Ritz BKLRT 15-01 Safety Megapod Instruction Manual

15-01 Safety Megapod
Instruction Manual

MEGAPOD
This instruction manual
applies to the following model:
RTZSA177FT & RTZSA1710FT

BKLRT 15-01 Safety Megapod

Please read and understand the manufacturers instructions for each component or part of the complete system. Manufacturers instructions must b followed for proper use, care, and maintenance of this product. These instructions must  be retained and be kept available for the worker’s efference Atal ime. Alterations o misuse oftis product, or Failureto follow instructions, may resultinserious injury or death
Note: The user is advised to keep this user instructions document for the Ife of the product.

Manufacturer: Ritz Fall Protection
1-800-451-3077 and RitzSafety.com
Certification Body
SATRA Technology Centre, Wyndham Way, Telford Way, Kettering, NN16 BSD, UK (Notified Body 0321)

This manual must be read and understood n ts entirety and used as part of fall protection training program as required by OSHA or any state regularity agency. These instructions are intended to meet the manufacturer instructions as  required by ANSI Z 359.1-2007 and OSHA . The user must fully understand the proper equipment use and imitations.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, WARNINGS AND LIMITATIONS:

The Equipment is designed for use as a part of a personal fall protection system. Components must not be used for any other operation other than that which it has been designed and approved. Fall Arrest system are designed to comply  with OSHA. Fall Restraint System must be designed by a Qualified Person, and must be installed and used under the supervision of a competent person.

• All authorized persons/users must refer the regulations governing occupational safety, as well as applicable ANSI or CSA standards. Please refer to product labeling for information on specific OSHA regulations, and ANSI and CSA  standards met by product.
• Consult a doctor if there s any reason to doubt a user s ability to withstand and safely absorb fall arrest forces. Age, fitness, health conditions can seriously affect the worker a fall occur. Pregnant Women and minors should not use this equipment.
• Proper precautions should always be taken to remove any obstructions, debris, material, or other recognized hazards from the work area that could cause injuries or interfere with the operation of the system. All equipment must be  inspected before each use according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All equipment should be inspected by a qualified person on a regular basis.
• To minimize the potential for accidental disengagement, a competent person must ensure system compatibility.
• Equipment must not be altered in any way. Repairs must be performed only by the Manufacturer, or persons or entities authorized n writing by the manufacturer.
• Any product exhibiting deformities, unusual wear, or deterioration must be immediately discarded. Any equipment subject to a fall must be removed from service. The authorized person/user shall have a rescue plan and the means at  hand to implement it when using this equipment.
• Never use fall protection equipment for purposes other than those for which it was designed. Fall protection equipment should never be used for towing or hoisting.
• All synthetic material must be protected from slag, hot sparks, open flames, or other heat sources. The use of heat resistant materials is recommended n these applications.
• Never use natural materials (manila, cotton. Etc.) as part of a fall protection system.
• Do not expose this equipment to chemicals which may have a harmful effect on the mater ales used to construct it. Be especially aware of caustic environment, or those that contain high levels of organic acids or bases. If you are uncertain  about the safe operation of this equipment in any environment, contact Ritz Fall Protection for further instructions.
• Do not use the equipment near sharp edges, abrasive surfaces and ooping around small diameter structural members.
• Do not use the equipment around moving machinery or electrical hazards.

Ritz Fall Protection Megapod should be used only with the combinations of components, sub-systems or both which may affect or interfere with the safe function of one another Be certain that connecting devices are compatible and that  other elements of the personal fall arrest systems are safe to use and compatible before use.
Product Over View

Brackets used with megapod variants-

SYSTEMLIMITATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Consider the following imitations/requirements prior o installing or using this equipment:

• Capacity: Ritz Fall Protection Megapod is designed for use by ONE person with a combined weight (clothing, tools, etc.) of no more than 310 Ibs. (140 ko) Make sure all of the components in your system are rated to a capacity appropriate to your application. Riz Fall Protection Megapod i rated 5000ibs.

• Free Fall: Personal fall arrest systems used with this equipment must be rigged to limit the free fall to 6 feet (1.8 M) per ANSI Z359.1. Restraint systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. Work positioning systems must be rigged so that free fall is limited to 2 feet (.6 m) or less. Personnel riding systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. Climbing systems must be rigged so thatfree fall is limited to 18 inch. (.46 cm) or less. Rescue systems must be rigged so that no vertical free fall is possible. See subsystem manufacturers instructions for more information. Below figure illustrates fall clearance requirements. There must be sufficient clearance below the user to allow the system to arrest a fall before the user strikes the ground or other obstruction. Clearance required is dependent on the following factors:
  • Elevation of Anchorage
  • Connecting Subsystem Length
  • Deceleration Distance
  • Free Fall Distance
  • Worker Height
  Movement of Harness Attachment ElementA| Connecting Subsystem (Energy Absorbing Lanyard Shown)
  ---|---
  B| Working Level
  C| Lower Level a Obstruction
  D| Free Fall – 611. (1.8m) Max. (per ANSI Z3559.1)
  E| Deceleration Distance
  F| Total Fall Distance Free Fall (D) + Deceleration (E)

• Swing Falls : Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly above the point where a fall occurs. The force of striking an object in a swing fall may cause serious injury or death. Minimize swing falls by working as close to the anchorage point as possible. Do not permit a swing fall if injury could occur. Swing falls will significantly increase the clearance required when a self-retracting lifeline or other variable length connecting subsystem is used.

• Environmental Hazards: Use of this equipment in areas with environmental hazards may require additional precautions to prevent injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are not limited to; heat, chemicals, corrosive environments, high voltage power lines, gases, moving machinery, and sharp edges. Compatibility of Components: Unless otherwise noted, Ritz Fall Protection equipment is designed for use with Ritz Fall Protection approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect safety and reliability of the complete system.

• 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. If the connecting element that a snap hook or karabiner attaches to is undersized or irregular in shape, a situation could occur where the connecting element applies a force to the gate of the snap hook or karabiner. This force may cause the gate (of either a self-locking or a non-locking snap hook) to open, allowing the snap hook or karabiner to disengage from the connecting point. Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Self-locking snap hooks and karabiners are required by ANSI Z359.1 and OSHA.

• Making connections : Always use snap hooks and karabiners which needs double manual action to open 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. Ensure all connectors are fully closed and locked. The connection should not be made-
  • To a D-ring to which another connector is attached.
  • In a manner that would result in a load on the gate.
  • In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap hook or karabiner catch on the anchor and without visual confirmation seems to be fully engaged to the anchor point.
  • To each other.
  • Directly to webbing or rope lanyard or tie-back (unless the manufacturers instructions for both the lanyard and connector specifically allow such a connection).
  • To any object which is shaped or dimensioned such that the snap hook or karabiner will not close and lock, or that roll-out could occur.

NOTE: Other than 3,600 b. (16 kN) gated hooks, large throat opening snap hooks should 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. Large  throat snap hooks are designed for use on fixed structural elements such as rebar or cross members that are not shaped n a way that can capture the gate of the hook.

RESTRICTIONS REGARDING MAKING CONNECTIONS:

• Use connectors conforming to ANSI Z351.12.2009 to make connections.
• Do not make connections where the hook locking mechanism can come into contact with a structural member or other equipment and potentially release the hook.
• Do not connect a snap hook into a loop or thimble of a wire rope or attach n any way to a slack wire rope.
• The snap hook must be free to align with the applied load as intended (regardless of the size or shape of the mating connector)
• A karabiner may be used to connect to a single or pair of soft loops on a body support such as a body belt or full body harness, provided the karabiner can fully close and ock. This type of connection s not allowed for snap hooks.
• A karabiner may be connected to a loop or ring connector that s already occupied by an automatic closing connector.

Fig. 2 – Unintentional Disengagement (roll-out)
If the connecting element to which a snap hook (shown) or karabiner attached s undersized or regular in shape, a situation could occur where the connecting element applies a force to the gate of the snap hook or karabiner. This force
may cause the gate (of either a self-locking or a non­ locking snap hook) to open, allowing the snap hook or karabiner to disengage from the connecting point.

CONNECTING SUB-SYSTEMS:

Personal fall arrest systems used with this equipment must meet applicable state, OSHA and ANSI requirements. A full body harness must be worn when this equipment is used as a component of a personal fall arrest system. As required by OSHA, the personal fall arrest system must be capable of arresting the user s fall with a maximum arresting force of 1,800 bs. (8 kN), and limit the free fall to 6 ft. (1.8 m) or less. If the maximum free fall distance must be exceeded, the  employer must document, based on test data, that the maximum arresting force will not be exceeded, and the personal fall arrest system will function properly. Free fall greater than 6 ft. (1.8 m), and up to a maximum of 12 ft. (3.7 m) is
possible, Ritz Fall Protection recommends using a personal fall arrest system incorporating a Ritz Fall Protection Energy Absorbing Lanyard. Ritz Fall Protection has performed testing using the Ritz Fall Protection Energy Absorbing  Lanyard in free falls up to 12ft. (3. 7 m) to ensure the maximum arresting force does not exceed 1,800 bs. (8.0 kN), and the system functions properly.

• Rescue Plan: Rescue operation must be performed by the trained and competent personal. The rescue operation must be performed under the supervision of the rescue expert team or personal. It is advised that while working on site  work n pairs. Before going for the work the user must have the rescue plan according to the work.
• If Equipment Is Subjected To A Fall: Remove the equipment from service immediately if it has been subjected to the forces of a fall arrest. Contact your distributor or Ritz Fall Protection about policies regarding replacement of Ritz  Fall Protection components involved n a fall.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS:

Ritz Fall Protection Anchors are designed to provide complete attachment system to user in the event of a fall. These attachment systems must be connected to the proper body support and connecting facility. These Anchors are meant to  hold the victim of fall till the rescue operation is performed, so this is important that the whole system must have the all the essential components before going for the use. The whole fall arrest system must be used by the trained/competent person. It is advisable to make a checklist of the essential components according to one’s use before going for work.

USE OF FALL ARREST SYSTEM:

The fall arrest system MUST ONLY be connected to the back attaching element on the harness provided for the purpose (“D” ring or webbing attachment extension) or to the chest anchorage points (“webbing link” or “D” link). The chest anchorage points must imperatively be used together. The D-rings on the belt and the ventral anchorage point must only be used for the attachment of a work positioning or retaining system and never with a fall arrest system. During use, check regularly the adjustment and/or attachment points.

ANCHORAGE STRENGTH:

The anchorage strength required is dependent on the application type. The following are the requirements of ANSI Z359.1 for these application types:

• Fall Arrest: Anchorages selected for fall arrest systems shall have a strength capable of sustaining static loads applied in the directions permitted by the system of atleast- (1) 5,000 lbs. (23kN) for non-certified anchorages, or (2) Two times the maximum arresting force for certified anchorages. When more than one fall arrest system is attached to an anchorage, the strengths set forth in (1) and (2) above shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to the anchorage.
  As Per OSHA: Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest systems shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs.(23kN) per user attached, or be designed, installed and used as part of a complete personal fall arrest systems which maintains a safety factor of at least two, and is under the supervision of a qualified person.

• Work Positioning: The structure to which the work positioning system is attached must sustain static loads applied in the directions permitted by the work positioning system of at least 3,000 lbs. (13.3 kN) or twice the potential impact load, whichever is greater. See OSHA. When more than one work positioning system is attached to an anchorage, the strengths stated above must be multiplied by the number of work positioning systems attached to the anchorage.

• Restraint: Anchorages selected for restraint and travel restraint systems shall have a strength capable of sustaining static loads applied in the directions permitted by the system of at least: (1)1,000 lbs. (4.5 kN) for non-certified anchorages, or (2)Two times the foreseeable force for certified anchorages. When more than one restraint and travel restraint system is attached to an anchorage, the strengths set forth in (1) and (2) above shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to the anchorage.

• Rescue: Anchorages selected for restraint and travel restraint systems shall have a strength capable of sustaining static loads applied in the directions permitted by the system of at least: (1) 3,000 lbs. (13.3 kN) for non-certified anchorages, or (2) Five times the foreseeable force for certified anchorages. When more than one restraint and travel restraint system is attached to an anchorage, the strengths set forth in (1) and (2) above shall be multiplied blithe number of systems attached to the anchorage.
  ANCHORAGE & ANCHORAGE STRENGTH: Anchorage and anchorage strength requirements are dependent on the Full Body Harness. In accordance with ANSI Z3559.1, anchorages selected for fall Arrest Systems must meet the anchorage strength requirements defined in below:ANCHORAGE & ANCHORAGE STRENGTH: Anchorage and anchorage strength requirements are dependent on the Full Body Harness. In accordance with ANSI Z3559.1, anchorages selected for fall Arrest Systems must meet the anchorage strength requirements defined in below:

  | Anchorage| Strength Requirements
  Fall Arrest’| Non-Certified Anchorage:| 5,000 lbs.(23kN)
  Certified Anchorage’:| 2 Times the Maximum Arresting Force for Certified Anchorage
  Restraint’| Non-Certified Anchorage| 1,000 (4.5 kN)
  Certified Anchorages’:| 2 times the foreseeable force for certified anchorages.
  Work Positioning’| Non-Certified Anchorages| 3,000 lbs (13.3 kN)
  Certified Anchorage’:| 2 times the foreseeable force for certified anchorage.
  Rescue’| Non-Certified Anchorage| 3,000 lbs (13.3 kN)
  Certified Anchorage’:| 5 times the foreseeable force for certified anchorage.
  Climbing| The structure which a climbing system is attached must sustain the loads required by that particular system. Seethe instructions f or the climbing system for requirements.
  1 Multiple Systems: When more than one of the defined system is attached to an anchorage, the strength defined for Non- Certified or certified anchorage shall be multiplied by the number of systems attached to the anchorage.
  2 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 force that meet the criteria for a certified anchorage prescribed in this standard.

INSPECTION:

Before each use, proceed with a thorough visual examination to ensure that the PPE is intact (the same applies to the equipment used with the harness (connectors, lanyard) and take all necessary steps concerning the implementation of rescue in total safety. In the event of your product gets contaminated, consult the manufacturer or authorized agent. If you have any doubts regarding the safe state of the product or if the product has been used to arrest a fall, it is essential to immediately withdraw the PPE from use and send it to the manufacturer or a qualified repair center for checking or destruction.
Following the inspection, the center will provide written authorization or refusal for the use of the PPE. Never attempt to modify or repair PPE.
Before each use of this equipment inspect it according to the following guidelines: A formal inspection of fall protection products/components must be performed at least every six months by a competent person other than the user. The  frequency of formal inspections should be based on conditions of use or exposure. Record the inspection results in the inspection and maintenance log at the end of this manual. The component should be checked for Cut, Frayed, Heavily  Soiled, welding burns etc.
Metal parts like D-rings should be duly check for the crack, bent, deformities, corrosions etc.

LIMITATIONS:

• Megapod should be a personal property of its user.
• It should not be used in highly acidic or basic environments.

FITTING & SIZING:

The Megapod comes in two variants i.e. 7ft.(2.10) and 10ft (3.05). Depending on the condition of usage one can choose best option as per requirement.
STEP 1: Place the Megapod on the floor with the feet on the ground. Remove the locking Pins from the head and the legs. STEP2: — Fully spread the legs and then replace the locking pins on head to secure the legs in the open positions.
STEP3: —Resecure the locking pins into legs, after adjustment of the required height or in fully extended position.
STEP 4 : — Place the Megapod over the entry point. Adjust the Megapod as necessary by removing pins in one leg at a time. Adjust each leg so the Megapod sits level above user’s entry point. Ensure that all pins are re- installed.
STEP5 : Place the Retrieval Block on the opposite leg of the Megapod, where the winch is installed.

FALL CLEARANCE:

If there is a risk of fall or if the only anchorage is below the attachment points on the harness, it is essential to use a lanyard provided with an energy absorber. Before using a shock-absorbing lanyard, check that there is sufficient fall  clearance below the user to prevent any collision with the structure or the ground.

MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION:

• Materials: High Strength Aluminium
• System Requirements:
• Compatibility of Components: Ritz Fall Protection Fall Protection equipment is designed to be used with Ritz Fall Protection approved components. Please contact Ritz Fall Protection if you have a question regarding compatibility.  Making substitutions without approval from Ritz Fall Protection Fall Protection may lead to injuries and or death. A Qualified person can make a determination on compatibility of equipment from different manufacturers.
• Compatibility of Connectors: Connectors (D-rings, hooks, karabiners) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 Ibs. (23kN). Do not use equipment that is not compatible. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally  disengage. Self-locking snap hooks and karabiners are required by CSA, ANSI and OSHA. Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength.
• Making Connections: Only use self-locking snap hooks and karabiners with any Ritz Fall Protection Fall Protection equipment. Do not use equipment that is not compatible.

Installation of retrieval block on megapod:

STEP1 Locate the megapod leg that has pre-installed mounting bracket for lnstalling the retrieval block.
STEP2 Place the retrieval mounting bracket(RTZSA 1726) on the lower mounting bracket pre-installed on the megapod eg and insert the guiding pin not the slot. (refer fig. 2 and 3)
STEP3 Use solid pin for locking the Retrieval Mounting bracket(RTZSA 1726) on pre-installed mounting bracket of megapod leg. (refer fig. 4)
STEP4 Lock the solid pin on mounting brackets using cotter pin. (refer Fig. 4)
STEP5 Insert retrieval block n bracket guided by aluminum guide provided on both side of retrieval. (refer Fig. 5)
STEP6 Lock the anchorage eye with bracket followed by solid pin and lock solid pin from other end by inserting cotter pin. (refer fig. 6&7). Now the retrieval block is ready to be used on megapod (refer fig. 8)

OTHERS:

• Maintenance & Cleaning: Repairs to equipment can be made only by a Ritz Fall Protection representative or person or entity authorized by Ritz Fall Protection. Contact Ritz Fall Protection for maintenance and repair. Cleaning after use is  important for maintaining the safety and ife of the equipment. Cleanse the equipment of all dirt, corrosives, and contaminants. If the equipment cannot simply be wiped clean use a mild soap and water. Rinse, wipe, and hang to dry in  shade.
• Storage: Store the anchorage connector component harness n a cool, dry and clean place out of direct sunlight. Avoid areas where heat, moisture, light, oil, and chemicals or their vapors or other degrading elements may be present.  Equipment which s damaged or in need of maintenance should not be stored n the same area as usable equipment. Heavily soiled, wet, or otherwise contaminated equipment should be properly maintained (e.g. dried and cleaned)  prior to storage. Prior to using equipment which has been stored for ong periods of time, a Formal Inspection should be performed by a competent person. For harnesses with Dielectric buckles, pass-thru buckles or Quick Connect Buckles, store the  harness with the buckles connected.
• Training: It s the responsibility of the users to assure that they read, understand, and follow all instructions and are trained in the care and use of this device. Training should be repeated periodically and any time there is a change  of components within the system. Training must be conducted without exposing the trainee to a fall hazard

PRODUCT MARKINGS:

• Capacity: 1 user, 310 lbs.(140 kgs) maximum weight.
• Strength: 5000 bs (23 kN)

MARKING EXPLANATION : The Product is marked with-
(I) The ANSI con showing that the product meets the requirements of the PPE Directive.
(ii) Identification on of manufacturer s
(iii) Type or product code
(iv) Certifying Norm & Year
(v) Material of Construction
(vi) Load Capacity
(vii) Warning
(viii) Adjustable Height
(ix) Lot No.
(x) Minimum Breaking Strength
(xi) Inspection Chart
(xii) Year of manufacturing
(xiii) Read Instructions before use

PERIODIC EXAMINATION:

Keep these instructions with the product and fill in the identification sheet, entering the information taken from the markings.

• The periodic examination is essential to test the resistance and condition of the equipment and to guarantee the safety of the user.
• A qualified person must examine this equipment at least once each year in strict compliance with the instructions of the manufacturer and the previous check must be recorded on the attached sheet.
• The frequency of inspection should be increased in accordance with the regulations, if the equipment is n heavy usage or if the equipment is used n harsh environments. Check also that the markings are legible.

EQUIPMENT RECORD

Product
Model & type/Identification| Trade Name| Identification number
Manufacturer| Address| Tel, fax, email into use
Year of manufacture| Purchase Date| Date first put into use
Other relevant information (e.g. document number)

PERIODIC EXAMINATION AND REPAIR HISTORY

Date| Reason for entry (periodic examination or repair)| Defects noted, repairs
carded out and other
relevant information| Name and signature
of competent person| Periodic examination next due date
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |

800-451-3077 | RitzSafety.com
ANSI Z359.1-2007
BKLHT 15-01

Documents / Resources

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BKLRT 15-01 Safety Megapod, BKLRT 15-01, Safety Megapod, Megapod
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