MSA PFL V-EDGE Personal Fall Limiter Instruction Manual

MSA PFL V-EDGE Personal Fall Limiter

Table 1 – Vertical and horizontal use and fall clearance – Acceptable anchor locations

Table 2 – Horizontal use with edge consideration – Acceptable anchor locations

Table 3 – System Requirement

Minimum structure strength Resistencia de la structure Résistance de la structure| 12 kN

CASE

Figure 1 – Load indicator

Table 4 – Pre-use checks and periodic examination

Pre-use checks| Completed prior to each use. Tag “unusable” and pass to a Competent person 3 if Pre-use checks are not passed.
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Labels| Ensure labels are legible
Examination date| Ensure date of next examination has not elapsed 4
Product life| Ensure product has not reached the end of its service life
Load indicator| Ensure attachment bracket has not been deployed ( Figure 1 )
General condition| Examine for signs of excessive damage, wear, corrosion or contamination. Check pouch for signs of cuts, abrasion, fraying / broken strands, tears, burns, mold, discoloration or chemical attack. Check all cable for any signs of corrosion, damage or contamination. Ensure correct operation of connectors. Check all fasteners for loosening or damage, including center shaft.
Extraction / retraction| Inspect line extraction and retraction by pulling out the full length of line and letting it retract back into the housing in a controlled manner. The line operation must be smooth and unhesitant (maintain a light tension on the lifeline whilst it retracts). Repeat three times.
Lock-on| Pull sharply on the lifeline – ensure device locks. Repeat three times.
Harness connection| Ensure pin is fully housed between bracket and harness webbing

Product Marking

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1| Model number
2| Date of manufacture MM/YY
3| Serial number
4| Date of next examination
5| Lifeline construction
6| Notified body number
7| Length
8| Standard
9| Approved body number
10| Edge test type
11| Read user instructions
12| Product warning
13| Do not use
14| Acceptable anchor locations ( Table 1 & 2)
15| Capacity
16| Load-indicator

Table 6 – Materials

ANSI : SATRA Technology Europe Ltd, Brace town Business Park, Clone, D15 YN2P, Ireland. Number 2777.

UKCA Approval
Approved body for product certification
SATRA Technology Centre Limited, Wyndham Way, Telford Way, Kettering, Northampton shire, NN16 8SD, United Kingdom (AB0321)

Approved body for site surveillance
INSPEC International Ltd, 56 Leslie Hough Way, Sanford, Greater Manchester, M6 6AJ, United Kingdom (AB0194)

• Latchways plc, An MSA brand, Hopton Park, Devizes,
• Wiltshire, SN10 2JP, United Kingdom
• Phone +44 (0)800 066 2222
• Email: info.gb@MSAsafety.com Website: MSAsafety.com
• 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.

Certificate of Conformity

This User Instruction is intended for the following V-EDGE PFL types: V-EDGE® PFL 2.4 m (8 ft)

†† We certify that this item has been fully inspected and conforms to the full requirements and specifications of the standards indicated on the product. This product meets the requirements of the PPE regulation 2016/425 and PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 as retained in UK Law and amended using harmonized/ designated standard EN 360: 2002.
††† The quality control arrangements adopted in respect of the item conforms to the conditions of EN ISO 9001:2015.

V-EDGE is a registered trademark of MSA Technology, LLC in Europe and other countries.

Fitting instructions

The V-EDGE PFL attachment bracket allows connection to the MSA V-FORM and V-FIT harnesses just below the rear D-ring. The bracket shall only be used to connect the V-EDGE PFL to the harness. Any other devices shall be connected directly to the harness D-ring.

To install the V-EDGE PFL to a full body harness:

1. Lift the rear dorsal D-ring on the harness and pull the webbing straps through the dorsal pad until there is sufficient space to feed the attachment pin between the webbing and dorsal pad.
2. Pull the pin release away from the bracket body then rotate to release the attachment pin. Pull the pin fully out of the bracket arms.
3. Place the bracket arms over the webbing straps, and feed the attachment pin through both webbing straps. When the pin is fully through, it shall lock shut, and no red marking shall be visible on the pin.
4. Pull the harness straps back through the dorsal pad to eliminate slack in the webbing.

Following installation, and prior to use, the V-EDGE PFL shall be inspected by a second user.

1.  Ensure the attachment pin is passed through both harness webbing straps between two slots in the dorsal plate.
2. Ensure the attachment pin is fully housed through both bracket arms and locked in position; no red marking shall be visible on the pin.
3. Ensure the V-EDGE PFL is installed in the correct orientation, such that the Energy absorber pouch hangs below the attachment bracket.
4. Ensure both harness straps are pulled tight and equally through the dorsal plate.

General information

It is recommended that V-EDGE PFLs are a personal issue item.
A declaration of conformity may be downloaded at MSAsafety.com/DoC

Warranty details

Full terms and conditions can be found at on this product’s page on MSAsafety.com by clicking on the Literature tab.

Date of next examination: Mark the label 4 provided in accordance with Section 7 and place on the case label A in the location indicated. A permanent marker pen is suitable for this.

Intended use and product limitations

V-EDGE PFLs are intended to be used as a connecting element between a full body harness and anchor point (see Table 3 for system requirements). A full body harness is the only acceptable body holding device to be used with V-EDGE PFLs. If supplied as part of a complete system, components shall not be substituted.

Installation and use

A written rescue plan and the means to implement it shall be in place to deal with emergencies that may arise during use.
Ensure both V-EDGE PFL connectors are compatible with the attachments to which they are connected (to prevent roll-out), and are fully closed and locked before use. See Table 3 for system requirements.
Ensure the V-EDGE PFL is attached to compatible anchors – flexible anchors, such as anchor lines or cantilever structures can affect the ability of the V-EDGE PFL to lock on in the event of a fall. For further clarification, contact MSA.

WARNING

• Users of V-EDGE PFLs shall be medically fit and suitably trained.
  V- EDGE PFLs shall not be used by pregnant women, minors or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Instructions shall be retained and provided to all Users of V-EDGE PFLs in the language of the destination country, even when resold.

• The V-EDGE PFL is only to be used for its intended purpose and within its limitations. Further clarification can be obtained from MSA.

• For use in accordance with acceptable locations (Table 1 or 2 (non edge and edge))

• For single User only, within the weight range 60 – 140 kg, including tools.

• The V-EDGE PFL shall be protected from fire, acids, caustic solutions or temperatures outside the range -40°C to 54°C.

• The lifeline shall not come into contact with hot surfaces (such as hot pipes), become entangled with moving machinery, or contact with electrical hazards (such as power lines)

• 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

• Additional lanyard connectors shall not be added, as this would serve to lengthen the lifeline and increase freefall

• The V-EDGE PFL shall be attached using the sliding pin connector to the harness webbing (see Fitting instructions). Do not attach additional connectors between the bracket and harness, attempt to bypass the connecting bracket or connect directly to the V-EDGE PFL mechanism.

• The V-EDGE PFL shall not be altered or added to, other than the replacement of the cable exit (Section 6).

• V-EDGE PFLs that have arrested a fall or are unable to pass and inspection shall be tagged “unusable” and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

• Leading Edge configurations shall only be used in accordance with local regulations. Leading Edge configurations shall only be used after all other hierarchy of controls, including restraint systems and overhead anchorages, have been exhausted and must be used in accordance with the instructions, warnings and limitations in this manual.

In use, the V-EDGE PFL lifeline will extract and retract without hesitation. Do not allow the lifeline to pass through legs or under arms, or wrap around structures. 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 use: When using the V-EDGE Twin PFL, PFLs may be anchored on separate or the same anchor point. If only one V-EDGE PFL is connected to an anchor point, the other may be left unconnected or attached to a designated harness parking point. Do not connect the unused V-EDGE PFL to a fall arrest harness attachment point.
When using the V-EDGE Twin PFL in a horizontal application the horizontal distance apart shall be ≤ 2 m. Large horizontal spans shall be avoided, as they can increase forces applied to the structure and introduce unpredictable swing falls.

Leading edge use

The V-EDGE PFL with Leading Edge capability is designed for use in applications where falls may occur, including falls over edges, such as
roofing, leading edge construction, etc. PFLs are designed to be a component in a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). PFLs may be used in many situations where a combination of worker mobility and fall protection is required (i.e., inspection work, general construction, maintenance work, oil production, confined space work, etc.). Twin models incorporate two PFL units that can be used for applications where 100% tie-off is required.
Leading Edge configurations shall only be used in accordance with local regulations. Leading Edge configurations shall only be used after all other hierarchy of controls, including restraint systems and overhead anchorages, have been exhausted.
The V-EDGE PFL has been successfully tested for horizontal use and for falls over a steel edge without burrs2. Setback distance must be observed. Where
a potential fall over an edge cannot be avoided, consideration shall be given to protecting the edge or alternative anchor positions. Avoid working where the lifeline will continuously or repeatedly abrade against sharp or abrasive edges.
V-EDGE meet the test requirements of the VG 11.60 revision 6. A steel edge with a radius of r=0,5 mm and without burrs was used for the test. Due to this test, the equipment may be used over similar edges, such as those found at rolled steel profiles, wooden beams or clad, rounded roof parapets.
When the device is being used in a horizontal or transverse arrangement and the risk assessment indicates the risk that an edge could damage the lifeline (i.e. the edge can cut the lifeline), measures shall be implemented before the start of work. The measures should eliminate the possibility of falling over the edge, sufficiently protect the edge or include consultation with the manufacturer. Use over an edge shall be avoided if there is a risk of the retractable lanyard being cut.
Horizontal 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, it is preferable to anchor directly above the User.
Anchor locations shall adhere to Table 2, including a redirection angle ≥ 90º and set back ≥ 350 mm; ensuring the correct function of the device in the event of a fall. Lateral movements to both sides of the centre axis shall be limited to a maximum of 1.5 m as shown. The V-EDGE PFL anchorage point shall be at the User’s foot level or above. Climbing above the anchorage point is not permitted. (See Table 2) Measures shall be taken to prevent use over unintended edges (such as on the opposite side of the anchorage or around corners).
If a fall over an edge is possible, special rescue measures shall be defined and trained. Consideration shall be given to accessing a suspended casualty without further loading or moving the lifeline over an edge.

Fall clearance

Ensure sufficient clearance exists to prevent striking an obstacle or structure during a fall. Insufficient clearance or obstructions can prevent the function of the V-EDGE PFL.
V-EDGE PFL and absorber deployment is typically equal to a maximum of 1.8 m (6 ft)4 for a 140 kg User. However, additional clearances are required to account for the effects of a swing fall. Consult Table 1 (Vertical and horizontal use) or Table 2 (Horizontal use with edge consideration) for acceptable anchor locations in relation to the User and for minimum clearance requirements. Fall clearance is the vertical distance between the working platform and the first obstacle below (such as the next platform or ground). If the user is kneeling or bending down, an additional 3 ft (0.9 m) of clearance may be required.
To accurately calculate sufficient fall clearance, the following is used: Fall clearance = Maximum Deployment + Lock-on (arrest) distance + Swing fall distance + Safety margin.
The clearance requirements indicated on the graph in Table 1 are based on freefall conditions. The presence of obstructions (such as structure edges) may reduce clearance requirements, but may introduce additional hazards, such as potential for laceration or impact injuries.
Only attach the V-EDGE PFL to an anchor that may deflect or deploy in a fall, such as a deadweight anchor or anchor line, where there is no risk of the line contacting an edge. In such cases, the additional deployment of the anchor shall be added to the minimum clearances specified in Table 1 (non-edge).
To reduce the potential for injury in a fall, the fall distance should be minimized.

Cleaning, maintenance and storage

If required, the V-EDGE PFL exterior and lifeline may be cleaned using a damp cloth and warm water (max. 40°C), and allowed to dry naturally before use. Excessive build-up of dirt, paint etc. may compromise both retraction and strength of the lifeline.
Store or transport the V-EDGE PFL in a cool, dry, clean environment, away from dust, oil and direct sunlight. During transportation, the device shall be protected to prevent damage or contamination. Examine the V-EDGE PFL after long periods of storage prior to returning it to service.
The V-EDGE PFL cable exit may be replaced when worn. This task is designed to be completed by the User by simply removing the screw and replacing with the cable exit kit (63062-00K1). This is the only permitted repair.
When not in use, store with the lifeline fully retracted as prolonged periods of full extraction may weaken the retraction spring. If the lifeline is released, it will retract at high speed, potentially damaging internal parts and / or causing kinks in the lifeline.

Pre-use checks and periodic examination (Table 4)

The safety of the User relies upon the continued efficiency and durability of the equipment, therefore Pre-use checks shall be completed before each use. Periodic examinations shall be completed by a person, other than the User, competent3 in the examination of V-EDGE PFLs, in accordance with MSA instructions for periodic examination. The interval will be dictated by the usage (Table 5), local regulations or environmental conditions, and shall be at least annually.
Records shall be kept of the results of the examination. An example periodic examination log can be downloaded from this product’s page on MSAsafety. com by clicking on the Literature tab.

Table 5 Periodic examination interval

The safety of the User relies upon the continued efficiency and durability of the equipment, therefore Pre-use checks shall be completed before each use. Periodic examinations shall be completed by a person, other than the User, competent3 in the examination of V-EDGE PFLs, in accordance with MSA instructions for periodic examination. The interval will be dictated by the usage (Table 5), local regulations or environmental conditions, and shall be at least annually.
Records shall be kept of the results of the examination. An example periodic examination log can be downloaded from this product’s page on MSA safety. com by clicking on the Literature tab.

Table 5 Periodic examination interval

1. Date of first use shall be administratively provable. Where the date of first use is unknown, then the next previous administratively provable date shall be used, e.g. date of purchase or date of manufacture.
2. Type A edge: A steel edge with a radius of r = 0.5 mm and without burrs was used for the test. This is similar in nature to rolled steel profiles, wooden beams or clad, rounded roof parapets.
3. Competent person: A person, other than the User, competent in the examination of PPE in accordance with MSA instructions.
4.  Maximum deployment is equal to 0.8 (deployment factor, D140, for a 140 kg mass) times 2.25 (freefall distance, h). When PFL is anchored overhead, maximum deployment distance is 0.8 m (31 in).
5. Technician: a person, other than the User, who is trained and authorized by MSA to examine, repair and factory recertify V-EDGE PFL in accordance with MSA’s instructions.

References

• MSA Safety | Global
• Cookie Consent - Mine Safety Appliances DAM
• Trademark Information | MSA Safety | United States

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