Guardian FABX User manual

LEADING EDGE
RETRACTABLE TYPE FALL ARRESTER
FABX
Part #: ; 
Instruction Manual
Risk Statement
The device is designed to protect against
falls from height and reduce peak forces
generated during a fall below 6kN, when used
in accordance with this manual.
 Rev. C ENGLISH  UK
Do not throw instructions away.
Read and understand instructions before
using this equipment. Never use product
outside scope of instructions.
Contents
2 Declarations of Conformity
6 Worker Definitions
6 Limitations
6 Applicable Safety Standards
6 Product Specific Applications
7 For All Product Applications
8 Specifications and Materials
9 Compatability
9 Maintenance, Cleaning, and Storage
10 Safety Information
11 Installation and Use
12 Labels
14 Diagrams
15 Lifespan and Quality
15 Inspection
16 Inspection Log
Suitable for
LEADING EDGE

2
EU Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer:
Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd t/a Guardian Fall
New Road, Sheerness,
Kent, ME12 1PZ,
United Kingdom
declares under its sole responsibility that the range of PPE described hereafter:
FABX1HW-LE
Retractable Type Fall Arrester with Leading Edge Capabilities
10234
is in conformity with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and with the European harmonised
standard(s) EN360:2002, and in addition has been tested to the requirements of VG11 RfU CNB/P/11.060;
and is identical to the PPE which is the subject of EU Type Examination (Module B) under certificate
number 0598/PPE/22/2305 issued by:
SGS Fimko Oy (0598)
Takomotie 8
FI-00380 Helsinki, Finland
and is subject to the conformity assessment procedure to type (Module D) of the Regulation under
surveillance of Notified Body:
SGS Fimko Oy (0598)
Takomotie 8
FI-00380 Helsinki, Finland
Signed for and on behalf of: Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd t/a Guardian Fall
Name: Peter Upcott Place: Sheerness, Kent
Position: Interim Compliance Manager Date: 09/02/2022
Signature:

3
UK Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer:
Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd t/a Guardian Fall
New Road, Sheerness,
Kent, ME12 1PZ,
United Kingdom
declares under its sole responsibility that the range of PPE described hereafter:
FABX1HW-LE
Retractable Type Fall Arrester with Leading Edge Capabilities
10234
is in conformity with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment as
brought into UK law and amended and with the UK designated standards(s) EN360:2002, and in addition
has been tested to the requirements of VG11 RfU CNB/P/11.060; and is identical to the PPE which is the
subject of UK Type Examination (Module B) under certificate number 0120/PPE/220122 issued by:
SGS United Kingdom (0120)
Rossmore Industrial Estate, Inward Way,
Ellesmere Port, CH65 3EN, United Kingdom
and is subject to the conformity assessment procedure to type (Module D) of the Regulation under
surveillance of Notified Body:
SGS United Kingdom (0120)
Rossmore Industrial Estate, Inward Way,
Ellesmere Port, CH65 3EN, United Kingdom
Signed for and on behalf of: Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd t/a Guardian Fall
Name: Peter Upcott Place: Sheerness, Kent
Position: Interim Compliance Manager Date: 08/02/2022
Signature:

4
EU Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer:
Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd t/a Guardian Fall
New Road, Sheerness,
Kent, ME12 1PZ,
United Kingdom
declares under its sole responsibility that the range of PPE described hereafter:
FABX2HW-LE
Retractable Type Fall Arrester with Leading Edge Capabilities
10238
is in conformity with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and with the European harmonised
standard(s) EN360:2002, and in addition has been tested to the requirements of VG11 RfU CNB/P/11.060;
and is identical to the PPE which is the subject of EU Type Examination (Module B) under certificate
number 0598/PPE/22/2317 issued by:
SGS Fimko Oy (0598)
Takomotie 8
FI-00380 Helsinki, Finland
and is subject to the conformity assessment procedure to type (Module D) of the Regulation under
surveillance of Notified Body:
SGS Fimko Oy (0598)
Takomotie 8
FI-00380 Helsinki, Finland
Signed for and on behalf of: Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd t/a Guardian Fall
Name: Peter Upcott Place: Sheerness, Kent
Position: Interim Compliance Manager Date: 16/03/2022
Signature:

5
UK Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer:
Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd t/a Guardian Fall
New Road, Sheerness,
Kent, ME12 1PZ,
United Kingdom
declares under its sole responsibility that the range of PPE described hereafter:
FABX2HW-LE
Retractable Type Fall Arrester with Leading Edge Capabilities
10238
is in conformity with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment as
brought into UK law and amended and with the UK designated standards(s) EN360:2002, and in addition
has been tested to the requirements of VG11 RfU CNB/P/11.060; and is identical to the PPE which is the
subject of UK Type Examination (Module B) under certificate number 0120/PPE/220232 issued by:
SGS United Kingdom (0120)
Rossmore Industrial Estate, Inward Way,
Ellesmere Port, CH65 3EN, United Kingdom
and is subject to the conformity assessment procedure to type (Module D) of the Regulation under
surveillance of Notified Body:
SGS United Kingdom (0120)
Rossmore Industrial Estate, Inward Way,
Ellesmere Port, CH65 3EN, United Kingdom
Signed for and on behalf of: Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd t/a Guardian Fall
Name: Peter Upcott Place: Sheerness, Kent
Position: Interim Compliance Manager Date: 15/03/2022
Signature:

6
Applicable Safety Standards
Meets or exceeds:
BS EN360:2002
 RfU CNB/P/11.060
Product Specific Applications
May be used to support a MAXIMUM 1 in
a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)
for use in Fall Arrest applications and will
reduce fall arrest forces to no greater than 6kN.
No free fall is permitted.
D-ring: Dorsal (rear), Sternal (chest)
Leading Edge (LE)
May be used to support a PFAS for
horizontal use where contact with a leading
edge is possible, with limitations. Leading
edge radius must be greater than 0.5mm
and be without burrs.
See Installation and Use on pg. 11 and
Horizontal Use Statement on pg. 7.
Worker Definitions
Competent Person Definition
The job site safety supervisor, referred to in this
manual as the Competent Person (CP), must be
a highly trained and experienced person who
is assigned by the employer to be responsible
for all elements of the fall safety program; this
includes, but is not limited to, program regulation,
management, and application. The CP must be
proficient in identifying existing and predictable
fall hazards, and must have the authority to stop
work to eliminate hazards or otherwise promote
safe and compliant work practices.
Authorised Person Definition
A person who is assigned by their employer to
work around or be subject to potential or existing
fall hazards.
Limitations
Fall Clearance: There must be sufficient
clearance below the work surface to arrest a
fall before the user strikes the ground or an
obstruction. When calculating fall clearance,
account for a MINIMUM 1m safety factor,
deceleration distance, user height, length of
lanyard, harness stretch, free fall, swing fall, and
all other applicable factors. A Competent Person
must check all components of PFAS to calculate
fall clearance required.
See Diagram A on page 14.
Swing Falls: Prior to installation or use,
eliminate or minimise all swing fall hazards.
Swing falls occur when the anchor is not directly
above the location where a fall occurs. Always
work as close to in line with the anchor point
as possible. Swing falls significantly increase
the likelihood of serious injury or death in the
event of a fall. Swing fall must be included in fall
clearance calculations.

7
For All Product Applications
Maximum user weight (including all
clothing, tools, and equipment) is 150 kg.
Anchorage point in PFAS must be rated
to withstand minimum 12kN load and be
EN 795:2012 or 1997+A1:2000 approved.
The job site Competent Person (CP) must
ensure that there are sufficiently strong and
accessible anchorage points in the working
environment. Anchorages should be overhead
when possible and the area beneath and
around them should be clear of obstruction and
sharp edges. Always attach to an anchorage
that is as close to the point of work and as high
above head as possible without restricting
free movement. The user should be aware
at all times of which attachment points to
use; if not immediate obvious they must seek
confirmation from the CP. Always ensure that
the means of attachment to the anchorage is
secure before beginning work.
Horizontal Use Statement
The devices have been tested for horizontal
use in accordance with CNB/P/11.060 however
loading over an edge shall be avoided. The
retractable type fall arrester was tested also for
horizontal use and a drop over a Type A edge
successfully. Type A edge definition: A steel
edge with a radius of r = 0,5 mm and without
burrs was used for the test. Due to this test,
the equipment may be used over similar edges
(within the limitations defined in this manual),
as can be found e.g. at rolled steel profiles,
at wooden beams or at a clad, rounded roof
parapet. This device has not been assessed for
suitability on any other edge.

8
Materials
PC/ABS, aluminium alloy, steel,
stainless steel, nylon, PTFE.
Anchorage Connector Point
Specifications
Leading Edge Retractable Type Fall Arrester
PC/ABS Housing
Carry Handle
Connections
Lifeline Connector
Force Management System:
Tactile Rubber Hand Grip
Part # Length Description
10234 10m Galvanized Cable LE RTFA with Alloy Load-Indicating Karabiner
10238 15m Galvanized Cable LE RTFA with Alloy Load-Indicating Karabiner
Maximum Arresting Force
6 kN
Suitable for
LEADING EDGE

9
Compatibility
When making connections with equipment,
eliminate all possibility of roll-out. Roll-out
occurs when interference between a hook
and the attachment point causes the hook
gate to unintentionally open and release. All
connections must be selected and deemed
compatible with this equipment by CP. All
connectors must be EN362:2004 approved.
See diagram B on page 14.
This equipment is recommended for use with
the following products:
Anchorage – EN795:2012 or 1997+A1:2000
compliant systems.
Harness – EN361:2002 compliant harnesses.
WARNING! Not to be used when
anchored to any Class C or D anchor
devices, unless written verification has
been obtained from Guardian.
WARNING! If the user weighs between
100-150kg, ensure all PPE equipment in
the PFAS for use in fall arrest, restraint or
work positioning is rated to the increased
maximum user weight up to 150kg), for
the applicable standards as listed above.
Please contact Guardian with any questions
regarding product compatibility.
Maintenance, Cleaning,
and Storage
Maintenance and cleaning after use is
important for maintaining the safety and
longevity of equipment. Remove all dirt,
corrosives, and contaminants from equipment
before and after each use. Textiles must only be
cleaned with plain water (not exceeding 50°C),
or if plain water is not sufficient, with mild soap/
water solution. Rinse thoroughly and leave to
dry naturally out of direct sunlight and away
from direct heat sources. Never store when
equipment is wet. Never clean equipment
with corrosive substances. When not in use
or during transport, store equipment where
it will not be affected by heat, light, excessive
moisture, chemicals, or other degrading
elements.

10
Safety Information
WARNING!Failure to understand and
comply with safety regulations may result
in serious injury or death. Regulations
included herein are not all-inclusive, are
for reference only, and are not intended to
replace a CP’s judgment or knowledge of
federal or state standards.
CAUTION! Understand the definitions
of those who work near, or who may be
exposed to, fall hazards.
WARNING!Use of equipment in
unintended applications may result
in serious injury or death. Maximum 1
attachment per connection point.
Do not alter or misuse equipment.
Workplace conditions, including, but not limited
to, corrosive chemicals, electrical shock, sharp
objects or edges, machinery, flame/high heat,
abrasive or uneven surfaces, UV exposure, and
severe or prolonged weather conditions, must be
assessed by a Competent Person (CP) before fall
protection equipment is selected. The presence
of any/all of these conditions may have negative
effects on product performance or service
lifetime.
The analysis of the workplace must anticipate
where workers will be performing their duties,
the routes they will take to reach their work, and
the potential and existing fall hazards they may
be exposed to. Fall protection equipment must
be chosen by a CP. Selections must account for
all potential hazardous workplace conditions. All
fall protection equipment should be purchased
new and in an unused condition.
Fall protection systems must be selected,
installed, and inspected under the supervision
of a CP, and used in a compliant manner. The
system must be designed in a manner compliant
with all local safety regulations. Forces applied
to anchors must be calculated by a CP.
Harnesses and connectors selected must be
compliant with manufacturer’s instructions, and
must be of compatible size and configuration.
Snap hooks, karabiners, and other connectors
must be selected and applied in a compatible
fashion. All risk of disengagement must be
eliminated. All snap hooks and karabiners must
be self-locking and self-closing, and must never
be connected to each other.
See Diagram B on page 14.
A pre-planned rescue procedure in the case
of a fall is required. The rescue plan must be
project-specific. The rescue plan must allow
for employees to rescue themselves, or provide
an alternative means for their prompt rescue to
minimise post fall suspension time. Store rescue
equipment in an easily accessible and clearly
marked area.
Training of Authorised Persons (APs) to
correctly erect, disassemble, inspect, maintain,
store, and use equipment must be provided
by a CP. Training must include the ability to
recognise fall hazards, minimise the likelihood of
fall hazards, and the correct use of personal fall
arrest systems.
NEVER use fall protection equipment of any kind
to hang, lift, support, or hoist tools or equipment,
unless explicitly certified for such use.
Equipment subjected to forces of fall arrest must
immediately be removed from use.
Age, fitness, and health conditions can seriously
affect the worker should a fall occur. Consult a
doctor if there is any reason to doubt a user’s
ability to safely withstand fall arrest forces or
perform set-up of equipment. Pregnant women
and minors MUST NOT use this equipment.
Physical harm may still occur even if fall safety
equipment functions correctly. Sustained post-
fall suspension may result in serious injury or
death. Use trauma relief straps to reduce the
effects of suspension trauma.

11
Installation and Use
WARNING! The devices have been
tested for horizontal use in accordance
with CNB/P/11.060 however loading
over an edge shall be avoided.
During overhead use, never work
outside of a 45° cone beneath the
device (22.5° either side of vertical),
if a fall were to occur the device
would lock and the user would
swing like a pendulum and may
sustain injury from this hazard.
If the risk assessment carried out
before the start of the work shows that
the edge is very “cutting” and/or “free
of burrs” (such as in case of an unclad
roof parapet, a rusty steel girder or
a concrete edge): relevant measures
shall be taken before the start of the
work to prevent a drop over the edge
or before the start of work, an edge
protection shall be mounted or the
manufacturer shall be contacted.
Never run or jump whilst attached
to the unit, walking at a steady
pace will ensure that the device
does not sense a fall.
As there may be a risk of injury during
fall arrest due to a collision with parts of
buildings or constructions the relevant
risk assessments must be carried
out and measures taken to eliminate
or reduce the possibility of injury.
Ensure the lifeline is free to extend and
retract from the device, and that the
brake engages with a sharp jerk, before
use. The line between the user and the
device must be taught at all times.
The deflection of the anchor device
shall be taken into account when
determining the clearance required
below the feet of the user.
Step 1
All components of the personal fall arrest
system must be selected and deemed
compatible with RTFA by a Competent Person.
Step 3a Overhead Use
Anchor point must be located above harness
D-ring at a sufficient height to prevent freefall.
Step 3b Horizontal Use
The anchor point may only be situated at
the same height as the edge at which a fall
might occur or above the edge, NEVER below.
Install the device with a minimum setback
distance of 2.5m from the leading edge.
Step 2
Ensure area where work is to be performed is
free of all hazards, including, but not limited
to, debris, rot, rust, sharp or abrasive edges
and surfaces, and hazardous materials.
Step 4
Attach RTFA housing to anchor point with
provided karabiner, or equivalent EN362:2004
compliant connector, and attach lifeline
connector to applicable harness D-ring. Ensure
that the hook of the device is secure in the
D-ring and that the gate of the hook is locked.
During horizontal use, the working area
or lateral movements to both sides of the
centre axis of device anchorage point
must be limited to a maximum of 1.5m.
See Diagram C on page 14.

12
Labels
Only connect device to
fall arrest rated harness
connection point.
Never attempt to modify or
repair RTFA.
Read and understand user
information manual before
use.
For horizontal use over a
leading edge max user weight
is 150kg and edge radius must
be greater than 0.5mm.
0.5mm
150kg
Prior to use, inspect RTFA in
accordance with instructions.
Pull line sharply to ensure
device locks properly.





When anchored above harness D-ring
maximum user weight is 150kg for overhead
vertical use only (non-LE). When anchored
between head and foot level for horizontal
use, maximum user weight is 150kg.
Always ensure sufficient fall clearance
exists. Calculate clearance per instructions.
Never anchor device below foot level
and/or below level of leading edge.
Never work above the level of the foot
level anchorage working surface.

?
150kg
NOT BELOW FOOT LEVEL

150kg
128mm
46.5mm
FABX1 LE
91568-A
TM - 18 Feb 2021

?







Made in the UK by Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd,
t/a Guardian Fall, New Road Sheerness,
Kent, ME12 1PZ United Kingdom
91568-A
150kg
150kg
150kg


Loading of the Retractable Type Fall
Arrester over edges shall be avoided
0598 0120
Suitable for
LEADING EDGE

13
Only connect device to
fall arrest rated harness
connection point.
Never attempt to modify or
repair RTFA.
Read and understand user
information manual before
use.
For horizontal use over a
leading edge max user weight
is 150kg and edge radius must
be greater than 0.5mm.
0.5mm
150kg
Prior to use, inspect RTFA in
accordance with instructions.
Pull line sharply to ensure
device locks properly.





When anchored above harness D-ring
maximum user weight is 150kg for overhead
vertical use only (non-LE). When anchored
between head and foot level for horizontal
use, maximum user weight is 150kg.
Always ensure sufficient fall clearance
exists. Calculate clearance per instructions.
Never anchor device below foot level
and/or below level of leading edge.
Never work above the level of the foot
level anchorage working surface.

?
150kg
NOT BELOW FOOT LEVEL

150kg
150 mm
55 mm
FABX2 LE
91569-A

?







Made in the UK by Checkmate Lifting & Safety Ltd,
t/a Guardian Fall, New Road Sheerness,
Kent, ME12 1PZ United Kingdom
91569-A
150kg
150kg
150kg


Loading of the Retractable Type Fall
Arrester over edges shall be avoided
0598 0120
Suitable for
LEADING EDGE

14

 
Diagram B - Connections


Diagram A - Fall Clearance
Fall clearance calculation example shown below
is based on a standing worker falling directly
in-line with the anchor point.
WARNING! Eliminate Swing Fall
whenever possible! If swing fall
exists, always account for additional
fall clearance. Example above shows
deployment distance based on a 1.5m
freefall over a leading edge using a
CNB/P/11.060 rated leading edge RTFA.
2m
0.75m
1m
Swing Fall
Anchor Point: Above Dorsal D-ring
Upto1.5m
Upto2m
0.5m
1m
Swing Fall
Anchor Point: At Foot-level
Diagram C - Lateral Movement
●Maximum
Arrest Distance
●Harness Stretch
●Safety Factor
●Swing Fall
●Freefall
WARNING! Limit lateral movements to
a maximum 1.5m either side of the centre
axis of the device anchorage point.
WARNING! Additional ground
clearance is required due to increased
arrest distance caused by swing fall
as a result of lateral movement.
1.5m 1.5m
Setbackmin.
2.5m

15
Lifespan
Guardian products consisting entirely of
non-textile components do not have a fixed
lifespan. Guardian products that consist
of textile components of any kind have a
maximum lifespan of 10 years from the date
of manufacture. Maximum product lifespan is
not guaranteed, and is subject to the proper
use, storage, maintenance, and inspection
conditions as detailed in the applicable product
instruction manual. Products exposed to
hazardous environments, including, but not
limited to, demolition, steel construction, high
heat, UV radiation, chemicals, or high salinity
may have a reduced lifespan. Product suitability
for use can only be determined by pre-use
inspections, scheduled maintenance, thorough
inspection conducted by a Competent Person
(CP), and other conditions as specified by the
risk assessment and the product instruction
manual.
Workplace conditions, including, but not limited
to, flame/high heat, corrosive chemicals,
electrical shock, sharp objects or edges,
machinery, abrasive or uneven surfaces, UV
exposure, and severe or prolonged weather
conditions, must be assessed by a CP before
fall protection equipment is selected. The
presence of any/all of these conditions may
have negative effects on product performance
or service lifetime. Always inspect the entirety
of the product.
Pre-use Inspection
Device – Housing and housing connection
point must be intact and shows no signs of
deficiencies such as those listed previously.
Ensure all housing screws are present.
Lifeline - Inspect the entire length of lifeline
for cuts abrasions and wear marks. Ensure
that the lifeline is free from cuts, abrasion,
excessive heating/soiling, wear marks, broken
stitching, fraying, bird-caging, and wear point
reinforcement (if applicable) is present.
Force Management System - Inspect the
shock pouch casing for signs of cracking,
deformation, and degradation. Ensure all casing
screws are present and secure. If parts of the
casing are missing or there are cracks larger
than 20mm, the casing will need to be replaced.
This replacement can only be conducted by the
manufacturer or manufacturer approved agent.
Ensure the break-away segment of the casing
is present and has not begun to separate from
the main body of the casing, and that no white
webbing is visible.
Connection Points - Check that all connectors
automatically close and lock securely. All
connectors must be free from deficiencies
such as those listed previously. Check the fall
indicator on the connector (if fitted) has not
been deployed.
Quality
All Guardian products are manufactured under
ISO 9001:2015 and to the highest standards.
Inspection
Prior to EACH use, inspect the equipment and
connection points for signs of deficiencies,
including, but not limited to, corrosion,
deformation, pits, burrs, rough surfaces, sharp
edges, cracking, rust, paint build-up, excessive
heating, alteration, broken stitching, fraying,
missing or illegible labels, and additionally all
check points in the pre-use inspection criteria.
IMMEDIATELY remove equipment from service
if defects or damage are found, or if exposed to
forces of fall arrest. Ensure that applicable work
area is free of all damage, including, but not
limited to, debris, rot, rust, decay, cracking, and
hazardous materials.
See Inspection Log on page 16.

16
Function Test - Pull line sharply to engage
brakes and ensure device locks before each and
every use. Pull out line to ensure that it pays out
and retracts smoothly and completely.
Labelling – Ensure product labelling is present
and entirely legible. Ensure product age has not
exceeded the stated lifespan. Do not use for
horizontal use unless product markings indicate
this is permissible.
Thorough Inspection
Thorough inspection must be conducted and
recorded at least every 12 months or every
3 months if used in offshore or corrosive
environments. A thorough inspection of
Guardian RTFAs requires the removal of
equipment housing, therefore thorough
inspection may only be carried out by the
manufacturer or manufacturer approved agent,
this inspection may involve disassembly and
repair. In addition, local regulations in regard
to inspection must be followed. CP to inspect
and initial. Separate inspection logs must be
used for each individual piece of equipment. All
inspection records must be made visible and
available to all users at all times. If equipment
fails thorough inspection, it must be immediately
removed from service and discarded or repaired.
During inspection, consider all applications and
hazards the equipment has been subjected
to. Ensure that device certification is current
before use, this device must only be repaired
by a competent person authorised by the
manufacturer.

17
Inspection Log
Serial No: Date:
Model #: User:
Date: Results/Condition: Inspected By: Next Inspection:

18
Notes:

19
Notes:

20
+    
[email protected]
Checkmate Lifting & Safety® T/A Guardian Fall
New Road, Sheerness, Kent
ME12 1PZ
United Kingdom guardianfall.com
Guardian® and its logo are registered trademarks of Pure Safety Group Inc. dba Guardian Fall in the US and other countries.