F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s. Subject: Product Life Date: February 1998

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1 Technical Bulletin Subject: Product Life Date: February 1998 No. MISC002, Rev. E The current DBI/SALA policy on the life of products is totally dependent on the condition of the item and not the age. A DBI/SALA product can be used as long as the inspection performed does not reveal any damage, wear, or other characteristics that will effect the product s performance. The inspection of the product shall be performed according to details outlined in the user instruction manual on the specific product as well as other applicable information provided by DBI/SALA. The frequency of inspections to determine the usability of the product shall be as follows: 1. Inspect before each use (by user). 2. Monthly (by competent person other than user) (for winches, RPD s, Rescumatics, tripods, davit arms) (recorded). 3. Annually (by competent person other than the user) (recorded). After a fall, the product shall be removed from service and destroyed (or used for educational purposes). After a fall, Self- Retracting Lifelines (SRL s) shall be inspected and serviced (if required, see user instructions) by factory authorized service center. Inspection and servicing frequency may need to be modified based on the amount of use and the conditions within the environment the product is used in. Current OSHA and ANSI regulations indicate the following regarding inspection of equipment: OSHA OSHA *Remove impacted systems and components. *Inspect systems prior to use. *Remove impacted systems and components. *Inspect systems prior to use. ANSI Z *Comply with manufacturer s instructions. *Inspection by user prior to use. *Inspect at least annually by competent person. All equipment found to be unusable shall be tagged as rejected and pulled out of service. Copies of user instructions and other available inspection information can be obtained from DBI/SALA. Activation Date Typically the date of manufacture on a product or the date of purchase is used to help determine when a product is due for inspection. The date of the products first use can also be used as an activation date. The activation date is defined as the time when a product is first put into actual service (initally or after service/repair).

2 If inspection timing is based on the activation date instead of the manufacture date, service date or purchase date, the activation date should be recorded in the user instruction manual in the inspection and maintenance log under the inspection date column (or record/document in some manner). Indicate that the entry is date of first use (or activation date). If the activation date is unknown, the product purchase date, service date, or manufacture date should be used to determine when product is due for inspection. Prior to placing a product into service that product shall be properly stored according to the user instruction manual.

3 Technical Bulletin No. MISC008 Subject: Buckle Specifications and Operations DBI/SALA uses four types of buckles in full body harnesses, body belts and other fall protection equipment: parachute buckles, pass through buckles, tongue buckles, and quick connect buckles. Each of these types of buckles must be adjusted to a snug fit as described in its accompanying user s instructions to assure proper harness fit and performance. See specific product instructions for additional information on inspection, donning, use, care, and maintenance. Correct operation, materials, strength, corrosion resistance and standards for each type are listed below. Parachute Buckle Specifications Buckle Operation: The parachute buckle works by capturing the webbing between a knurled bar and the buckle frame. A spring-loaded slider bar maintains constant tension on the knurled bar. The webbing is woven into the buckle by passing the webbing up through the center slot of the buckle, over the knurled bar, then back under the outer portion of the frame, folding back on itself. At least three inches of the free end of the webbing must extend out of the buckle, when used on leg straps, to maintain a safety factor in an impact situation. Pass the free end of the strap through a web keeper to allow the webbing to lay flat and be restrained. Do not cut excess webbing off the strap.

4 Buckle Adjustment: Pulling the free end of the webbing straight out away from the buckle will increase the tension on the strap. Tension can be released by pushing the free end of the webbing back toward the buckle and allowing the webbing to slip through the buckle. Loosening the strap can be facilitated by lifting the free edge of the buckle out to about a 90 angle from the body (to reduce friction on the knurled bar) and pulling it away from the body. Do not cut excess webbing off the strap. Buckle Release: The buckle may be removed from the webbing by continuing the tension releasing action until the webbing travels all the way through the buckle. (Note: The webbing is permanently attached to some parachute buckles, such as shoulder straps, and may not be removed.) Material: Frame, slider and knurled bar: AISI 4130 or 4140 alloy steel, heat treat: Rc, in accordance with SAE AMS-H-6875A. Corrosion Resistance: Finish: zinc plate per ASTM B633-98, Type II, Class Fe/Zn 12, yellow. Strength: Buckle is capable of withstanding a tensile load of 4000 lbs. (17.8Kn) without breaking. Standards: OSHA , OSHA , ANSI A , ANSI Z Pass Through Buckle Specifications Buckle Operation: The pass through buckle is composed of two mating flat metal frames. The female frame is an open rectangle that is permanently attached to a loop at the end of a strap. The male frame is permanently attached to the joining strap by weaving the webbing through two slots in the frame. To engage the buckle, turn the male buckle at an angle so that it will pass through the female frame. After it has passed through, turn it back so that the male frame lies directly on top of the female frame.

5 Buckle Adjustment: To adjust the tension on the straps to be joined by a pass through buckle, slide the male buckle frame up or down the webbing to lengthen or shorten the strap to the desired length. Adjust the excess webbing through the 3 bar keeper to keep the webbing flat. Do not cut excess webbing off the strap. Buckle Release: To disengage a pass through buckle, force a portion of the male buckle strap up through the female frame until there is enough slack in the strap to allow the male frame to be turned to an angle that will allow it to pass back through and out of the female frame. Material: AISI 4130 or 4140 alloy steel or AISI 1541 carbon steel. Heat treat: Rc, in accordance with SAE AMS-H-6875A. Corrosion Resistance: Finish: zinc plate per ASTM B633-98, Type II Class Fe/Zn 12, yellow or cadmium plate per Mil-QQ-P-416 F(2), Type II, Class 2, yellow chromate. Strength: Buckle is capable of withstanding a tensile load of 4000 lbs. (17.8Kn) without breaking. Standards: OSHA , OSHA , ANSI A , ANSI Z Tongue Buckle Specifications Buckle Operation: The tongue buckle consists of a metal frame with a moveable tongue that lays down the middle of the frame. The frame is stitched into a loop at the end of a strap. The connecting strap is a piece of webbing that is pierced by grommets at regular intervals. To join the straps, pass the free end of the grommeted strap through the frame and pull the strap back at an acute angle to take up the slack in both straps. Allow the tongue to pierce the nearest grommet and tuck the free end of the strap through a web keeper. This will allow the webbing to lay flat and keep it from hindering movement or interfering with other equipment Buckle Adjustment: To adjust the tension on the strap, remove the free end of the strap from the web keeper and pull the strap back at an acute angel from the metal frame to release the tongue from its grommet. Hold the tongue out of the way and allow the webbing to pass back through the strap to loosen or pull more webbing

6 through the frame to tighten the strap. When the desired tension is achieved, engage the tongue into the nearest grommet and tuck the free end of the strap back into the web keeper. Do not cut excess webbing off the strap. Buckle Release: To disengage, remove the free end of the strap from the web keeper and pull the strap back at an acute angle to the frame to release the tongue from its grommet. Hold the tongue out of the way and allow the strap to pass back through the buckle frame until it exits completely. Material: Frame: AISI 4130 or 4140 alloy steel or cold rolled sheet or strip steel UNS per ASTM A Heat treat: RC, in accordance with SAE AMS-H-6875A. Tongue: 1018 Co steel in accordance with ASTM A Heat treat: RC, in accordance with SAE AMS- H-6875A. Roller: Cold rolled steel, commercial quality, in accordance with ASTM A366/A366M-97E1. Heat treat: RC, in accordance with SAE AMS-H-6875A. Corrosion Resistance: Finish: zinc plate per ASTM B633-98, Type II Class Fe/Zn 12, yellow, or Cadmium plate per QQ-P-416 F(2), Type II, Class 2 yellow chromate. Strength: Buckle is capable of withstanding a tensile load of 4000 lbs. (17.8Kn) without breaking. Standards: OSHA , OSHA , ANSI A , ANSI Z Quick Connect Buckle Specifications Buckle Operation: The quick connect buckle consists of two parts. The male portion is a metal tongue with flanges on the end. This portion is permanently attached to the end of a strap. The joining strap is woven

7 through the receptor half of the buckle so the buckle can be positioned along the length of the strap. A plastic end cap keeps the buckle captive on the strap. To operate, insert the male portion into the receptor half of the buckle until a distinct click is heard. The noise is created by spring loaded latches that capture the flanges on the tongue. A sharp tug on the strap will reveal whether the connection is complete. Buckle Adjustment: To increase tension on the strap, while the buckle is engaged, lift the yellow plastic tab on the receptor away from your body with one hand while pulling the free end of the strap out from the buckle with the other hand. To decrease strap tension, pull the yellow plastic tab on the receptor out away from your body and allow the strap to slide back through the buckle. When the desired tension is achieved, tuck the free end of the webbing into the web keeper to keep it flat and to keep it from interfering with other equipment. Do not cut excess webbing off the strap. Buckle Release: To release the buckle, simultaneously squeeze the spring loaded metal latches toward each other with one hand and pull the male portion out of the receptor with the other hand. Depressing only one of the latches will not release the buckle; drop tests have confirmed this. Constant extreme tension on the strap (much greater than in normal use) would be required in order to allow the buckle to release when the latches on each side are depressed separately. Material:Top and bottom plates, release tabs and tongue: Cold rolled alloy steel UNS G41300 SAE AMS Heat treat Rc. Knurled bar: Round steel bar UNS G10100, cold drawn per ASTM A108 Spring: Diameter.018 in. stainless steel spring wire, hard drawn, bright finish typw 302 or 304 per ASTM A313/A313M. Yellow plastic tab: Nylon, type 6. Corrosion Resistance: Finish: Cadmium plated per QQ-P-416, Type I, Class 1, or Zinc with clear chromate per ASTM 8633, Type II, Class Fe/Zn 12. Strength: Buckle is capable of withstanding a tensile load of 4000 lbs. (17.8Kn) without breaking. Standards: OSHA , OSHA , ANSI A , ANSI Z

8 Technical Bulletin MISC007 Rev. B Subject: Certification / Inspection Frequency The following information describes the normal servicing, recertification and inspection requirements for the DBI/SALA products. Consult the user instruction manuals for complete details and information. Consult DBI/SALA for requirements relating to equipment used under special circumstances. SELF RETRACTING LIFELINES (SRL), CLIMB ASSIST SYSTEMS *DBI/SALA and ANSI require the product to be inspected at least annually by a Competent Person. Extreme conditions of use may require increasing inspection frequency. (In Canada, CSA requires SRL s to be serviced within two years of mfg. date, thereafter annually) *Before each use, DBI/SALA, OSHA and ANSI require SRL s to be inspected (by the user). *After an impact, the SRL must be removed from service (per DBI/SALA, OSHA and ANSI) and inspected. Servicing may be required. WINCHES *DBI/SALA recommends that Salalift I and II winches be serviced and recertified every year. Extreme working conditions may require increasing the frequency. *On a monthly basis, DBI/SALA recommends that a competent person other than the user formally inspect the winches. *Before each use, DBI/SALA requires winches to be inspected (by the user). *After an impact, the winch must be removed form service and inspected. Servicing may be required. RESCUE POSITIONING DEVICES (RPD S) *DBI/SALA recommends that RPD s be serviced and recertified every year. Extreme working conditions may require increasing the frequency. *On a monthly basis, DBI/SALA recommends that a competent person other than the user formally inspect the RPD. *Before each use, DBI/SALA requires the RPD to be inspected (by the user). RESCUMATIC CONTROLLED DESCENT DEVICE *DBI/SALA recommends that Rescumatics have maintenance check performed every 6 months by the user. *On a monthly basis, DBI/SALA recommends that the Rescumatic be formally inspected by a competent person other that the user. LAD SAF LADDER SAFETY SYSTEM *DBI/SALA requires the Lad Saf system (including sleeve) by inspected at least annually by a competent person. *Before each use, DBI/SALA and OSHA require the system to be inspected (by the user)

9 *After an impact, the entire system (including the sleeve) shall be inspected by a competent person. TRIPODS/DAVIT ARMS /SUPPORT STRUCTURES *DBI/SALA requires at least a monthly inspection by a competent person. *Before each use, DBI/SALA, OSHA and ANSI require an inspection (by the user). *After an impact, remove the product from service and inspect. Servicing may be required. LOAD ARRESTORS *DBI/SALA requires the load arrestors to be serviced and recertified every two years. Extreme working conditions may require increasing the servicing frequency. *Annually, a competent person should inspect the units. *After an impact, the load arrestor must be removed from service and returned to a repair center for service/recertification. HARNESSES/LANYARDS /POSITIONING EQUIPMENT /ROPE GRABS, ANCHORAGE CONNECTORS *DBI/SALA and ANSI require the product to be inspected at least annually by a competent person. *Before each use, DBI/SALA, OSHA and ANSI require an inspection (by the user). *After an impact, the product must be removed from service (per DBI/SALA, OSHA and ANSI). TEMPORARY HAORIZONTAL LIFELINE SYSTEM *DBI/SALA requires the system to be inspected annually by a qualified person. Extreme working conditions may require increasing the service frequency. *Before each use, and after installation, a qualified person shall inspect the system. *After an impact, the system must be removed from service (per DBI/SALA, OSHA and ANSI) or returned to the factory for inspection and/or repair.

10 Technical Bulletin No. MISC005, Rev. A Subject: Cleaning of Web Personal Fall Protection Products Personal Fall Protection Products manufactured from webbing can, and should be, cleaned periodically to help extend the life expectancy of the product and maintain an acceptable level of performance for the product. Because of the wide variation of cleaning processes available and the potential effect on performance, specific procedures have been established by DBI/SALA for DBI/SALA products, to help assure acceptable results. Justification Scope Analysis of the product's cost vs. cleaning cost should be performed before proceeding with the process. Considerations include age of product, cost of cleaning and the estimated effectiveness of the cleaning process. As an estimate, the commercial laundering will cost approximately $2.50 to $5.00 per unit. The overall condition of the product should also be considered. The cleaning processes and procedures specified in this bulletin typically apply to DBI/SALA's nylon and polyester webbing products used in Personal Fall Arest Systems (PFAS). Synthetic rope products, such as lifelines or lanyards, can be cleaned using similar processes. Rope type lanyards are typically more economical to purchase that most other fall protection products and, therefore, the justification to clean these items is difficult. The potential damage (i.e., wear, cuts, etc.) to rope lanyards in many applications also makes cleaning difficult to justify. Specialized web materials (Kevlar, elastic types, and reflective elements) and hardware materials/coating msut be analyzed prior to cleaning to determine effectiveness and potential damage from the cleaning process. Frequency Testing performed indicates that laundering itself does not contribute to strength loss, although it was observed that commercial washing could cause abrasion between metal hardware elements and webbing straps, as well as cause degradation of product markings. Laundered products must be inspected prior to use, to determine if the product is acceptable for use. The specific length of time between laundering is solely dependent on the cleanliness of the product. Some applications may require weekly cleaning; other applications may require the product to be cleaned on an annual basis.

11 Effectiveness Laundering will be effective on the typical dirt and grease found in many industrial settings. Many paints, tar, and industrial chemicals cannot be completely removed from wht webbing. It is recommended that samples be laundered and inspected before a large quanitity is processed to determine the effectiveness of lanudering. Post laundering sample destructive testing may be appropriate if questionsexist regarding the product's ability to perform is designed. Contact DBI/SALA for post laundering evaluation and testing. Laundering Procedure Various procedures can be effective in cleaning web products. High-pressure power type washers and steam cleaners should be avoided when cleaning web products, because of potential harm to the web fibers. Two acceptable procedures are detailed below. 1. Hand Scrubbing: This procedure is effective for low volumes of equipment and can be performed internally at an economical price. The product can be soaked in water/cleaner solution before hand scrubbing. The scrubbing action will help break down the dirt, grease, or other material on the webbing. Once cleaned, the product should be rinsed in clean water and hung to air dry in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Never exceed 200 F. when drying. 2. Machine Wash: A top or side loading agitating style washing machine (commercial or consumer type) is acceptable for cleaning web products. The product should be placed in a mesh bag to prevent entanglement. A full wash and rinse cycle should be performed. Once cleaned, the product should be hung up to air dry in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Never exceed 200 F. when drying. Cleaning Agents A variety of cleaning agents is available. A mild detergent (bleach free) such as one used for laundering clothing is acceptable. For added cleaning power, a commercial/industrial strengthcleaning agent can be used.

12 The cleaning agent supplier should be asked to supply appropriate information on the amount of cleaning agent to use and disposal instruction based on your procedure and the degree of cleaning required. Also, if consumer type washing machine is to be used, consult cleaning agent supplier for compatibility. Several of other cleaning agents is available on the market that may produce acceptable results. The cleaning agents listed have been reviewed and approved for use. DBI/SALA recommends cleaning agents not listed be reviewed by DBI/SALA for approval. Cleaning Agent Specifications The ph. level (acidity or alkalinity) of the cleaning solution should be no higher than 11 or 12. A ph. level higher than 12 may harm the webbing and effect the performance of the products. The water temperature, when laundering, should not exceed 160 F. Generally a wash temperature between 140 F. and 160 F. is recommended for safe, effective cleaning. Product Life For information on product life of DBI/SALA products, please request "Technical Bulletin No. MISC002".

13 Technical Bulletin No. MISC001, Rev. A Subject: Marking/Identifying Web Products Marking/Identifying various fall protection products (i.e., belts, harnesses, lanyards, anchorage straps, etc.,) made of webbing is appropriate as long as acceptable materials or processes are used. Information such as company name and inspection status is often applied to the product for proper identification. The following guidelines should be observed and the special conditions noted. 1. Inspection status/log labels applied to the product at the time of manufacture or inspection can be used to record inspection dates. Permanent markers which are water resistant and quick-drying (ex. Sanford Sharpie permanent markers) should be used. 2. Specific punches can be used on the inspection log label to represent a month the inspection was performed. The web should not be punched. 3. Separate identification tags/labels can be applied to the product. A location that will not interfere with the products performance should be selected (i.e., away from snap hooks, connecting rings, buckles, etc.). 4. The method of attaching separate identification tags should not affect the strength of the web. Riveting, punching holes and gluing the separate label to the web is not recommended in the field. Plastic or wire tie type fastener should be used. The fastener can be passed through or around a web or web loop (opening) for attachment. 5. Marking directly on the web can be performed with permanent type markers. Permanent markers which are waterproof/water resistant and quick-drying (ex. Avery Dennison Marks-A-Lot, Sanford Sharpie permanent marker) should be used. 6. Paint and/or paint pens should not be used to mark directly on the web. Paint can penetrate the web fibers, dry and cause the fibers to break when flexed. 7. Some types of permanent inks can be used to identify the product. Contact the factory for approval of specific inks. 8. Some solvents used in inks and other marking products can cause loss of strength in webbing, especially at elevated temperatures and high concentrations. Nitrobenzene, dichlorobenzene, phenol/tetrachlorethane, and benzyl alcohol as an example effect polyester fibers (used in most DBI/SALA web products). Contact the factory for approval of specific materials. 9. All applicable user instruction manuals for the products should be reviewed and followed. 10. Employee training should be conducted to help assure a safe working environment. Learn more about clothing & work wear we have.