Proper deployment of the KARAM MAGNA 1 full body harness and PN351N energy-absorbing lanyard combo is critical to maintaining a compliant personal fall arrest system (PFAS). Correct fitting ensures impact forces are distributed safely across the pelvic and chest anatomy, keeping fall arrest loads below the 6 kN threshold managed by the tear-webbing energy absorber.
Pre-Donning Preparation
Before donning, hold the MAGNA 1 harness by its dorsal aluminum D-ring and shake it gently to allow all high-tenacity polyester straps to fall into position. Untangle any twisted thigh or shoulder straps. Visually confirm that all automatic quick-release buckles and chest adjustment hardware are uncoupled and free of debris or grit.
Harness Donning and Torso Alignment
Slip the shoulder straps over the shoulders sequentially, ensuring the breathable knitted mesh pads sit evenly across the trapezius muscles without bunching. Position the dorsal bent aluminum D-ring squarely between the shoulder blades at mid-scapular level.
Bring the sternal front textile loops together across the chest. Connect and secure the chest strap buckle across the mid-sternum. Adjust the chest webbing so it rests horizontally across the breastbone, tensioning the strap to eliminate slack while maintaining full chest expansion for breathing.
Leg Strap Fastening and Tensioning
Reach between the legs, retrieve the corresponding thigh strap, and bring it around the upper leg. Connect the automatic quick-release buckle into its mating receiver until an audible engagement is achieved. Repeat this process for the opposite thigh strap, ensuring that neither leg strap is twisted.
Tighten the leg straps evenly through the adjustment hardware. The straps must be snug against the body without restricting blood circulation or movement.
Verification Checks: Finger and Squat Testing
To confirm correct adjustment before entering a fall-hazard zone, perform standard functional fit verifications:
- Two-Finger Clearance Check: Slide a flat hand under each leg strap. You should be able to fit no more than two flat fingers snugly between the high-tenacity polyester webbing and the inner thigh. Excessive slack must be tightened out to prevent upward displacement and groin trauma during a fall arrest incident.
- Squat Mobility Test: Perform a deep squat to verify functional flexibility. The harness must maintain its position without slipping off the shoulders or cutting excessively into the groin.
- Dorsal Ring Reach Check: Confirm the dorsal D-ring remains centered and reachable without requiring severe contortion.
Connecting the PN351N Forked Lanyard
Connect the PN112 alloy steel screw-locking karabiner at the energy absorber end of the PN351N lanyard directly to the dorsal bent aluminum D-ring or dual sternal textile loops of the MAGNA 1 harness. The PN112 karabiner features an 18 mm gate opening and a minimum breaking strength of 25 kN. Once inserted through the attachment point, close the spring gate and fully thread the knurled screw sleeve until the gate is completely locked.
Never leave the karabiner unlocked. Ensure the energy absorber pack sits oriented upward toward the harness attachment point so that deployment lines deploy downward away from worker interference.
100% Tie-Off Anchor Engagement and Lanyard Keepers
Anchor connections must be managed systematically using the twin PN131N forged alloy steel scaffold hooks:
- Anchorage Attachment: Snap the PN131N scaffold hooks over compatible structural steel scaffolding tubes, structural angles, or certified EN 795 anchor points. Confirm that both hook gates self-close and lock completely.
- 100% Tie-Off Transfer: When transitioning between working levels or bypass points, keep one PN131N hook attached to the anchor structure while advancing the second hook to the next structural anchor point. Disconnect the trailing hook only after the leading hook is securely engaged.
- Managing Idle Lanyard Legs: When an arm of the forked lanyard is not connected to an anchorage, attach the free PN131N scaffold hook exclusively to the dedicated breakaway lanyard parking keepers located on the MAGNA 1 shoulder straps. Crucial safety requirement: Never park an idle lanyard hook onto a structural side D-ring, chest loop, or main harness webbing, as doing so can bypass the PN300 tear-webbing energy absorber during a fall.
