Annex A - Falltech 7009 Manuel De L'utilisateur

ANSI/ASSE Z359 Requirements for Proper Use and Maintenance of Full Body Harnesses
Note: These are general requirements and information provided by ANSI/ASSE Z359, the manufacturer of this equipment
may impose more stringent restrictions on the use of the products they manufacture, see the manufacturer's instructions.
1. It is essential that the users of this type of equipment receive proper training and instruction, including detailed
procedures for the safe use of such equipment in their work application. ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, Minimum Requirements
for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program, establishes guidelines and requirements for an employer's
managed fall protection program, including policies, duties and training; fall protection procedures; eliminating and
controlling fall hazards; rescue procedures; incident investigations; and evaluating program effectiveness.
2. Correct fit of a Full Body Harness is essential to proper performance. Users must be trained to select the size and
maintain the fit of their Full Body Harness.
3. Users must follow manufacturer's instructions for proper fit and sizing, paying particular attention to ensure that
buckles are connected and aligned correctly, leg straps and shoulder straps are kept snug at all times, chest straps
are located in the middle chest area and leg straps are positioned and snug to avoid contact with the genitalia
should a fall occur.
4. Full Body Harnesses which meet ANSI/ASSE Z359.11 are intended to be used with other components of a Personal
Fall Arrest system that limit maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8 kn) or less.
5. Suspension intolerance, also called suspension trauma or orthostatic intolerance, is a serious condition that can
be controlled with good harness design, prompt rescue and post fall suspension relief devices. A conscious user
may deploy a suspension relief device allowing the user to remove tension from around the legs, freeing blood
flow, which can delay the onset of suspension intolerance. An attachment element extender is not intended to be
attached directly to an anchorage or anchorage connector for fall arrest. An energy absorber must be used to limit
maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8kn). The length of the attachment element extender may affect free fall
distances and free fall clearance calculations.
6. Full Body Harness (FBH) Stretch, the amount the FBH component of a personal fall arrest system will stretch and
deform during a fall, can contribute to the overall elongation of the system in stopping a fall. It is important to
include the increase in fall distance created by FBH Stretch, as well as the FBH connector length, the settling of the
user's body in the FBH and all other contributing factors when calculating total clearance required for a particular
fall arrest system.
7. When not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to a Full Body Harness D-ring should not be attached
to a work positioning element or any other structural element on the Full Body Harness unless deemed acceptable
by the competent person and manufacturer of the lanyard. This is especially important when using some types of
"Y" style lanyards, as some load may be transmitted to the user through the unused lanyard leg if it is not able to
release from the harness. The lanyard parking attachment is generally located in the sternal area to help reduce
tripping and entanglement hazards.
8. Loose ends of straps can get caught in machinery or cause accidental disengagement of an adjuster. All Full Body
Harnesses shall include keepers or other components which serve to control the loose ends of straps.
9. Due to the nature of soft loop connections, it is recommended that soft loop attachments only be used to connect
with other soft loops or carabiners. Snaphooks should not be used unless approved for the application by the
manufacturer.
Sections 10-16 provide additional information concerning the location and use of various attachments that may be
10. Dorsal – The dorsal attachment element shall be used as the primary fall arrest attachment, unless the application
allows the use of an alternate attachment. The dorsal attachment may also be used for travel restraint or rescue.
When supported by the dorsal attachment during a fall, the design of the Full Body Harness shall direct load
through the shoulder straps supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post fall, by the dorsal
attachment will result in an upright body position with a slight lean to the front with some slight pressure to the
lower chest. Considerations should be made when choosing a sliding versus fixed dorsal attachment element.
Sliding dorsal attachments are generally easier to adjust to different user sizes, and allow a more vertical rest
position post fall, but can increase FBH Stretch.
11. Sternal – The sternal attachment may be used as an alternative fall arrest attachment in applications where
the dorsal attachment is determined to be inappropriate by a competent person, and where there is no chance
to fall in a direction other than feet first. Accepted practical uses for a sternal attachment include, but are not
limited to, ladder climbing with a guided type fall arrester, ladder climbing with an overhead self-retracting lifeline
for fall arrest, work positioning and rope access. The sternal attachment may also be used for travel restraint or
rescue. When supported by the sternal attachment during a fall, the design of the Full Body Harness shall direct
load through the shoulder straps supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post fall, by the
sternal attachment will result in roughly a sitting or cradled body position with weight concentrated on the thighs,
buttocks and lower back. Supporting the user during work positioning by this sternal attachment will result in an
approximate upright body position. If the sternal 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. It may be possible for a sternal attachment incorporated into an adjustable style chest
strap to cause the chest strap to slide up and possibly choke the user during a fall, extraction, suspension, etc. The
competent person should consider Full Body Harness models with a fixed sternal attachment for these applications.
This may include limiting the allowable free fall distance. It may be possible for a sternal attachment incorporated
MFBH04 Rev A

Annex A

provided on this FBH.
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