SAFEWAZE FS880 Concrete Anchor Straps Instruction Manual

SAFEWAZE FS880 Concrete Anchor Straps

APPLICABLE SAFETY STANDARDS

When used according to instructions, Safewaze Anchors meet ANSI Z359.18-2017 Type A and OSHA 1926.502, 1910.140, and 1910.66 regulations. Applicable standards and regulations depend on the type of work being done and may include state-specific regulations. Refer to local, state, and federal requirements for additional information on the governing of occupational safety regarding Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS).

WARNING

The manufacturer’s instructions must be provided to users of this equipment. The user must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each component of the system. The user must read and understand these instructions before using this equipment. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed for proper use and maintenance of this equipment. The user must understand how to safely and effectively use the Concrete Anchor Strap and all equipment used in conjunction with the Concrete Anchor Strap. Alterations to this product, misuse of this product, or failure to follow instructions may result in serious injury or death. Avoid moving machinery, sharp and/or abrasive edges, and any other hazard that could damage or degrade the component.

• Do not throw away instructions! Read and understand instructions before using the equipment!

IMPORTANT

• Please refer to this manual for essential instructions on the use, care, or suitability of this equipment for your application. Contact Safewaze for any additional questions.
• Only Safewaze, or entities authorized in writing by Safewaze, may make repairs to Safewaze fall protection equipment.
• Record all important product information below before use. Documentation of all Competent Person annual inspections is required in the Inspection Log.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing a Safewaze Concrete Anchor Strap. This manual must be read and understood in its entirety and used as part of an employee training program as required by OSHA or any applicable state agency. This manual and any other instructional material must be available to the user of the equipment. Every user must be trained in the inspection, installation, operation, and proper usage of the anchor.

SPECIFICATIONS

The Safewaze Concrete Anchor Strap is designed to be used as part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).

• Capacity: ANSI 130 to 310 lbs. (59-141 kg), OSHA 420 lbs. (191 kg) *including any tools, clothing, accessories, etc.
• Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS): 5,000 lbs. (22 kN)
• Heavy duty webbing with 24’’ wear sleeve and D-ring, or soft loop, connection point.
• Fall Arrest Points: D-ring, Soft Eye Loop.

USER INFORMATION

• Date of First Use:
• Serial Number:
• Trainer:
• User:

WORKER CLASSIFICATIONS

Read and understand the definitions of those who work in proximity of, or may be exposed to, fall hazards: Qualified Engineer: “Qualified Engineer” means a person with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from an accredited college or university. They can assume personal responsibility for the development and application of engineering science and knowledge in the design, construction, use, and maintenance of their projects. Qualified Person: “Qualified Person” means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated their ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Competent Person: A “Competent Person” means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Authorized Person: “Authorized Person” means a person approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific type of duty or duties, or to be at a specific location or location, at the job site. It is the responsibility of a Qualified Person or Engineer to supervise the jobsite and ensure safety regulations are complied with.

LIMITATIONS

Always select a lanyard and anchor point location that limits free fall and swing fall as much as possible. A free fall of more than 6 ft. could cause excessive arrest forces that could result in serious injury or death. Structures for the attachment of the Concrete Anchor Strap shall support a minimum of 5,000 lbs. (22 kN) or be designed with a safety factor of two to one by a Qualified Person. Fall Clearance: There must be sufficient clearance below the anchorage connector to arrest a fall before the user strikes the ground or an obstruction. When calculating fall clearance, account for all applicable factors (Figure 1). A Competent Person must reference the entire system’s components to calculate Fall Clearance.

FIGURE 1: FALL CLEARANCE DIAGRAM

• These diagrams are examples of fall clearance calculations ONLY.

Swing Falls: Prior to installation or use, make considerations for eliminating or minimizing all swing fall hazards. Swing falls occur when the anchor is not directly above the location where a fall occurs. Always work as close to, or in line with, the anchor point as possible. Swing falls significantly increase the likelihood of serious injury or death in the event of a fall (Figure 2)

SWING FALL

ANCHORAGE INSTALLATION LOCATION

A Qualified Person or Engineer must analyze the workplace and ensure the anchorage location is capable of withstanding loads from a fall. An anchorage location selected for a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) must have a strength capable of sustaining a static load applied in the direction permitted by the PFAS of at least:

• 5,000 lbs. (2267.9 kg) for non-certified anchorages, or
• Two times the maximum arresting force for certified anchorages, or
• 3,100 lbs. for Rescue applications.

When more than one fall arrest system is attached to an anchorage, the strengths outlined in one of the above shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to the anchorage.

ALLOWED ANCHOR APPLICATIONS

Personal Fall Arrest: Safewaze Anchors are designed as an anchor point to support a maximum of 1 PFAS when utilized for fall protection applications. The structure to which the anchor is attached must withstand loads applied in the directions permitted by the system of at least 5,000 lbs. (22 kN) or be designed with a safety factor of two to one. Maximum allowable freefall is based on the connector used.

Restraint: Safewaze Anchors are authorized for use in Restraint applications. The structure to which the anchor is attached must withstand loads applied in the directions permitted by the system of at least 1,000 lbs. NO free fall is permitted. Restraint systems may only be used on surfaces with slopes up to 4/12 (vertical/horizontal). For Restraint applications, the allowable attachment points to the harness are Dorsal, Front/Sternal, Side, and Shoulder D-rings.

Work Positioning: Safewaze Anchors are authorized for use in Work Positioning applications. Work Positioning allows a worker to be supported during suspension while freeing both hands to conduct work operations. The structure to which the Anchor is attached must withstand loads applied in the directions permitted by the system of at least 3,000 lbs. Maximum allowable free fall is 2’ ft. For positioning applications, the allowable attachment points to the harness are the Side D-rings.

Rescue/Confined Space: Safewaze Anchors are authorized for use in Rescue/Confined Space applications. Rescue systems are utilized to safely recover a worker from a confined location or after exposure to a fall. Composition of rescue systems can vary based upon the type of rescue involved. The structure to which the Anchor is attached must withstand loads applied in the directions permitted by the system of at least 3,100 lbs. NO free fall is permitted. For rescue applications, the allowable attachment points to the harness are Dorsal, Front/Sternal, and Shoulder D-rings.

COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS/CONNECTORS

• Safewaze equipment is designed for, and tested with, associated Safewaze components or systems. If substitutions or replacements are made, ensure all components meet the applicable ANSI requirements. Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for all components and subsystems in your PFAS. Not following this guidance may jeopardize the compatibility of equipment and possibly affect the safety and reliability of the system.
• Connectors are compatible with connecting elements when they have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open regardless of how they become oriented.
• Connectors (hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22 kN).
• Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components.
• Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage (Figure 3).
• Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength.
• Self-locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by OSHA guidelines.
• Some specialty connectors have additional requirements. Contact Safewaze if you have any questions about compatibility.

UNINTENTIONAL DISENGAGEMENT

Using a connector that is undersized or irregular in shape (1) to connect a snap hook or carabiner could allow the connector to force open the gate of the snap hook or carabiner. When force is applied, the gate of the hook or carabiner presses against the non-compliant part (2) and forces open the gate (3). This allows the snap hook or carabiner to disengage (4) from the connection point.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Snap hooks and carabiners used with this equipment must be double-locked and/or twist-locked. Ensure all connections are compatible in size, shape, and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Ensure all connectors are fully closed and locked. Safewaze connectors (hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) are designed to be used only as specified in each product’s manual. See Figure 4 for examples of inappropriate connections. Do not connect snap hooks and carabiners:

• To a D-ring to which another connector is attached.
• In a manner that would result in a load on the gate (except tie-back hooks).
• In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap hook or carabiner catch on the anchor, and without visual confirmation seem to be fully engaged to the anchor point.
• To each other.
• By wrapping the web lifeline around an anchor and securing to a lifeline, except as allowed for tie-back models.
• To any object which is shaped or sized in a way that the snap hook or carabiner will not close and lock, or that roll-out could occur.
• In a manner that does not allow the connector to align properly while under load.

INAPPROPRIATE CONNECTIONS

Large throat snap hooks must not be connected to standard size D-rings or similar objects which will result in a load on the gate if the hook or D-ring twists or rotates, unless the snap hook complies with ANSI Z359.12 and is equipped with a 3,600 lb. (16 kN) gate.

ANCHOR COMPONENTS

INSTALLATION

1. To install a Safewaze Concrete Anchor Strap, select a suitable location that will provide proper strength for the installation of the strap as an anchorage for Fall Protection.
2. Upon determining a suitable location for the installation of a Safewaze Concrete Anchor Strap, the user will will secure the strap to a suitable rebar cage component before the concrete being poured. Attachment to the rebar component is performed by simply passing the PFAS attachment end of the strap throught the loop at the opposite end of the strap and cinching the strap around the rebar.
3. The PFAS end of the Safewaze Concrete Anchor Strap will then be extended beyond the edge/side of the form to allow for connection after the concrete is poured and has properly cured.
4. After concrete has properly cured, the user can then attach to the end of the strap that extends beyond the concrete to provide a suitable fall protection anchorage point.
5. Once construction is complete, or the strap is no longer required, the user can choose to leave the strap in place for possible future usage, or cut the strap off flush with the edge of the concrete and discard.

Note: Though installation in concrete is the intended use, Safewaze Concrete Anchor Straps can also be used as temporary anchors on alternative structural members, such as wood framework, steel I-beams, or pipe racking. For instance, the Concrete Anchor Strap could be installed like a cross-arm strap on the aforementioned alternative structural members. However, the use of this product in a manner in which it is not designed can lead to excessive abrasion, wear, and possible product failure. For this reason, this product must be inspected before each use. The use of a Concrete Anchor Strap on an alternative structural member is permissible provided the user follows this Safewaze product manual and the following guidelines:

1. A Competent Person has determined the alternative structural member is capable of withstanding anticipated fall loads and meets, or exceeds, OSHA-required anchorage strength regulations.
2. The chosen alternative structural member does not allow for the Concrete Anchor Strap to slip off of it, or become unintentionally disengaged in any capacity.
3. The chosen alternative structural member does not have any sharp or abrasive edges or surfaces.

INSPECTION

• Safewaze Anchors shall be inspected before each use by the user and at least annually by a Competent Person other than the user.
• Competent Person inspections must be recorded in the Inspection Log included in this manual and on the inspection grid label on the anchor.
• The severity of conditions during the use of the anchor may necessitate an increased frequency of documented inspections.
• Before each use, inspect the anchor for deficiencies or damage including, but not limited to, sharp edges, rough edges, deformations, corrosion, pits, burrs, chemical exposure, extreme heat exposure, and damaged, missing, or illegible labels.
• If any deficiencies or defects are found, the anchor must IMMEDIATELY be removed from service.

MAINTENANCE

• The anchor can be cleaned with water and mild soap if necessary. The user should remove all dirt, possible corrosives, and contaminants from the anchor before, and after, each use. Never use any type of corrosive substance to clean the anchor.
• Excess water should be blown out with compressed air. Hardware can be wiped off with a clean, dry cloth. Do not store the anchor if wet. Allow the anchor to fully dry before being stored.
• Before installation, store the anchor in a cool, dry area where it will not be exposed to extreme light, extreme heat, excessive moisture, or possibly corrosive chemicals or materials.

WARNINGS

• Users should consult with their doctor to verify their ability to safely absorb the forces of a fall arrest event. Fitness level, age, and other health conditions can greatly affect an individual’s ability to withstand fall arrest forces. Women who are pregnant and individuals considered minors must not use any Safewaze equipment.
• Anchors that are exposed to fall arrest forces must be IMMEDIATELY removed from service and destroyed.
• A preplanned rescue procedure in the event of a fall is required. The rescue plan must be specific to the project. The rescue plan must allow for employees to rescue themselves or be promptly rescued by alternative means.
• A Competent Person must analyze the workplace and anticipate where workers will be conducting their duties, the route they will take to reach their work and the existing and potential fall hazards they may be exposed to. The Competent Person must choose the fall protection equipment to be utilized.
• Equipment designated for fall protection must never be used to lift, hang, support, or hoist tools or equipment unless specifically certified for such use.

LABELS

INSPECTION LOG

• Website: safewaze.com
• Fax: 704-262-9051
• Email: [email protected]

References

• Fall Protection and Safety Equipment | Safewaze Inc.
• Fall Protection and Safety Equipment | Safewaze Inc.

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