Falltech 7009 Manuel De L'utilisateur page 23

into an adjustable style chest strap to cause the chest strap to slide up and possibly choke the user during a fall, ex
traction, suspension, etc. The competent person should consider Full Body Harness models with a fixed sternal
attachment for these applications.
12. Frontal – The frontal attachment serves as a ladder climbing connection for guided type fall arresters where there
is no chance to fall in a direction other than feet first, or may be used for work positioning. Supporting the user,
post fall or during work positioning, by the frontal attachment will result in a sitting body position, with the upper
torso upright, with weight concentrated on the thighs and buttocks. When supported by the frontal attachment the
design of the Full Body Harness shall direct load directly around the thighs and under the buttocks by means of the
sub-pelvic strap. If the frontal attachment is used for fall arrest, the competent person evaluating the application
should take measures to ensure that a fall can only occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free fall
distance.
13. Shoulder – The shoulder attachment elements shall be used as a pair, and are an acceptable attachment for
rescue and entry/retrieval. The shoulder attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. It is recommended
that the shoulder attachment elements be used in conjunction with a yoke which incorporates a spreader element
to keep the Full Body Harness shoulder straps separate.
14. Waist, Rear – The waist, rear attachment shall be used solely for travel restraint. The waist, rear attachment
element shall not be used for fall arrest. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to use the waist, rear attachment
for purposes other than travel restraint. The waist, rear attachment shall only be subjected to minimal loading
through the waist of the user, and shall never be used to support the full weight of the user.
15. Hip – The hip attachment elements shall be used as a pair, and shall be used solely for work positioning. The hip
attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. Hip attachments are often used for work positioning by
arborists, utility workers climbing poles and construction workers tying rebar and climbing on form walls. Users
are cautioned against using the hip attachment elements (or any other rigid point on the Full Body Harness) to store
the unused end of a fall arrest lanyard, as this may cause a tripping hazard, or, in the case multiple leg lanyards,
could cause adverse loading to the Full Body Harness and the wearer through the unused portion of the lanyard.
16. Suspension Seat – The suspension seat attachment elements shall be used as a pair, and shall be used solely for
work positioning. The suspension seat attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. Suspension seat
attachments are often used for prolonged work activities where the user is suspended, allowing the user to sit on
the suspension seat formed between the two attachment elements. An example of this use would be window
washers on large buildings.
User Inspection, Maintenance, and Storage of Equipment
Users of personal fall arrest systems shall, at a minimum, comply with all manufacturer instructions regarding the
inspection, maintenance and storage of the equipment. The user's organization shall retain the manufacturer's instructions
and make them readily available to all users. See ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive
Managed Fall Protection Program, regarding user inspection, maintenance and storage of equipment.
1. In addition to the inspection requirements set forth in the manufacturer's instructions, the equipment shall be
inspected by the user before each use and, additionally, by a competent person, other than the user, at interval of
no more than one year for:
• Absence or illegibility of markings.
• Absence of any elements affecting the equipment form, fit or function.
• Evidence of defects in, or damage to, hardware elements including cracks, sharp edges, deformation,
corrosion, chemical attack, excessive heating, alteration and excessive wear.
• Evidence of defects in or damage to strap or ropes including fraying, unsplicing, unlaying, kinking,
knotting, roping, broken or pulled stitches, excessive elongation, chemical attack, excessive soiling,
abrasion, alteration, needed or excessive lubrication, excessive aging and excessive wear.
2. Inspection criteria for the equipment shall be set by the user's organization. Such criteria for the equipment shall
equal or exceed the criteria established by this standard or the manufacturer's instructions, whichever is greater.
3. When inspection reveals defects in, damage to, or inadequate maintenance of equipment, the equipment shall be
permanently removed from service or undergo adequate corrective maintenance, by the original equipment
manufacturer or their designate, before return to service.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Maintenance and storage of equipment shall be conducted by the user's organization in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. Unique issues, which may arise due to conditions of use, shall be addressed with the
manufacturer.
2. Equipment which is in need of, or scheduled for, maintenance shall be tagged as unusable and removed from
service.
3. Equipment shall be stored in a manner as to preclude damage from environmental factors such as temperature,
light, UV, excessive moisture, oil, chemicals and their vapors or other degrading elements.
MFBH04 Rev A
23
121219