1
2
CONNECTING THE LINIKING AND DAMPING COMPONENT
!The front loop of the harness should always be attached using the front linking clamp. Always
check the securing of the front linking clamp against accidental opening. It is prohibited to use
the harness with an unfastened front loop. The clamp must not be removed from the harness or
replaced with another clamp.
- directly to the back attachment clamp (1),
or
- to the front attachment clamp (2). The linking and damping component must not be attached
directly to the harness loop nor to the linking clamp.
The back attachment clamp is marked with a letter A, placed on the crossing element,
with arrows pointing to the clamp.
The front attachment clamp is marked with a label with the letter A, placed next to the
clamp. See figures on the right.
!The chosen linking and damping component can be
connected only to the catch element of the safety harness,
marked with a large letter A.
The linking and damping component can be only
attached:
GENERAL RULES FOR USE OF INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR PROTECTION AGAINST FALLS FROM A HEIGHT
!PPE items must be used only by persons trained in their methods of use.
!PPE items must not be used by persons whose medical condition can influence the safety of daily use or use in an emergency mode.
!An emergency action plan should be created for use in case of emergency.
!It is prohibited to modify the equipment in any way without the manufacturer's written consent.
!Any repairs of the equipment can be carried out only by the equipment's manufacturer or their authorised representative.
!PPE items may not be used for purposes they were not intended for.
!An item of PPE is personal and should be used by one person only.
!Check, before use, if all the elements of the protection against fall from a height system work together properly. Check periodically the connections and fittings of the
elements of the equipment to avoid their accidental loosening and unfastening.
!It is prohibited to use protective equipment sets where the operation of one component is disrupted by the operation of other component.
!Before each use of a PPE item, perform a thorough visual inspection to check the condition and operation of the equipment.
!Before use of equipment for protection against falls from a height comprising of the safety harness, check if all the elements are connected properly with each other and if
they cooperate without any disruptions and if they comply with the standards in force:
!During the visual inspection, check all the elements of equipment, paying particular attention any damage, excessive wear, corrosion, wearing through, cuts and abnormal
operation. Pay special attention to the following elements in the listed devices:
- safety harnesses and belts for work positioning - clamps, adjustment elements, fastening points (clamps), tapes, seams, loops;
- safety dampers - attachment loops, tape, seams, housing, connectors;
- ropes and textile guides - rope, loops, thimbles, connectors, adjustment elements, splices;
- ropes and steel guides - rope, wires, clamps, loops, thimbles, connectors, adjustment elements;
- self-locking devices - rope or tape, normal operation of reel and locking mechanism, housing, damper, connectors;
- self-clamping devices - device body, normal shifting on the guide, operation of locking mechanism, rollers, screws and rivets, connectors and safety dampers;
- attachments (snap fasteners) - bearing body, riveting, main pawl, operation of locking mechanism.
!At least once a year, after every 12 months of use, an item of PPE should be taken out of use for a thorough periodic survey. A periodic survey can be carried out by an
authorised person on the site that is responsible for periodic surveys of PPE and is trained in this field. Periodic surveys can be carried out only by the equipment's
manufacturer or their authorised representative. During the survey, all the elements of equipment should be checked, paying particular attention to any damage, excessive
wear, corrosion, wearing through, cuts and abnormal operation (see previous point).
In some cases, the protective equipment has a complex design, e.g. self-locking devices, and the periodic surveys can be carried out only by the equipment's manufacturer
or their authorised representative. After the completion of a periodic survey, the date of next survey is set.
!Regular periodic surveys are of vital importance when it comes to the condition of the equipment and the user's safety, which in turn depends on the full efficiency and
durability of the equipment.
- EN 354, EN 355, EN 353-1, EN 353-2, EN 360, EN 362 - for linking and damping components;
- EN 795 - for anchoring points for the equipment (fixed structure points);
- EN 341 - for evacuation equipment;
- EN 358 - for work positioning systems.
NOTE: 1 A linking and damping component must never be attached directly to the side clamps of a sit harness.
2 Devices for work positioning must never be attached to breast clamp.
A rope for work positioning can be attached only to the side clamps of a sit harness.
According to EN 358, a rope “for work positioning” should be girded around a structural element at the height of the waist of the user or higher.
The length and tension of a rope should be adjusted so that the free fall length is limited to max. 0.5 m.
ATTACHING ROPES FOR WORK POSITIONING ACCORDING
The harness is put on correctly when:
It is possible to place a hand between the individual belts of the harness and the clothing.
Back attachment clamp is located on your shoulder blades.
The front linking clamp is located at the height of middle of your ribcage.
The free ends of belts are secured in loops and fit tight to harness.
PUTTING ON A SAFETY HARNESS
32 41
Shortening Lengthening
Adjustment of the length of shoulder belts
Fastening the automatic clamps of thigh belts and a sit harness for work positioning
Adjustment of thigh belts and a sit harness for work positioning
Lengthening
5
1
1
2
6 7 8
9 10 11 12
Shortening
NOTE: Before using the harness, perform a suspended work check in a safe location.
Make sure the harness is the right size, fits properly and guarantees the necessary comfort of work.
Lift the harness holding the back
attachment clamp. Thigh belts
should be unfastened.
Put shoulder belts on your
shoulders.
Fasten the breast clamp.
Put the free ends of thigh belts over
between your legs. Check if they are not
twisted. Fasten the thigh belts' clamps.
Fasten the thigh belt clamp.
Adjust the length of the thigh belt.
Periodic inspections
The harness must be inspected at least once every 12 months from the date of first use. Periodic inspections must only be carried out by a competent person who has the
knowledge and training required for personal protective equipment periodic inspections. Depending upon the type and environment of work, inspections may be needed to be
carried out more frequently than once every 12 months.
Maximum lifespan of the equipment
The maximum lifespan of the harness is 10 years from the date of manufacture. This is irrespective of shelf life and working life. The harness must be withdrawn from use
immediately and destroyed when it has been used to arrest a fall.
