MSA V-EDGE Personal Fall Limiter (PFL) Instruction Manual

MSA V-EDGE Personal Fall Limiter (PFL)

WARNING

National standards and state, provincial and federal laws require the user to be trained before using this product. Use this manual as part of a user safety training program that is appropriate for the user’s occupation. These instructions must be provided to users be-fore use of the product and retained for ready reference by the user. The user must read, understand (or have explained), and heed all instructions, labels, markings and warnings supplied with this product and with those products intended for use in association with it. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Production control phase (NB Number 2849)
Notified Body SATRA Technology Europe Limited, Bracetown Business Park Clonee, D15 YN2P, Ireland (NB number 2777).

WARNING

• DO NOT exceed the maximum fall arrest forces as specified by governing standards or subsystem components.

• The anchorage must be capable of supporting the required load. See Table 1 of the User Instructions for details on anchorage strength.
  Only anchor in locations represented in Tables 4 and 5 of the User Instructions.

• Ensure that the available fall clearance is greater than the fall clearance shown in Table 4 of the User Instructions.

• Prevent swing falls and impact with objects in or adjacent to the fall path. Swing falls can increase the fall distance.

• Always remove obstructions below the work area to ensure a clear fall path.

• Keep work area free from debris, obstructions, trip hazards, spills or other hazards which could impair the safe operation of the fall protection system. DO NOT use the PFL unless a qualified

• person has inspected the workplace and determined that identified hazards can neither be eliminated nor exposures to them prevented.

• MSA Fall Protection products may not be used while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• DO NOT rely on feel or sound to verify proper snaphook or carabiner engagement. Ensure that gate and keeper are closed before use.

• Use only for the fall arrest of one person.

• DO NOT use to arrest falls due to the collapse of shifting masses, e.g. grain, sand, and liquids.

• If the PFL is damaged or is subjected to fall arrest forces or impact forces, it must be immediately removed from ser-vice and marked as UNUSABLE until it has been destroyed.

• Due to the nature of some fall arrest events, it is possible for the fall arrest indicator to not deploy.

• In the event that a PFL is subjected to fall arrest forces and the fall arrest indicator does not deploy, the PFL still must be removed from service and marked as UNUSABLE until it has been destroyed.

• If the fall arrest indicator is deployed, immediately remove the PFL from service and mark it as UNUSABLE until it has been destroyed.

• DO NOT leave the PFL installed in environments which could cause damage or deterioration to the product. Refer to the User Instructions for care and inspection details.

• DO NOT use where line may be exposed to abrasive edges. In leading edge applications the edge must be steel, have a radius greater than 0.5mm (0.020) and be free of burrs.

• Chemical hazards, heat and corrosion may damage the PFL. More frequent inspections are required in these environ-ments.

• Avoid using the PFL adjacent to moving machinery, electrical hazards or abrasive surfaces or in the presence of exces-sive heat, open flame or molten metal.

• DO NOT use in environments with temperatures greater than 54C (130F).

• DO NOT use the PFL near energized equipment or where contact with high voltage power lines may occur.

• Metal compo-nents of the PFL may provide a path for electrical current to flow, resulting in an electrical shock or electrocution.

• Remove any surface contamination such as, but not limited to, concrete, stucco, roofing material, etc. that could accel-erate cutting or abrading of attached components.

• 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.

• Only MSA or persons or entities with written authorization from the manufacturer may make repairs to the PFL. No unauthorized repairs, modifications, alterations and/or additions are permitted.

• If PPE is resold, it is essential that instructions for use, maintenance, and periodic examination are provided in the language of destination.

• 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 is from a confined space, the provisions of the local legislation 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.

FAILURE TO OBEY THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Product Labels

| Table 6 – Product Marking| |
---|---|---|---
1| Model number| 10| Pre-check before use (See also Table 2 )
2| Date of manufacture MM/YY| 11| Do not freewheel
3| Serial number| 12| Acceptable anchor locations (See also Table 4 & 5 )
4| Date of next examination| 13| Capacity
5| Read user instructions| 14| Load indicator
6| Conditions for use| 15| Do not use
7| Standard| 16| Certified body no.
8| Anchor point characteristics| 17| Width/material
9| Connecting to anchor point / Correct orientation| 18| Edge test type (Type A)

Load indicator

Acceptable anchor locations – Horizontal use with edge consideration

Acceptable anchor locations – Vertical and horizontal use and fall clearance

1. Horizontal distance from the anchor point
2. Vertical distance from the anchor point (from foot level)

System Requirements

Pre-use checks and periodic examination

Pre-use checks| *Completed prior to each use. Tag “unusable” and pass to a Competent person if pre- use checks are not passed.
---|---
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, discolouration or chemical attack. Inspect the full length of web and verify that it has no broken, frayed, cut, abraded, or missing threads. Verify there are no reductions in width or thickness of the web. Verify there are no smooth, discolored, shiny, hardened, or glazed areas that indicate exposure to heat or chemicals. Ensure correct operation of connectors.
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 and no red marking is visible

Materials

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 D-shim until there is sufficient space to feed the attachment pin between the webbing and dorsal D-shim.
2. Pull the (green) knurled knob on the left side of the bracket and then rotate it counterclockwise. Pull the (green) harness connector pin on the right to open the bracket.
3. Place the bracket arms over the torso straps of the harness and feed the (green) harness connector pin behind the torso straps. When the harness connector pin is fully engaged, 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 harness connector pin is passed behind both harness webbing straps between two slots in the dorsal D- shim.
2. Ensure the harness connector 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 D-shim.

General information

• 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. Failure to follow these instructions may adversely affect the functionality of the product, resulting in serious injury or death.
• It is recommended that V-EDGE PFLs are a personal issue item.
• MSA certifies 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 harmonised/designated standard EN 360: 2002. The declaration of conformity can be found under the following link: https://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.

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 1 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. The V-EDGE PFL is only to be used for its intended purpose and within its limitations. Further clarifcation can be obtained from MSA. The V-EDGE PFL is suitable for vertical or horizontal use in accordance with acceptable locations (Table 4 or 5 (non-edge and edge)).

• For single User only, within the weight range 60 – 140 kg (130 – 310 lbs), including tools.
• The V-EDGE PFL shall be protected from fire, acids, caustic solutions or temperatures outside the range -40°C to 54°C (-40°F to 130°F)
• 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.

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. The V-EDGE PFL shall be attached only using the harness connector bracket 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.
• 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 1 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. 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.
• The V-EDGE PFL twin-leg configuration is intended to give users 100% tie-off when moving around the work site. One of the legs must be attached to an appropriate anchorage connector while the user moves to the new location. At the new location, attach the second leg to an appropriate anchorage connector before disconnecting the original leg. Repeat this process until the final destination has been reached

Leading edge use

• Leading Edge Use: The V-EDGE PFL has been tested for horizontal (Leading Edge) use over a Type A edge using the methods in CNB/P/11.060. The Type A edge definition is a steel edge with a radius of r = 0.5 mm (0.020”) and without burrs. Due to this test, the equipment may be used over similar edges.
• Leading Edge configurations shall only be used after all other hierarchy of controls, including restraint systems and overhead anchorages, have been exhausted.
• Prior to use, leading edges must be evaluated by a qualified person. Avoid working where the lifeline will continuously or repeatedly abrade against sharp, hard, or abrasive edges. If the risk assessment indicates that an edge could damage the lifeline then eliminate such contact or protect the edges using a pad or other means before the start of work. 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 5, including a redirection angle ≥ 90º and set back ≥ 0 mm (0 ft); 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 (5 ft) 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 5) 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 user 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.
• Consult Table 4 (Vertical and horizontal use) or Table 5 (Horizontal use with edge consideration) for acceptable anchor locations in relation to the User and for minimum clearance requirements. Fall clearance is calculated as the vertical distance between the working platform and the first obstacle below (such as the next platform or ground).
• The clearance provided is for the user working in a standing position. If the User is kneeling or bending down, an additional 0.9 m (3 ft) of clearance is required.
• The clearance requirements indicated on the graph in Table 4 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. Additional clearances may be required to account for the effects of a swing fall. 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 4 (non-edge).
• To reduce the potential for injury in a fall, the fall distance should be minimised.

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.
• 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.
• Moving parts of snaphooks, carabiners, and the attachment bracket may require periodic lubrication with low viscosity penetrating oil. Follow lubricant manufacturer’s instructions. Do not over-lubricate. Wipe excess with a clean, dry cloth.

Pre-use checks and periodic examination (Table 2)

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, competent* in the examination of V-EDGE PFLs, in accordance with MSA instructions for periodic examination. The interval will be dictated by the usage (Table 7), 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 7 Periodic examination interval

Usage shall be determined by a competent person

The V-EDGE PFL is not repairable. The V-EDGE PFL shall not be altered or added to. If the V-EDGE PFL has been subjected to a fall, is unable to pass inspection, an issue has been identified, or any doubt exists as to the suitability of the V-EDGE PFL it shall be tagged “UNUSABLE” and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Maximum product life:

Continued use is dependent upon passing pre-use checks and periodic examinations. Service life may be reduced by frequency and conditions of use or local regulations.
Competent person: a person, other than the User, competent in the examination of PPE in accordance with MSA instructions.
Ensure that setback distance meets requirements in anchorage connector manual and that the set-up does not allow lifeline connector to contact leading edge in the event of a fall.

For local MSA contacts, please visit us at MSAsafety.com
MSA Europe GmbH Schlüsselstrasse 12 8645 Rapperswil-Jona Switzerland
www.MSAsafety.com
Approved Body for site surveillance: INSPEC International Ltd, 56 Leslie Hough Way, Salford, Greater Manchester, M6 6AJ, United Kingdom (AB0194)
Approved Body for product certification: SATRA Technology Centre Limited Wyndham Way, Telford Way, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 8SD, United Kingdom (AB0321)

References

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

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