall before the device engages with the pole. For ASTM and CSA compliance tesng, this distance
is 12 in (30.5 cm).
4.5.2 Deceleraon or Slippage Distance: This is the distance that the WPFRD takes to fully restrict a fall aer the freefall has occurred. In many
cases, this distance is zero. Climbing condions may aect performance. The values listed in Table 1 below are worst case values as
tested to ASTM and CSA.
Table 1: FallTech WPFRD Expected Performance Aributes Under Normal Climbing Condions
Typical FallTech Performance CSA Performance Requirements
Pole Condion Freefall
Distance
Deceleraon/
Slippage
Distance
Total Fall
Distance
Freefall
Distance
Deceleraon/
Slippage
Total Fall
Distance
Dry Pole 12”
(30.5 cm)
4.3”
(10.9 cm)
16.3”
(41.4 cm)
12”
(30.5 cm) N/A 39” (100 cm)
Wet Pole 12”
(30.5 cm)
3.5”
(8.9 cm)
15.5”
(39.4 cm)
12”
(30.5 cm) N/A 49” (125 cm)
Icy Pole 12”
(30.5 cm)
14.5”
(36.8 cm)
26.5”
(67.3 cm)
12”
(30.5 cm) N/A 59” (150 cm)
5.0 Installaon and Use
WARNING
Do not alter or intenonally misuse this equipment. Consult FallTech when using this equipment in combinaon with components or
subsystems other than those described in this manual. All components or subsystems used with the WPFRD discussed in this manual must be in
compliance with ANSI Z359, CSA Z259, ASTM F887, and/or OSHA.
Use cauon. Take acon to avoid sharp and/or abrasive surfaces and edges when possible.
5.1 Pre-Use Inspecon: Before each use, inspect all components of the WPFRD according to Secon 7 of this user instrucon manual. Inspect
all other equipment per the manufacturer’s instrucons. Remove from service any component that fails inspecon.
5.2 Planning: Examine work site for hazards. Inspect pole for integrity, sharp edges, and idenfy the best climbing path. If sharp edges exist
that are unavoidable, use proper edge protecon before climbing or before climbing past the hazard. Ensure a proper rescue plan is in
place before climbing.
5.3 Installaon:
5.3.1 Connecng the Device to the Body Belt: Connect the two Body Belt Carabiners to the primary posioning D-rings of the body belt as
show in Figure 4 below. Ensure that the Body Belt Carabiner on the Rope Adjuster side is oriented such that the Rope Adjuster lies
horizontally with the indicator arrow facing towards the pole. Note: The triple locking oval Body Belt Carabiners can be connected with
the gate openings facing inward or outward. Inward facing gates as shown in Figure 4 makes connecng and disconnecng easier and
prevents materials/equipment from interfering with the gates.

MFRD01 Rev A 113022 7
Figure 4: Connecng Device to Body Belt
5.3.2 Controlling the Tail End of the Rope: The tail end of the rope must be retained to prevent tangling or interference with a ga. FallTech
WPFRD rope tail end comes with both a sewn loop for tradional storage on a breakaway hook or a magnec keeper system for retenon.
See Figure 5 for opmal magnec keeper locaon on body belt.
Figure 5: Opmal Magnec Keeper Locaon
5.3.3 Connecng the Device to the Pole: Wrap the Neoprene Impregnated Web Strap around the back of the pole and wrap the Rope around
the front of the pole. Connect the Snap Hook into the Adjuster Eye with the gate facing downwards as shown in Figure 6 below. Always
visually conrm that the Snap Hook is fully closed and locked around the Adjuster Eye.
Figure 6: Connecng Device to Pole
5.3.4 Moving the Strap Adjuster Towards the Back of the Pole: To move the Strap Adjuster back or ghten the device around the pole, pull
yourself into the pole using the brown Web Strap Handles, then pull the outside Web Strap of the Adjuster handle out and around
towards the back side of the pole. See Figure 7A. Alternately, pull yourself into the pole using the brown Web Strap Handles, then
holding your body weight forward with one hand, shove the short handle towards the back of the pole with your free hand. See Figure
7B.

MFRD01 Rev A 113022 8
Figure 7A: Moving Strap Adjuster Towards Pole
5.3.5 Moving the Strap Adjuster Towards the Front of the Pole: To move the Strap Adjuster forward or loosen the device around the pole, with
weight o of the device, pull the Strap Adjuster Thumb Release back, allowing the handles to slide to the desired posion. See Figure 8.
Figure 8: Moving Strap Adjuster Away from Pole
Figure 7B: Alternate Adjustment Method
5.3.6 Cleat Performance: The arculang design and forward placement of the cleats on the FallTech WPFRD increases stopping performance
and reduces snags. The cleats are designed to engage the pole only in the event of a fall. When the device is impacted, the cleats angle
downward and embed themselves into the pole, arresng the fall. See Figure 9 and 10 below for a visual representaon of horizontal
(Figure 9) versus vercal (Figure 10) engagement of the cleats.
Figure 9: Horizontal Cleat Smooth Climbing Figure 10: Vercal Cleat Engagement
5.3.7 Proper Device Adjustment: Adjust the device so that the cleats are in contact with the wood on both side of the pole. See Figures 11 and
12. As the diameter of the pole changes during climbing, the cleats may need to be readjusted to maintain contact with the pole. So long
as both cleats are in contact with the wood pole, the inner rope is not required to contact the wood pole as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 11: Strap Adjuster Side Proper Adjustment Figure 12: Fixed Web Strap Side Proper Adjustment

MFRD01 Rev A 113022 9
Figure 13: Acceptable Inner Rope Orientaon
5.3.8 Moving the Rope Adjuster Towards the Pole: Pull your body into the pole to release tension on the rope and pull the tail end of the rope
straight towards the pole. Alternately, grab the rope near the pole with one hand and pull the tail of the rope towards the pole with the
opposite hand as shown in Figure 14 below.
Figure 14: Moving Rope Adjuster Towards Pole
5.3.9 Moving the Rope Adjuster Away from the Pole: Press the Rope Adjuster release lever with your thumb while sliding the Rope Adjuster
down along the rope. Alternately, grab the rope with one hand to support your body weight while releasing the Rope Adjuster with the
opposite hand. Fully depressing the release lever allows for a more controlled descent into proper posion. See Figures 15 and 16 below.
Figure 15: Rope Adjuster Release Figure 16: Rope Adjuster Release
5.4 Climbing
5.4.1 Ascending:
1. Connect the device around the pole about waist high.
2. Adjust the device so that both Cleats are in contact with the pole.
3. Adjust the Rope so that your body is a comfortable distance away from the pole, about 2 feet away.
4. Hold the brown Web Strap Handles as shown in Figure 17 below. Do NOT hold the inner rope or snap hook as this may prevent the
cleats from engaging in the event of a fall.
Figure 17: Hold Brown Web Strap Handles

MFRD01 Rev A 113022 10
5. With your pole climbers, take a step into the pole and pull your body forward, towards the pole. Note: Staying close to the pole takes
less energy and allows for a smoother climb.
6. With your body pulled in close to the pole, raise the strap as high as comfortably possible on the pole as shown in Figure 18.
Figure 18: Strap Raising Posion
7. Walk up the pole in the strap unl its approximately waist level as shown in Figure 19 below.
Figure 19: Strap Height for Reposioning
8. With your body pulled in as close as possible to the pole, raise the strap again as high as comfortably possible. Repeat the process and
develop a rhythm. Note: Raising or ipping the strap simultaneously while stepping up with your lead leg allows you to move the strap
further up the pole.
5.4.2 Descending:
1. Step down as low as comfortably possible in the device.
2. Holding the Strap Handles, pull your body in towards the pole.
3. With one foot removed from the pole, lock your knee and aim below your foot towards the heart of the pole and drop.
4. Flip the strap down as low as possible and repeat.
5.4.3 Transferring over Obstrucons: To cross over an obstrucon, the use of a secondary device or system must be used to maintain 100% fall
protecon e-o. A secondary work posioning rope device is the recommended and most ecient way to meet this requirement.
1. Climb up and posion the WPFRD as close to the boom of the obstrucon as possible.
2. Pass the secondary rope around the pole and over the obstrucon, connecng from one Body Belt D-ring to the other as shown in
Figure 20 below. Note: Do not allow the secondary rope to have enough slack to exceed a potenal 2-foot freefall at any point during
its aachment to the Body Belt.
Figure 20: Secondary Rope Device Installaon
3. Disconnect the WPFRD from the pole and step up to reconnect it above the obstrucon. See Figure 21 above.
4. Pass the WPFRD through the secondary rope and connect it a few inches above the obstrucon.
5. Remove the secondary rope and connue the climb/ascent.
Figure 21: WPFRD Connecon over Obstrucon