1.0 APPLICATIONS
1.1
PURPOSE: 3M Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs) are designed to be a component in a personal fall arrest system
(PFAS). Figure 1 illustrates SRDs covered by this instruction manual and their typical applications. They may be used
in most situations where a combination of worker mobility and fall protection is required (i.e. inspection work, general
construction, maintenance work, oil production, confined space work, etc.).
1.2
STANDARDS: Your SRD conforms to the national or regional standard(s) identified on the front cover of these
instructions.
1.3
TRAINING: This equipment is intended to be used by persons trained in its correct application and use. 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. Users must also
be aware of the operating characteristics, application limits, and the consequences of improper use.
1.4
LIMITATIONS: Always consider the following limitations and requirements when installing or using this equipment:
•
Capacity: This SRD has been compliance tested for use by one person with a combined weight (clothing, tools, etc.)
from 130 lbs (59 kg) to 310 lbs (141 kg).
appropriate to your application.
•
Anchorage: Anchorage structure for the SRD must be capable of supporting loads up to 10 kN (2,248 lbs). Anchor
devices must conform to EN795.
•
Locking Speed: Situations which do not allow for an unobstructed fall path should be avoided. Working in confined
or cramped spaces may not allow the body to reach sufficient speed to cause the SRD to lock if a fall occurs. Working
on slowly shifting material, such as sand or grain,may not allow enough speed buildup to cause the SRD to lock. A
clear path is required to assure positive locking of the SRD.
•
Free fall: When used correctly, SRDs will limit the free fall distance to 61 cm (2 ft). To avoid increased fall distances, do not
work above the anchorage level. Do not lengthen SRDs by connecting a lanyard or similar component without
consulting 3M. Never clamp, knot, or prevent the lifeline from retracting or being taut. Avoid slack line.
•
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 in a swing fall may cause serious injury (see Figure 3A). Minimize swing falls by working as
directly below the anchorage point as possible.
•
Fall Clearance: Figures 3B and 3C illustrate Fall Clearance. SRD Fall Arrest Systems should have a minimum Fall Clearance
of 2 m (6 ft) for falls from a standing position where the SRD is anchored directly overhead (Figure 3B). Falls from a
kneeling or crouching position will require an additional 1 m (3 ft) of Fall Clearance. In a swing fall situation (Figure 3C),
the total vertical fall distance will be greater than if the user had fallen directly below the anchorage point and may
require additional Fall Clearance. Figure 4 and the accompanying table define the Maximum Work Radius (C) for
various SRD Anchorage Heights (A) and Fall Clearances (B). The Recommended Work Zone is limited to the area
located within the Maximum Work Radius.
•
Hazards: Use of this equipment in areas where surrounding hazards exist may require additional precautions to reduce the
possibility of injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are not limited to: high heat, caustic
chemicals, corrosive environments, high voltage power lines, explosive or toxic gases, moving machinery, or overhead materials
that may fall and contact the user or fall arrest system. Avoid working where your lifeline may cross or tangle with that of another
worker. Avoid working where an object may fall and strike the lifeline; resulting in loss of balance or damage to the lifeline. Do not
allow the lifeline to pass under arms or between legs.
•
Sharp Edges: Avoid working where the lifeline will be in contact with or abrade against unprotected sharp edges.
Where contact with a sharp edge is unavoidable, cover the edge with a protective material.
2.0 USE
2.1
RESCUE PLAN: When using this equipment, the employer must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement
it and communicate that plan to users, authorized persons, and rescuers.
2.2
INSPECTION FREQUENCY: SRDs shall be inspected by the authorized person
2). Additionally, inspections shall be conducted by a competent person
one year. Extreme working conditions (harsh environment, prolonged use, etc.) may necessitate more frequent competent
person inspections. Inspection procedures are described in the "Inspection and Maintenance Log" (Table 3). Results of the
Competent Person inspection should be recorded in the "Inspection and Maintenance Log" or recorded with the RFID system
(see Section 5).
2.3
NORMAL OPERATIONS: Normal operation will allow the lifeline to extend and retract with no hesitation or slack as
the worker moves at normal speeds. If a fall occurs, a speed sensing brake system will activate, stopping the fall and
absorbing much of the energy created. Sudden or quick movements should be avoided during normal work operation,
as this may cause the SRD to lock up. For falls which occur near the end of the lifeline travel, a reserve lifeline system
or Energy Absorber has been incorporated to reduce the fall arrest forces. If the SRD has been subjected to fall arrest
forces: remove it from service, mark or tag as "UNUSABLE", inspect and service as instructed in Sections 5 and 6.
1 Capacity:
While CE SRDs have a Maximum Capacity of 141 kg (310 lbs), SRDs with 3-Way Retrieval are rated for a Maximum Lifting Load of 135 kg (298 lbs).
2 Authorized Person:
A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed to a fall hazard.
3 Rescuer:
Person or persons other than the rescue subject acting to perform an assisted rescue by operation of a rescue system.
4 Competent Person:
An individual designated by the employer to be responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation, and monitoring of the
employer's managed fall protection program who, through training and knowledge, is capable of identifying, evaluating, and addressing existing and potential fall
hazards, and who has the employer's authority to take prompt corrective action with regard to such hazards.
Make sure all of the components in your system are rated to a capacity
1
other than the user at intervals of no more than
4
12
or rescuer
before each use (See Table
2
3