Product Manual A
5. Suspension intolerance, also called suspension trauma or orthostatic intolerance, is a serious condition that can
be controlled with good harness design, prompt rescue and post fall suspension relief devices. A conscious user
may deploy a suspension relief device allowing the user to remove tension from around the legs, freeing blood
ow, which can delay the onset of suspension intolerance. An attachment element extender is not intended to be
attached directly to an anchorage or anchorage connector for fall arrest. An energy absorber must be used to limit
maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8 kN). The length of the attachment element extender may affect free fall
distances and free fall clearance calculations.
6. Full Body Harness (FBH) Stretch, the amount the FBH component of a personal fall arrest system will stretch
and deform during a fall, can contribute to the overall elongation of the system in stopping a fall. It is important
to include the increase in fall distance created by FBH Stretch, as well as the FBH connector length, the settling
of the user’s body in the FBH and all other contributing factors when calculating total clearance required for a
particular fall arrest system.
7. When not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to a Full Body Harness D-ring should not be attached
to a work positioning element or any other structural element on the Full Body Harness unless deemed acceptable
by the competent person and manufacturer of the lanyard. This is especially important when using some types of
“Y” style lanyards, as some load may be transmitted to the user through the unused lanyard leg if it is not able to
release from the harness. The lanyard parking attachment is generally located in the sternal area to help reduce
tripping and entanglement hazards.
8. Loose ends of straps can get caught in machinery or cause accidental disengagement of an adjuster.
All Full Body Harnesses shall include keepers or other components which serve to control the loose ends of straps.
9. Due to the nature of soft loop connections, it is recommended that soft loop attachments only be used to connect
with other soft loops or carabiners. Snaphooks should not be used unless approved for the application by the
manufacturer.
Sections 11-17 provide additional information concerning the location and use of various attachments that may be
provided on this FBH.
10.
DORSAL (Class A) – The dorsal attachment element shall be used as the primary fall
arrest attachment, unless the application allows the use of an alternate attachment. The dorsal
attachment may also be used for travel restraint or rescue. When supported by the dorsal
attachment during a fall, the design of the Full Body Harness shall direct load through the shoulder
straps supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post fall, by the dorsal
attachment will result in an upright body position with a slight lean to the front with some slight
pressure to the lower chest. Considerations should be made when choosing a sliding versus xed
dorsal attachment element. Sliding dorsal attachments are generally easier to adjust to different
user sizes, and allow a more vertical rest position post fall, but can increase FBH Stretch.
11. STERNAL (Class L) – The sternal attachment may be used as an alternative fall arrest attachment in
applications where the dorsal attachment is determined to be inappropriate by a competent person, and where
there is no chance to fall in a direction other than feet rst. Accepted practical uses for a sternal
attachment include, but are not limited to, ladder climbing with a guided type fall arrester, ladder
climbing with an overhead self-retracting lifeline for fall arrest, work positioning and rope access.
The sternal attachment may also be used for travel restraint or rescue.
When supported by the sternal attachment during a fall, the design of the Full Body Harness 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 only occur feet rst. 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 Full Body Harness models with a xed sternal attachment for these applications.
12. 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 rst, 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 Full Body Harness 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 rst. This may include limiting the
allowable free fall distance.
13. SHOULDER (Class E)– 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 Full Body Harness
shoulder straps separate.
Class A
Class L
Class E