EN
These instructions explain how to correctly use your equipment. Only certain
techniques and uses are described.
The warning symbols inform you of some potential dangers related to the use of
your equipment, but it is impossible to describe them all. Check Petzl.com for
updates and additional information.
You are responsible for heeding each warning and using your equipment correctly.
Any misuse of this equipment will create additional dangers. Contact Petzl if you
have any doubts or difficulty understanding these instructions.
1. Field of application
Personal protective equipment (PPE) used for fall protection.
Full-body harness for fall arrest and work positioning.
This product must not be pushed beyond its limits, nor be used for any purpose
other than that for which it is designed.
Responsibility
WARNING
Activities involving the use of this equipment are inherently dangerous.
You are responsible for your own actions, decisions and safety.
Before using this equipment, you must:
- Read and understand all Instructions for Use.
- Get specific training in its proper use.
- Become acquainted with its capabilities and limitations.
- Understand and accept the risks involved.
Failure to heed any of these warnings may result in severe injury or death.
This product must only be used by competent and responsible persons, or those
placed under the direct and visual control of a competent and responsible person.
You are responsible for your actions, your decisions and your safety and you
assume the consequences of same. If you are not able, or not in a position to
assume this responsibility, or if you do not fully understand the Instructions for Use,
do not use this equipment.
2. Nomenclature
(1) A/2 sternal attachment point, (2) Dorsal attachment point for retractable type fall
arrester, (3) Dorsal attachment point, (4) Rear attachment point, (5) Side attachment
points, (6) Shoulder straps, (7) Leg loops, (8) FAST LT PLUS automatic leg loop
buckle, (9) FAST LT automatic sternum strap buckle, (10) FAST LT PLUS automatic
waistbelt buckle, (11) DOUBLEBACK waistbelt buckle, (12) DOUBLEBACK dorsal
strap buckle, (13) DOUBLEBACK shoulder strap buckle, (14) DOUBLEBACK
leg loop height adjustment buckle, (15) Elastic keeper, (16) Plastic keeper, (17)
Equipment loop, (18) Fall arrest lanyard connector holder, (19) Slot for installing the
seat, (20) Velcro keeper for ASAP'SORBER, (21) Fall arrest indicator.
Principal materials
Straps: polyester.
FAST LT, FAST LT PLUS and DOUBLEBACK buckles: steel, aluminum alloy.
Dorsal attachment point: aluminum alloy.
3. Inspection, points to verify
Your safety is related to the integrity of your equipment.
Petzl recommends a detailed inspection by a competent person at least once every
12 months (depending on current regulations in your country, and your conditions
of usage). Follow the procedures described at Petzl.com. Record the results on
your PPE inspection form: type, model, manufacturer contact info, serial number or
individual number, dates: manufacture, purchase, first use, next periodic inspection;
problems, comments, inspector's name and signature.
Before each use
Check the webbing at the attachment points, at the adjustment buckles and at the
safety stitching.
Look for cuts, wear and damage due to use, to heat, to chemicals... Be particularly
careful to check for cut or loose threads.
Verify that the FAST LT and FAST LT PLUS buckles function properly. Check the fall
arrest indicators. An indicator appears if one of the fall arrest points sustains a shock
load greater than 400 daN. Retire the harness if a fall arrest indicator is visible.
During use
Regularly verify that the adjustment buckles are securely fastened. It is important
to regularly monitor the condition of the product and its connections to the other
equipment in the system. Make sure that all items of equipment are correctly
positioned with respect to each other.
4. Compatibility
Verify that this product is compatible with the other elements of the system in your
application (compatible = good functional interaction).
5. Harness setup
- Be sure to correctly stow the excess webbing (folded flat) in the keepers.
- Beware of foreign objects that could impede the operation of the FAST LT and
FAST LT PLUS buckles (e.g. pebbles, sand, clothing...). Verify that they are correctly
fastened.
Adjustment and suspension test
Your harness must be adjusted to fit snugly to reduce the risk of injury in the event
of a fall.
You must move around and hang in the harness from each attachment point, with
your equipment, to verify that the harness fits properly, provides adequate comfort
for the intended use and that it is optimally adjusted.
To ensure adequate protection, this harness must be adjusted to properly fit the
user's waist.
See the drawings on adjustment and function test.
Do not use this harness if you are unable to adjust it to fit properly. Replace it with a
different size or model of harness.
6. Fall arrest harness
6A. Sternal attachment point
6B. Dorsal attachment point
6C. Textile dorsal attachment point for retractable type fall arrester
The textile attachment point is only for connecting a retractable type fall arrest
system. Be sure to follow the recommendations for use of the system provided by
the manufacturer.
Only these attachment points are to be used for connecting a fall arrest system, for
example a mobile fall arrester, an energy absorber... For ease of identification, these
points are marked with the letter 'A'. The sternal attachment point consists of two
loops identified as A/2. Be sure to always use the two loops together.
Clearance: amount of free space below the user
The free space below the user must be sufficient to prevent the user from hitting an
obstacle in case of a fall.
In a fall, the fall arrest attachment point elongates. This elongation (approximately
0.5 m maximum) must be taken into account for the clearance calculation. For the
clearance calculation, take into account the length of any connectors that will have
an effect on the fall distance.
Specific details on calculating clearance are found in the Instructions for Use of the
other components (energy absorbers, mobile fall arrester...).
7. Positioning harness
The positioning attachment points are not designed for fall arrest use. These
attachment points are designed to hold the user in position at a workstation, or to
prevent the user from entering a zone where a fall is possible.
The lanyard must be kept taut.
7A. Waistbelt side attachment points
Always use the two side attachment points together, by linking them with a
positioning lanyard, in order to be comfortably supported by the waistbelt.
7B. Attachment points for the VOLT harness seat
Always use the two seat attachment points together, by linking them with a
positioning lanyard, in order to be comfortably supported by the seat. Warning: the
seat is not compatible with the VOLT WIND harness.
TECHNICAL NOTICE VOLT - VOLT WIND version internationale
8. Restraint and rescue
The sternal attachment points, the dorsal point and the rear restraint attachment
point may be used for restraint, to prevent the user from entering a zone where a
fall is possible.
The sternal attachment point and the metal dorsal attachment point may be used
for rescue.
9. Fall arrest lanyard connector holder
To be used only as a connector holder for unused lanyard ends.
In case of a fall, the connector holder releases the lanyard-end connector so as to
avoid impeding deployment of the energy absorber. Warning: this attachment point
is not a fall arrest attachment point.
10. Equipment loops
Equipment loops must only be used for equipment.
WARNING - DANGER: never use equipment loops for belaying, rappelling, tying in,
or anchoring a person.
11. ANSI additional information
- The Instructions for Use must be provided to the user of this equipment.
- The Instructions for Use for each item of equipment used in conjunction with this
product must be followed.
- Rescue plan: you must have a rescue plan and the means to rapidly implement it
in case of difficulties encountered while using this equipment.
- Warning: when using multiple items of equipment, a dangerous situation can
arise in which the safety function of an item of equipment can be affected by the
safety function of another item of equipment.
- Warning: chemicals, heat, corrosion and ultraviolet light can damage your
harness. Contact Petzl if there is any doubt about the condition of this product.
- Be vigilant when working near sources of electricity, moving machinery or
abrasive or sharp surfaces.
12. Additional information
When to retire your equipment:
WARNING: an exceptional event can lead you to retire a product after only one
use, depending on the type and intensity of usage and the environment of usage
(harsh environments, marine environments, sharp edges, extreme temperatures,
chemicals...).
A product must be retired when:
- It is over 10 years old and made of plastic or textiles.
- It has been subjected to a major fall or load.
- It fails to pass inspection. You have any doubt as to its reliability.
- You do not know its full usage history.
- When it becomes obsolete due to changes in legislation, standards, technique or
incompatibility with other equipment...
Destroy these products to prevent further use.
Icons:
A. Lifetime: 10 years - B. Marking - C. Acceptable temperatures - D. Usage
precautions - E. Cleaning/disinfection - F. Drying - G. Storage/transport - H.
Maintenance - I. Modifications/repairs (prohibited outside of Petzl facilities,
except replacement parts) - J. Questions/contact
3-year guarantee
Against any material or manufacturing defect. Exclusions: normal wear and tear,
oxidation, modifications or alterations, incorrect storage, poor maintenance,
negligence, uses for which this product is not designed.
Warning symbols
1. Situation presenting an imminent risk of serious injury or death. 2. Exposure to
a potential risk of accident or injury. 3. Important information on the functioning or
performance of your product. 4. Equipment incompatibility.
Traceability and markings
a. Number of the notified body responsible for the production control of this PPE
- b. Certification organization - c. Traceability: datamatrix - d. Sizing - e. Serial
number - f. Year of manufacture - g. Month of manufacture - h. Batch number - i.
Individual identifier - j. Standards - k. Read the Instructions for Use carefully - l.
Model identification - m. Manufacturer address - n. Date of manufacture (month/
year)
Appendix A - ANSI
ANSI/ASSE Z359 Requirements for proper use and maintenance of full-
body harnesses
Note: these are general requirements and information provided by ANSI/ASSE
Z359; the manufacturer of this equipment may impose more stringent restrictions
on the use of the products they manufacture, see the manufacturer's instructions.
1. It is essential that the users of this type of equipment receive proper training and
instruction, including detailed procedures for the safe use of such equipment in
their work application. ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, minimum requirements for a managed
fall protection program, establishes guidelines and requirements for an employer's
managed fall protection program, including policies, duties and training, fall
protection procedures, eliminating and controlling fall hazards, rescue procedures,
incident investigations and evaluating program effectiveness.
2. Correct fit of a full-body harness is essential to proper performance. Users must
be trained to select the size and maintain the fit of their full-body harness.
3. Users must follow manufacturer's instructions for proper fit and sizing, paying
particular attention to ensure that buckles are connected and aligned correctly,
leg straps and shoulder straps are kept snug at all times, chest straps are located
in the middle chest area, and leg straps are positioned and snug to avoid contact
with the genitalia should a fall occur.
4. Full-body harnesses that meet ANSI/ASSE Z359.11 are intended to be used
with other components of a personal fall arrest system that limit maximum arrest
forces to 1800 pounds (8 kN) or less.
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 flow, 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 [dangerous shock] 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.
Snap hooks should not be used unless approved for the application by the
manufacturer.
Sections 10-16 provide additional information concerning the location and
use of various attachments that may be provided on this FBH.
10. Dorsal
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 fixed 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
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
first. Accepted practical uses for a sternal attachment include, but are not limited
to, ladder climbing with a guided type fall arrestor, 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 the 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 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...
The competent person should consider full-body harness models with a fixed
sternal attachment for these applications.
12. Ventral
The frontal attachment serves as a ladder climbing connection for guided type
fall arrestors 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 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 first. This
may include limiting the allowable free fall distance.
13. Shoulder straps
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 separated.
14. 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.
15. 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 full-body harness) to store the unused end of a fall arrest lanyard, as
this may cause a tripping hazard, or, in the case of a multiple-leg lanyard, could
cause adverse loading to the full-body harness and the wearer through the unused
portion of the lanyard.
16. 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.
USER INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT
Users of personal fall arrest systems shall, at a minimum, comply with all
manufacturer instructions regarding the inspection, maintenance and storage of
the equipment. The user's organization shall retain the manufacturer's instructions
and make them readily available to all users. See ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, Minimum
requirements for a managed fall protection program regarding user inspection,
maintenance and storage of equipment.
1. In addition to the inspection requirements set forth in the manufacturer's
instructions, the equipment shall be inspected by the user before each use and,
additionally, by a competent person, other than the user, at interval of no more than
one year for:
- absence or illegibility of markings
- absence of any elements affecting the equipment form, fit or function
- evidence of defects in or damage to hardware elements including cracks, sharp
edges, deformation, corrosion, damage from chemicals, excessive heating,
alteration and excessive wear
- evidence of defects in or damage to strap or ropes including fraying, unsplicing,
unlaying, kinking, knotting, roping, broken or pulled stitches, excessive elongation,
chemical attack, excessive soiling, abrasion, alteration, needed or excessive
lubrication, excessive aging and excessive wear
2. Inspection criteria for the equipment shall be set by the user's organization.
Such criteria for the equipment shall equal or exceed the criteria established by this
standard or the manufacturer's instructions, whichever is greater.
3. When inspection reveals defects in, damage to, or inadequate maintenance of
equipment, the equipment shall be permanently removed from service or undergo
adequate corrective maintenance, by the original equipment manufacturer or their
designate, before return to service.
Maintenance and storage
1. Maintenance and storage of equipment shall be conducted by the user's
organization in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Unique issues,
which may arise due to conditions of use, shall be addressed with the manufacturer.
2. Equipment which is in need of, or scheduled for maintenance shall be tagged as
"unusable" and removed from service.
3. Equipment shall be stored in a manner as to preclude damage from
environmental factors such as temperature, light, UV, excessive moisture, oil,
chemicals and their vapors or other degrading elements.
C0095800B (280819)
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