MSA Latchways Fall Arrester for Latchways Vertical Lifelines Instruction Manual
- June 3, 2024
- MSA
Table of Contents
MSA Latchways Fall Arrester for Latchways Vertical Lifelines Instruction
Manual
WARNING
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Users of Latchways GTFAs and Latchways VLLs shall only be used by a person trained and competent in its safe use.
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Users of Latchways GTFAs shall be medically fit and suitably trained. Latchways GTFAs shall not be used by pregnant women, minors or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Users of Latchways GTFAs and Latchways VLLs shall ensure that systems and devices are used in the correct combination (Section 5).
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The Latchways GTFA is for single user only, please see table below for correct weight range per region.
EN 353-1:2018 & AS/NZS 1891.3: 1997 50 – 150 kg
ANSI Z359.16-2016 110 – 310 lbs
OSHA 1910.140(d)(1) 110 – 330 lbs -
Before each use the User shall complete Pre use checks in accordance with Section 6.
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Product markings shall correspond to the region in which the devices are to be used (p116).
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The Latchways GTFA shall not be used for work positioning (i.e. primary means of support); to support either partial or Full body weight.
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Latchways VLLs must be installed and used such that the maximum incline from vertical is 15º in any direction (Figure 1).
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The Latchways GTFA shall not be used for any other purpose than providing attachment for a single User to a Latchways VLL manufactured and specified by MSA Latchways plc.
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During use do not allow any clothing, equipment, body appendages or any other items to restrict the operation of the device.
WARNING
- Do not use the Latchways GTFA below -30°c (-22°F) or above 50°c.
- If the Latchways GTFA device is damaged, has arrested a fall, there is any doubt about the safe condition of the device or the service date has expired and it is unable to pass an examination it shall be immediately withdrawn from service. This shall be recorded on the record card. and the device passed to a Technician1 for repair or disposal.
- Rescue and evacuation: the user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement it. The plan must take into account the equipment and specific training necessary to affect prompt rescue under all foreseeable conditions. If the rescue be from a confined space, the provisions of OSHA regulation 1910.146 and ANSI Z117.1 must be taken into account. It is recommended to provide means for user evacuation without assistance of others. This will usually reduce the time to get to a safe place and reduce or prevent the risk to rescuers.
- Do not alter this equipment or intentionally misuse it. Do not use fall protection equipment for purposes other than those for which it was designed. Do not use fall protection equipment for towing, hoisting or material handling.Repairs shall be completed by a Technician1 in accordance with MSA’s instructions. No unauthorized repairs, modifications, alterations and/or additions are permitted.
- A full body harness is the only acceptable body holding device that can be used in a fall arrest system.
- Do not rely on feel or sound to verify proper snaphook or carabiner engagement. Ensure that gate and keeper are closed before use.
- Ensure sufficient fall clearance exists between the user and obstacles and between multiple users on the VLL System.
WARNING
- Do not disable or manually handle the lock/release mechanism of the device during ascent or descent.
- Do not hold the Latchways GTFA while ascending or descending or in the event of a fall. Holding the Latchways GTFA may prevent the brake from engaging and arresting a fall. Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
MSA Latchways® Latchways GTFA and MSA Latchways® VLL
General information
Date of first use: The date the unit is removed from the packaging
Date of first use
Instructions shall be retained and provided to all Users of the Latchways GTFAs and Latchways VLLs in the language of the destination country, even when resold.
All Users of Latchways GTFA and Latchways VLL 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.
Intended use and product limitations
The Latchways GTFA is designed to arrest the fall of a User in conjunction with a Latchways VLL. The system or device energy absorber reduces the load applied to the body to 6 kN (1,350 lbf) or less in the event of a fall. Lifeline systems may be designed either with or without integral energy absorption. It is therefore essential that the User ensures that the individual device is
compatible with the system (Table 1). If there is no system energy absorption then only devices that include an energy absorber shall be used.
The device has an anti-inversion mechanism which prevents it being used on the Latchways VLL if there is an attempt to use it upside down.
The required minimum distance below the User’s feet and the working platform is 2 m (6’6”). Below 2 m (6’6”) the User may not be protected against hitting the working platform or obstacles below. Therefore, extra care must be taken when ascending / descending the first 2 m (6’6”).
Temporarily disabling or manually handling the lock/release mechanism of the device during ascent or descent may hinder the safe operation and diminish the effect of the braking mechanism.
The Latchways devices have been subjected to an additional series of tests devised by TUV/NEL. These tests were conducted using 71 kg (156 lbs) and 100 kg (220 lbs) anthropomorphic test dummies with different body postures (reference NEL certificate no. MTHH).
Maximum Rated Load: Maximum single User mass is 150 kg (including tools and equipment carried). Total system User mass is determined by the device type and system configuration as illustrated in Table 1.
Required equipment
Always use a correctly adjusted Full body harness complying with national standards. (For countries conforming to EN standards a Full body harness conforming to EN 361 and equipped with a front fall arrest attachment point (A), including a clear statement on the required position of the harness attachment point is required). Waist belts are not suitable for use with this device. If the Full body harness becomes loose a safe location shall be found before it is correctly adjusted. Harnesses that include elastic webbing at the front connection point are not suitable for use with this device
Attach the Latchways GTFA to the Full body harness front
attachment point using the karabiner. Before use ensure the karabiner is in the closed and locked position.
Requirements for use
The Latchways GTFA shall be directly attached to the front chest position of a Full body harness when used on a Latchways VLL.
When the device is attached to the cable the horizontal distance from the cable to the harness front attachment point is 0.3 m, (12”) which allows the User to ascend / descend unhindered, this must not be extended, shortened or have any components added or removed
All Users shall ensure that a minimum distance of 3 m (10 ft) is maintained between the head of each User and the feet of each system User.
WARNING
- The Latchways GTFA shall only be engaged or disengaged from the Latchways VLL system when the User is in a position where there is no risk of a fall occurring.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
Latchways VLL types
Latchways VLLs may be designed either with or without integral energy absorption. It is therefore essential that the User ensures that the individual device is compatible with the system (Table 1). If there is no system energy absorption then only devices that include an energy absorber shall be used.
Pre-use checks
Always fully inspect the following before each use: System tension Ensure the
system indicator provided is correct: Tenser disk ( Figure 2 ) – Only use
the system if the Tenser disk freely rotates
Visual tension indicator ( Figure 3 ) – This component allows the User to check the system tension in situations where it is impractical to reach a tension indicator disc from a position of safety.
VLL system label – Check the product label, all regulatory information (installation date, ID, max. users, system type and inspection date) shall be clearly legible.
Complete the Latchways GTFA Pre use checks in accordance with Table 2.
Inspect the system for any excessive wear, damage or corrosion and evidence that it is within its service life. Ensure that the device is compatible with the system and sufficient energy absorption is provided (p 118- Latchways VLL system label).
If the Latchways GTFA 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
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Hold the Latchways GTFA in the right hand by the release catch cover below the level of the attachment point so that the linkage is in the vertical plane. This will force the cam into the unlocked position. Figure 4.
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Press the release catch with your right thumb. The release catch will not operate if the device is incorrectly oriented. Using your left hand pull the Star wheel away from the body of the device and offer the device up to the cable. Figure 5.
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Move the device around the cable until the cable is held within the cavity in the body of the device. Remove your thumb and allow the release catch to return. Finally allow the star wheel to move back into its original position, check that the release catch has disengaged and the star wheel cannot be pulled out. Figure 6.
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To check the device is fully engaged move the device up the cable then quickly pull down on the karabiner the device should lock onto the cable. If this does not happen, remove the device from service and do not use until the device has been recertified by a Technician1
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Attach the karabiner directly to the front chest position of a Full body harness. Ensure that the karabiner closes and locks.
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Then ascending and descending, the device shall always be below the Full body harness chest attachment point. The red slipper shall always be pointing upwards in contact with the cable.
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To disconnect from the system, when you are in a safe position to do so, depress the release catch, pull the star wheel out, hold the device below the Full body harness attachment point so that the cam is open and then move the device until it is free from the cable.
All metallic parts, Nylon 6, and ABS should be:
- Unaffected by sharp edges, chemical reagents, cutting, abrasion, UV degredation or normal climatic conditions ranging from -30°C to 50°C.
- Kept at a safe distance from electrical current.
316 and 17/4 PH stainless steels shall not be exposed to environments
containing chlorine.
For MSA Latchways ClimbLatch instructions, please see
Appendix 1.
Disposal
All stainless steel and plastic components are recyclable.
Inspection, maintenance and storage
Periodic examination – 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 GTFAs, in accordance with these instructions. Theinterval will be dictated by the usage (Table 3), local regulations or environmental conditions and will be at least annually. Usage shall be determined by a competent person. Record shall be kept of the results of the examination.
Table 3 Periodic examination interval
| Usage | Usage |
|---|---|
| Infrequent to light | Annually (12 months) |
| Moderate to heavy | Semi-annually to annually (6-12 months) |
| Severe to continuous | Quarterly to semi-annually (3-6 months) |
Usage shall be determined by a competent person
The date of first use must be administratively provable. Where the date of first use is NOT known, the next previous provable date must be used, e.g, date of purchase/date of manufacture of the device. There are no User serviceable parts within the device.
Lifespan – The webbing elements of the GTFA (webbing strop on TowerLatch and energy absorber on TowerLatch SP) have a maximum lifespan of 10 years from the date of first use. GTFAs have a shelf life of 2 years prior to first use provided storage is in accordance with these instructions. If the date of first use is not recorded lifespan is 10 years from the date of manufacture (note: prior to April 2015 webbing strops have a service life of 5 years).
ISC branded karabiners have an unlimited lifespan, all other karabiners have a maximum lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture; subject to passing Periodic examinations and Pre use checks.
Cleaning – As part of general maintenance the Latchways GTFA may require cleaning. This may be done using warm water and a domestic detergent. The device shall be thoroughly rinsed and dried naturally away from direct heat.
WARNING
Do not use any solvents, thinners or any chemical cleaning agent. Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
Should the device become wet allow it to dry away from direct heat at room temperature (typically 20ºC). A small amount of WD40 water dispersant may be applied to the area between the cam and the side plates. Following application of the WD 40 allow any excess dispersant to drain away and wipe any surplus from the device using a clean lint free cloth. Cleaning agents containing chlorine or chlorides shall not be used.
Storage – The Latchways GTFA device shall be stored away from excessive heat, high humidity, sharp edges, corrosives or other foreseeable causes of damage. The equipment shall be protected from unnecessary stress, pressure or rough handling. Wet equipment shall be dried naturally away from direct heat
Transport – during periods of transportation the Latchways GTFA shall be protected from potential damage.
WARNING
- When using the Latchways ClimbLatch device (85191-00/ 85195-00) on an inclined or vertical system the arrow on the device label (see page 116 1 ) shall point towards the highest point of the system. Under no circumstances shall the device be used the other way around.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
User Instructions
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Unscrew the thimble on the entry gate and slide the thimble away.
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Offer the Latchways ClimbLatch to the gap in the entry gate. Ensure the slipper is positioned underneath the tube, push the slipper along the tube see Figure 7.
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Once the Latchways ClimbLatch is fully engaged with the tube pull the device along until the gap has been cleared. Next tighten up the thimble on the entry gate to secure the system. Figure 8.
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Technician: a person, other than the User, who is trained and authorised by
MSA Latchways to examine, repair and factory recertify Latchways GTFAs, in
accordance with MSA’s instructions. -
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
A declaration of conformity may be downloaded at
http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/minesafetyappliances/DofCLatchwaysLatchways
GTFA
Table 2 Pre use checks
- Check the condition of the linkage, ensure the linkage is not deformed.
- Check that the starwheels spin freely and true on the axle.
- Ensure that the release catch functions correctly, releasing the starwheel only when depressed and allowing it to return to its original position.
- Invert the device and press the release catch check to see if the starwheel is still locked and cannot be pulled away from the body.
- Check the cam moves freely.
- Check for signs of corrosion, wear, deformation or other damage to the device.
- Check the condition of the karabiner to ensure the gate locking mechanism works correctly.
- Check that all plastic components are present, (Starwheel buffer and Slipper pad) and are not damaged.
- Check the product label (see page 116), all regulatory information (serial no, date of manufacture etc) shall be clearly legible.
- Ensure the Latchways GTFA is within its service date.