Reliance 500 Series User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
500X Series Rope Grabs
Phone : [phone]
Toll Free : 888-362-2826
Fax : [phone]
Complies with the current ANSI Z359.1-2007 and
all applicable OSHA regulations and requirements.
Reliance Industries
P.O. Box 2046
Deer Park, TX 77536
5000 Rope Grab
5001 Rope Grab

Page 2
User Instructions
Reliance Rope Grabs
This manual is intended to meet the Manufacturer’s Instructions as required by
the current ANSI Z359.1(2007) ,and should used as part of an employee train-
ing program as required by OSHA.
WARNING: This product is one part of a personal fall arrest, restraint, work
positioning, personnel riding, climbing, or rescue system. Without the other nec-
essary components in such sub-systems the Rope Grab itself serves no useful
purpose. The user must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each com-
ponent of the system. These instructions must be provided to the user before
using this product and retained for ready reference by the user. The user must
read, understand (or have explained), and heed all instructions, labels, mark-
ings and warnings supplied with this product and with those products intended
for use in association with it before using this equipment. It is the responsibility
of the user to assure they are familiar with these instructions, and are trained
in the correct care and use of this equipment. User must also be aware of the
operating characteristics, application limits, and the consequences of improper
use of this equipment. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed for proper
use and maintenance of this equipment. National standards and state, provin-
cial and federal laws require the user to be trained before using this product.
This manual can be used as part of a user safety training program that is ap-
propriate for the user’s occupation.
IMPORTANT: Alterations or misuse of this product or failure to follow in-
structions may result in serious injury or death. If you have questions on
the use, care, or suitability of this equipment for your application, contact RELI-
ANCE Fall Protection for information.
APPLICATIONS
1) Purpose: Reliance rope grabs are to be used as part of a personal fall arrest,
work positioning, or restraint system. Rope grabs are available with or without
an attached energy absorber. Applications include: inspection work, construc-
tion and demolition, maintenance, oil production, window washing, and other
activities where there exists the need for fall arrest or restraint..
2) Limitations: Consider the following application limitations before using this
equipment:
a) Capacity: This equipment is designed for use by one person with a com-
bined weight (including tools, clothing, etc.) of no more than 310 lbs.
b) Free Fall: Restraint systems must be rigged such that there is no possible
vertical free fall. Personal fall arrest systems must be rigged in such a

Instructions for Use
Page 3
way to limit the free fall to six feet (ANSI Z359.1). See associated con-
necting subsystem manufacturer’s instructions for further information.
c) Fall Clearance: Make certain that enough clearance exists in your fall
path to prevent striking an object. The amount of clearance required is
dependent upon the type of connecting subsystem used (lanyard, life-
line), the anchorage location, and the amount of stretch in the lifeline.
See page 10 for more information on determining fall clearance.
d) Corrosion: Do not leave this equipment for long periods in environments
where corrosion of metal parts could take place as a result of vapors from
organic materials. Sewage and fertilizer plants, for example, have high
concentrations of ammonia. Use near seawater or other corrosive envi-
ronments may require more frequent inspections or servicing to ensure
corrosion damage is not affecting the performance of the product.
e) Chemical Hazards: Solutions containing acids, alkali, or other caustic
chemicals, especially at elevated temperatures, may cause damage to
this equipment. When working with such chemicals, frequent inspection
of this equipment must be performed. Consult Reliance if doubt exists
concerning using this equipment around chemical hazards.
f) Heat: This equipment is not designed for use in high temperature environ-
ments. Protection should be provided for this equipment when used near
welding, metal cutting, or similar activities. Hot sparks may burn or dam-
age this equipment. Contact Reliance for details on high temperature
environments.
g) Electrical Hazards: Due to the possibility of electric current owing
through this equipment or connecting components, use extreme caution
when working near high voltage power lines.
h) Component Compatibility: The rope grab addressed by these instruc-
tions is intended for use with Reliance lifelines and lifeline subsystems
only. Consult Reliance if you are considering using this equipment with
other lifelines or lifeline subsystems. See ‘System Requirements’.
i) Training: This equipment is to be used by persons who have been prop-
erly trained in its correct application and use.
3) Applicable Standards: Refer to national standards, including the ANSI
Z359 family of standards on fall protection, ANSI A10.32, and applicable lo-
cal, state, and federal (OSHA) requirements governing occupational safety, for
more information on work positioning systems.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
1) Compatibility of Components and Subsystems: This equipment is de-
signed for use with Reliance approved components and subsystems. Substitu-
tions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems

Page 4
may be incompatible, and may jeopardize the safety and reliability of the com-
plete system.
2) Compatibility of Connectors: Connectors are considered to be compatible
with connecting 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 Reliance
if you have any questions about compatibility. Connectors (hooks, carabiners,
and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN). Con-
nectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components.
Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Non-compatible connectors may
unintentionally disengage. Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and
strength. Self locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by ANSI Z359.4
and OSHA.
3) Making Connections: Only use self-locking snap hooks and carabiners with
this equipment. Only use connectors that are suitable to each application. En-
sure all connections are compatible in size, shape and strength. Do not use
equipment that is not compatible. Ensure all connections are fully closed and
locked . Reliance connectors (snap hooks and carabiners) are designed to be
used only as specied in each product’s user’s instructions. See Figure 1 for in-
appropriate connections. Snap hooks and carabiners should not be connected:
a) To a D-ring to which another connector is attached.
b) In a manner that would result in a load on the gate.
Figure 1

Instructions for Use
Page 5
c) In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap hook or
carabiner catch on the anchor and without visual conrmation seems to
be fully engaged to the anchor point.
d) To each other.
e) Directly to webbing or rope lanyard or tie-back (unless the manufacturer’s
instructions for both the lanyard and connector specically allows such
a connection).
f) To any object which is shaped or dimensioned such that the snap hook or
carabiner will not close and lock, or that roll-out could occur. (Figure 2)
4) Anchorage Strength:
a) Fall Arrest: Anchorages selected for personal fall arrest systems
(PFAS) shall have a strength capable of sustaining static loads, ap-
plied in the directions permitted by the PFAS, of at least; (A) 3,600
lbs. (16kN) when certication exists (see ANSI Z359.1 for certica-
tion denition), or (B) 5,000 lbs. (22kN) in the absence of certication.
When more than one PFAS is attached to an anchorage, the anchor-
age strengths set forth in (A) and (B) above shall be multiplied by the
number of personal fall arrest systems attached to the anchorage.
If the connecting element that a snap hook (shown) or carabiner attaches
to is undersized or irregular in shape, a situation could occur where the
connecting element applies a force to the gate of the snap hook or carabi-
ner. This force may cause the gate (of either a self-locking or a non-locking
snap hook) to open, allowing the snap hook or carabiner to disengage
from the connecting point.
Figure 2
Small ring or other
non-compatibly shaped
element
1. Force is applied to
the snap hook.
2. The gate presses
against the
connecting ring
3. The gate opens,
allowing the snap
hook to slip off.

Page 6
Per OSHA 1926.500 and 1910.66; Anchorages used for attachment of
PFAS shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or
suspend platforms, and capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22kN)
per user attached, or be designed, installed, and used as part of a com-
plete PFAS which maintains a safety factory of at least two, and is super-
vised by a qualied person
b) Restraint: Anchorages must be capable of supporting a minimum of 3,000
lbs. per system attached. WARNING: Restraint anchorages may only be
used where there is no possible vertical free fall. Restraint anchorages
do not have sufcient strength for fall arrest. Do not connect personal fall
arrest systems to restraint anchorages.
5) Lifelines: Reliance rope grabs are to be used with Reliance lifelines and life-
line subsystems. Lifelines used with the 5000 and 5001 are: 5/8-inch (16mm)
diameter polyester blend Reliance 5010 Series vertical lifeline rope assemblies.
See appropriate lifeline instructions for rope elongation factors. The following
lifeline requirements must be followed:
a) Size: The 5000/5001 rope grabs are designed to be used on Reliance
5010 Series 5/8-inch (16mm) diameter vertical lifelines. Undersized rope
may not allow the rope grab to lock properly and may cause excessive
stopping distances. Oversized rope may impede rope grab mobility on
the lifeline. It is recommended that lifeline diameter be 5/8 inch, ±1/32
inch (0.8mm).
b) Construction: Three-strand lay rope constructions are recommended,
but other constructions may also be acceptable. Consult Reliance if you
are considering using this equipment with other lifeline constructions.
Braided, double braided, hollow braided, or other types of rope construc-
tions must not be used. When selecting the lifeline, choose a rope with
a rm lay. Inspect the lay of the rope by grasping it several feet from the
end between the thumb and index nger. You should not be able to easily
squeeze or atten the rope. Untwisting should be difcult and the rope
should spring back to its original shape.
c) Material: Reliance recommends selecting lifeline ropes made from poly-
ester bers. Polyester has less stretch and less swelling due to moisture
absorption than nylon. Ropes made solely of polypropylene, polyethyl-
enes, or other olens must not be used. Ropes made from cotton, sisal,
hemp, abaca (manila), or other plant/animal bers must not be used.
ANSI Z359.1 requires rope used in vertical lifelines to be made of vir-
gin synthetic materials having strength, aging resistance, abrasion re-

Instructions for Use
Page 7
sistance, and heat resistance characteristics equivalent or superior to
polyamides.
d) Strength: Select a lifeline which, when terminated and installed, will re-
tain a minimum strength of 5,000 lbs. (22kN) per ANSI Z359.1. Selection
must account for strength reduction factors, such as sharp edges and
degrading factors (i.e. chemicals).
NOTE: Per ANSI Z359.1; Knots shall not be used for load bearing end termina-
tions, but may be an acceptable means of securing the free end of the lifeline
at ground level.
6) Lanyards: The 5000/5001 rope grab must not be used with a lanyard con-
necting subsystem exceeding 3 feet (0.9m) in length. For fall arrest systems
Reliance recommends using energy absorbing lanyards incorporating self lock-
ing snap hooks. Lanyards labeled ANSI A10.14 Type II must not be used for
fall arrest applications. All lanyards must have a minimum breaking strength of
5,000 lbs.
7) Body Support: The recommended body support for fall arrest applications is
a full body harness, for restraint applications a full body harness with positioning
D-rings is recommended.
NOTE: Only lifeline ropes which meet the size, construction, and material prop-
erties required for compatible use with this rope grab may be used. Applications
such as working near high voltage may require special lifeline materials, consult
Reliance before using such lifelines.
USE & OPERATION
1) Before each use of this equipment, carefully inspect it according to
steps listed in this manual. Do not use if inspection reveals an unsafe
condition.
2) Plan your fall arrest or restraint system before starting your work. Consider
all factors that affect your safety before, during, and after a fall. Refer to these
and related subsystem component instructions, and state and federal safety
regulations for guidance in planning your system. The following list gives some
important points to consider when planning your system:
a) Anchorage: Select a rigid anchorage point that is capable of supporting
the required loads. The anchorage location must be carefully selected
to reduce possible free fall and swing fall hazards and to avoid strik-
ing an object during a fall. For restraint systems the anchorage must be
located such that no vertical free fall is possible. For fall arrest systems
OSHA requires the anchorage be independent of the means suspending
or supporting the user.

Page 8
b) Free Fall: Do not work above the anchorage level, increased fall distance
will result. Personal fall arrest systems must be rigged such that the po-
tential free fall is never greater than six feet. Restraint systems must be
rigged such that there is no possible vertical free fall.
c) Fall Arrest Forces: The assembled fall arrest system must keep fall arrest
forces below 1,800 lbs. when used with a full body harness. Do not use
a body belt for fall arrest.
d) Swing Falls: Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly
above the point where a fall occurs. The force of striking an object while
swinging can be great and cause serious injury. Swing falls can be mini-
mized by working as directly below the anchorage as possible. (Fig. 3)
e) Fall Clearance: Make certain enough clearance exists in your fall path
to prevent striking an object. The amount needed is dependent upon the
type of connecting subsystem used and anchorage location. (Fig. 4)
f) Sharp Edges: Avoid working where parts of the system will be in contact
with, or abrade against, unprotected sharp edges.
g) Rescue: The user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to
implement it if a fall occurs.
h) After a Fall: Components which have been subjected to the forces of ar-
resting a fall must be removed from service immediately and destroyed.
i) General Use Considerations: Avoid working where lifeline may cross or
tangle with that of another worker. Do not allow the lanyard to pass un-
der arms or between legs. Do not clamp, tie, or other wise prevent the
rope grab lanyard connection handle from moving freely into the “locked”
position.
j) Sloped Roofs: Provisions must be made (warning lines, monitors, guard-
rails) to prevent swing falls from unprotected roof edges or corners. The
rope grab should be connected to the body support using a locking cara-
biner (direct connection) or a short lanyard. If a lanyard is used for con-
necting to the rope grab, keep the length as short as possible, and never
greater than three feet. The lifeline must be protected from contact with
sharp or abrasive edges and surfaces. The rope grab locking operation
must not be hindered by interference with the roof or objects on the roof
surface.
k) Unstable Surfaces: The rope grab is not suitable for use on unstable or
slowly shifting materials, such as sand or grain.
WARNING: Never connect more than one personal fall arrest or restraint sys-
tem to a single lifeline or rope grab. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for as-
sociated equipment used in your fall protection or restraint system. For custom
versions of this product, follow the instructions herein. If included, see supple-
mental instructions for additional information.

Instructions for Use
Page 9
3) Attaching the Rope Grab to the Lifeline - Model 5000
a) The arrows must point UP for the Rope Grab to function.
b) Rope must be threaded through the rope grab from the bottom of the
lifeline
c) The lifeline should be weighted or tied off at the bottom to assist in posi-
tioning the rope grab
d) Use 3-strand 5/8” (16mm) or 3/4” (19mm) dia. rope
e) Depress the ‘bridge’ of the rope grab and move the unit up and down the
rope after the rope has been threaded through the opening. The unit
should lock immediately and rmly upon release
f) Test the installation by pulling down on the ring to ensure that the mecha-
nism locks on to the rope
g) The anchor point should be capable of supporting a 5,000 lb (22.3kN)
static load and should be located directly above the user to minimize
swing falls, and should meet the strength requirements listed in 4) An-
chorage Strength on page 4
h) Lanyards should be selected to meet the application with a 5,000 lb
(22.3kN) tensile strength on all components. ANSI Z359.1 - a maximum
3 ft (.9m) lanyard
i) NOTE : When using a lanyard, your fall distance is twice the length of
the lanyard PLUS the deployed length of the shock absorber PLUS the
stretch of the rope PLUS a maximum arrest distance of 54 inches (ANSI
Z359.1-1992).
Figure 3
Swing Fall Hazard

Page 10
j) Never allow rope or rope grab to contact any outside objects during use.
make sure that your possible fall path is free and clear of obstructions
and hazards
k) Calculate fall distance carefully and accurately
l) Positioning the rope grab above the user on the lifeline minimizes falling
distance
m) Avoid swing falls by working directly below the anchor point whenever
possible
n) If the rope grab is subject to an arrest it should be removed from service
and discarded
WARNING : A shock absorber MUST be used within your fall arrest sys-
tem if user is attached to the rope grab by a lanyard. Max. total allowable
weight is 310 lbs. tools and body weight. Single user only. Max. arrest
force capacity is 1,800 lbs. Max. lanyard length is 3 ft.
4) Attaching the Rope Grab to the Lifeline - Model 5001 (Fig. 5)
a) To open the device, pivot the locking clip away from the body and turn the
locking screw counter-clockwise until disengaged, then pivot the device
open.
Anchorage
Lifeline
Working
Level
To determine fall clearance: Estimate ‘A’,
then read clearance ‘B’ from chart.
Lower Level
‘A’ in feet ‘B’ in feet
10 16
25 17
50 18
75 20
100 21
150 25
200 30
250 35
300 39
Figure 4
‘A’
Rope length
to anchorage
‘B’
Clearance required
to avoid hitting
lower level
12’ minimum
to lower level
or obstruction