Klein Tools Occupational Protective Connecting Devices - Manual (Page 8)

Note: Before choosing the proper length
connecting-device lanyard, you must determine the
distance between the work position and the
anchorage. This is true for all OPE system
applications, but accuracy is most important in fall-
arrest situations. (See “How to Size an OPE
Connecting Device”, on the next page.)
1.
In fall-arrest applications, OSHA requires that
the free-fall distance must never exceed 6' (1.8m).
OSHA also requires the maximum impact force for
an OPE harness be under 1800 lbs.
The major factor affecting the severity of the impact
force is the free-fall distance. Therefore, when
choosing connecting devices, it is important to select
the correct length in order to minimize the slack and
thus limit the free-fall distance and impact force in a
fall. When multiple connecting-device components
are used, you must consider the total slack for all
connecting devices. (For greater user control of
length, Klein offers adjustable-length rope and
webbing lanyards in addition to fixed-length rope
and webbing lanyards.)
Another factor that influences the impact force is the
elasticity of the lanyard. The greater the elasticity,
the less the impact force. Other factors affecting
impact force are the age and material of the lanyard
and the rigidity of the anchorage.
2.
In positioning applications, choose the correct
lanyard length to hold you at a comfortable distance
to perform the work.
3.
In suspension applications, choose the lanyard
length that will vertically position you at the correct
height to perform the work.
4.
In retrieval applications, choose the correct
lanyard length with minimum slack to allow your fast
removal in a potentially dangerous situation, while
not interfering with your ability to do the job.
Choose the Proper Length Lanyard for the Job
Connecting devices are measured from bearing
point to bearing point (see Figure A on this page).
The undeployed length (or range of lengths, if the
connecting device is adjustable) is clearly printed on
the warning tag or label. This is the undeployed
connecting device length.
The distance between the harness bearing point (the
fall-arrest D-ring) and the anchorage connector
bearing point (the anchorage connector D-ring) must
be determined before choosing the proper length
connecting device (see Figure B on the next page).
This is true for all OPE applications, but accuracy is
most important in fall-arrest systems.
Always rig connecting devices so that you avoid
contact with structures below in a fall. As a general
rule, allow an additional 3.5 feet (1 m) to each fall-
arrest connecting device to account for the following
connecting-device extension factors:
• elasticity (stretch) upon impact or load (rope
or web lanyards)
• extension upon impact (deceleration units or
deceleration lanyards)
How to Size an OPE Connecting Device
Length of undeployed
connecting device (Y)
(Continued on the next page)
Figure A