MSA Latchways BridgeLatch Lifeline Systems Instruction Manual

MSA Latchways BridgeLatch Lifeline Systems

WARNING

• Instructions shall be retained and provided to all Users of Latchways BridgeLatch in the language of the destination country, even when resold.
• Users of Latchways BridgeLatch shall be medically fit and suitably trained. Latchways BridgeLatch shall not be used by pregnant women, minors or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• All Users of the Latchways BridgeLatch shall read and follow these instructions. Retain these instructions for future reference. Failure to follow these instructions may seriously compromise the safety of the User.
• When using the Latchways BridgeLatch device basic on site safety precautions, including the following should be observed to ensure personal safety.
• Ensure there is sufficient ground clearance available and allowance has been made for any pendulum swing.
• Ensure there is a rescue plan in place and you are fully aware of the procedure before attempting any work at height.
• Latchways BridgeLatch device and system shall be inspected before every use. The safety of the User depends upon the continued efficiency and durability of the device. The checks in Section 7 (Pre-use checks) shall be made.
• If the Latchways BridgeLatch is damaged, the service date has expired or there is any doubt about the safe condition it shall be withdrawn from service. This shall be recorded on the record card. Contact your authorized installer or agent for further advice.
• If there is any doubt about the safe condition of the system or the service date has expired it shall be withdrawn from service. This shall be recorded on the record card. Contact your authorized installer or agent for further advice.
• Ensure the entry gate is screwed fully closed before operating the BridgeLatch device on the system.
• Do not use any solvents, thinners or any chemical cleaning agent.
• Always use a full-body harness complying with national standards.
• Before use ensure the karabiners attaching to the Latchways BridgeLatch device and harness are in the closed and locked position.
• The Latchways BridgeLatch shall not be used for work positioning (i.e. primary means of support); to support either partial or Full body weight.
• Always use an energy-absorbing lanyard in conjunction with the Latchways BridgeLatch device.
• Do not modify or alter the Latchways BridgeLatch device without prior consent in writing from MSA.
• All system components shall be manufactured and supplied by MSA. The Latchways BridgeLatch device shall only be used for providing attachment for one User to a Latchways horizontal or inclined cable system. The Latchways BridgeLatch device shall not be used outside its limitations, or for any purpose other than that for which it is intended. Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.

General information

Date of first use: The date the unit is removed from the packaging.

Date of first use dd / mm / yy

Intended use and product limitations

The Latchways BridgeLatch is designed to arrest the fall of a User in conjunction with a Latchways horizontal or inclined fall arrest system.
The device is to be used on Latchways 8 mm stainless steel cable-based systems and is intended for a single User in the weight range 50 kg (110 lbs) (excluding tools and equipment) to 150 kg (330 lbs) (including tools and equipment).

Table 1 – Maximum incline

An energy-absorbing lanyard rated to relevant standards shall be used to connect the User to the device. The device is suitable for both restraint and fall arrest applications. The device has a locking mechanism that will operate in both directions in the event of a fall taking place, this allows the device to be used in both directions in an inclined application without the need to turn the device around to descend.

87032 only
This device has a shear pin to hold the cams in the unlocked position, allowing unhindered travel along the cable during normal use. The shear pin is designed to break away at a pre-determined force in the event of the User falling/slipping. The cable position can be set to ankle, waist and shoulder height, because of the open cam position the device will pass through the intermediates.

87030-00 only
This device is designed to be hand guided through intermediate brackets. The cable height shall be such that when the User has a slack lanyard, the swivel eye connections can hang freely.

No alternative connection shall be used. No obstructions and/or modifications must be allowed to prevent this movement. When moving along the system, the lanyard connection must be able to take up positions similar to those illustrated in Figure 1.

Safety instructions

The Latchways BridgeLatch shall be stored in its original packaging during delivery and transportation, after first use it may be transported in a suitable protective bag e.g. along with personal protective equipment.

Product Specification

The Latchways BridgeLatch has a typical maximum sideways displacement of 1.5 m ( REF 87032-00) or 0.4 m ( REF 87030-00). This needs to be taken into account when using the device on inclined surfaces. The sideways displacement of 0.4 m requires an extra ground clearance of 0.9 m ( REF 87032-00) or 0.375 m ( REF 87030-00) in addition to the original ground clearance requirements. Always check for sufficient ground clearance. If a User were to fall whilst connected to the Latchways system the shear pin will break away at a pre-determined force allowing the device to lock onto the cable and the energy absorber in the lanyard will deploy and reduce the load applied to the body to 6 kN. All metallic parts should be unaffected by sharp edges, chemical reagents, cutting, abrasion, UV degradation or normal climatic conditions ranging from -30°C to 50°C. All metallic parts need to be kept a safe distance from electrical current. 316 and 17/4 PH stainless steels shall not be exposed to environments containing chlorine.

The device, Energy absorbing lanyard and Full body harness shall be kept clear of sharp edges, chemical reagents and sources of cutting, abrasion and UV degradation. Avoid contact with electrical current.

Required Equipment

A full-body harness with a dorsal attachment point that complies with the appropriate national standards. A helmet with a chin strap that complies with the appropriate national standards. An energy-absorbing lanyard that complies with the appropriate national standards.

Requirements for Use

Before undertaking work at height and at regular intervals during the period of work, a risk assessment shall be carried out.

Pre-use checks

Always fully inspect the following:

Energy Absorber
(Figure 3) This is located at one end of the system, if there is evidence of deployment the system shall not be used and the site supervisor informed of the issue.

Tenser Disk
(Figure 4) This is located on the system; if the disc cannot be spun round by hand the system shall not be used and the site supervisor informed of the issue.

Latchways BridgeLatch
(Figure 1) Shall be fully inspected to ensure that all moving parts are present and working correctly. The starwheels shall spin true and freely on their axle. Check the shear pin for any damage. Signs of corrosion, wear, deformation or other defects to the Latchways BridgeLatch device. Deployment of the system will also be apparent by slack cable. Ensure minimum ground clearance is available (Section 4) If the Latchways BridgeLatch does not pass any of the pre-use checks, it shall be immediately withdrawn from service. This shall be recorded on the record card. and the device passed to a Technician1 for disposal or repair.

User Instructions

Latchways BridgeLatch is a Bi-directional device that offers protection on horizontal and inclined systems. The locking action is maintained during change of cable angles and orientation. No manual adjustment is required, as the action is fully automatic.

Attachment of Latchways BridgeLatch to the User shall be via a recommended 1 m energy absorbing lanyard rated to relevant standards. The harness attachment point shall be either the rear (dorsal) attachment point or the front chest attachment point. The lanyard connection between the device and the User shall not interfere with the free movement or function of the device linkage or locking mechanism.

Latchways BridgeLatch is only attachable to the system at dedicated entry/exit terminals, the device may be fitted for use in either direction along the cable. The number of Users attached to the system shall not exceed the number specified by the installer and indicated on the system warning notices.

A Connecting to the system

To enter the system:

1. Unscrew the safety gate and move it along the shaft, to give the maximum opening.
2. Hold the device above the open gate.
3. Allow the slipper to rotate into the entry terminal. Assist with the finger if necessary (see Figure 2).
4. Move the Latchways BridgeLatch device along the swage connection until running free on the system.
5. Ensure the gate is fully screwed together.

B Exiting the system

To exit the system:

1. Unscrew the gate, and move it along the shaft to expose opening
2. Move along the terminal until the slipper can be rotated through the open gap, typically with a finger.
3. After removal of the Latchways BridgeLatch device always fully closes the entry/exit gate.

User tip:
Ensure that the device linkage is held in the unlocked position during the entry/exit sequence, pulling on the lanyard or linkage will cause the mechanism to lock.

Inspection, Maintenance, and Storage

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, competent2 in the examination of Latchways BridgeLatch, in accordance with these instructions. The interval will be dictated by the usage, local regulations or environmental conditions and will be at least annually. Usage shall be determined by a competent person. The record shall be kept of the results of the examination. If the device has arrested a fall it shall be withdrawn from service. The Latchways BridgeLatch shall not be altered or added to and shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Repairs shall be completed by a Technician1

Periodic examination shall include:
Hold the device by the connector and ensure each starwheel turns easily by hand. Inspect the device carefully for signs of damage, corrosion, wear or deformation. With the Latchways BridgeLatch held vertically, with the slipper in the uppermost position, press the starwheels against the linkage. Push the slipper against one of the starwheels and check that at least two-thirds of the starwheel and slipper are engaged. Check for any damage, wear and corrosion to the cams. Check the cam linkage functions correctly and has no signs of damage or corrosion.

Check that all the articulated joints are functioning correctly. Check the shear pin (where present) has no damage. Latchways BridgeLatch service life is determined by the device condition as prescribed by pre-use checks and periodic examinations; there is no fixed service life. The life expectancy of the cable system is up to 20 years depending upon usage and environmental conditions.

Check labels are present and legible.

Cleaning – Latchways BridgeLatch may require cleaning or disinfecting from time to time, this may be done using warm water and a domestic detergent. The device shall be thoroughly rinsed and dried naturally away from direct heat. Storage – Latchways BridgeLatch device shall be stored away from excessive heat, high humidity, sharp edges, corrosives or other foreseeable causes of damage. The equipment should not be subjected to unnecessary stress, pressure or rough handling. Wet equipment shall be dried naturally away from direct heat. Transport – during periods of transportation Latchways BridgeLatch shall be stored carefully in a kit bag. Product Record Card This card should be filled in on receipt of the device and after every service.

1. Technician: a person, other than the User, who is trained by MSA to examine, repair and recertify Latchways BridgeLatch, in accordance with MSA’s instructions.
2. Competent person: a person, other than the User, competent in the examination of PPE in accordance with MSA’s instructions.

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.

Product marking

1. Temperature range
2. Area classification
3. Single user only
4. Notified body number
5. Date of manufacture
6. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
7. Manufacturer
8. Applicable standard
9. REF Model
10. SN Serial number

Product terminology

Product terminology and Materials

Component

1. Slipper
2. Starwheels
3. Buffer
4. Shear pin
5. Attachment point

Absorber deployment

Tension indicator disc (highlighted red for clarity)

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.

References

• MSA Safety | Global
• Cookie Consent - Mine Safety Appliances DAM

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