Klein Tools Occupational Protective Connecting Devices - Manual (Page 10)

1.
Check for wear and deterioration.
Before each use, carefully inspect your complete
OPE system for signs of wear or deterioration, or
evidence of impact loading. Visually inspect for loose
threads, pulled rivets, burns, cuts, distortions,
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 snap hooks, buckles, and D-rings. Check
that snap hooks are not distorted or cracked,
and that the keepers are free of burrs, functioning
properly, clean, and not bent.
3.
Destroy and replace all worn or damaged
equipment.
Immediately destroy and replace any component
which does not pass inspection.
Should any unusual conditions be
noted during the inspection which
are not specified here, do not use the suspect
equipment until a qualified individual has made
a decision as to its usability.
Always inspect your equipment
before using. Destroy and replace
all worn or damaged equipment immediately.
General Inspection Procedures
1.
Read all warning labels and instructions provided
with or attached to Klein connecting devices for
important information on use and care. Keep all this
material for future reference.
2.
For fall-arrest applications, attach one end of
the connecting device to the fall-arrest D-ring on the
OPE harness. This D-ring is in the upper middle of a
harness wearer’s back.
For positioning applications, attach one end of
the connecting device to one of the side D-rings.
Then, properly engage the anchorage and attach
the loose end to the unused side D-ring.
For suspension applications, attach the
connecting device to the suspension D-rings(s). Be
sure to select the proper connecting device to fit the
harness, bosun’s chair, or other suspension
equipment.
For retrieval applications, attach the connecting
device to the retrieval D-rings, usually found on the
shoulders of the harness.
For all applications, make sure by visual
inspection that all snap hooks engage freely and
that their keepers are closed completely after
each hookup.
3.
Connect the other end of the connecting device
to a proper anchorage. (Examples of proper
anchorages include approved pad eyes, bolt holes,
life lines, beams, pillars, or other approved structural
members.) In fall-arrest applications, keep the
anchorage above the rear fall-arrest D-ring or
overhead, and allow as little slack as possible to limit
the impact force of a fall. Rig to avoid contact with
structures below in case of a fall. Free fall distance
must not exceed 6 ft. (1.8 m). If using a deceleration
lanyard or a deceleration unit, add 3.5 ft (1 m) to the
free-fall distance to allow for unit extension.
When attaching any snap hook to the anchorage,
make sure by visual inspection that the snap
hook freely engages the anchorage and the
keeper is closed completely after each hookup.
Make sure each snap hook is positioned so that its
keeper is never load bearing.
4.
Never connect anything to the fall-arrest,
positioning, suspension, or retrieval D-rings other
than the proper connecting device. Also, never
attach more than one connecting device to a single
anchorage.
5.
In a fall-arrest application, where work position
changes, reposition the connecting device whenever
necessary to make sure the fall-arrest anchorage is
above the rear fall-arrest D-ring or overhead, and
allow as little slack in the connecting device as
possible. Failure to follow this procedure can result
in serious injury or death.
How to Use an OPE Connecting Device