Arbo Nova Tree Climbing Harness User Manual

ARBO SPACE – ARBO NOVA TREE CLIMBING HARNESS

USER MANUAL & INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 1. GENERAL INFORMATION These instructions explain how to safely and correctly use the Arbo Space ARBO NOVA tree-climbing harness. Only approved techniques and applications described in this manual are permitted. Working at height involves inherent risks. Before using this product: Read all instructions carefully and completely Understand the limitations of the equipment Be properly trained and competent in tree climbing and work positioning Accept all risks associated with arborist operations WARNING: Failure to follow instructions may lead to serious injury or death. This document must be supplied to the end user in the official language of their country and kept accessible for the entire service life of the harness. Field of Application ARBO NOVA is part of a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) system for: Tree climbing and work positioning Suspension during arborist operations This is a sit harness intended for positioning, movement on rope, and work stabilization. NOT FOR FALL ARREST. This harness is not a substitute for a full-body fall-arrest harness. The harness should be assigned to one user only. 2. PART IDENTIFICATION (NOMENCLATURE) (FIG. 2 – You can later add your own diagrams) A – Side D-Rings (Work Positioning) B – Bridge Height Adjustment Webbing C – Bridge Height Adjustment Buckle D – Rope Bridge E – Rope Bridge Ring F – Central Bridge D-Ring G – Waist Belt Strap H – Waist Belt Quick-Connect Buckle I – Leg Strap Webbing J – Leg Strap Quick-Connect Buckle K – Leg Strap Height Adjustment Point L – Rear Leg Pad Adjustment Strap M – Side Leg Pad Micro-Adjustment Cord N – Equipment Loops (x4) O – Chainsaw Lanyard Ring P – Leg Pad Q – Tool Carrier Slot R – Elastic First-Aid/Carabiner Retainer S – Suspender Attachment Loop T – Webbing End Keeper 3. INSPECTION & POINTS TO VERIFY Your safety depends entirely on the integrity of the equipment. Arbo Space recommends inspection by a competent person at least every 12 months, or more frequently based on usage intensity or local regulations. Record all findings on a PPE inspection form. Before Each Use Inspect for: Cuts, tears, fraying, glazing, or heavy abrasion on webbing/rope Chemical exposure, UV fading, discoloration Damaged stitches or pulled thread Cracks, deformation, corrosion, or sharp edges on hardware Buckles not functioning properly Rope bridge wear, flattening, or broken fibers Any signs of shock loading or previous fall involvement Label legibility If any issue is found: STOP USING IMMEDIATELY and remove the harness from service. During Use Frequently re-check connection points Ensure buckles stay locked Make sure the bridge is running smoothly and not twisted Compatibility Only use equipment conforming to current standards (EN 362, EN 358, EN 813, etc.). Verify that connectors and devices function correctly with the ARBO NOVA design. 4. WEARING INSTRUCTIONS (FIG. 4) Inspect the harness completely before use. Open waist buckle (H) and leg buckles (J). Step into the harness as shown in Fig. 4. Raise the harness so the waist belt sits above the iliac crest (hip bone). Ensure both side D-rings are slightly forward of the hips. Connect and tighten the waist buckle until snug. Wrap leg straps around each thigh and close buckles. Adjust leg straps to be snug yet comfortable. Tuck excess webbing into keepers. 5. ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS (FIG. 5) Proper adjustment ensures upright suspension, comfortable weight distribution, and reduced pressure points. Bridge Height Adjustment Locate buckle (C). Pull to release tension to extend length or tighten to shorten. Shortening brings the bridge closer to the body; lengthening moves it outward. Fold excess strap into the keeper. Leg Strap Height Adjustment Open leg strap buckle (J). Remove webbing from keeper and adjust through the height adjustment loop (K). Re-thread buckle and lock securely. Rear Leg Pad Adjustment Adjust elastic strap (L) so the rear pads sit at comfortable spacing beneath the waist belt. 6. ROPE BRIDGE ADJUSTMENT & REPLACEMENT (FIG. 6) The rope bridge is a critical load-bearing component and must be inspected before every use. Adjusting Length Untie the stopper knot on one end. Re-tie at desired length. Ensure a minimum tail of 7–8 cm (3 in.) remains. Verify both sides pass through the same hole of each D-ring. Replacing the Bridge Use only Arbo Space–approved bridge rope made from certified arborist line. Do not substitute with unknown rope. Tying the Stopper Knot (Barrel Knot) Pass rope from outer side through Bridge D-Ring → Bridge Ring → opposite D-Ring. Tie a barrel knot as shown (Fig. 6). Tighten by hand. Perform a full hanging test before working aloft. 7. QUICK-CONNECT BUCKLES (FIG. 7) To release: press both side buttons simultaneously. Ensure: No debris is inside the buckle Buckle clicks audibly when fully engaged Webbing is properly routed 8. ATTACHMENT POINTS & STANDARDS Work Positioning – EN 358 Side D-Rings and bridge plate D-rings are for: Work positioning Restraint systems Never use these points for fall arrest. Always connect both positioning D-rings simultaneously. Sit Harness – EN 813 Central rope bridge is the primary attachment point for: Descenders Progression lanyards MRS/SRS systems (with compatible equipment) Not suitable for fall arrest. 9. LIFESPAN, STORAGE, CLEANING Service Life Up to 10 years for textile components depending on use and conditions. Retire earlier if: Exposed to a major shock load Fails inspection History of use is unknown Shows aging, UV damage, chemical exposure Standards or compatibility requirements change Storage Store: Dry Away from sunlight Away from chemicals, oils, and sharp tools Without compression or tension on rope bridge or webbing Cleaning Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild pH-neutral soap Rinse thoroughly Air-dry away from heat or sun Metal components may be wiped clean and lightly polished if needed 10. PRECAUTIONS FOR USE ARBO NOVA complies with EN 358, EN 813, and ASTM F887 requirements. Max user weight: 150 kg (330 lb) including tools. For positioning & suspension only. NOT FOR FALL ARREST. A fall arrest system must meet EN 363 and requires minimum clearance of 7 m. Perform a suspension test before first use. Maintain a rescue plan for all climbing operations. Keep equipment away from sharp edges, high heat, chemicals, and moving machinery. Tool loops, gear loops, and accessory loops are not life-supporting. Do not modify the harness. Only use connectors meeting EN standards. Inspect buckles regularly during use. Fully dry equipment before re-use. 11. WARRANTY & RETURNS Arbo Space warrants the Arbo NOVA harness against defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner. Warranty does not cover: Normal wear Abrasion or damage caused by misuse Use of unauthorized replacement parts Modification of the harness For returns or inspections, contact Arbo Space customer support to obtain an RMA number. 12. TRACEABILITY & MARKINGS Your harness includes the following information on the label: A – Manufacturer: Arbo Space B – Model: ARBO NOVA C – Item Number D – Size (1/2 or S/M/L depending on your system) E – Conforms to PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 F – Notified Body Number G – Applicable EN/ASTM Standards H – Max load 150 kg I – Lot number J – Serial number K – Month/Year of Manufacture L – Read Instructions Symbol M – Do Not Remove Label N – Country of Origin O – QR Code (links to digital manual) P – ArboSpace.com website Q – Buckling Instructions Graphic R – ASTM F887 Qualification Reference.