User Manual
When supported by the sternal attachment during a fall, the design of the FBH shall direct load through the shoulder
straps supporting the user and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post fall, by the sternal attachment will result in
roughly a sitting or cradled body position with weight concentrated on the thighs, buttocks, and lower back. Supporting
the user during work positioning by this sternal attachment will result in an approximate upright body position.
If the sternal attachment is used for fall arrest, the competent person evaluating the application should take measures
to ensure that a fall can occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free fall distance. It may be possible for
a sternal attachment incorporated into an adjustable style chest strap to cause the chest strap to slide up and possibly
choke the user during a fall, extraction, suspension, etc. The competent person should consider FBH models with a fixed
sternal attachment for these applications.
Shoulder - The shoulder attachment elements shall be used as a pair and are an acceptable attachment for rescue and
entry/retrieval. The shoulder attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. It is recommended that the
shoulder attachment elements be used in conjunction with a yoke which incorporates a spreader element to keep the FBH
shoulder straps separate.
Frontal - The frontal attachment serves as a ladder climbing connection for guided type fall arresters where there is no
chance to fall in a direction other than feet first or may be used for work positioning. Supporting the user, post fall or
during work positioning, by the frontal attachment will result in a sitting body position with the upper torso upright with
weight concentrated on the thighs and buttocks. When supported by the frontal attachment the design of the FBH shall
direct load directly around the thighs and under the buttocks by means of the sub-pelvic strap.
If the frontal attachment is used for fall arrest, the competent person evaluating the application should take measures to
ensure that a fall can only occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free fall distance.
Hip - The hip attachment elements shall be used as a pair and shall be used solely for work positioning. The hip
attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. Hip attachments are often used for work positioning by arborists,
utility workers climbing poles and construction workers tying rebar and climbing on form walls. Users are cautioned
against using the hip attachment elements (or any other rigid point on the FBH) to store the unused end of a fall arrest
lanyard as this may cause a tripping hazard or, in the case of multiple leg lanyards, could cause adverse loading to the
FBH and the wearer through the unused portion of the lanyard.
Waist, Rear - The waist, rear attachment shall be used solely for travel restraint. The waist, rear attachment element
shall not be used for fall arrest. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to use the waist, rear attachment for purposes
other than travel restraint. The waist, rear attachment shall only be subjected to minimal loading through the waist of the
user and shall never be used to support the full weight of the user.
Suspension Seat - The suspension seat attachment elements shall be used as a pair and shall be used solely for
work positioning. The suspension seat attachment elements shall not be used for fall arrest. Suspension seat
attachments are often used for prolonged work activities where the user is suspended allowing the user to sit on the
suspension seat formed between the two attachment elements. An example of this use would be window washers on
large buildings.
FIGURE 1 - APPROVED D-RING APPLICATIONS
A-
Dorsal Attachment
B- Sternal Attachment
C- Shoulder Attachment
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