Elk River products are manufactured by skilled workers using the
best technology and equipment available. Each item is inspected at
various stages of manufacture and upon completion to ensure the
highest quality and reliability.

Fall prevention is the ideal method of eliminating all fall
hazards from the workplace. However, this is seldom possible. Since
many fall hazards can not be eliminated, it is important to identify
potential hazards before beginning a project. Whenever the
possibility for a fall exists, a fall protection system must be used
to ensure the safety of the workers.

Personal fall protection equipment is divided into two broad
categories: Fall Prevention (FP) equipment and Fall Arrest (FA)
equipment. Workers must be provided with personal protection
equipment appropriate to the application for which it is to be used.
The term "personal" is used because the individual wearer is an
integral part of the system and must be thoroughly trained in the
proper use of the personal protection equipment.
.
While personal fall protection systems are the primary focus of our
efforts at Elk River, many of our products may also be used in
Positioning (PO), Suspension (SU), or Retrieval (RT) applications.
Fall Prevention (FP) may be accomplished either by eliminating the
fall hazard or by using a tether system. The concept of a tether
system is to prevent the worker from reaching a point where a fall
can occur. The fall prevention system must be designed with extreme
care because all possible hazards must be considered. (An example of
multiple fall hazards would be roof work where at least two edges
present fall hazards.) Many Elk River products may be used as part
of a tether system, and these are indicated by the Fall Prevention
(FP) symbol.

Fall Arrest (FA) is the least desirable method of fall
protection, but it can quickly become the only available option.
Despite all efforts to eliminate hazards and prevent falls, workplace
falls continue to occur. To save lives and minimize injuries, we
must be prepared with both the proper equipment and adequate
training. A personal Fall Arrest (FA) system is required when
working at heights of more than six feet. Products rated for fall
arrest are identified by the Fall Arrest (FA) symbol.

Positioning (PO) products are designed to hold a worker in a safe
working position while allowing free use of both hands. If the work
is more than six feet above the surface a personal fall protection
system designed for Fall Arrest (FA) may also be required. Products
that may be used for positioning applications are indicated by the
Positioning (PO) symbol.

Suspension (SU) products are designed to suspend the worker to allow
him to perform such work tasks as window washing, exterior building
maintenance, emergency rescue and bridge work. Products suitable for
suspension are highlighted by the Suspension (SU) symbol. (NOTE:
Most Suspension (SU) situations will also require a Fall Arrest (FA)
system.)

Retrieval (RT) products are designed to permit the worker to enter an
otherwise unreachable area, such as a confined space or to assist in
rescuing an injured or trapped person.
Where these hazards exist, OSHA requires that both a rescue plan and
a confined space plan be in place before work begins. Products
suitable for confined space and/or retrieval are marked by the
Retrieval (RT) symbol.

Ladder Climbing (LC) harnesses are equipped with a front D-ring that
provides an attachment point to be used with either a rail or cable
climbing system.
Rail or cable climbing systems are found on fixed ladders,
communication towers, electrical distribution towers and poles, and
other structures. Harnesses that may be used with a climbing system
are indicated by the Ladder Climbing (LC) symbol.

Personal Fall Protection Equipment: Whether used for Fall Prevention
(FP), Fall Arrest (FA), Positioning (PO), Suspension (SU), or
Retrieval (RT), all fall protection systems consist of several
essential components including an anchorage point, a connecting
device, and appropriate body wear such as a full body harness.

Harness: The basic component of any personal fall protection system
is a full body harness designed to permit the wearer freedom of
movement as well as providing sufficient strength to arrest the most
severe fall safely. Technology now allows us to design and
manufacture a full body harness that is extremely strong, yet so
lightweight, comfortable, and easy to adjust that the wearer is
barely aware of the unit. However, since many users prefer a more
familiar design, Elk River offers a complete line of full body harnesses,
which continue to include the standard models as well as the latest
innovations.

Anchorage: Anchorage is defined by OSHA as
"a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or
deceleration devices," and OSHA Subpart M, 1926.502(15) states that
"anchorages used for attachment of fall arrest equipment shall be
independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend
platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN)
per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as
follows: (i) as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which
maintains a safety factor of at least two; and (ii) under the
supervision of a qualified person."

Connecting Device: Between the harness and
the anchorage, a connecting device is required. Elk River offers a
variety of quality connecting devices including several variations of NoPac
Zorber shock-absorbing lanyards. Selection of the proper connecting
device is determined by the specific job site and job requirements.

Designing a Fall Protection System: The following generally accepted
elements of fall arrest must be considered in designing a fall
protection system:

(1) A rescue plan should be in place prior to beginning any work
where a fall hazard exists. The rescue plan must be well thought
out, and all individuals involved must thoroughly understand the
rescue plan.

(2) If a fall hazard exists, the worker should wear a full body
harness that distributes the arresting force of a fall arrest
over the buttocks, hips, and shoulders.

(3) For Fall Arrest (FA) applications, the attachment point of the
connecting device to the harness should be in the center of the
back between the shoulder blades.

(4)The potential free-fall distance should be as short as possible
and must be calculated to prevent contact with the nearest
surface or obstacle below. (OSHA mandates limiting free-fall
distance to six feet or less.)

(5)The shock load or arresting force of a fall arrest should be
less than 1800 pounds.

(6) After a fall arrest, the fallen worker should be held
securely by his fall arrest system in as upright a position as
possible while awaiting rescue. This will not only make him more
comfortable and minimize further injury, but will also
facilitate the rescue efforts.

At Elk River, we manufacture top quality fall protection equipment,
but it is designed to be used only by trained workers. It is the employer’s
responsibility to provide his employees with BOTH the proper fall protection
equipment and sufficient training to wear and use the equipment safely.
You are encouraged to call our toll-free number when you have any
questions regarding the proper use of Elk River products. Your
Safety is our Number One priority!

(Reference: OSHA 1926, Subpart M)