MSA V-SHOCK EDGE Personal Fall Limiter PFL Fall Protection User Manual

: June 13, 2024
: MSA

Table of Contents

Labels and Icons
Safety Regulations
Product Specification
Harness Attachment
Installation and Use
Fall Clearances
- V-SHOCK Fall Clearance Charts
Warranty
References
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Download This Manual (PDF format)

MSA V-SHOCK EDGE Personal Fall Limiter PFL Fall Protection User Manual

WARNING!

These instructions must be provided to users before use of the product and retained for ready reference by the user. Read this manual carefully before using or maintaining the device. The device will perform as designed only if it is used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, it could fail to perform as designed, and persons who rely on this device could sustain serious injury or death.
The warranties made by MSA with respect to the product are voided if the product is not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this manual. Please protect yourself and your employees by following the instructions.
Please read and observe the WARNINGS and CAUTIONS inside. For additional information relative to use or repair, call1-800-MSA-2222 during regular working hours.
MSA is a registered trademark of MSA Technology, LLC in the US, Europe and other Countries. For all other trademarks visit https://us.msasafety.com/Trademarks.

Labels and Icons

V-SHOCK PFLs – Non-Leading Edge
Labels and Icons

Gray Housing (Non-Leading Edge)

Non-Leading Edge Icon

Scannable RFID

Serial Number

Labels located beneath flap indicated by “refer to instruction manual” icon.
Labels and Icons

V-SHOCK EDGE PFLs – Leading Edge
Labels and Icons

Green Housing (Leading Edge)

Leading Edge Icon

Scannable RFID

Serial Number

Labels located beneath flap indicated by “refer to instruction manual” icon.
Labels and Icons

Capacity including user, clothing, and tools.
Tie off above D-ring permitted.
Tie off below D-ring permitted.
Tested for use over an edge.1
Tested for use over steel edge.1
Tested for use over corrugated steel edge.1
WARNING! Read and understand instruction manual before use.
Refer to instruction manual.
Tie off below D-ring NOT permitted.
Do NOT user over an edge.
ANSI Class.2
Load indicator NOT deployed
Load indicator deployed, DO NOT USE.
Fall clearance chart.3
WARNING!
See Section 5.3 Leading Edge Installation and Use for details and limitations.
See Section 5 Installation and Use for details.
See Section 6 Fall Clearances for details.

Table 1 ANSI / OSHA / CSA Label Data

Serial number
Lifeline construction
Length
Date of manufacture (mm/yy)
Model number
Standard
Notified body number
Product warning

Safety Regulations

V-SHOCK
Safety Regulations
V-SHOCK EDGE

WARNING!

User Requirements

Users of Personal Fall Limiters (PFLs) shall be medically fit and suitably trained.
PFLs shall not be used by pregnant women, minors or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For single user only, within the weight range 130–310 lbs (60–141 kg) for ANSI, 100–400 lbs (45–181 kg) for OSHA overhead applications, or 100–310 lbs (45–141 kg) for CSA, including user, clothing, and tools.

Anchor Requirements/Swing Fall/Fall Clearance

The anchorage must be capable of supporting the required load. See Section 3 Product Specification for details on anchorage strength.
Ensure that the available fall clearance is equal to or greater than the fall clearance shown in Section 6 Fall Clearances.
Remove any surface contamination such as, but not limited to, concrete, stucco, roofing material, etc. that could accelerate cutting or abrading of attached components.
For use in accordance with acceptable locations as shown in Section 6 Fall Clearances. The user shall consider any risks posed by swing falls.
Swing falls can increase fall distance. In overhead applications, work directly under the anchorage. In horizontal (leading edge) applications, minimize the horizontal offset. Increasing the horizontal offset will increase the amount of swing fall. Always remove obstructions in or adjacent to the fall path. Keep work area free from debris, obstructions, trip hazards, spills, or other hazards which could impair the safe operation of the fall protection system.

For horizontal (leading edge) applications DO NOT use the device unless a qualified person has inspected the workplace and determined that the identified swing fall hazards have been eliminated or exposures to them prevented.

Product Use

PFLs are only to be used for their intended purpose and within their limitations. DO NOT intentionally misuse this product. DO NOT use fall protection equipment for purposes other than those for which it was designed. DO NOT use fall protection equipment for towing, hoisting, or material handling.
PFLs shall not be altered or added to. No unauthorized repairs, modifications, alterations and/or additions are permitted.
RESCUE AND EVACUATION: the user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement it. The plan must take into account the equipment and specific training necessary to affect prompt rescue under all foreseeable conditions. If the rescue must be performed in a confined space, the provisions of OSHA regulation 1910.146 and ANSI Z117.1 must be taken into account. It is recommended to provide means for user evacuation without assistance of others. This will usually reduce the time to get to a safe place and reduce or prevent the risk to rescuers.
DO NOT rely on feel or sound to verify proper connector engagement. Ensure the connector is closed before use.
Additional lanyard connectors shall not be added, as this would serve to lengthen the lifeline and increase free fall.
Unsuitable for use on unstable surfaces, fine grain materials or particulate surfaces such as sand or coal, as insufficient speed may prevent lock-on in the event of a fall (possible engulfment hazard).
DO NOT use where line may be exposed to abrasive edges. For leading edge guidance, see Section 5.3 Leading Edge Installation and Use.
PFLs shall not come into contact with hot surfaces (such as hot pipes), become entangled with moving machinery, or come into contact with electrical hazards (such as high voltage power lines).
PFLs shall be protected from fire, acids, caustic solutions, or temperatures outside the range -40°F to 130°F (-40°C to 54°C).
DO NOT leave the PFL installed in environments which could cause damage or deterioration to the product. Refer to the care details in Section 8 Cleaning and Storage and inspection details in Section 7 Pre-Use Checks and Periodic Examinations.
Instructions shall be retained and provided to all users of PFLs in the language of the destination country, even when resold.
DO NOT exceed the maximum fall arrest forces as specified by governing standards or subsystem components.
Dual-connections shall only be made for the purposes of 100% tie-off transitions, if a dual connection is made for any other purpose, anchorages of different elevations must be utilized.
Use of combinations of components or subsystems, or both, may affect or interfere with the safe function of the components or subsystems. Use only compatible components or subsystems, never add additional length to the system.

Leading Edge-Specific Product Use (V-SHOCK EDGE Products)

Use in edge situations should only be as a last resort.
Avoid working where the lifeline will continuously or repeatedly abrade against sharp, jagged, or abrasive edges.
The V-SHOCK EDGE PFL anchorage point shall be at the user’s foot level or above.
Do not work on the far side of an opening opposite the anchorage point or around corners.
Only use V-SHOCK EDGE PFLs for leading edge applications. Do NOT use V-SHOCK PFLs for leading edge applications.
Leading edge configurations shall only be used after all other hierarchy of controls, including restraint systems and overhead anchorages, have been exhausted.
Leading edge configurations shall only be used in accordance with local regulations.
Leading edge configurations shall be used in accordance with the instructions, warnings and limitations in these User Instructions.
In leading edge applications with 0 ft (0 m) setback, ensure that setup does not allow snaphook to contact leading edge in the event of a fall.

Inspection/Removing Product From Service

PFLs that have arrested a fall or are unable to pass an inspection shall be tagged “UNUSABLE” and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
Due to the nature of some fall arrest events, it is possible for the load indicator to not deploy. In the event that a PFL is subjected to fall arrest forces and the load indicator does not deploy, the PFL still must be removed from service and marked as “UNUSABLE” until it has been destroyed.
If the load indicator is deployed, immediately remove the PFL from service and mark it as “UNUSABLE” until it has been destroyed.

Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.

Product Specification

System Requirement

Component	ANSI/OSHA	CSA
Anchorage Connector Standard	ANSI Z359.18/OSHA 1926.502,1910.140	CSA

NOTE: The product may comply with standards shown. See product label for specific compliance information. Those designated with a certification mark are listed with the corresponding agency as compliant to the applicable standard.

PFL Materials

Component	Material
Case	Nylon
Drum	Aluminum
Pawl, Swivel Assembly, Main Spring	Steel
Lifeline	1.00” (25.4mm) wide / 0.14” (3.6mm) thick HMPE / para-aramid blend

OR1.00” (25.4mm) wide / 0.11” (2.8mm) thick Polyester
Connectors| Steel OR Aluminum
Energy Absorber| Nylon
Energy Absorber Pouch| Polyester

Harness Attachment

WARNING!

DO NOT rely on feel or sound to verify proper connector engagement. Ensure the connector is closed before use.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.

Attach V-SHOCK Single Leg PFL to Harness

A V-SHOCK PFL may be connected to an approved full body harness by feeding the carabiner through the back D-ring of the harness. In these applications, the snaphook is connected to a suitable anchorage with the appropriate connecting hardware.

Attach V-SHOCK Twin Leg PFLs to Harness Using V-SHOCK TwinLink Connector

A V-SHOCK TwinLink connector can be used to connect two V-SHOCK PFLs side-by-side on a full body harnessjust below the rear D-ring or through the PFL tunnel. The V-SHOCK TwinLink connector shall only be used to connect a maximum of two V-SHOCK PFLs to the harness.*

The V-SHOCK TwinLink (minus the clip) may be used to attach directly to a full body harness D-ring.
1. If harness has PFL tunnel—use PFL tunnel as connection point. If harness does not have PFL tunnel—Lift D-ring on harness and pull straps through dorsal pad until V-SHOCK PFL can feed between webbing straps and dorsal pad.
2. Unclip plastic divider on VSHOCK TwinLink connector. Rotate, lift, and twist gate on carabiner. Push gate inward to open carabiner.
3. Feed carabiner through swivel eyelet on first V-SHOCK PFL.
4. Feed carabiner through PFL tunnel or behind both straps on harness.
5. Feed swivel eyelet of second VSHOCK PFL onto carabiner and allow carabiner gate to snap shut. Rotate plastic divider and clip it into position to maintain separation of PFLs.
6. If harness has PFL tunnel— Installation complete. If harness does not have PFL tunnel—Pull harness straps back through dorsal pad to eliminate slack in webbing.

Attach V-SHOCK EDGE PFLs to Harness Using V-SHOCK EDGE Pin Connector

If harness has PFL tunnel—use PFL tunnel as connection point.
If harness does not have PFL tunnel—Lift D-ring on harness and pull straps through dorsal pad until V-SHOCK EDGE pin connector can feed between webbing straps and dorsal pad.
Press the button on right side of the pin and press the button on the top of the right side of the bracket. Pull the pin to the right to open the pin connector.
With the button on the pin depressed, feed the pin through PFL tunnel or behind both straps on harness to the left side of the bracket.
a. Release the button on the pin and pull on the end of the pin slightly to ensure it has locked into place.
If harness has PFL tunnel— Installation complete. If harness does not have PFL tunnel— Pull harness straps back through dorsal pad to eliminate slack in webbing.

Installation and Use

Intended Use

PFLs are intended to be used as a connecting element between a full body harness and anchor point. See Section 3 Product Specification. A full body harness is the only acceptable body holding device to be used with a PFL. If supplied as part of a complete system, components shall not be substituted.
For ANSI users: Maximum Arrest force is 1800 lb (8 kN), Average Arrest Force is 1350 lb (6 kN), Maximum Arrest Distance is 3.5 ft (1.1 m).

WARNING!

PFLs are only to be used for their intended purpose and within their limitations. DO NOT intentionally misuse this product. DO NOT use fall protection equipment for purposes other than those for which it was designed. DO NOT use fall protection equipment for towing, hoisting, or material handling.
PFLs shall not be altered or added to. No unauthorized repairs, modifications, alterations and/or additions are permitted.
RESCUE AND EVACUATION: the user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement it. The plan must take into account the equipment and specific training necessary to affect prompt rescue under all foreseeable conditions. If the rescue must be performed in a confined space, the provisions of OSHA regulation 1910.146 and ANSI Z117.1 must be taken into account. It is recommended to provide means for user evacuation without assistance of others. This will usually reduce the time to get to a safe place and reduce or prevent the risk to rescuers.
DO NOT rely on feel or sound to verify proper snaphook or carabiner engagement. Ensure that gate and keeper are closed before use.
Additional lanyard connectors shall not be added, as this would serve to lengthen the lifeline and increase free fall.
Unsuitable for use on unstable surfaces, fine grain materials or particulate surfaces such as sand or coal, as insufficient speed may prevent lock-on in the event of a fall (possible engulfment hazard).
DO NOT use where line may be exposed to abrasive edges. For leading edge guidance, see Section 5.3 Leading Edge Installation and Use.
PFLs shall not come into contact with hot surfaces (such as hot pipes), become entangled with moving machinery, or come into contact with electrical hazards (such as high voltage power lines).
PFLs shall be protected from fire, acids, caustic solutions, or temperatures outside the range -40°F to 130°F (-40°C to 54°C).

Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.

General Installation and Use

Connectors: Ensure PFL connectors are compatible with the attachments to which they are connected (to prevent rollout), and are fully closed and locked before use. See Section 3 Product Specification.

Anchors: Ensure the PFL is attached to a compatible anchor –flexible anchors, such as anchor lines, horizontal lifelines, rail or cantilever structures can affect the ability of the PFL to lock-on in the case of a fall. For further clarification on compatibility specifications, refer to the user instructions of the flexible anchor product. Should compatibility information not be included in the flexible anchor user instructions, contact the flexible anchor manufacturer for clarification.

Retraction: In use, the PFL lifelines will extract and retract without hesitation. Do not allow the lifeline to pass through legs or under arms, or wrap around structure. If the lifeline does not retract in use, fully extract the lifeline and slowly allow it to retract. If the lifeline continues to hesitate in retraction, contact MSA.

Twin Leg Connection: The PFL twin-leg configuration is intended to give users 100% tie-off when moving around the work site. One of the legs must be attached to an appropriate anchorage connector while the user moves to the new location. At the new location, attach the second leg to an appropriate anchorage connector before disconnecting the original leg. Repeat this process until the final destination has been reached. Do NOT work with both legs connected to an anchorage connector.

WARNING!

Dual-connections shall only be made for the purposes of 100% tie-off transitions, if a dual connection is made for any other purpose, anchorages of different elevations must be utilized.

Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.

Tieback Connection: The PFL Tieback configuration is intended to give users the ability to anchor directly to structural members that have been suitably identified by a qualified person. To use: wrap the leg of the PFL around the identified structural member and connect the FP5K snaphook to the leg to create a closed loop. Be sure the snaphook gate is completely closed, locked, and captures the leg of the PFL. Inspect anchorage to assure the tie-back loop on the leg of the PFL cannot be accidentally disengaged from the anchorage during use.

Storage: When not in use, store with the lifeline fully retracted as prolonged periods of full extraction may weaken the retraction spring. Guide the lifeline back to the unit for full retraction. Do NOT release lifeline from a distance as it will retract at high speed, potentially damaging internal parts. The connector may also strike objects in its path, causing damage to those objects and to the connector. See Section 8 Cleaning and Storage for full cleaning and storage instructions.

Leading Edge Installation and Use

If a fall over an edge is possible, special rescue measures shall be defined and trained for. Consideration shall be given to accessing a suspended user without further loading or moving the lifeline over an edge.

WARNING!

Only use V-SHOCK EDGE PFLs for leading edge applications. Do NOT use V-SHOCK PFLs for leading edge applications.
Leading Edge configurations shall only be used after all other hierarchy of controls, including restraint systems and overhead anchorages, have been exhausted.
Leading Edge configurations shall only be used in accordance with local regulations.
Leading Edge configurations shall be used in accordance with the instructions, warnings and limitations in these User Instructions.

Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.

Harness Connection: V-SHOCK EDGE PFL configurations shall be attached only using the PFL tunnel or below the Dring as shown in Section 4.3 Attach V-SHOCK EDGE PFLs to Harness Using V-SHOCK EDGE Pin Connector. Do not attach additional connectors between the bracket and harness, attempt to bypass the connecting bracket, or connect directly to the PFL mechanism.

Horizontal Offset: When using V-SHOCK EDGE PFL configurations in a horizontal (leading edge) application, the horizontal distance apart shall be ≤ 10 ft (3 m). Large horizontal spans shall be avoided, as they can increase forces applied to the structure and introduce swing falls.

Edge Types: The V-SHOCK EDGE PFL configurations have been tested for horizontal (leading edge) use over a steel edge without burrs using the methods in ANSI Z359.14-2021 (Class 2) and CSA Z259.2.2-2017 (Class SRL-LE). Therefore, the V-SHOCK EDGE PFL may be used where a fall may occur over similar edges.

Additionally, while the ANSI Z359.14- 2021 (Class 2) or CSA Z259.2.2-2017 (Class SRL-LE) standards do not address edges other than steel, the V-SHOCK EDGE PFL has been tested using the methods in ANSI Z359.14-2021 with the following edges:

A cold formed corrugated steel test edge. Edges used for testing were at thicknesses ranging from 22 gage (0.0295″ / 0.7493 mm) to 16 gage (0.0598″ / 1.5189 mm). Therefore, V-SHOCK EDGE PFL configurations may be used where a fall may occur over similar edges.

Edge Evaluation: Prior to use, leading edges must be evaluated by a qualified person. Use in these edge situations should only be as a last resort. Avoid working where the lifeline will continuously or repeatedly abrade against sharp, jagged, or abrasive edges. If the risk assessment indicates that an edge could damage the lifeline, then eliminate such contact or protect the edges using a pad or other means before starting work.

Anchorage Considerations: Horizontal (leading edge) use or anchoring at the feet of the user should be limited wherever possible to avoid the potential for swing fall and the possibility of the user striking a structure, potentially causing serious injury. To reduce the risk of a swing fall, anchor directly above the user.

Lateral movements to both sides of the center axis shall be limited to a maximum 10 ft (3 m) as shown. The V SHOCK EDGE PFL anchorage point shall be at the user’s foot level or above. Climbing above the anchorage point is not permitted. Measures shall be taken to prevent use over unintended edges. Do not work on the far side of an opening opposite the anchorage point or around corners.

WARNING!

Anchor locations shall adhere to charts in Section 6 Fall Clearances, including a redirection angle ≥ 90° and set back ≥ 0 ft (0 m)*.
In leading edge applications with 0 ft (0 m) setback, ensure that setup does not allow snaphook to contact leading edge in the event of a fall.
Avoid working where the lifeline will continuously or repeatedly abrade against sharp, jagged, or abrasive edges. Use in these situations should only be as a last resort.
The V-SHOCK EDGE PFL anchorage point shall be at the user’s foot level or above.
Do not work on the far side of an opening opposite the anchorage point or around corners.

Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.

For CSA users: Deployment is equal to [D141 = 0.9] times [4 ft (1.23 m)] for a maximum worker 310 lbs (141 kg) or deployment based on the results of the dynamic performance testing specified in Clause 7.2, whichever is greater.

Mobile Elevated Work Platform / Aerial Lift / Bucket Truck Installation

and Use

V-SHOCK EDGE 6 ft (1.8 m) PFL standard configurations (tieback configurations NOT permitted) are approved for use in mobile elevated work platforms, aerial lifts, and bucket trucks provided the hazards described below are considered. In addition, the user is advised to perform an evaluation by a competent person for other fall-related hazards unique to this application.

Hazards

Avoid exposing the lifeline to working over an exposed sharp edge. Sharp edges may cut the line. However, the rounded bars of a guard rail are acceptable for the line to pass over.
A fall out of the platform can result in a swing-fall hazard, with the potential for the worker to strike the boom of the aerial lift device or other objects in the path of the fall.

Requirements for Use

The V-SHOCK EDGE 6 ft (1.8 m) PFL must be attached to a certified anchor point within the platform of the lift.
User weight capacity, including clothing and tools, is 310 lbs (141 kg).
User must ensure a minimum clearance below the platform of 8.5 ft (2.6 m). Clearance is calculated for a rigid anchor, if a non-rigid anchor is being used then a qualified person should evaluate for additional clearance considerations.

Fall Clearances

V-SHOCK Fall Clearance Charts

6 ft V-SHOCK PFL: 6 ft / 1.8 m Length
10 ft V-SHOCK PFL: 10 ft / 3 m Length

Warranty

Express Warranty – MSA warrants that the product furnished is free from mechanical defects or faulty workmanship for a period of one (1) year from first use or eighteen (18) months from date of shipment, whichever occurs first, provided it is maintained and used in accordance with MSA’s instructions and/or recommendations. Replacement parts and repairs are warranted for ninety (90) days from the date of repair of the product or sale of the replacement part, whichever occurs first. MSA shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event repairs or modifications are made by persons other than its own authorized service personnel or if the warranty claim results from misuse of the product. No agent, employee or representative of MSA may bind MSA to any affirmation, representation or modification of the warranty concerning the goods sold under this contract. MSA makes no warranty concerning components or accessories not manufactured by MSA, but will pass on to the Purchaser all warranties of manufacturers of such components. THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AND IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO THE TERMS HEREOF. MSA SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Exclusive Remedy – It is expressly agreed that the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy for breach of the above warranty, for any tortious conduct of MSA, or for any other cause of action, shall be the repair and/or replacement, at MSA’s option, of any equipment or parts thereof, that after examination by MSA are proven to be defective. Replacement equipment and/or parts will be provided at no cost to the Purchaser, F.O.B. Purchaser’s named place of destination. Failure of MSA to successfully repair any nonconforming product shall not cause the remedy established hereby to fail of its essential purpose.

Exclusion of Consequential Damages – Purchaser specifically understands and agrees that under no circumstances will MSA be liable to Purchaser for economic, special, incidental, or consequential damages or losses of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to, loss of anticipated profits and any other loss caused by reason of the nonoperation of the goods. This exclusion is applicable to claims for breach of warranty, tortious conduct or any other cause of action against MSA.

For additional information, please use your local contacts on our website www.MSAsafety.com.

Limitadores personales de caídas V-SHOCK y V-SHOCK EDGE