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The Safety Company
  
HOME | FALL PROTECTION FAQs
Harnesses | Lanyards | Confined Space | Descent Devices | Miscellaneous

Harnesses

What equipment should I use for welding applications?

The Thermatex line of products were designed specifically for welding applications. Included in this product line are a Kevlar/ harness, a Kevlar anchor strap, and shock absorbing cable lanyards with a tuff weld protective cover over the shock absorber.
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What harness should be used for electrical workers or power companies?

MSA manufactures a No-Metal-Above-The-Waist harness for electrical workers. The harness does not
have any metal above the waist, and the lanyard is attached with a sewn loop.
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Where do the D-rings need to be located on the harness for my application?

The back D-ring is for fall arrest, The front D-ring is for climbing systems or personnel riding, the hip D-rings are for work positioning and travel restriction, and the shoulder D-rings are for personnel riding.
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What is the minimum and maximum number of D-rings available on a harness?

The minimum number of D-rings available on a harness is 1, the back D-ring. The maximum number of D-rings available is six, 1 back, 1 front, 2 hip, and 2 shoulder D-rings.
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Do I need to order a custom harness or can I use the extra large size?

If your total weight including clothing, tools, and any other user-borne objects exceeds 360 pounds, then you need to order a custom harness. You may also need to order a custom harness if your body dimensions are too large or too small for a standard size harness. The maximum weight on a custom harness is 400 pounds.
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Can you replace the tool belt support straps on the harness?

The lower section of the tool belt support strap is replaceable. The upper portion is sewn into the harness and is not replaceable.
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What are the weight limitations of a harness?

The maximum capacity for XSM, STD, and XLG size harnesses is 310 pounds. SXL size harnesses are rated to a capacity of 360 pounds. Harnesses can be customized for persons of any weight or dimension. Custom harnesses can be ordered by contacting the MSA Customer Service Center at 1-888-421-8324.
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Lanyards

What is the shortest available length of a lanyard (with and without Dyna-Brake)?

The shortest length of a lanyard ranges from 18 inches to 4 feet. The shortest length available depends upon the type of lanyard being ordered. Please contact the MSA Customer Service Center (1-888-421-8324) for more information.
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What is the longest available length of a lanyard (with and without Dyna-Brake)?

There is not a maximum limit on the length of a lanyard. It is important to note that your fall arrest system must be set up so that the freefall distance is limited to 6 feet or less at all times.
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Can I wrap a lanyard around structure and then snap it back onto itself?

Yes, as long as the snap hook is a locking type and is specifically designed for that type of connection (snaphooks must have a 5000 pound gate strength). The FP5K series of lanyards were designed with this application in mind. FP5K lanyards feature a carabiner with a 5000 pound gate strength and monster edge ?
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Can I connect two lanyards together (snaphook to snaphook)?

As a manufacturer, we do not recommend this practice. We recommend the use of a longer lanyard. However, it is allowable as long as the connectors are compatibly dimensioned and designed for that specific type of connection.
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What force is needed to activate the Dynabrake?

The Dyna-Brake will begin to activate at 450 Lbf.
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How is lanyard length measured?

Lanyard length is measured from the bearing point of the snaphook to the bearing point of the opposite snaphook.
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What are the weight limitations on a lanyard?

A standard lanyard can be used for anyone up to 310 pounds. If the lanyard has a Dynabrake, the lower weight limit becomes 130 pounds. If a person is outside of that weight range, a special lanyard must be ordered.
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Does the wire rope Dyna-Lock SRL come in custom lengths?

Yes, the wire rope Dyna-Lock comes in custom lengths up to 105 feet.
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Does the web Dyna-Lock or Backpacker come in custom lengths?

Yes, custom lengths can be ordered up to 20'.
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Confined Space

Can a Lynx Hoist be used for fall arrest?

No. The Lynx Hoist is not intended to be used as a fall arrest device. Its primary purpose is to raise and lower personnel or materials.
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What hoist (boom mount, side mount, socket mount) is used on a certain anchorage (Lynx tripod,
davit, etc)?


The boom mount hoist can be used on a tripod, column davit, or other remote anchorage. The side mount hoist can be used on either the Lynx tripod, column davit, or folding davit. The socket mount hoist is only used on the Davitruck.
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When should I use stainless steel wire rope rather than galvanized wire rope?

Stainless steel wire rope is more corrosion resistant than galvanized wire rope. If the unit is going to be exposed to severe conditions, such as outside storage, salt, or chemicals, the stainless steel wire rope is a better choice.
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How often do I need to send my Dyna-Lock/Lynx Rescuer/Lynx-Hoist back for re-certification?

Factory recertification is not required on any mechanical unit manufactured or serviced after January 1, 2000.
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Does the Lynx-Hoist come in custom lengths?

Yes, the Lynx-Hoist does come in custom lengths up to 117 feet.
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How many components (fall arrest systems) can I attach to the Lynx tripod?

It is possible to attach one component to each leg of the Lynx tripod for a maximum of three fall arrest systems.
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What spare parts are available for the Lynx tripod?

Spare ball lock pins, ladder shoes, pulleys, mounting brackets, carrying strap, carrying bag, and the leg base chain are all available as replacement parts.
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What parts do I need to set up a Lynx tripod?

To set up a basic Lynx tripod (with one Lynx-Hoist and one Lynx Rescuer) you will need to order Pulley Bracket Assembly, a side mount Dyna-Hoist, a Dynevac, a Dynevac mounting bracket , a split mount pulley and a Lynx tripod. Kits are available that provide everything you need to set up a complete confined space entry system.
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Descent Devices

Can the speed of the Dynescape be changed (either slower or faster)?

No. The speed of the Dynescape is constant at 6.5 feet per second.
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Miscellaneous

How often should I inspect my equipment?

OSHA requires a pre use inspection each time the equipment is used. ANSI recommends a pre-use inspection and a 6 month formal inspection for the construction industry. For general industry ANSI recommends a pre-use inspection and a yearly formal inspection.
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