User Instructions - FCP Rope Horizontal Lifeline
This document serves as the Manufacturer’s Instructions, and is to be used as part of an employee training program
for the system, as required by OSHA.
ATTENTION: The user MUST be trained before using this product Use this manual as part of a user
safety training program that is appropriate for the user’s occupation. These instructions must be provided to
users before use of the product and retained for ready reference by the user The user must read, understand
(or have explained), and follow all instructions, labels, markings and warnings supplied with this product and
with those products intended for use in association with it FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
1.0 RHL MODELS AND SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE 1. FrenchCreek Production RHL MODELS COVERED BY THESE INSTRUCTIONS
MODEL NUMBER
SPAN
LENGTH*
CAPACITY
LIFELINE
MATERIAL
CONNECTING
HARDWARE
ANCHORAGE
CONNECTOR
STRAP
APPROXIMATE
WEIGHT
LBS
RHL-30
30 FT
2Workers
(310 lb each)
NYLON
Self-Locking Snap hooks
Nylon
14
.
RHL-60
6OFT
2Workers
(310 lb each)
NYLON
Self-Locking Snap hooks
Nylon
18
MODEL
NUMBER
SPAN
LENGTH*
CAPACITY
LIFELINE
MATERIAL
CONNECTING
HARDWARE
ANCHORAGE
CONNECTOR
STRAP
APPROXIMATE
WEIGHT
LBS
RHLD-30
30 FT
2Workers
(310 lb
each)
POLYESTER
Self-Locking
Snap hooks
Nylon
14
.
RHLD-60
6OFT
Nylon
18
2Workers
(310 lb
each)
POLYESTER
Self-Locking Snap hooks
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Other rope lengths are available from FrenchCreek upon request.
1.1 SPECIFICATIONS
• The FrenchCreek RHL models identified in Table 1 meet OSHA regulations and ANSI A10.14. These instructions,
and markings borne by the products, fulfill the marking and instruction requirements of those standards and
regulations.
• The RHL system is rated for two workers, each having a maximum capacity of 310 Lbs. (including tools and
clothing). Span length is adjustable up to the maximum length.
• The Rope Tensioner is a zinc plated, steel fabrication. Minimum breaking strength is 5,000 lbs.
• The RHL Rope is 5/8 inch diameter nylon. The RHLD rope is 5/8” polyester with an in line shock absorber.
Minimum breaking strength is 10,000 lbs. for each model.
• Self locking snap hooks are zinc plated, forged alloy steel and proof tested to 3,600 Lbs. Minimum breaking
strength is 5,000 lbs.
• 3” 0-Rings are zinc plated forged alloy steel. Minimum breaking strength is 5,000 lbs.
2.0 TRAINING
It Is the responsibility of the purchaser of this device to assure that product users are made familiar with these User
Instructions and trained by a competent person in:
(1) workplace hazard awareness and hazard identification, evaluation and control; (2) how to properly select,
inspect, use, store and maintain the horizontal lifeline: (3) how to determine and acceptably limit free fall distance,
total fall distance, and maximum arresting force; (4) how to select and make connections to anchorages and
anchorage connectors; (5) proper attachment locations on the user’s harness and other components of personal fall
arrest systems and proper attachment methods including compatibility of connections to reduce the probability of
accidental disengagement (“rollout”); (6) what to do after a fall to protect the user from injury, including emergency
rescue planning and execution; and (7) the consequences of improper use of the horizontal lifeline and associated
equipment and of failure to follow instructions and training. Training must be conducted without undue exposure of
the trainee to hazards. The effectiveness of training should be periodically assessed (at least annually) and the need
for more training or retraining determined. Contact FrenchCreek for additional training information.
3.0 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION AND CONTROL
CAUTION:
Do not use this device unless a qualified person has inspected the workplace and determined that identified hazards
can neither be eliminated nor exposures to them prevented.
Prior to selecting a horizontal lifeline and other personal protective equipment, the user must make a workplace
assessment of hazards and conditions where the equipment is required. Such assessment
must, at a minimum, identify the presence of:
• Hot objects • Chemicals • Abrasive surfaces • Climatic factors
• Sparks • Electric hazards • Moving equipment • Weather factors
• Flames • Sharp objects • Moving materials • Unstable uneven surfaces
• Heat-producing • Environmental • Unguarded opening • Confined space hazards
operations contaminants • Slippery surfaces
Foreseeable changes in any of these conditions, taken individually or collectively, must be identified, evaluated, and
controlled. The materials and construction of the horizontal lifeline and associated equipment must be considered in
the selection process such that these workplace conditions are suitably addressed and responded to. The equipment
must match the work situation and workplace environmental factors.
The workplace assessment must identify all paths of intended user movement and all hazards along such path.
The user must identify the required range of mobility in each hazard zone and note the location and distance to all
obstructions in potential fall paths. Lateral obstructions which could be contacted in a pendulum fall arrest must be
noted. See section 7.0 to determine required clearance beneath the system.
5.0 RHL SELECTION AND APPLICATIONS
5.1 PURPOSE OF FRENCHCREEK RHL Temporary System:
This device is a temporary synthetic system that suspends horizontally between two approved anchorage points. It
provides fall protection up to two workers while allowing horizontal movement along the span of the line. It is
designed for quick and easy installation and removal at temporary work areas. The line tensioner is used for line
length adjustment and maintaining line tension during use.
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5.2 USAGE LIMITATIONS:
The FrenchCreek RHL system must be used as described in these instructions. No additional equipment should be
incorporated into the system, nor should the system be altered from its original form without written approval by
FrenchCreek. The rope incorporated with this device has been specifically designed for the system. It should not be
repaired or replaced with another rope.
5.2.1 PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS:
This device is designed for use by one or two workers each having a maximum weight of 310 lbs (140 kg),
including clothing, tools, and other user-borne objects. Persons with muscular, skeletal, or other physical disorders
should consult a physician before using. Pregnant women and minors must never use this device. Increasing age
and lowered physical fitness may reduce a person’s ability to withstand shock loads during fall arrest or prolonged
suspension. Consult a physician if there is any question about physical ability to safely use this product to arrest a
fall or suspend.
5.2.2 CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Acidic, alkaline, or other environments with harsh substances may damage the life line and hardware elements of
this device. When working in the presence of chemicals, more frequent inspection of the device is required.
5.2.3 HEAT
Do not use this device in environments with temperatures greater than 185’ F (85° C). Protect the product when
used near welding, metal cutting, or other heat producing activities.
Sparks and welding slag will damage the product and reduce its strength.
5.2.4 CORROSION:
Do not expose this device to corrosive environments for prolonged periods. Organic substances and salt water are
particularly corrosive to metal parts. When working in corrosive environments, more frequent inspection, cleaning,
and drying of the device is required. See sections 9 and 11 for cleaning and inspection details.
5.2.5 ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:
Use extreme caution when working near energized electrical sources. Metal hardware on the device and on other
components connected to it will conduct electric current. Maintain a safe working distance {preferably at least 10 ft
(3 m)} from electrical hazards.
5.2.6 MOVING MACHINERY:
When working near moving machinery parts (e.g. conveyors, rotating shafts, presses, etc.), maintain a safe working
distance from machinery which could entangle clothing, this product, or other components connected to it.
5.2.7 SHARP EDGES AND ABRASIVE SURFACES:
Do not expose this device to sharp edges or abrasive surfaces that could cut, tear or abrade and weaken the fibers.
When work around sharp edges and abrasive surfaces is unavoidable, use heavy padding or other protective barriers
to prevent direct contact.
5.2.8 WEAR AND DETERIORATION:
Any device which shows signs of excessive wear, deterioration or aging must be removed from use and marked
"UNUSABLE” until destroyed. See section 11 for detailed inspection procedures.
5.3.8 IMPACT FORCES:
Any product or component which has been subjected to the forces of arresting a fall must be immediately removed
from service and marked as “UNUSABLE" until destroyed.
6.0 SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS
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6.1.1 COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS
The FrenchCreek RHL product is designed to be used with other FrenchCreek approved products. Use of this device
with non-approved products may adversely affect the functional compatibility between system parts and the safety
and reliability of the complete system. Connecting subsystems must be suitable for use in the application (e.g. fall
arrest, climbing protection, restraint, rescue or evacuation). Contact FrenchCreek Production with any questions
regarding compatibility of equipment used with the RHL system.
6.1.2 COMPATIBILITY OF CONNECTORS
The RHL Horizontal Life Line must only be installed to anchorages capable of supporting a 5,000 lbs. load in the
direction the system will stress it. Connecting hardware must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Noncompatible connectors may accidentally disengage (rollout). Always verify that the connecting snap hooks on the
RHL system Is compatible with the anchorage connector.
6.2 ANCHORAGES AND ANCHORAGE CONNECTORS
Components used to connect the RHL to an anchorage must be rated to 5,000 lb minimum breaking strength.
Caution must be used to insure compatibility between connectors and attachment elements (i.e. snap hooks or
carabiners). Connecting hardware must be compatible in size, shape and strength. Non-compatible connectors can
accidentally disengage or “roll out”. Always verify that the connecting hardware is compatible with the bolt D-ring
or D-ring on the anchorage or anchorage strap. FrenchCreek Production anchorage straps (FrenchCreek part
no.1372WP) are provided with this system to connect to appropriately rated anchorage members. FrenchCreek
Production Bolt D-rings (sold separately) are available to permanently attach to a beam flange. FrenchCreek
Production also manufactures a variety of approved anchorage connectors that can be used in conjunction with the
RHL system.
Never wrap the lifeline around an anchorage or attach the lifeline snap hook back onto the lifeline.
FIGURE 4 - COMPATIBLE ANCHORAGES
6.3 SHOCK ABSORBING LANYARD AND HARNESS
The RHL system MUST only be used in conjunction with an approved personal shock absorbing lanyard that limits
Fall Arrest Forces to 900 lbs or less, and full body harness with a compatible back D-ring. Failure to use an
approved SHOCK ABSORBING lanyard could result in overload to the system, resulting in line breakage and
injury or death. The shock absorbing lanyard must have approved connectors (snap hook or carabiner) compatible
with connection to the RHL 0-ring and a harnesses back D- ring. The shock absorbing lanyard should only be
connected to the 0-ring, and not to the line itself.
6.4 LEVEL OF CONNECTION: The horizontal life line should always be placed at the same level or,
preferably higher than the worker’s harness back D-ring, A worker situated above the horizontal life line who falls
will have an increased fall distance, and could potentially overload the system, resulting in injury or death.
7.0 PLANNING THE USE OF SYSTEMS
Perform the hazard identification and evaluation described in section 3 of these Instructions. Then plan the system(s)
before starting work. Consider all possible paths of user movement and all factors that could affect the user’s safety
before, during and after a fall anywhere along these paths. A qualified person must select the components, materials,
anchorage and anchorage connectors to match the system application, the work, workplace hazards and the
environment. Consider the following points when planning the system(s).
7.1 CLEARANCE REQUIRED BELOW THE HORIZONTAL LIFE LINE
Allow for sufficient clearance in the path of a potential fall. Refer to Table 2 in this section to determine the
minimum clearance required for a given span distance. Clearance requirements assume the following conditions are
met:
• The maximum free fall distance permitted by the fall arrest system Is 6 feet (1.8 m) or less.
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• The worker is equipped with a FrenchCreek personal fall arrest system or equivalent system meeting the
requirements of ANSI Z359.1, which will limit the forces of arresting a fall to 900 lbs or less.
• The lifeline has been properly tensioned according to Section 8.3.
The required clearance in Table 2 includes the following factors involved in determining total fall clearance:
TABLE2:
Table provides clearance required below lifeline, measured from working surface to closest obstruction in fall path.
Span
Required clearance
10 – 20 ft.
18 ft.
20 – 30 ft.
20 ft.
30 – 40 ft.
22 ft.
40 – 50 ft.
24 ft.
50 – 60 ft.
26 ft.
To apply the information in Table 2, determine what length of lifeline will be rigged for your application, measured
from bearing-point to bearing-point on the horizontal lifeline. Look up the corresponding Span Distance in the
Table. Read across the Table to find the minimum required clearance for your installation. This is the clearance
required to the nearest object in the path of a potential fall, measured from the working surface to the top of the
obstruction. The required clearance in these instructions should be used as a guideline. Interpretation of the
information contained in this section should be left to the Qualified or Competent Person, one who has a
specific knowledge of the worksite conditions and the equipment to be used. When in doubt, consult your
resident Qualified or Competent Person before rigging this horizontal lifeline system. Contact FrenchCreek
for additional in formation or when conditions at your site do not match the requirements in these
instructions.
7.2 PENDULUM (SWING) FALLS
Swing falls can occur when the horizontal life line is not positioned directly above the worker. The force of striking
an object in a swinging motion can cause serious injury. Always minimize swing falls by working as directly below
the horizontal life line as possible.
7.3 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION IN WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT
All hazards of the type set forth in section 3 of these instructions must be addressed and suitable controls planned
and implemented. For example, if work must be performed near unavoidable sharp edges, plan to protect against
cutting by use of heavy padding or other means of covering the sharp edge.
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7.4 RESCUE AND EVACUATION
The user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement it. The plan must take into account the
equipment and special training necessary for prompt rescue under all foreseeable conditions. If the rescue is from a
confined space, the provisions of OSHA regulation 1910.146 and ANSI ZI 17.1 must be taken into account.
Although a rescue plan and the means to implement it must always be in place, it is a good idea to provide means for
user evacuation without assistance of others. This will usually reduce the time to get to a safe place and reduce or
prevent risk to rescuers.
8.0 USAGE
8.1 BEFORE INSTALLATION
Before installing the FrenchCreek RHL Horizontal Lifeline, make sure you have read and understand all material
contained in this manual, and any instructions provided with all components used in conjunction with this system.
Review the limitations provided in section 7. Carefully inspect the system according to Section 11 prior to
Installation, Secondary fall protection equipment will likely be required to protect workers who are installing or
removing the system.
8.2 MAKING PROPER CONNECTIONS:
When using a carabiner or snap hook to connect to an anchorage or when coupling components of the system
together, be certain accidental disengagement (“rollout”) cannot occur. Rollout is possible when interference
between a snap hook and the mating connector causes the snap hook’s gate or keeper to accidentally open and
release. Rollout occurs when a snap hook is snapped into an undersized ring such as an eye bolt or other noncompatibly shaped connector. Only self-closing, self-locking snap hooks and carabiners should be used to reduce the
possibility of rollout when making connections, do not use snap hooks or connectors that will not completely close
over the attachment object. Do not make knots in the lifeline. Snap hooks and carabiners must not be connected to
each other. Do not attach two snap hooks into one D-ring. Do not attach a snap hook directly to the horizontal
lifeline. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with each system component.
8.3 SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND USE
Figure 3 shows a typical system installation. End anchorages must be chosen to locate the lifeline at, or above the
height of the connecting D-ring on a worker’s harness. Positioning the RHL higher will reduce free fall distance.
Additionally, the length of the connecting shock absorbing lanyard should be kept as short as possible to reduce free
fall distance. End anchorages should be placed at approximately the same height so the RHL is not installed on a
slope greater than 5°. Workers installing or removing the RHL should connect to a secondary fall arrest system.
STEP 1:
Measure the span length of the proposed anchorage points. Check to see that adequate clearance is available in
accordance with section 7. The strength of the proposed anchorages must be evaluated by a qualified person in
accordance with section 6.2.
STEP 2:
The FrenchCreek RHL must be installed using approved anchorage connectors specified in section 6.2. If using a
steel cable or synthetic anchorage strap, be sure to wrap the strap twice around a vertical supporting structure to
prevent the strap from sliding down. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the anchorage
connectors to insure proper Installation. The snap hooks provided with the system may be connected directly to an
anchorage, such as an anchorage eye, provided the anchorage meets strength and compatibility requirements
specified in Section 6.3.
STEP 3:
Secure the snaphooks on either end of the RHL to the approved anchorage. Make certain that there are no knots in
the portion of rope secured between anchorages. Knots will significantly reduce the strength of the lifeline.
STEP 4:
Remove slack from the system by opening the unfastening lever and pulling the free end of the rope through the
tensioner by hand (Figure 6).
STEP 5:
Tension the lifeline by pulling FIRMLY on the free end of the rope while simultaneously turning the tensioner nut in
the direction of the arrow (Figure 6). Tighten the nut until the tensioning wheel begins to slip against the rope. Once
slipping occurs, do not continue to tighten the tensioner, as this will cause excessive wear on the rope. A large
wrench or connecting bar is required to tighten the tensioner. It is important that the line is tensioned as taunt as
possible using the above procedure. This will reduce the fall distance due to line stretch
STEP 6:
Close the unfastening lever to prevent unintentional loosening of line tension during use (Figure 6).
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FIGURE 6
STEP 7: Check the system to make certain that connecting hardware is properly oriented along the intended axis
of loading. Make certain that cross-gate loading is not present in any connecting snap hooks or Carabiners. Check
that the shock absorber (on the RHLD models) has not been partially deployed.
STEP 8:
Prior to each use, inspect the device according to the requirements in this manual. Occasional re-tensioning of the
lifeline may be required if loosening of the lifeline occurs during prolonged suspension.
REMOVAL:
Workers removing this device should connect to secondary fall arrest systems. Release the rope tension by manually
extracting the unfastening lever, and then prying the unfastening lever open (Figure 6). Disconnect the remaining
anchorage hardware.
9.0 CARE, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
9.1 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Clean the system with a solution of water and mild laundry detergent. Dry hardware with a clean cloth and hang to
air dry. Do not speed dry with heat. Excessive accumulation of dirt, paint or other foreign matter may prevent
proper function of the device, and, in severe cases, weaken the rope. Questions concerning lifeline conditions and
cleaning should be directed to FrenchCreek Production.
9.2 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
Equipment which is damaged or in need of maintenance must be tagged as "UNUSABLE” and removed from
service. Corrective maintenance (other than cleaning) and repair, such as replacement of elements, must be
performed by the FrenchCreek factory. Do not attempt field repairs.
The moving parts of snap hooks and carabiners may require periodic lubrication. Use a lightweight (low viscosity)
penetrating oil that has good resistance to temperature extremes, moisture and corrosion. Do not over-lubricate.
Wipe off excess oil with a clean, dry cloth. Follow the lubricant manufacturer’s instructions. Do not allow lubricant
to contact the lifeline, or tensioner.
9.3 STORAGE:
The provided 5 gallon pail is ideal for sealing and storing the RHL. Store the RHL in a cool, dry and clean place out
of direct sunlight. Avoid areas where heat, moisture, light, oil, chemicals (or their vapors) or other degrading
elements maybe present. Equipment that is damaged, or in need of maintenance, should not be stored in the same
area as usable equipment. Heavily soiled, wet, or otherwise contaminated equipment should be properly maintained
(e.g. cleaned and dried) prior to storage. Prior to using equipment which has been stored for long periods of time, a
formal inspection should be performed by a competent person. See section 12.
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10.0 MARKINGS AND LABELS
• Inspect before each use according to instructions provided. Use ONY with compatible personal fall arrest system
which limits free fall to 6’ (1.8 m) or less, maximum arrest force to 900 lbs. or less.
• Connect personal fall arrest system only by means of steel rings on the lifeline. Connect opposite end of fall arrest
system to full body harness back D-Ring.
11.0 INSPECTION
11.1 INSPECTION FREQUENCY:
This device must be inspected by the user before each use. Additionally, it must be inspected by a competent person
other than the user at intervals of no more than six months. The competent person inspection is referred to as formal
Inspection. See section 12 for Formal Inspection procedures.
If the device has been subjected to fall arrest or impact forces, it must be immediately removed from service and
marked as "UNUSABLE” until destroyed.
11.2 PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION BEFORE EACH USE:
Step 1: Inspect all fabric (fibrous) parts, including the rope and the in line shock absorber on the RHLD models.
(a) Inspect rope for cuts, pulled or broken fibers, excessive abrasion, wear or aging, excessive elongation, reduction
of rope diameter, altered or missing rope segments, burns and damage from heat or chemical attack. Inspect for
knots, loosening or unbraiding of splices, and excessive fuzziness of fibers.
(b) Inspect all webbing (straps) and stitching for evidence of defects or damage, including: cuts, fraying, pulled or
broken threads, loose or torn threads, abrasion, excessive wear or elongation, altered or missing straps or stitching,
knots, burns, and damage from heat or chemical attack.
Step 2: Inspect all metallic parts for evidence of defects, damage, alteration and missing parts.
(a) For snap hooks, carabiners, links, and tensioner, inspect for deformation, fractures, cracks, corrosion, deep
pitting, burrs, sharp edges, cuts, deep nicks, loose parts, and evidence of excessive heat or chemical exposures.
Inspect snap hook and carabiner function by cycling their unlocking, opening, closing and locking features several
times. Refer to section 4.2 for description of these functions. Gates must automatically close and snugly seat against
the nose. The locking mechanism must retain the gate tip within 1/8 inch (3mm) of the nose when finger pressure is
firmly applied to the gate in any direction. Inspect for weak springs, loose rivets and binding of the gate or lock.
Step 3: Inspect all plastic parts (i.e. rope thimbles and labels) for cuts, broken parts, alteration, excessive wear,
missing and loose parts. (Labels are to be additionally checked in accordance with above instructions) Inspect for
evidence of burns, excessive heat and chemical attack.
Step 4: Inspect each component and subsystem of the complete system in accordance with the associated
manufacturer’s Instructions.
11.3 CORRECTIVE ACTION:
When inspection reveals signs of inadequate maintenance, the RHL must be immediately removed from service and
marked as “UNUSABLE” until destroyed or subjected to corrective maintenance. Defects, damage, excessive wear
malfunction, and aging are generally not repairable. If detected, immediately remove the device from use and mark
it as “UNUSABLE’ until destroyed. For final disposition, submit the RHL to a competent person who is authorized
to perform Formal Inspection. If there is any question as to reparability; contact FrenchCreek or a service center
authorized in writing by FrenchCreek before further use of the product.
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