3.0
INSTALLATION
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Installation of the DBI-SALA Vacuum Anchor must be supervised by a Qualified Person
Qualified Person as meeting the criteria for a Certified Anchorage, or that it is capable of supporting the potential forces
that could be encountered during a fall.
3.1
PLANNING: Plan your fall protection system prior to installation of the Vacuum Anchor. Account for all factors that
may affect your safety before, during and after a fall. Consider all requirements, limitations and specifications defined in
Section 2 and Table 1.
3.2
INSTALLING THE VAcuum ANcHor: The Vacuum Anchor can be installed on smooth, clean, dry surfaces of structures
meeting the anchorage requirements specified in Table 1. The Vacuum Anchor can be Top Mounted, Bottom Mounted, or
Side Mounted on the structure.
Clean the area where the pads are to be attached to absorb excess moisture and remove loose debris. Excess moisture
could be pulled into the system, which may corrode or damage the vacuum pump and other components.
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When using the system on a curved surface, the vacuum pads must be positioned one above the other to conform
to the curvature.
A. ATTAcHING To AIrcrAFT:
The Vacuum Anchor may only be used on composite or aluminum construction aircraft, in the following locations:
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On the fuselage, where supported by frames and stingers;
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On the wing upper surface between the spars;
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Or on the horizontal and vertical stabilizers on structural areas.
Do not attach the Vacuum Anchor to:
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Cabin and cockpit windows
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Any removeable panels that are classed as non-structural and incapable of the loads exerted in fall arrest
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Passenger/Emergency/Cargo doors
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Maitenance/Access doors
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Areas around cut-outs which are not sufficiently supported by structural elements (stringers and frames)
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Areas outside of structural wingbox (e.g. "No Step Lines")
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Moveable control surfaces
B. ATTAcHING To STrucTurES:
The Vacuum Anchor may only be used on smooth, clean, dry surfaces meeting the structural requirements of Table 1.
Do not attach the Vacuum Anchor to:
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Structures where the pad will not seal properly or leakage is apparent.
•
Structurally inappropriate materials or surfaces.
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Porous or uneven surfaces that will prevent a proper seal.
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Excessively dirty, greasy surfaces that will prevent a proper seal.
To attach Vacuum Anchor using compressed air: See Figure 7 for reference. For attachment of the Vacuum Anchor
using a compressed air cylinder, follow the instructions below:
1.
Attach a compressed air source (A) with 80-150 psi (530-1,035 kPa) to the compressed air connector (B).
2.
Place the Vacuum Anchor pad on a structure meeting the requirements listed above, as well as those listed in Table 1.
3.
Depress the "alarm bypass" button (A) and rotate the lever (B) to the "attach" position. Apply downward force on
the pads as the initial seal is created, forcing any excess air out from underneath the pads. Wait for the vacuum
gauge (C) to indicate sufficient vacuum before releasing hold.
4.
For approximately 10 seconds after installation, monitor the needle on the vacuum gauge. The needle should
remain still, indicating an acceptable vacuum seal and anchor attachment. If the needle is dropping, the unit
should be disengaged by rotating the lever to the release position. Reposition the vacuum anchor and repeat
Steps 1-4.
5.
Attach your personal fall arrest system to the Vacuum Anchor.
To attach Vacuum Anchor using an onboard cylinder: See Figure 8 for reference. For attachment of the
Vacuum Anchor using an onboard cylinder, follow the instructions below:
1.
Attach a compressed air cylinder (A) with at least 1,000 psi (7,000 kPa) to the compressed air connector (B).
2.
Place the Vacuum Anchor pad on a structure meeting the requirements listed above, as well as those listed in Table 1.
3.
Depress the "alarm bypass" button (A) and rotate the lever (B) to the "attach" position. Apply downward force on
the pads as the initial seal is created, forcing any excess air out from underneath the pads. Wait for the vacuum
gauge (C) to indicate sufficient vacuum before releasing hold. This can help extend the life of the cylinder.
4.
For approximately 10 seconds after installation, monitor the needle on the vacuum gauge. The needle should
remain still, indicating an acceptable vacuum seal and anchor attachment. If the needle is dropping, the unit
10
and must be certified by a
1