UFC 3-460-03
21 JANUARY 2003
11.18.11.4. Airlines for supplied-air respirators have a limited life and must be impermeable to
fuel (acid-proof rubber). Consult the manufacturer for the life expectancy of hoses used by the
base.
11.18.11.5. Discard airlines showing signs of stiffness or cracking.
11.18.12. Communications equipment must be compatible with approved respiratory protective
equipment. Provide and use an approved communication system when the tank entry attendant
cannot maintain continuous visual observation. Select electronic devices with caution. Ensure they
comply with requirements for permissibility and are intrinsically safe for Class 1, Division 1, Group
C and D, and comply with NEC Article 504, Intrinsically Safe Systems. See AFOSH Std 48-137,
Attachment 7.
11.18.13. A fuel-resistant safety harness will be provided for each person working inside the tank,
plus one for each emergency rescue person. Inspect safety harnesses before use, and at least semi-
annually, to ensure the maximum usage does not exceed ten years from the date on the harness. If
there is no date on the harness, mark the harness with an identifying symbol and record this
information, with the date of manufacture, digitally or in a logbook. Also inspect for the following:
11.18.13.1. Loose or missing rivets or stitching.
11.18.13.2. Open holes, tears, or deep cuts.
11.18.13.3. Broken, cracked, or deformed D-rings, snap-hooks, plates, or buckles.
11.18.13.4. Bent, broken, or missing snap-hook keeper latch.
11.18.13.5. Render unserviceable harnesses useless by cutting across webbing on straps.
11.18.14. Select personal fall-arrest systems (safety harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, straps) to match
the work situation. Minimize the possible free-fall distance. Consider the particular work
environment to be encountered; for example:
11.18.14.1. Acids, dirt, moisture, oil, grease, or other substances can cause deterioration of the
fall-arrest system's ability to function properly.
11.18.14.2. Do not use wire rope or rope-covered wire lanyards and some plastics such as nylon
where there is an electrical hazard.
11.18.14.3. Do not use lanyards constructed of rope or synthetic materials or rope-covered
lanyards when performing welding or cutting operations, or in areas where sharp edges, open
flames, or excessive heat could present a hazard.
11.18.14.4. When lanyards, connectors, or lifelines are subject to damage by work operations such
as welding, chemical cleaning, or sandblasting, protect the component or provide other securing
systems.
11.18.14.5. Keep lanyards as short as reasonably possible to reduce the length of a free-fall.
Never permit a vertical fall of more than 1.8 meters, nor contact with the lower level. Attach
lanyards to a drop-line, lifeline, or fixed anchor point by a means that will not reduce its required
strength.
11.18.14.6. With all fall-arrest systems, use an energy (shock) absorber component whose primary
function is to dissipate energy and limit the deceleration forces that the system imposes on the
body during fall-arrest. These devices may use various principles, such as deformation, friction,
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