Protecta 3M Sliding Beam Anchor, red 2104703

Protecta 3M Sliding Beam Anchor, red

3M purchase code 7100204061, model no. 2104703.

The Protecta 3M Sliding Beam Anchor, red is a reusable anchor point designed for variable-width steel I-beams. Made of corrosion-resistant zinc-plated steel, it attaches with sliding clamp on the beam flange (adjustment knobs) and creates a secure connection point for a personal fall arrest system. Capacity: 310 lb (141 kg).

Benefits of the Protecta anchor

• Purpose-built for variable-width steel I-beams.
• Corrosion-resistant zinc-plated steel construction for added durability.
• Attaches with sliding clamp on the beam flange (adjustment knobs).
• Compact, lightweight design, easy to handle at height.
• Compatible with various fall arrest systems (not suitable for horizontal lifelines).

Technical specifications of the anchor

• Brand: Protecta.
• Material: zinc-plated steel, metal (anchor hook).
• Attachment type: sliding clamp on the beam flange (adjustment knobs).
• Installation type: reusable.
• Capacity: 310 lb (141 kg).
• Compliance: ANSI Z359.18, 29 CFR OSHA 1910.140 and 1926.502.
• Weight: 6,5 lb / 2,95 kg.

Applications of the anchor

Construction, general industry, mining and the oil and gas industry. Designed to create a reusable anchor point on variable-width steel I-beams and serve as a connection point for a fall arrest or restraint system.

Installation of the fall protection anchor

The anchor attaches with sliding clamp on the beam flange (adjustment knobs) to the structure, in accordance with the manufacturer's written instructions. Choose a location able to support the required loads and have a competent person perform the installation. Once installed, connect the personal fall arrest system to the anchor attachment point.

Inspection of the anchor

Before each use, check the anchor for corrosion, deformation, cracks and loose fasteners. Immediately remove from service any anchor that is damaged or has arrested a fall, and have it evaluated by a competent person.

Maintenance of the steel anchor

Clean with warm water and a cloth, without abrasives or corrosive chemicals. Allow to air dry. Store in a dry place and protect metal surfaces from corrosion.

Anchorage strength requirements

An anchor alone does not stop a fall: it is part of a complete fall protection system (anchor, connector and harness). Its certified strength must be distinguished from the regulatory threshold, which varies by province and system type. As a guide, for a fall arrest system used with an energy absorber (the normal case in the field), Quebec regulations require an anchor point able to withstand a force of at least 18 kN, while other provinces refer to about 22 kN for an anchor not designed by an engineer. Always have the installation validated by a competent person or an engineer, according to the applicable provincial regulation, and refer to the CSA Z259.15 standard for anchorage connectors.

According to the 3M technical bulletin and the ANSI Z359.2 standard, the required strength depends on the type of system connected to the anchor point:

• Fall arrest: at least 5,000 lb (22.2 kN) for a non-certified anchorage, or twice the maximum arresting force for a certified anchorage designed by a qualified person.
• Travel restraint: at least 1,000 lb (4.5 kN) non-certified, or twice the foreseeable force for a certified anchorage.
• Work positioning: at least 3,000 lb (13.3 kN), or twice the potential impact load, whichever is greater.
• Rescue: at least 3,000 lb (13.3 kN) non-certified, or five times the applied load for a certified anchorage.

When more than one system is connected to the same anchorage, these values must be multiplied by the number of systems. An anchorage used for a fall arrest system must be independent of any anchorage used to support or suspend a platform (OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.140).

System component compatibility

A personal fall arrest system is ideally designed, tested and supplied as a complete system. In practice, lanyards, connectors, lifelines, energy absorbers and harnesses are often interchanged because some components wear out before others. Not all components are compatible: for example, a lanyard should not be connected between a harness and a self-retracting type deceleration device, which would result in additional free fall the system was not designed for. Any substitution or change must be evaluated by a competent person before the modified system is put in use, in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 and 1910.140.

FAQ about the Protecta sliding beam anchor

What surface is this anchor installed on?

On variable-width steel I-beams.

Is this anchor permanent or reusable?

It is reusable.

What load does this anchor support?

A capacity of 310 lb (141 kg).

Can it be used on a horizontal lifeline?

No, this anchor is not suitable for horizontal lifelines.

Complementary suggestions for fall protection equipment

The roofer spends the day on slippery slopes, exposed to sun, wind and a drop of several storeys. A shifting tile or one step too close to the edge is enough to turn a routine job into a serious fall. On this type of job site, the worker wears full personal protective equipment: a safety harness (FPH140101XCALP) connected to the anchor point, protective gloves (GSSXPU3OF) suited to the task, safety glasses (YA12166), a protective helmet (TA14LR) against impacts, fitted with its retention chin strap (TA14CS) to stay in place at height and a high-visibility work garment suited to work at height (VV53).

To build the complete fall protection system, connect this anchor to an ExoFit harness (FPH140103XCALP), linked by an energy-absorbing lanyard (FPL1246167C) or a self-retracting lifeline (FPLR3500250); depending on the surface, complete it with another anchor (FPA831). Also plan a rescue Rollgliss R550 device for height with controlled descent (FPLR5503325, 100 ft of rope), and mark off the work zone with a DANGER barricade tape (ECT3RE9), supplemented by an expandable safety barrier (EPT195).

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