FALLTECH 8050 Series FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt Instruction Manual
- June 2, 2024
- FALLTECH
Table of Contents
FALLTECH 8050 Series FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt Instruction Manual
This manual is intended to meet the Manufacturer’s Instructions as required by
the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z259 and American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM) F887 and should be used as part of an employee training
program as required by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA).
FallTech
1306 South Alameda Street Compton, CA 90221, USA
1-800-719-4619 ·
1-323-752-0066 www.FallTech.com
MLBB01 Rev A 011124 EN 1
For purposes of this manual, the FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt in all iterations may be referred to collectively as the FT-Lineman Pro, the body belt, the equipment, the device, the product, or the unit. Any non-English translations of this user instruction manual are for reference only. 2
1.0 Warnings and Important Information
⚠ WARNING
- Avoid moving machinery, thermal, electrical and/or chemical hazards as contact may cause serious injury or death.
- Follow the weight restrictions and recommendations in this manual.
- Remove from service any equipment subjected to a fall. Product may return to service after passing inspection by a Competent Person who is not the user.
- Remove from service any equipment that fails inspection.
- Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment.
- Consult Fall Tech when using this equipment in combination with components or subsystems other than those described in this manual.
- Avoid sharp and/or abrasive surfaces and edges.
- Examine the work area. Be aware of the surroundings and workplace hazards that may impact safety, security, and the functioning of fall restrict systems and components.
- Hazards may include but not be limited to cable or debris tripping hazards, equipment failures, personnel mistakes, moving equipment such as carts, barrows, fork lifts, cranes, or dollies. Do not allow materials, tools or equipment in transit to contact any part of the fall restrict system.
- Do not work under suspended loads.
⚠ IMPORTANT
This product is part of a personal fall restrict or work positioning system.
This equipment is designed for use by persons trained in its correct
application and use.
These instructions must be provided to the worker using this equipment. The
worker must read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for each
component or part of the complete system. Manufacturer’s instructions must be
followed for proper use, care, and maintenance of this product. These
instructions must be retained and be kept available for the worker’s reference
at all times. Alterations or misuse of this product, or failure to follow
instructions, may result in serious injury or death.
A Fall Protection Plan must be on file and available for review by all
workers. It is the responsibility of the worker and the purchaser of this
equipment to assure that users of this equipment are properly trained in its
use, maintenance, and storage. Training must be repeated at regular intervals.
Training must not subject the trainee to fall hazards.
Consult a doctor if there is reason to doubt your fitness to safely absorb the
shock of a fall event. Age and fitness seriously affect a worker’s ability to
withstand falls. Pregnant women or minors must not use this equipment.
ANSI limits the weight of fall protection equipment users to a maximum of 310
lbs. Products in this manual may have a rated capacity exceeding ANSI capacity
limits. Heavy users experience more risk of serious injury or death due to
falls because of increased fall arrest forces placed on the user’s body. In
addition, the onset of suspension trauma after a fall even may be accelerated
for heavy users.
The user of the equipment discussed in this manual must read and understand
the entire manual before beginning work.
NOTE: For more information consult the CSA Z259 or ASTM F887 body of
standards.
2.0 Description
The FallTech® FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt is a fully adjustable, all leather,
seated body belt designed specifically to be used as part of a personal fall
restrict system for use when climbing and working on wood utility poles while
using a wood pole fall restrict device (WPFRD).
This manual contains one Appendix that contains figures and table specific to
the Body Belt discussed in this manual.
The Body Belt discussed in this manual must be properly adjusted and used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt
discussed in this manual has a maximum freefall limit of 2 feet (0.6 m).
Working above this 2 foot (0.6 m) freefall limit is prohibited. Keep the WPFRD
at or above waist height. To minimize freefall distance, work as close to the
pole as possible.
Figure 1 below depicts the FallTech FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt and all of its components that will be referenced throughout this user instruction manual.
See Table 1A in Appendix A for product and materials specifications as well as sizing information.
3.0 Application
3.1 Purpose:
The FallTech® FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt is to be used as part of a personal fall restrict system for use when climbing and working on wood utility poles.
3.2 Personal Fall Restrict System:
A Personal Fall Restrict System is an assembly of components and subsystems used to restrict or limit freefall during a fall event. It typically consists of a wood pole fall restrict device (WPFRD) and a properly fitted lineman’s body belt. Maximum permissible free fall in a typical Personal Fall Restrict System is 2′ (0.6 m). Ensure that adequate fall clearance exists in the potential fall path to prevent contact with a lower level or obstruction. The product discussed in this manual may be used on wood poles only.
3.3 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 Falltech FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt is designed for use by a single user with a combined maximum weight of user, tools, clothing, etc., of 425 lbs (191 kg).
4.2 Compatibility of Connectors:
Connectors are considered to be 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. Contact FallTech if you have any questions about compatibility. 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. Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-closing, self-locking connectors are required by ANSI, CSA, ASTM, and OSHA.
4.3 Compatibility of Components:
Equipment is designed for use with approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect the safety and reliability of the complete system.
4.4 Making Connections:
Only use self-locking connectors with this equipment. Only use connectors that are suitable to each application. Ensure all connections are compatible in size, shape, and strength. Do not use equipment that is not compatible, see Figure 2. Visually ensure all connectors are fully closed and locked. Connectors are designed to be used only as specified in each product’s user’s instructions. Only ANSI Z359.12-2019 compliant carabiners or snap hooks shall be attached to the Primary Connecting Links. Ensure that all connections are fully closed and locked.
⚠ WARNING
Never connect or attach wires, tools, or equipment on the Connecting Links or
D-rings of your Body Belt. Foreign objects could interfere with the operation
of the carabiners or snap hooks and result in an accidental disengagement.
Use caution. Take action to avoid sharp and/or abrasive surfaces and edges
when possible.
5.0 Installation and Use
WARNING
Do not alter or intentionally misuse this equipment. Consult FallTech when
using this equipment in combination with components or subsystems other than
those described in this manual. All components or subsystems used with the
Body Belt discussed in this manual must
comply with CSA Z259, ASTM F887, and/or OSHA.
5.1 Pre-Use Inspection:
Before each use, inspect all components of the FT-Lineman Pro according to Section 7 of this user instruction manual. Inspect all other equipment per the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove from service any component that fails inspection.
5.2 Planning:
Examine work site for hazards. Inspect pole for integrity, sharp edges, and identify the best climbing path. If sharp edges exist that are unavoidable, use proper edge protection before climbing or before climbing past the hazard. Ensure a proper rescue plan is in place before climbing.
5.3 Sizing and Adjustment:
The FT-Lineman Pro is a fully adjustable body belt with each belt accommodating a range of six D-ring sizes as well as finer adjustments for all body shapes and sizes. See Table 1A in Appendix A for specific sizing information by model number. The Primary Connecting Links on the body belt free float on a triangular webbing frame. Because the webbing bypasses your hip bones and there are no fixed D-rings pressing into your sides, the sizing of the Primary Connecting Links is unnecessary for the FT-Lineman Pro. Only the secondary dielectric D-rings need to be taken into consideration when sizing.
5.3.1 D-ring Size:
Knowing you correct D-ring size is important when selecting and fitting a body belt. Locate the protruding hip bones on your sides and measure the distance from the high point of one hip bone around your back to the other hip bone high point, see Figure 3. Add four inches to your measurement to get your D-ring Size. For example, the hip to hip measurement is 23 inches, add four inches to get a D-ring size of 27 inches or D27. NOTE: Of the four added inches, two inches moves the D-rings forward to prevent squeezing and improve comfort, and two inches compensate for the FT-Lineman Pro padding.
5.4 Installation:
5.4.1 Connecting the Device to the Body Belt:
Connect the two Body Belt Carabiners to the Primary Connecting Links of the Body Belt as show in Figure 4 below. Note: The triple locking oval Body Belt Carabiners can be connected with the gate openings facing inward or outward. Inward facing gates as shown in Figure 4 makes connecting and disconnecting easier and prevents materials/equipment from interfering with the gates.
6.0 Maintenance, Service and Storage
6.1 Maintenance:
Ensure the FT-Lineman Pro Body Belt is kept free of excess paint, grease, dirt or other contaminants as this may cause the various mechanisms to malfunction. Clean the exterior of the unit as required with a detergent/water solution. After cleaning, lay out or hang all components to allow the unit to air dry. Lubricate parts as needed.
- DO NOT use heat to dry.
- DO NOT attempt to disassemble the Body Belt in manners other than those described in this manual.
6.2 Service:
This unit is not serviceable or repairable.
6.3 Storage:
Hang the Body Belt in a cool, dry, clean environment out of direct sunlight. Position the Body Belt so excess water can drain out. Avoid exposure to chemical or caustic vapors. Thoroughly inspect the Body Belt after any period of extended storage.
7.0 Inspection
7.1 Pre-Use User Inspection:
Perform an inspection before each use in accordance with the recommendations in Table 1 below.
7.2 Inspection Frequency:
Inspection is required before each use. Inspection by a Competent Person other than the user is required annually.
7.3 Inspection Checklist:
Use Table 1: Guidelines for Body Belt Inspection to inspect the FT-Lineman Pro. Remove from service any belt that fails inspection.
7.4 Inspection Results:
If an inspection reveals defects in or damage to the equipment, inadequate maintenance or activated fall indicators, remove the equipment from service. If any component fails inspection, remove from service immediately. Body Belts involved in a fall may be returned to service after passed inspection by a Competent Person other than the user.
7.5 Inspection Document:
Record inspection results on the Inspection Record provided below or on a similar document.
Inspection Record
8.0 Labels
The following labels must be present and legible.
9.0 Definitions
The following are general definitions of fall protection terms as defined by
ANSI Z359.0-2012.
Anchorage: A secure connecting point or a terminating component of a fall
protection system or rescue system capable of safely supporting the impact
forces applied by a fall protection system or anchorage subsystem.
Anchorage Connector: A component or subsystem that functions as an interface
between the anchorage and a fall protection, work positioning, rope access or
rescue system for the purpose of coupling the system to the anchorage.
Arrest Distance: The total vertical distance required to arrest a fall. The
arrest distance includes the deceleration distance and activation distance.
Authorized Person: A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a
location where the person will be exposed to a fall hazard.
Available Clearance: The distance from a reference point, such as the working
platform, to the nearest obstruction that an authorized person might contact
during a fall which, if struck, could cause injury.
Capacity: The maximum weight that a component, system or subsystem is designed
to hold.
Certification: The act of attesting in writing that the criteria established
by these standards or some other designated standard have been met.
Certified Anchorage: An anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint or
rescue systems that a qualified person certifies to be capable of supporting
the potential fall forces that could be encountered during a fall.
Clearance: The distance from a specified reference point, such as the working
platform or anchorage of a fall arrest system, to the lower level that a
worker might encounter during a fall.
Clearance Requirement: The distance below an authorized person that must
remain clear of obstructions in order to ensure that the authorized person
does not make contact with any objects that would cause injury in the event of
a fall.
Competent Person: An individual designated by the employer to be responsible
for the immediate supervision, implementation and monitoring of the employer’s
managed fall protection program who, through training and knowledge, is
capable of identifying, evaluating and addressing existing and potential fall
hazards, and who has the employer’s authority to take prompt corrective action
with regard to such hazards.
Component: An element or integral assembly of interconnected elements intended
to perform one function in the system.
Connecting Subsystem: An assembly, including the necessary connectors,
comprised of all components, subsystems, or both, between the anchorage or
anchorage connector and the harness attachment point.
Connector: A component or element that is used to couple parts of the system
together.
Deceleration Distance: The vertical distance between the user’s fall arrest
attachment at the onset of fall arrest forces during a fall, and after the
fall arrest attachment comes to a complete stop.
Energy (Shock) Absorber: A component whose primary function is to dissipate
energy and limit deceleration forces which the system imposes on the body
during fall arrest.
Fall Arrest: The action or event of stopping a free fall or the instant where
the downward free fall has been stopped.
Fall Hazard: Any location where a person is exposed to a potential free fall.
Free Fall: The act of falling before a fall protection system begins to apply
forces to arrest the fall. Free Fall Distance: The vertical distance travelled
during a fall, measured from the onset of a fall from a walking working
surface to the point at which the fall protection system begins to arrest the
fall. Lanyard: A component consisting of a flexible rope, wire rope or strap,
which typically has a connector at each end for connecting to the body support
and to a fall arrester, energy absorber, anchorage connector or anchorage.
Positioning: The act of supporting the body with a positioning system for the
purpose of working with hands free. Positioning Lanyard: A lanyard used to
transfer forces from a body support to an anchorage or anchorage connector in
a positioning system. Qualified Person: A person with a recognized degree or
professional certificate and with extensive knowledge, training and experience
in the fall protection and rescue field who is capable of designing,
analyzing, evaluating and specifying fall protection and rescue systems.
Snaphook: A connector comprised of a hook-shaped body with a normally closed
gate or similar arrangement that may be opened to permit the hook to receive
an object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object. Swing
Fall: A pendulum-like motion that occurs during and/or after a vertical fall.
A swing fall results when an authorized person begins a fall from a position
that is located horizontally away from a fixed anchorage.
APPENDIX A
References
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