Klein Tools Pole and Tree Climbers, Including Gaff Sharpening - Manual (Page 4)

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7.
Use additional fall protection.
Always use fall protection if there is a risk of a fall.
Although OSHA regulations generally require workers to
use fall protection when exposed to a fall of six feet or
more, Klein strongly recommends using fall-arrest
protection when working at any elevated position. Know
the appropriate OSHA regulations. If you have any
questions or any doubt as to what regulations apply to you
or what safety equipment is required, contact your
regional OSHA office.
Note regarding additional Klein fall protection
equipment: For full information on Klein protective
harnesses or connecting devices, refer to the warning
tags or labels attached to those products or to the
instruction booklets packed with them.
General Inspection Procedures
1.
Check for wear and deterioration.
Before each use, carefully inspect the complete
system for signs of wear or deterioration, or evidence of
impact loading.
Visually inspect for loose threads, pulled rivets, cuts,
abrasions, or other evidence of chemical or physical
deterioration that may have weakened the material or
assembly.
2.
Inspect hardware for malfunctions or cracks.
Check all hardware, including rivets and buckles.
3.
Destroy and replace all worn or damaged
equipment.
Immediately destroy and replace any component which
does not pass inspection.
Inspect leather straps for any
deterioration before each use: that is, cracking, wearing
thin, tearing, weakening, or chemical attack. Maintain
with Neat’s-foot oil or equivalent. Remove from service,
destroy and discard strap if it does not pass inspection.
How to Use Klein Pole and Tree Climbers
(continued)
For your protection, Klein recommends
that climbers be replaced when original gaff and two
replacement gaffs have been used on the climbers.
Pole and tree climbing equipment is to be
used only by individuals who are qualified and properly
trained to use this equipment. Improper use of climbing
equipment can cause serious injury or death. OSHA
mandates that the employer is responsible for user
competence and safe work practice.
Procedures for Inspecting Climbers and Gaffs
Carefully inspect the entire climber and gaff before
each use.
1.
Check straps and pads.
Make sure straps and pads are free of tears, burns,
broken stitches, or excessive wear. Carefully check
leather for cracking, wearing thin, tearing, weakening,
chemical attack, or other signs of deterioration (see
Figure 7).
2.
Check rivets, buckles and other metal parts.
Check that rivets are not bent, loose, or missing. Check
that buckles are not distorted or cracked, tongue does not
bind on buckle, and buckle holes are not damaged. Also
check split ring, leg iron, and steel sleeve for signs of
excessive wear or damage (see Figure 8).
3.
Check gaffs.
Check that gaffs are free of dents, gouges, or scratches.
Figure 7
Figure 8