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)
*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.
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.
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.
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".
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s 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.
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s 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 1910.66 OSHA 1926.502 *Remove impacted systems and components. *Inspect systems prior to use. *Remove impacted systems and components. *Inspect systems prior to use. ANSI Z359.1-1992 *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).
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s 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.
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s Technical Bulletin No. MISC004, Rev. B Subject: Compatibility of Fall Protection Equipment Compatibility refers to the harmonious operation between individual elements, as well as component subsystems. Typically the size and configuration of snap hooks, carabiners, d-rings and anchorage connectors are considered when addressing compatibility issues. Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting elements when they have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open (rollout) regardless of how they become oriented. Do not use equipment that is not compatible. If the connecting element that a snap hook (shown) or carabiner attaches to is undersized or irregular in shape, a situation could occur where the connecting element applies a force to the gate of the snap hook or carabiner. This force may cause the gate (of either a self-locking or a non-locking snap hook) to open, allowing the snap hook or carabiner to disengage from the connecting point. Small ring or other non-compatibly shaped element Force is applied to the snap hook. The gate presses against the connecting ring. The gate opens allowing the snap hook to slip off. DBI/SALA recommends equipment from one manufacturer be used as a system to help assure compatibility. DBI/SALA equipment is designed for use with DBI/SALA approved components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may effect the safety and reliability of the complete system. Fall protection systems assembled from components and subsystems made by different manufacturers should only contain components that meet the requirements of applicable fall protection standards, such as ANSI Z359.1-1992; Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components. Only use self locking snap hooks and carabiners. Self locking snap hooks and carabiners are required by ANSI Z359.1 and OSHA.
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s Compatibility between elements and components (i.e., body supports, connecting components, anchorage connectors and anchorage points) of a fall protection system are critical to help assure safety to the user. Specific guidelines to follow when addressing compatibility issues include: 1. Read and understand all user instructions for the equipment involved. 2. The respective manufacturers shall be consulted and, if necessary, perform the testing required by ANSI Z359.1-1992. 3. Non-compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage. Snap hooks and carabiners shall be compatibly matched to their associated connector to reduce the possibility of rollout. Connectors must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. 4. Snap hooks and carabiners shall be securely closed and locked once coupled to a connector. 5. The stability and compatibility of couplings between anchorage connectors and anchorage points shall be considered when selecting anchorage points and anchorage connectors. Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components. 6. DBI/SALA connectors (snap hooks and carabiners) are designed to be used only as specified in each product s user s instructions. Use connectors that are suitable to each application. 7. Connectors shall be suitably sized and configured to interface compatibly with other connectors they will be attached to. 8. Connectors (hooks, carabiners, and D-rings) must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22kN). 9. Fall Arrestors (rope grabs) shall be analyzed for compatibility with the lifeline it operates on. 10. Other factors to consider when looking at compatibility issues include impact forces, swing fall hazards, total fall distances, and free fall distances.
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n E x p e r t s DBI/SALA snap hooks and carabiners should not be connected: A. To a D-ring to which another connector is attached. B. In a manner that would result in a load on the gate. NOTE: Large throat opening snap hooks should not be connected to standard size D-rings or similar objects which will result in a load on the gate if the hook or D-ring twists or rotates. Large throat snap hooks are designed for use on fixed structural elements such as rebar or cross members that are not shaped in a way that can capture the gate of the hook. C. In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap hook or carabiner catch on the anchor and without visual confirmation seems to be fully engaged to the anchor point. D. To each other. E. Directly to webbing or rope lanyard or tie-back (unless the manufacturer s instructions for both the lanyard and connector specifically allow such a connection). F. To any object which is shaped or dimensioned such that the snap hook or carabiner will not close and lock, or that roll-out could occur.
Technical Bulletin MISC010, Rev. A Subject: Forced Rollout and Compatibility of Fall Protection Equipment (This bulletin only applies to ANSI Z359.1-2007 compliant Snap hooks and Carabiners) Capital Safety has reviewed the 2007 changes to the ANSI Z359 standard related to rollout and the strength of snap hook and carabineer gates. Capital Safety interprets the change to mean that, for most connections, industry concerns about compatibility between mating connectors due to the relative size or shape of the connectors has been reduced or eliminated. In other words, there is no longer any restriction on the size or shape of the mating connector provided the snap hook or carabineer is free to align with the applied load as intended. Connection of rebar type (large gate opening) hooks to standard sized D-rings is allowed. Compatibility risk as shown below must be followed. Some connection risks still remain mostly due to interference with the intended operation of the connector s gate or gate lock. Some known higher risk connections are listed below and should be avoided even when using the new ANSI hooks: Compatibility risks for all hooks (snap hooks and carabineers): Attaching more than one hook into a single connecting element is not recommended. Connecting combinations of hooks together is not recommended. This includes connecting two hooks together or one hook and one carabiner. Making connections where the hook lock can easily come into contact with another piece of equipment or structural member and potentially release the hook lock. Other remaining restrictions: The snap hook or carabineer must be free to align with the applied load as intended (regardless of the size or shape of the mating connector). The hook gate must fully close and lock. Connections may be made into a single or pair of soft loops on body supports provided the carabineer can fully close and lock (not recommended for snap hooks). Cross-gate loading should be avoided. Not to be used for tie-back unless specifically marked to allow this use. Connecting a snap hook into a wire rope loop or otherwise slack wire rope is not recommended. Connecting into a connector (loop or ring) already occupied by a choker connection is allowable for carabineers but is not recommended for snap hooks.
Note: Please review Technical Bulletin MISC004 Compatibility of Fall Protection Equipment for additional information. Learn more about clothing & work wear we have.