3.0
HARNESS USE
3.1
BEFORE EACH USE: Verify that your work area and Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) meet all criteria defined in
Section 2. Verify that a formal Rescue is in place. Inspect the Harness per the 'User' inspection points defined in the
"Inspection and Maintenance Log" (Table 2). If inspection reveals an unsafe or defective condition, remove the system
from service immediately. See Section 5 for inspection details. Do not use if inspection reveals an unsafe condition.
3.2
PLAN: Consider all factors that will affect your safety during use of this equipment. The following list gives important
points to consider when planning your system:
•
Anchorage: Select an anchorage capable of sustaining the Static Load requirements of the intended fall protection
application (see Section 1.1). The anchorage location should address Free Fall, Fall Clearance, Swing Fall, and
Environmental limitations described in Section 1.4.
•
Sharp Edges: Avoid working where system components may be in contact with, or abrade against, unprotected
sharp edges.
•
After A Fall: If the Harness is subjected to the forces of arresting a fall or exhibits damage consistent with the effect
of fall arrest forces as described in Table 3, it must be removed from service immediately. Clearly tag the Harness
"DO NOT USE" and then either destroy the Harness or contact 3M regarding replacement. See Section 5 and 6 for
more information.
•
Rescue: The employer must have a written, formal rescue plan when using this equipment. The employer must have
the ability to perform a rescue quickly and safely.
•
Rescue Harness: Rescue Harnesses are intended to be worn during normal work activities. Before using rescue
attachment elements for the first time, the user should carry out a suspension test in safe conditions to ensure the
harness is sized and fitted for optimal comfort during suspension.
3.3
BUCKLES: ExoFit NEX Full Body Harnesses are equipped with Duo-Lok™ Quick Connect Buckles for fastening and
adjusting Leg Straps and Chest Straps. Harness Body Belts have a Tongue Buckle. See Figure 1 for the buckle types on
your ExoFit NEX Harness. Figure 9 illustrates operation of each of the following buckles:
1.
Duo-Lok™ Quick Connect Buckles:
A. To fasten the Duo-Lok Quick Connect Buckle, insert the Tab into the Receptor until a click is heard.
B. To adjust the attached Web Strap: Rotate the Webbing Lock to the Unlocked position
forward or backward through the Buckle Slot to tighten or loosen. After adjustment, rotate the Webbing Lock to
the Locked position.
;
The Webbing Lock does not lock or unlock engagement or disengagement of the buckle end. It only prevents or allows
passage of the excess Web Strap through the Buckle Slot.
C. To release the Duo-Lok Quick Connect Buckle: Squeeze the Lock Levers on each side of the Receptor. Pull the Tab
out of the Receptor.
2.
Tongue Buckles: Fasten and adjust Tongue Buckles by passing the Tongue through the Buckle Frame and inserting
the Prong through the desired Grommet in the Tongue.
3.4
ADJUSTMENTS: ExoFit NEX Harnesses are equipped with a pair of Revolver™ Torso Adjusters for adjusting the Shoulder
Straps. Figure 10 illustrates adjustment of the Revolver Torso Adjusters:
1. Revolver™ Torso Adjusters: To adjust the Shoulder Straps with the Revolver Torso Adjusters:
A. Rotate the Revolver Ratchet Knobs as illustrated in Figure 10 to tighten the Shoulder Straps.
B. Pull out and rotate the Revolver Ratchet Knobs as illustrated in Figure 10 to loosen the Shoulder Straps.
3.5
EASY-LINK™ ATTACHMENTS: ExoFit NEX Full Body Harnesses are equipped with a patented Easy-Link™ System that
integrates the Dorsal D-Ring with attachment elements for Harness-Mounted Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs). Figure 11
illustrates attachment of the following 3M and Protecta Self-Retracting Devices: (A) 3M Nano-Lok™ Edge SRDs, (B) 3M
Twin Nano-Lok™ SRDs, (C) 3M Single Nano-Lok™ SRDs, (D) Protecta Twin Rebel™ SRDs, (E) 3M Twin Talon™ SRD. Other
manufacturers' SRDs can also be mounted on the ExoFit NEX Harness in similar fashion. See the SRD manufacturer's
instructions for requirements and installation instructions specific to the SRD.
;
Contact 3M with any questions or concerns regarding compatibility of your SRD with the Easy-Link System.
3.6
DONNING AND FITTING THE ExOFIT NEx FULL BODY HARNESS: Figure 14 illustrates donning and fitting of the
ExoFit NEX Full Body Harness. Prior to each use, inspect the harness per the checklist on the "Inspection and Maintenance
Log". To put on and fit the harness:
;
Procedures for buckling and adjusting the straps on you ExoFit NEX Harness will vary with the harness model. See Sections 3.3 thru
3.4 and Figures 9 thru 10 for details.
1.
Lift up and hold the harness by the back Dorsal D-Ring on the Easy-Link System. Ensure the straps are not twisted.
2.
Grasp the Shoulder Straps and slip the harness onto one arm. The Dorsal D-Ring will be located on your back side.
Ensure that the straps are not tangled and hang freely. Slip your free arm into the harness and position the Shoulder
Straps on top of your shoulders. The Chest Strap and Chest Buckle will be positioned on the front side when worn
properly.
3.
Reach between your legs and grasp the Leg Strap on your right side. Bring the strap up between your legs; buckle to
19
. Pull the Web Strap
Ð