Instructions For Use

Carabiner Operation

1. Rotate gate 90 degrees about its axis to unlock (Fig. A).
2. Depress gate until it pivots about the hinge to open (Fig. B)
3. Release gate and it should swing back and contact nose (Fig. C).

NOTE: The gate should rotate 90 degrees and engage the nose (lock).

Hitch Loop Operation - QR Code links to Hitch Loop Operation Video

1. Attach one Safety Step Pouch or one on each side, at the webs that cross at the hip level.
2. To attach the hitch loop, feed the pouch through the loop around the webs that cross at hip level.
3. Pull tight to secure the hitch loop on the webs that cross at hip level.

Suspension Trauma Safety Step - Hitch Loop Operation Video

NOTE: MSA recommends one safety step on each side of the harness while using the hitch loop attached at the webs that cross at hip level.

How to Deploy Safety Step with Carabiner

Follow these steps as soon as practical after a fall:

1. Open the carrying bag and deploy the Safety Step to its full length. Take care to always keep hold of the Safety Step with two hands to prevent dropping it (Fig D).
2. Connect the carabiner to the harness back D-ring or to the snaphook attached to the lanyard (Fig E).
a.   After a fall, the D-ring will be located approximately at the level of the head, within easy reach.
b.   Be sure to hold the Safety Step with both hands while connecting the carabiner until you are sure the carabiner is closed and locked onto the D-ring.

NOTE: The safety step should drape over the front of the shoulder.

Safety Step Use

1. Place one foot in a low-hanging loop, holding the Safety Step strap steady with the hands in front of the body (Fig F).
2. Place the other foot in the loop next to the first (Fig G).

NOTE: The feet should be positioned on either side of the central strap, low enough to straighten the legs as far as practical.

3. With both feet in adjacent loops of the Safety Step, flex, or “pump” the leg muscles frequently while suspended in the harness (Fig H).

NOTE: Pumping the large muscles of the leg causes blood to circulate and reduces the potential for suspension trauma.

WARNING! 

• Do not unfasten the leg or shoulder buckles of the harness while suspended.
• Monitor the suspended worker for signs and symptoms of suspension trauma before and after rescue. Ensure that the worker is evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.