SAFETY 2.1 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO USING THE HARNESS (1), THE WEARER SHALL Carry out a visual check of the system or component; correct functioning and perfect working order have to be assured. Make sure that the recommendations for use with other com- ponents of the system be observed in conformity with the instructions for use. The system or component must no longer be used, if there are any doubts in respect of its safe condition. The equipment has to be inspected by the manufacturer or by a qualified person.
It is essential for safety reasons that a fall protection system or system component which has already been subjected to fall be removed from service and sent back to the manufacturer or an authorized qualified repair shop for maintenance and renewed testing. Fall protection systems have to be treated with care and to be kept clean and ready for use. It has to be warned against bringing the systems into contact with acids or other caustic liquids and gases, oils, detergents, or sharp-edged objects. Should the harness have become wet during use or cleaning, do not dry near a fire or other sources of heat, but rather in a natural way in not too warm rooms.
Keep the harness freely suspended or loosely rolled up. When using the fall protection systems, the pertaining safety reg- ulations in force and the "Rules for Use of Personal Fall Arrest Systems" have to be observed for protection against danger. At least every 12 months, the safety harness and its components have to be inspected by a competent person authorized by the manufacturer and maintained, if the manufacturer considers it necessary.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE OF THE HOLDING HOOKS AND HOLD-BACK HOOKS OF THE SAFETY HARNESS (1), During the holding function, the connectors may only be placed around a mast or other construction between the two holding hooks, so that free fall is limited to max.0.5 m. It should be strictly seen to it that the connector be not slung around constructions with too small diameter or sharp edges. With the lateral holding hooks, work may only be carried out on horizontal or almost horizontal surfaces (roofs). The connectors have to be adjusted in such a way that the area, where danger of falling down prevails, cannot be reached. 33