4
2.4 ANCHORAGE STRENGTH: The anchorage to which the roof anchor is installed must meet minimum strength(s)
as given below for the applications selected:
FALL ARREST: Per ANSI Z359.1 - Anchorages selected for personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) shall have a
strength capable of sustaining static loads in the direction(s) permitted by the PFAS when in use of at least (A)
3,600 lbs (16 kN) when certification exists; reference ANSI Z359.1 for certification definition), or (B) 5,000 lbs.
(22.2 kN) in absence of certification. When more than one PFAS is attached to an anchorage, the anchorage
strengths set forth in (A) or (B) above shall be multiplied by the number of PFAS attached to the anchorage.
Per OSHA 1926.500 and 1910.66 - Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) shall
be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least
5,000 lbs. per user attached, or be designed, installed and used as part of a complete PFAS which maintains a
safety factor of at least two and is under the supervision of a qualified person.
3.0 OPERATION AND USAGE
WARNING: Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment. Consult with DBI/SALA if using this equipment in
combination with components or subsystems other than those described in this manual. Some subsystems and
components combinations may interfere with the proper operation of this equipment.
WARNING: Consult your doctor if there is reason to doubt your fitness to safely absorb the shock from a fall arrest. Age and
fitness seriously affect a worker's ability to withstand falls. Pregnant women and minors must not use this equipment.
3.1 BEFORE EACH USE of this equipment, carefully inspect it to assure that it is in serviceable condition. Check for
worn or damaged parts. Ensure the roof anchor is secure and not distorted. Inspect for sharp edges, burrs,
cracks, or corrosion. Inspect other fall arrest equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
supplied with each system component. Refer to section 5.0 for further inspection details. Do not use if inspection
reveals an unsafe condition.
3.2 PLAN your fall arrest system before starting your work. Take into consideration factors affecting your safety at
any time during use. The following list gives some important points you must consider when planning your system:
A. ANCHORAGE: Select an anchorage point that is rigid and capable of supporting the required loads. See
section 2.4. Locate the roof anchor in accordance with section 3.3.
B. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Personal fall arrest systems must be rigged to limit any free fall to a maximum
of 6 feet (OSHA and ANSI Z359.1). Avoid working above your anchorage level since an increased free fall
distance will result. Avoid working where your line may cross or tangle with that of another worker or another
object. Do not allow the lifeline to pass under arms or between legs. Never clamp, knot or otherwise prevent
the lifeline from retracting or being taut, avoid slack line. Do not lengthen the SRL by connecting a lanyard
or similar component without consulting DBI/SALA.
C. TOTAL FALL DISTANCE: Should a fall occur, there must be sufficient clearance in the fall area to arrest the
fall before striking the ground or other object. The total fall distance is the distance measured from the onset
of a fall to the point where the fall is arrested. A number of factors can influence the total fall distance
including; user's weight, anchorage location relative to the fall (swing fall), body support with sliding D-ring,
and the type of fall arrest equipment you attach to the roof anchor. For specific clearance requirements read
and follow the manufacturers’s instructions for your fall arrest equipment.
D. SWING FALLS: See Figure 4. Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point
where a fall occurs. The force of striking an object while swinging (horizontal speed of the user due to the
pendulum affect) can be great and may cause serious injury. Swing falls can be minimized by working as
directly below the anchorage point as possible. In a swing fall situation, the total vertical fall distance of the
user will be greater than if the user had fallen vertically directly below the anchorage point. The user must
therefore account for an increase in the total free fall distance and the area needed to safely arrest the fall.
The SRL (if applicable) will activate (lock-up) regardless of it's orientation and location relative to the user's
position, however, a commonly followed guideline is not to extend your work zone over 30° from the
anchorage point (the roof anchor swivels providing a 30° work area on both sides of the roof anchor). Do not
captivate the lifeline of an SRL, it may affect the performance of its braking. If a swing fall hazard exists in