Falltech Unidrive Manuel D'instructions page 5

2.1 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA):
The rescue and descent device discussed in this manual meets the standard of ANSI Z359.4-2013 and
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations 1926.502 and 1910.140.
ANSI requires rescue systems to be classified according to maximum number of users and qualified via
static strength and dynamic performance testing. Classification information found on product labels is
based on test results. Table 1B provides performance specifications for the rescue system discussed in
this manual.
3.0 Application
3.1 Purpose:
The FallTech® UniDrive Rescue and Descent Device is a pre-engineered rescue system that is designed
to be used as a component in a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) or rescue system to facilitate the
rescue of one or more workers.
3.2 Personal Fall Arrest System:
A PFAS is an assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a person during a fall event. A
PFAS typically consists of an anchorage, a deceleration device such as a Shock Absorbing Lanyard (SAL),
a Self-Retracting Device (SRD), or a Fall Arrestor Connecting Subsystem (FACSS), and a properly fitted
Full Body Harness (FBH). Maximum permissible free fall in a typical PFAS is 6' (1.8 m).`
3.3 Application Limits:
Care should be taken to understand the capacity of the system, anchorage strength requirements,
approved applications, device configurations, and other requirements. Take action to avoid sharp
edges, abrasive surfaces, and thermal, electrical, and chemical hazards. This product is not suitable for
applications with leading edge exposures where the lifeline of this device may come in contact with an
edge during use. If such exposure is a required for the application at hand, an edge protection device
must be used to ensure the rope is not damaged during use. Contact FallTech for more information or
product selection questions.
3.4 Approved Applications:
Below are applications for which all FallTech® UniDrive Rescue and Descent Devices are specifically
suited. All applications require a full body harness. This list is not all-inclusive, but is intended to
anticipate the most common applications in which this product may be used.
3.4.1 Descent (Descent Control Device):
The UniDrive may be used as a descender or descent control device for one or two persons
simutaneously or several people individually, one after the other in shuttle operation. The UniDrive
will automatically restrict descent speed based on the load on the device.
3.4.2 Rescue:
The UniDrive can be used for rescue after a fall event and is suitable for self- or assisted rescue.
Assisted rescue may be conducted from a fixed walking-working surface or the device may be attached
to the rescuer so they may descend to the victim for rescue. Ensure a written rescue plan, method,
and system is in place and readily available for rapid response. Rescues may require specialized
equipment or measures. Rescue operations are beyond the scope of this manual. See ANSI Z359.4 and
Z359.2.
4.0 System Requirements
4.1 Capacity:
The UniDrive Rescue and Descent Device is designed for use by:
•
one user with a combined weight of user, tools, clothing etc. of 130 to 310 lbs. (59 to
141 kg) to comply with ANSI and OSHA
•
one or two users with a combined weight of user(s), tools, clothing etc. of 130 to 440 lbs
(59 - 200 kg) to comply with OSHA only
Depending on the application or rescue operation, capacity may be limited by the number of and
length of descents. See Table 1B in Appendix A for complete capacity and performance specifications.
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