Tractel TracBloc Operation instructions

use and
maintenance
instructions
Meets or exceeds standards
and requirements established by
CSA Z259.2.2-18, class SRL
ANSI Z359.14-2014
OSHA
3912TBLOC-v00-0000-03/23
Self-retracting lanyards
TracBloc®and TracBloc®2

LIRE D’ABORD CET AVERTISSEMENT
Il est essentiel pour sa sécurité que l’utilisateur comprenne
intégralement le présent guide avant d’utiliser le
dispositif. Une mauvaise compréhension de ce guide peut
entraîner un risque mortel. L’utilisateur qui ne comprend
pas couramment l’anglais doit recevoir et comprendre
l’information équivalente d’un spécialiste de la sécurité
ou de son superviseur. La version française se trouve de
l’autre côté du présent document.
LEER ESTA ADVERTENCIA PRIMERO
Es necesario, para su propia seguridad, que el usuario lea
y comprenda integramente este manual antes de utilizar
el dispositivo. Si no se asimila bien este manual, puede
tener como consequencia riesgo mortal. Si el usuario no
comprende sucientemente el inglés, es necesario que
tenga la información equivalente por parte de un especialista
en seguridad o de su responsable superior.
Contents Page
First read the following warnings ...............................................E3
1. Function and description .....................................................E6
2. Limitation of the equipment ...................................................E6
3. System component requirements ...............................................E7
4. Incorporating the TracBloc®and TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard in a fall arrest system ....E9
5. Marking and labeling .......................................................E11
6. Maintenance and storage ....................................................E11
7. Performance data..........................................................E11
8. Inspection ...............................................................E11
9. Warranty information .......................................................E13
TracBloc®and TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyards
The TracBloc®and TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard are only part of a complete fall arrest system and are
only part of a total fall protection system and the use of compatible hardware and components is mandatory.
The system components must meet federal, state, local or provincial regulations before being incorporated in
a personal fall protection system. It is imperative for the safety and efciency of operations that this manual be
read and fully understood by the worker before using any fall arrest system. ALL instructions contained herein
must be carefully read and strictly followed for proper use and maintenance of the equipment. Alterations or
misuse of this product, or failure to follow instructions may result in serious injury or death. If you have any
questions or concerns, please contact your distributor or Tractel®.
IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE A FALL HAZARD EXISTS,
SAFETY IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH FOR WORKERS AND BYSTANDERS.
This instruction manual is intended to meet the “Manufacturer’s Instructions” as required by ANSI and CSA and
should be used as part of an employee training program as required by OSHA.
It is neither a regulations compliance guide nor a general training guide for fall arrest, work positioning or travel
restraint systems. You must refer to instructions delivered by manufacturers of the pieces of equipment included
in your system. Whenever calculations and specic installations are required, the user should be professionally
trained to that end and should secure relevant information prior to commencing such work.

FIRST READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS
E3
PRIOR INFORMATION
i. It is the operator’s responsibility, and their employer’s responsibility, if they operate under an
employer’s control, to strictly conform to the following warnings and to the instructions in this
manual. Doing otherwise would place any incident and its consequences under their responsibility.
ii. It is imperative, for the safety and efciency, that this manual be read and fully
understood by the operator before using the TracBloc®or TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyard and that all the instructions contained herein be followed accordingly.
iii. This manual should be available at all times to all users. Keep these instructions handy for easy
reference whenever required. Extra copies are available from Tractel®.
iv. Never operate the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard if any warning, operating or
capacity instruction afxed to the device, as shown in this manual (Figure10, pageE12) are
obscured or missing. In such case contact Tractel®for supply of label or exchange of the unit
(for stamped instructions) under commercial conditions.
v. All the fall arrest equipment must be placed under the authority of a competent person being
fully aware of the applicable safety regulations for use, maintenance, overhaul and control of
the equipment.
vi. Equipment associated with the use of the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard, for
constituting the complete fall arrest equipment, specially the harness, lifeline and connecting
equipment, must comply with applicable safety regulations, either local, state, federal and
regional, and be compatible with one another and with the TracBloc®or TracBloc® 2 self-
retracting lanyard system as described in this manual. Tractel®denies liability for any incident
due to non compliance of components not sold or not recommended by Tractel®.
vii. The harness to be associated with the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard must
comply with requirements explained in this manual (section 1.2). Fatal hazard may result from
using an inadequate harness with the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard. Proper
measures for harness identication must be permanently taken in order to avoid using an
improper harness with the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard.
TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION
viii. Do not use the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard unless properly trained.
A fall could result in serious injury or death.
ix. Health condition of the operator must be compatible with a possible fall arrest operation of the
system used.
x. Before operating, a user should be:
a) mentally and physically t for the purpose, especially at heights or in conned spaces
b) free from the inuence of alcohol or drugs
c) competent for the job to be performed
d) familiar with the equipment and all applicable safety rules,regulations and requirements
e) trained under safe conditions, for working under the above requirements
xi. Training must be extended to maintenance, control and overhaul. It must be carried out
under safe conditions excluding risk of fall. The training of the operator must be extended to
a proper rescue procedure which must be set up in writing under the authority in charge of
the equipment by a competent person or technical consultant according to work conditions.
Contact Tractel®for training information.

FIRST READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS
E4
CONTROL AND MAINTENANCE
xii. The incorporation of a TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard in a fall arrest system
must be carried out under safe conditions according to the applicable local, state, federal and
regional regulations and under the supervision of a competent and/or qualied person.
xiii. The incorporation must be completed by a competent and/or qualied person to check that the
anchorage is adequate, according to the applicable safety regulations, and that it can safely
bear the dynamic loads applied in case of fall arrest.
xiv. Every time the operator is to be connected with the TracBloc®or TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyard, it should be inspected as well as the associated equipment. Ensure it is in good condition,
as explained in this manual (section8). Never operate the equipment if damage is detected.
xv. The operator must be located, in a safe and stable place before getting connected to the
TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard, according to the applicable safety regulations.
xvi. Prior the use of the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard and of the associated material,
a careful inspection, as well as a detailed documented annual inspection by a competent person,
should be completed. Keep the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard clean and free
from dirt. Check that the self-retracting mechanism rolls properly and efciently before each
operating session (section12.5). Thorough overhaul servicing is available from Tractel®.
xvii. Tractel®declines any responsibility for the consequences of dismantling or altering the
components of the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard beyond description in this
manual.
xviii. Except for the operations described in this manual, the maintenance of Tractel®equipment as
well as repair, must be exclusively done by an authorized (written approval) Tractel®service
center or by Tractel®.
xix. Should the responsible authority decide that a fall arrest piece of equipment is no longer
suitable for use, take precautions in disposing of it so that it cannot be re-used.
OPERATION
xx. Always consider and control the specic risks related to the nature of the job that is subject
to a fall arrest.
xxi. Pay strict attention when attaching to the rear D-ring of the harness, false connections are
possible. Conduct a buddy check when attaching your TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting
lanyard to the rear attachment D-ring of the harness.
xxii. The TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard must not be used for any purpose other
than fall arrest of a person.
xxiii. Never use a fall arrest, work positioning or travel restraint system or any components for
any applications other than specied by the instructions supplied by the manufacturer of that
device. Do not alter or adapt the equipment in any way.
xxiv. The combination of the individual user’s weight, clothing and tools must not exceed 310lb.
(140 kg). If this weight is exceeded, the performance and safety of the product cannot be
guaranteed.
xxv. Only one person must be connected on one TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard and
per personal fall arrest system.

FIRST READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS
E5
Always concerned to improve the quality of its products, Tractel®reserves
the right to modify the specications of the equipment described in this manual.
Drawings and pictures presented in this manual are for illustrative purposes.
xxvi. Safety depends on the safe conditions of both the self-retracting lanyard and harness. Never
clamp, knot or prevent the webbing from retracting or being taut. Do not allow twists to form in
the webbing or it may not retract properly. Never allow twisted webbing to create slack conditions.
xxvii. Do not work above the anchorage point and be aware that a pendulum fall could occur if the
worker moves laterally from the anchorage. The use of fall protection equipment is not suitable
when the user is positioned on an unstable surface such as ne grain material or particulate.
xxviii. Tractel®assumes no liability for the adequacy of particular installations incorporating the
TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard, beyond the information and description given
in this manual.
IN CASE OF FALL ARREST
xxix. If a fall occurs, the operator must await rescue and must not manipulate or even touch
the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard.
xxx. If a fall occurs, the rescue operation should start promptly. Delaying the rescue may endanger
the safety and health of the person to rescue.
xxxi. The rescue procedure must be carried out by rescuers trained in accordance with the rescue
procedure, according to the fall arrest work environment.
xxxii. Any TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-retracting lanyard and associated fall arrest equipment which
has been subjected to fall arresting service must be removed immediately from service.
xxxiii. Lifeline, lanyard and harness must then be destroyed and replaced. Other equipment must be
returned to Tractel®for inspection and re-verication.
SYMBOLS AND CODE WORDS
WARNING
Immediate or possibly imminent danger leading to serious injuries or death.
CAUTION
Possibly dangerous situation leading to minor injuries.
DANGER
Hazardous situation leading to serious injuries or death.
NOTICE
Possibly dangerous situation leading to damage to equipment or surroundings.

E6
1. FUNCTION AND DESCRIPTION
1.1 The TracBloc®and TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyards are intended to be used as a
connecting device in various work applications
as dened below.
1.1.1 Fall arrest – The action or event of stopping
a free fall or the instant where the downward
free fall has been stopped.
1.1.2 Travel restraint – Support that limits travel in
such a manner that the user is not exposed to
a fall hazard.
1.2 Function
The TracBloc®and TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyards are designed to be used as a
connecting device in a personal fall arrest
system. The retractor allows freedom of
movement, while the internal braking system
activates and locks immediately in the event
of a slip or a fall. The TracBloc®self-retracting
lanyard feature a shock absorber with a self-
retracting unit (Figure1a).
1.2.1 The TracBloc® 2 twin self-retracting lanyard
(also known as 100% tie-off or “Y” type) is
used to provide continuous fall protection
while climbing or on the move. When one arm
is attached to the anchor structure, the worker
can move to their new location and attach the
second arm at an anchor at this new location
to then disconnect the rst arm at their original
location. The worker can repeat this operation
until their work location is reached (Figure1b).
1.3 Description
The TracBloc®and TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyards are equipped with a tear webbing
energy absorber and a high resistance
thermoformed casing retractable unit with
auto-locking mechanism.
1.3.1 The TracBloc®2 twin self-retracting lanyard is
supplied with three self-locking snap hooks.
1.3.2 The shock absorber has an integrated energy
absorbing device. Through deployment, the
shock absorber dissipates the energy by
extending the deceleration distance.
2. LIMITATION OF THE EQUIPMENT
2.1 One worker per TracBloc®or TracBloc® 2
self-retracting lanyard and per personal fall
protection system.
2.2 Capacity
The TracBloc®and TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyards are rated at 310 lb. (140 kg). The
combination of the user’s weight, clothing and/
or tools must not exceed 310lb. (140kg).
2.3 Corrosion
The TracBloc®and TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyards have been designed with corrosion
resistant materials; however it should not be
left for long periods of time in environments
where corrosion could take place. If corrosive
environments such as sewage, fertilizer or
seawater are unavoidable, increase frequency
of inspections to ensure the integrity of the fall
protection equipment remains uncompromised.
2.4 Electrical hazards
Take extreme caution when working near or
around high voltage power lines: electricity
could pass through the metal components of
the equipment resulting in electrocution.
2.5 Temperature
Do not use the TracBloc®or TracBloc®2 self-
retracting lanyard in places where the ambient
temperature is lower than -31°F (-35°C) and
higher than 176° F (80° C). Polyester should
not be used above 180°F (82°C). Also, steps
should be taken to ensure that the equipment
is not exposed to ames or sparks.
2.6 Chemicals hazards
Polyester is resistant to many acids but is
attacked by sulphuric acids and some alkalis
or phenolic compounds. Damage by chemicals
can be visually detected by a change in colour
and texture similar to a brownish smudge or
smear. The webbing will become stiff with
cracks resulting from bending.
Fig.1
a. b.

E7
2.6.1 Aramid bers have a good resistance to many
chemical solvents, bases and acids. Signs of
damage are the same as for polyester webbing.
2.6.2 Paint can penetrate into the weave and dry,
causing the webbing to become hard, brittle
and eventually break the bres. Solvents and
drying agents within paint cause damage
similar to chemical exposure.
2.6.3 Each application should be evaluated taking
into consideration the following:
a) type of acid/alkali;
b) exposure conditions;
c) concentration;
d) temperature.
2.7 Moving machinery
Take extreme caution while working near or
around moving machinery.
2.8 Sharp edges/Abrasion
Contact with sharp edges or abrasive surfaces
should be avoided. Cushion or otherwise
protect against product contact.
2.9 Sunlight
All organic bres, either natural or man-made,
will degrade to various degrees from exposure
to ultraviolet light. Precautions should be taken
to store the equipment away from prolonged
exposure to sunlight, uorescent lights and
other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Aramid
ber degrades rapidly when exposed to sunlight
therefore care should be taken to store the unit
away from the sun.
2.10 Impact
Any TracBloc®or TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyard subjected to arresting a fall shall be
removed from service, destroyed and replaced.
2.11 Product life
Any TracBloc®or TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyard showing signs of wear or degradation
must be removed from service. See inspection
information (section12) for further information.
3. SYSTEM COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Anchor system
An anchorage point is a secure point of
attachment for lanyards, lifelines or other
anchorage connectors. It has to be independent
of the means of supporting the worker and
must have been identied by a qualied person.
For fall arrest, the anchor point must support a
minimum of 5,000 lb. (22.2kN) per attached
worker. Consult federal, state, local or provincial
regulations as revisions occur.
3.1.1 It is recommended that the anchor point be
located above the user and directly over the
head to minimize falling distance and reduce
the swing fall hazard.”
WARNING
User must never connect the lanyard more than
2ft. (0.6m) below the harness dorsal D-ring.
3.1.2 Never use an anchor point which will not allow
the keeper of the connecting hardware to close.
Anchor must be compatible with connecting
hardware and must prevent any form of gate
loading.
3.2 Fall clearance
A fall arrest system should be installed such
that the free fall distance does not exceed 6ft.
(1.8m). Consult local governing legislations as
allowable free fall distance varies. Do not work
above the anchorage point to further increase
the free fall distance.
3.2.1 There must be sufcient clearance beneath
the working area or potential fall path to arrest
the fall prior to striking any obstruction or
level below. Be aware that shock absorbers
may elongate up to 5.7 ft. (1.75m). Take into
consideration all components of a fall arrest
system. Use of additional products may affect
the clearance distance. Ensure to incorporate
a deceleration distances as per Figure2 in the
calculation of the estimated total fall distance.
Fig.2

E8
Fig.3
X = side measurement from harness dorsal D-ring to anchor point.
Y = vertical measurement from harness dorsal D-ring to anchor point. It should not
be more than 2ft. (0.6m) in working situations similar to caseD.

E9
3.3 Swing falls
Be aware that a pendulum fall could occur if
the worker moves laterally from the anchorage.
Swing falls can cause serious injuries. Always
work directly under the anchorage point to
avoid a swing fall injury. If you cannot work
directly under the anchorage, ensure the fall
path is free from any obstruction (Figure3).
WARNING
Do not work above the anchorage point.
3.4 Anchor sling
Never wrap a lanyard around a sharp or rough
anchor point. Use a Tractel anchor sling for
wrapping around the surface and connect
the lanyard to the sling (Figure 4) or provide
equivalent protection.
3.5 Harness
For fall arrest purposes, the use of a full body
harness is mandatory.Attach the lanyard to the
back D-ring of the harness.
3.6 Lanyard
For fall arrest, a shock absorbing lanyard must
be used to ensure that the impact force does not
exceed 1,800lb. (8kN). Free fall distance must
not exceed 6ft. (1.8m). Consult local governing
regulations as allowable free fall distance varies.
WARNING
• Inspect assembly before each use.
• Do not tie knot in any lanyard.
• Never disable locking keeper or alter connection
device in any way.
• Do not attach lanyard back onto itself.
• Do not allow webbing to come in contact with
sharp edges, heat or chemicals.
4. INCORPORATING THE TRACBLOC®
AND TRACBLOC®2 SELF-RETRACTING
LANYARD IN A FALL ARREST SYSTEM
4.1 The TracBloc®and TracBloc® 2 self-retracting
lanyards can be used as a connecting device
in a personal fall arrest system. However the
following requirements should be observed.
4.2 Incorporation of lanyard
in fall arrest system
The snap hook on the energy-absorber side
is to be securely connected to the dorsal
D-ring on the harness. The hook on the other
end of the lanyard is to be connected to an
appropriate fall arrest anchor point (Figure5).
4.2.1 When using a TracBloc® 2 twin self-retracting
lanyard, only one arm end should be connected
to the anchor point. The other arm should rest
on the lanyard keeper on the harness. While one
arm is connected to the anchor structure, the
user can move to the new location and connect
the second arm to an appropriate anchor point in
the new location; then the user can disconnect
the rst arm from the original location.
4.3 The following connections may result in roll-out
(disengagement of a snap hook or carabiner)
and must be avoided:
a) two connectors connected to each other;
b) a connector connected back on its own,
unless manufactured as a tie-back lanyard;
c) a connector connected to a belt webbing loop;
Fig.4 Anchor sling
Fig.5

E10
Fig.6
Fig.7
Fig.9Fig.8
Maximum
lanyard length