PMI AVATAR HARNESS User manual

PMI®AVATAR HARNESS
PMI®DIAMOND CHEST
HARNESS
PMI®CIRCUMFERENTIAL
CHEST HARNESS
For more information about this or other PMI
products, please contact us at:
PIGEON MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES
PO Box 803
LaFayette, GA 30728, USA
706-764-1437 [email protected]
1-800-282-ROPE (7673) PMIROPE.COM
User Information may only be removed by the end user.
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION LOG
Date Use/Maintenance Comments Name
Item Model# Date of Manufacture
Date in service Size Lot/Serial#
74F9
SG51037
SG51043
SG51044
SG51045
PERSONAL GEAR HARNESSES
PMIROPE.COM 1-800-282-ROPE
T
User Instructions
RM00397
PMI LIMITED WARRANTY
PMI products are warranted to the original retail purchaser to be free from defect in
material and workmanship for a period of one year. PMI will repair or replace the item
without charge provided inspection at our factory discloses no misuse or alteration,
which, in our judgment, has affected the condition or functioning of the product. All
implied warranties imposed by law in connection with the sale of PMI products are
also limited in duration to a period of one year. PMI expressly excludes and shall not
be liable for any consequential damages arising out of any breach of the express or
implied warranties on sales of PMI products. Because of the high risks involved in high
angle rope work such as, but not limited to, rescue, rope access, caving, rappelling,
rock climbing and mountaineering, no further warranties exist or are implied by PMI.
Regulations issued under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act require us to include the
following statement: some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts nor the excluding or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitations may not apply to you.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
FITTING AND USE
The Avatar is a one of a kind harness with an array of basic design and not so
subtle features that make it the most versatile, comfortable, and useful harness
you’re ever likely to wear. Available as a seat only or with your choice of chest
harnesses to meet NFPA Class III standards.
This section describes how to t the Circumferential Chest Harness and how to
connect the chest harnesses to the Avatar seat harness. For instructions on how to
put on and adjust the full body harness, go to the section titled “ADJUSTING YOUR
HARNESS”.
These are the User Instructions and all sections apply for the following PMI
products:
Standard Seat Harness - SG51043, Class II when using only the Seat Harness.
Large Seat Harness - SG51044, Class II when using only the Seat Harness.
Diamond Chest Harness - SG51045, This is one part of a multiple-piece harness and
must be used in conjunction with component part number SG51043 or SG51044 in
order to fully meet the criteria of Class III harness.
Circumferential Chest Harness - SG51037, This is one part of a multiple-piece
harness and must be used in conjunction with component part number SG51043 or
SG51044 in order to fully meet the criteria of Class III harness.
Instructions to preset Circumferential Chest Harness to t before attaching to
Avatar Seat Harness:
1.Loosen straps as needed and put on the harness so that the harness straps go
over both shoulders and around your torso under your arms.
2.Position the chest webbing high on your sternum, just above the “nipple line.”
Notes:
a) The circumferential (horizontal) chest strap should be high in your armpits,
but not too high where it would chafe your arms or restrict motion.
b) The dorsal attachment point should lie between your shoulder blades.
3.Adjust the VERTICAL FIT by pulling UPWARD on the over-the-shoulder webbing
through the adjustable buckle and sliding the webbing through the back pad as
needed until properly t.
4.For the CIRCUMFERENTIAL FIT, preset the rear double-pass buckle on the RIGHT
SIDE by adjusting the webbing through it so that neither buckle on this webbing
lies is in the armpit area. BE SURE THE BUCKLE IS DOUBLED BACK WHEN THE
ADJUSTMENT IS COMPLETE (as shown in Figure 1).
5. Remove the chest harness (or have a 2nd person help with the back connection
strap).
This one-time preset is more easily accomplished with a 2nd person.
Notes:
a) The front adjustable buckle should lie approximately 1-4 inches from the
end of the adjustment range when the webbing is pulled tight.
b) Ideal t is as snug as possible without restricting
motion or breathing.
Finalize the CIRCUMFERENTIAL FIT by pulling the chest
webbing through the adjustable buckle to the LEFT.
Connecting the front strap of the Diamond Chest Harness to
the Avatar Seat Harness:
1.The tail end of the strap coming from the left shoulder of
the chest harness should be hanging free and not through
any buckles.
2.Take the tail end of that strap and place it under the inside
of the straight bar on the D-ring that is not attached to the
harness (it is a separate piece that comes included with the
Diamond Chest Harness. Pull the strap to the front, wrap
that straight bar and pull the tail back up through the D-ring
attachment point so that the outward facing part of the
CERTIFICATIONS
NFPA 1983-2012 Class III (Full Body); Class II (Seat Only)
Waist: Min/Max Leg: Min/Max Height Range
Standard 31”- 45” 20”-33” 5’2” - 6’8”
Large 37”-55” 23”-37” 5’2” - 6’8”
SIZING INFORMATION
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
FIGURE 1
FITTING AND USE (continued)
straight bar is covered by the strap but does not interfere with the function of
the attachment point.
3.Then, take the tail of the strap and pull it up to the underside of the Sliding Bar
Buckle located on the right shoulder of the chest harness. The tail goes from the
back of the Sliding Bar Buckle over the sliding bar and back through the bottom
of the buckle at the bottom of the sliding bar. Pulling down on the tail end of the
strap will allow adjustment of the strap and will keep it in place when the sliding
bar tightens down on the strap with applied tension.
4.Connect the Delta Screw Link to the stitch reinforced webbing loop where the
front D-ring is permanently attached.
5. Take the stitch reinforced webbing attachment point on the chest harness and
attch it to the Delta Screw Link. Make sure the Delta Screw Link is screwed
closed and securely fastened with a tool so that it can’t be unscrewed by hand
testing before use.
Connecting the front strap of the Circumferential Chest Harness to the Avatar Seat
Harness:
1.The tail end of the strap coming from the front center of the chest harness
should be hanging free and not through any buckles. Make sure the free moving
elastic loop does not come off the end of the strap.
2.Take the tail end of that strap and place it under the bottom of the straight bar
on the D-ring that is at the front center attachment point of the seat harness.
Pull the strap to the front, wrap the straight bar and pull the tail back up through
the D-ring attachment point so that the outward facing part of the straight bar is
covered by the strap but does not interfere with the function of the attachment
point.
3.Then, take the tail of the strap and pull it up to the underside of the Sliding Bar
Buckle located on the front center of the chest harness. The tail goes from the
back of the Sliding Bar Buckle over the sliding bar and back through the bottom
of the buckle at the bottom of the sliding bar. Pulling down on the tail end of the
strap will allow adjustment of the strap and will keep it in place when the sliding
bar tightens down on the strap with applied tension. The free moving elastic
loop is used to secure the tail end of the strap.
Connecting the back strap of the Diamond and Circumferential Chest Harnesses to
the Avatar Seat Harness:
1.The Diamond and the Circumferential Chest Harnesses have the same
connection to the Avatar Seat Harness for the rear connection point.
2.Undo the loop on the chest harness so that the back strap is hanging free. Make
sure the free moving elastic loop does not come off the end of the strap. Take
the tail end of that strap and place it under the inside of the straight bar on the
back center D-ring. Wrap that straight bar and pull the tail back through the
D-ring attachment point so that the straight bar is covered by the strap on the
outside but does not interfere with the function attachment point.
3.Take the tail of the strap and run it up to the underside of the Sliding Bar Buckle
located on the chest harness. The tail goes from the back of the Sliding Bar
Buckle over the sliding bar and back through the bottom of the buckle at the
bottom of the sliding bar. The free moving elastic loop is used to secure the tail
end of the strap.
The Avatar includes all of the attachment points needed to suit a wide variety of
uses. Full-strength, fall arrest capable D-rings are provided at the waist, sternal, and
dorsal attachment points. Side positioning D-rings and shoulder attachment points
are designed to be used as pairs for positioning. A rear waist D-ring for positioning
is also provided to complement the other attachment options. The foam waist belt
provides excellent support, comfort, and durability.
“FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS” continued on next page...

V7-0715
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS (continued)
INSPECTION
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
RETIREMENT
Shoulder Attachment Points
Designed for use as a
pair for positioning only
IAW ANSI Z359.1 or
NFPA 1983
Meets fall-arrest IAW ANSI Z359.1
or positioning IAW NFPA 1983.
Adjustable shoulder strap
Meets fall-arrest IAW ANSI Z359.1
or positioning IAW NFPA 1983.
Meets fall-arrest IAW ANSI Z359.1
or positioning IAW NFPA 1983.
Designed for use as a pair for
positioning only IAW ANSI Z359.1
or NFPA 1983."
Designed for use as a
pair for positioning only
IAW ANSI Z359.1 or
NFPA 1983."
Note: Accessory loops located behind the side
positioning D-rings are NOT for life safety use.
Rear waist D-Ring
Side Positioning D-Ring
Rear waist D-Ring designed for positioning
only IAW ANSI Z359.1 or NFPA 1983.
Sternal Attachment D-Ring
Side Positioning D-Ring
Waist Attachment D-Ring
Dorsal Attachment D-Ring
Quick Adjust Sliding
Bar Buckle
Certification label
can be found under
shoulder strap.
Adjustable waist and leg
straps
Quick Adjust Sliding
Bar Buckle Adjustable leg straps
Quick Adjust Sliding
Bar Buckle
Have a partner adjust the back adjustment
strap that is attached to the dorsal D-ring
until the dorsal D-ring is positioned
between the shoulder blades. Once this
adjustment is made, it should not need to
be changed if the same person is using the
harness.
5
6
Tighten the shoulder straps until
the upper harness section is
snug on the shoulders by pulling
on the tail end of the webbing
as shown in the diagram above.
Have a partner perform a secondary
safety check of all connectors and
buckles.
9
7Secure all loose ends of straps in their
respective holders.
8Double-check all connectors and
buckles.
Tighten the waist by pulling the waist
straps towards the center D-ring
which should be centered on your
waist.
Secure the leg loops by tightening
the leg loop buckles until snug
and ensure that the leg loops are
not twisted so that they have a
comfortable t.
4
ADJUSTING THE HARNESS (continued)
ADJUSTING THE HARNESS
To ensure a good t, the user must try on and adjust appropriately prior to use.
Follow the instructions for connecting the specic chest harness to make a full body
harness before adjusting the harness.
“ADJUSTING THE HARNESS” continued on next page...
Key Features:
•8 attachment points when used with the Diamond chest harness
•Dorsal, sternal, waist, hip, shoulder, and lumbar attachments
•Fully adjustable rear leg risers and chest harness
•Available in two sizes to t 30”- 61” waists
•Ergonomic padding
•Interchangeable, removable chest harness
Your harness should be thoroughly inspected before each use. Any harness that
does not pass inspection should be immediately retired from service and discarded/
destroyed. Detailed inspection criteria must be established by the user according to
his needs. Inspections should include at a minimum:
•Examination of all load-bearing components for signs of damage.
•Inspection of all stitching for signs of wear, fraying, breaks, loosened/pulled
threads, or cuts.
•Inspection of webbing for signs of cuts, burns, discoloration, broken bers, hard/
soft sections, or excessive wear.
•Examination of buckles and attachment points for proper function.
•Examination of all metal components for corrosion, damage or sharp edges.
•Inspection of webbing rigging and buckles to ensure that harness has been
properly assembled.
•Inspection for any signs of damage from heat, chemical exposure, or other or
other environmental concerns specic to the environment where used.
•Inspection of date of manufacture and date placed in service to determine if
retirement of harness is needed (See “Retirement Criteria” section).
•Inspections should be recorded and maintained in an Equipment Inspection Log. A
sample is provided in these instructions.
Inspections should be recorded and maintained in an inspection log. A sample
inspection log is provided on back of instructions.
Maintaining your harness properly will provide a longer service life and ensure the
highest level of safety during use. The following maintenance guidelines should be
followed:
•Store harness loosely packed in a clean, dry environment.
•Thoroughly air dry a wet harness before storing it; never dry in a heated dryer.
•Keep your harness away from exposure to direct ame or high temperatures such
as in a hot car.
•Prevent exposure of your harness to chemicals or other damaging substances.
•DO NOT attempt to alter, make any modications to or attempt to repair this
harness. Any attempt to do so will void the warranty and the safety of the
harness could be compromised.
Washing: Cleaning Your Harness - If your harness is dirty, you can wash it by hand
or in a front-loading commercial washing machine. Use a PMI® Laundry bag for
keeping the harness from getting tangled/damaged when washing in a machine.
Wash harness by using cool to warm water <30°C (<86°F) with a mild soap. PMI
recommends using PMI® Rope Soap; otherwise non-detergent soaps are best. Soap
used should not contain any bleaching agents.
DO NOT:
•DO NOT use top loading washing machines with agitators because they tangle/
damage the harness severely and can cause damage to the machine.
•DO NOT use a commercial dryer to dry the harness.
•DO NOT leave a wet harness on a surface where contaminants may leach (such
as concrete).
•DO NOT expose the harness to exhaust fumes.
Disinfecting - Disinfection of a harness may occasionally become necessary, such
as when exposed to bloodborne pathogens. To disinfect a harness from suspected
bloodborne pathogens, PMI recommends following the NFPA standard for cleaning
rescue gear of bloodborne pathogens. Keeping in mind that undiluted household
bleach is known to damage nylon, NFPA calls for using a diluted solution of
household bleach to clean rescue gear. Add 60 ml of household bleach per 4 liters
of tap water. That’s about one quarter (1/4) cup of bleach per gallon of water. Be
aware that some commercial bleach solutions are stronger than the recommended
1.5% that is typical for household bleach. Soak the gear in the diluted solution for
ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly with tap water. The rinsing cycle is critical to
prevent any damage to the nylon from the bleach. It is good to soak the gear in tap
water for the same amount of time it soaked in the bleach solution. Never store gear
while it is wet.
WARNING
The use of bleach over a long period of time, in repeated uses, can cause damage
to bers such as nylon. Disinfection of the harness using bleach should be used
sparingly and only when needed.
Drying - Dry your harness in a clean, dry area out of direct sunlight. For best results,
it should be hung up to air dry in a low-humidity environment. DO NOT leave a wet
harness on a surface where contaminants may leach (such as concrete).
Write It Down - Remember to record the cleaning on the Equipment Log.
Keep It Clean - Store your harness in a clean, dark, dry environment, away from
exposure to acids, other harmful chemicals, noxious fumes or other abuse.
Retiring your harness is a judgment that is the responsibility of the user and should
be based largely on results of frequent inspections, environment and use history. If
you have any questions regarding retirement of your harness you can contact PMI.
Use the following Retirement Criteria as guidelines for retiring your harness:
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness where the stitching is cut, torn, excessively
worn or visibly damaged.
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY if harness has been in service for 5 years or more, it must
be retired even if a visual inspection reveals no concerns.
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness whose strength may have been compromised
during use.
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness which is subjected to a major fall or
uncontrolled or excessive loading.
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness with a manufacture date which is greater than
10 years old, regardless of history and usage.
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness whose history and past usage you are
uncertain about.
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness that has been exposed to excessive heat,
direct ame or excessive abrasion.
•
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness that has been exposed to liquids, solids,
gases, mists, or vapors of any chemical or other substance that can deteriorate
the harness materials.
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness that does not pass inspection.
•RETIRE IMMEDIATELY any harness that does not pass inspection when following
the inspection procedures in these instructions, both before and after each use.
WARNING
CUT ANY RETIRED HARNESS to discourage future use and discard it entirely. A
retired harness should not be stored, kept or maintained in such a way that it could
inadvertently be used again.
ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY
•Failure to follow these stated warnings may result in serious injury or death.
•You are responsible for your own safety and decisions while using this product.
•Activities involving the use of this product are inherently dangerous; you must
understand and accept the risks involved.
•Special training and knowledge are required to use this product. These
instructions are not an acceptable substitute for appropriate training by a qualied
instructor. The techniques employed in the safe and proper use of this equipment
may only be learned through training from an instructor who is well qualied
in all phases of vertical rope work. Such instruction will include evaluation of
your comprehension of, and ability to perform, the task required to safely and
efciently use this equipment. Never attempt to use this product until you have
received appropriate instruction and are approved to be competent by your
instructor.
•Harness should not be used near moving machinery, electrical hazards, sharp
edges, or abrasive surfaces without proper additional safety equipment in place.
In addition, harness should be carried where it will be protected, as the harness
could melt or burn and fail if exposed to ame or high temperature.
•All webbing tails should be properly secured before use.
•This harness is tted with safety buckles that ensure no slip performance when
properly rigged. If not used properly, the buckle will not hold and can result in
injury or death. Inspect the buckle on receipt and before use to ensure that the
two part buckle design is functioning properly.
•The user must have a rescue plan prepared and the means available to implement
it while wearing this harness.
•For any safety information regarding this harness refer to all Manufacturer’s/User
Instructions that shall remain available before and after use of this product.
•Use and inspect this product only in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
•The main attachment D-rings (sternal, dorsal, and waist) are for attaching to full
strength anchors used to support life-safety loads. Equipment such as life safety
lanyards, descenders, ascenders, and fall arrest systems are to be attached to
these points in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
•The side D-rings are for work positioning only and designed to be used as a pair
with an appropriate work positioning lanyard. The side D-rings are NOT to be used
as life safety attachment points.
•The accessory loops are designed to attach equipment only and should NEVER be
used for life safety applications such as belaying, anchoring a person, or tying in
to a life safety system.
•Do not alter this product in any way.
•Keep these Manufacturer’s Instructions, all product labels and the Equipment
Inspection Log WITH the equipment so that any potential user can read them prior
to use and make entries after use.
•PMI is not responsible or liable in any way for damages of any kind, injury or
death resulting from direct or indirect incidents related to the use of its products.
•If in doubt about this use of this product or for any additional questions, please
contact PMI at 706-764-1437 before using this product.
WARNING
S
1Loosen waist belt, leg loops,
and front chest strap. 2Step through waist belt, inserting a leg into each loop.
3Flip chest harness forward, over your head, placing head between straps.