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490 & 497 TRITON HARNESS DOCUMENTATION
490 & 497 TRITON Owner's Manual
AND
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
For LSC Part Numbers
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
The products offered for sale by LSC are intended for use in rescue operations and survival . Inherent to all rescue and survival environments is an increased risk of injury and/or possible death to an individual or group of individuals. The equipment offered by LSC is intended to aid the professional rescuer(s) and/or survival victim(s). However, the risk of injury or death cannot be completely eliminated or foreseen. Equipment training, maintenance and continual reviews of user proficiency is vital to the proper and safe use of all rescue and survival equipment. It is the responsibility of the purchasing and end-user organization or individual to:
- Determine the suitability of equipment for the selected application.
- Define the operational procedures and safety guidelines associated with the proper utilization, maintenance (including service life) and storage of the rescue and survival equipment.
- Ensure that all individuals are thoroughly trained and familiarized with the intended purpose, correct use and function, and serviceability of the equipment.
- Ensure that the equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and ready for use at all times.
- Changes to the configuration of or modifications to LSC products are not authorized by Lifesaving Systems Corp. and are not recommended.
Deviations from these warnings and cautions may result in serious injury or death.
Product Specific Warnings and Cautions
- Use 31-gram CO2 cylinders (LSC #480) or equal for all part numer vests except 497-VOT and 490-VOT which take 33 Gram CO2 cylinders. Inspect the seal on the threaded end of the cylinders prior to installation. Discard any cylinder showing any sign of puncture.
- Ensure that the CO2 inflation valve lever arm is in the up (armed) position prior to cylinder installation. Check for proper routing of the CO2 inflation lanyard.
- The Flotation Collar/Vest must be visually inspected prior to use and functionally tested per inspection procedures.
- DO NOT allow the vest or harness to become excessively soiled. Rinse with fresh tap water after exposure to salt or chlorinated water and allow to dry and inspect in accordance with this owner’s manual prior to use.
- DO NOT enter the water from excessive heights with the bladder inflated. This could cause personal injury and/or damage to the vest.
- DO NOT use CO2 inflation on a vest that is fully or partially inflated as overpressure may occur and damage the vest.
- DO NOT inflate the bladder while below deck on a vessel or in the cabin of an aircraft. The additional buoyancy and bulk can restrict egress.
- DO NOT store the vest in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
- Ensure batteries are installed in attached strobe lights and that the strobe light is armed for water activation prior to use.
Product Description
The TRITON harnesses are LSC’s second generation helicopter-hoistable rescue harness. The 497 Model is standard equipment for the USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmers and Canadian SAR Techs.
The 490 TRITON II MOLLE version is likewise used around the world by helicopter rescue crews, and is the best swimming harness in helicopter rescue.
Building on the foundation and comfort of the TRI-SAR (#487), the TRITON offers numerous enhancements. When attached, its low-profile flotation vest provides variable buoyancy up to 35 lbs in a sleek, field-packable design. Several equipment pockets have been transferred to the waist belt for improved weight distribution and comfort. Quick release buckles on the leg straps allow for easier donning and doffing of the harness, and a chest strap ensures a better fit. The recovery/equipment hook (when installed)is LSC’s Titanium Talon IIS safety hook with swivel and locking gate.
Constructed of Mil-Spec webbing and low profile, quick adjusting, stainless steel and titanium hardware, all components and materials are corrosion resistant for the marine environment.. The positioning of the hoist strap allows total use of operator hands. Ideal for rapid deployment in a multitude of rescue scenarios. Wide leg and waist straps optimally distribute weight for superior comfort and support.
Triton Vest Installation AND MOLLE Pouch Installation
The Triton Harness/Vest Modular Construction allows components to be removed and replaced. The following link provides installation procedures for the Triton Vest, and installation of MOLLE pouches. The MOLLE and non-MOLLE vest install identically on the Triton Harness.
Modifications
There are no required or authorized modifications for the 490-497 Triton Vest-Harness.
Harness Limitations
- Rescue harnesses and load bearing webbing products manufactured by LSC for use in Human External Cargo (HEC) operations have a recommended service life limit of fifteen (15) years from Date of Manufacture or twelve (12) years from the date placed in service—whichever shall occur first. The date of manufacturer can be found on the label.
The maximum weight limit for this harness is 450 pounds. The maximum operating weight is the total weight of the individual and all equipment or rescue personnel supported by the harness in an operation. The Talon hook shall be used to carry equipment or tools used to support the rescue function or mission. The weight of the equipment supported by the talon hook shall not exceed the maximum weight limit of 450 pounds.
Proper harness sizing is based on height as follows:
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- PART#-HM (Medium) fits those who are 64”–69” tall (162-175 cm)
- PART#-HL (Large) fits those who are 68”–73” tall (173-185 cm)
- PART#-HXL (Extra-Large) fits those who are 72”–78” tall (183-198 cm)
- PART#-HXXL (Double Extra-Large) fits those who are 74”–80” tall (188-203 cm)
NOTE: This Rescue Harness does not have any unique aspects of installation for the user.
Do not expose the harness to flame or high temperature. Carry the harness where it will be protected as the harness could melt or burn and fail if exposed to flame or high temperature.
Keep these instructions/manual – after it is separated from the harness – and retain it as a permanent record. A copy of these instructions should be kept with the harness.
Refer to these instructions/information before and after each use.
The conditions and tests for TSO approval of this article are minimum performance standards. Those installing this article, on or in a specific type or class of aircraft, must determine that the aircraft installation conditions are within the TSO standards. TSO articles must have separate approval for installation in an aircraft.
Label Information
TRITON Harness Annual Inspection
This inspection should be done by the wearer or other local maintainer after immersion in water.
Inspection Procedures - Harness
Step 1: Remove all survival equipment contained in any attached pockets. Remove any lanyards tied to the equipment and pocket attachment loops. For MOLLE harnesses, completely remove any attached pockets from the PALS system and Flotation Collar/Vest if installed.
Step 2: If vest is attached – remove vest by removing the three attachment screws and nylon lock-nuts. (LSC Part# H089.)Discard nylon lock-nuts.
Step 3: Inspect the harness webbing for cuts, excessive wear, loose or broken stitches, and damaged hook and pile tape.
Step 4: Inspect all pockets for cuts, excessive wear, loose or broken stitches, and damaged hook and pile tape.
Step 5: Inspect the load-bearing stitches for any broken or cut stitches. If two or more consecutive loose or broken stitches are found in any single load-bearing stitch pattern, the harness should be sent to an LSC authorized repair center for maintenance.
Step 6: Inspect the security of the bladder attachment tabs.
Step:7 Inspect all stainless steel hardware for proper function and corrosion. Remove any surface corrosion with emery cloth. Check both spring-loaded buttons of each buckle to ensure that they operate and return to home position. Check that a buckle does not open with the depressing of only one button. Check both buttons of each buckle separately to ensure that the buckle tang does not pull out with moderate tension applied. This function check is designed to ensure that the buckles will function as these are a major load bearing part of the harness.
Step 8: Inspect the TALON Hook (if attached) for proper lash and locking function. Inspect the rivets for security of attachment. Inspect for the presence of the roll pin. (See Video Below)
Step 9: Apply a light coat of corrosion preventative fluid film to:
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- All stainless steel bayonet fittings and buckles
- The TALON (or other) equipment hook below the main lifting V-Ring
Step 10: Wipe off excess oil with lint free cloth or paper towel.
Step 11: Reinstall equipment in pockets and – if using a MOLLE Harness – re-attach associated MOLLE pockets to harness.
Step 12: Sign off annual inspection of harness in accordance with local procedures.
Step 13: See Flotation Collar/Vest Instructions for how to re-attach new or ready for issue unit.
Inflatable Triton Vest Inspection
Inspection of the inflatable vest (490-VOT or 497-VOT) on all TSO Approved TRITON’s shall be done in accordance with the procedures linked below.
Donning and Fitting the Triton Harness
Position the TRITON with the shoulder straps up.
Open the chest and leg buckles, remove v-ring/ lifting strap from stowage pocket, and fully extend the waist and shoulder straps.
Hold the vest open behind you with both hands. Step through the waist strap with one foot then the other.
Pull the vest and harness into position and put your arms through the shoulder straps.
Secure the chest buckle and waist straps.
Secure the leg buckles.
Re-stow the v-ring and lifting strap in the correct stowage pocket (right side, upper).
Make final adjustments to suit comfort and security.
Using the Triton Vest
Attach and secure both sides of the vest using the zipper.
Vest can be inflated using the oral inflation tube on the wearers left, or by pulling down on the beaded lanyard on the lower right.
Once inflated, additional air can be added by blowing into the oral inflation tube, To deflate the vest, push down on the valve in the top of the oral inflation tube.
Triton Specifications
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | Harness 4 lb (1 .81 kg) With Inflatable vest 6 lb (2.72 kg). |
| Vest Buoyancy | Up to 35 lb (155 N). |
| Bladder / Vest Material | Bladder: 210 Denier Polyurethane-coated Nylon. |
| Service Life | 12 years from date placed in service or 15 years from date of manufacture, whichever occurs first. |
| Service Life Conditions | Documented positive annual inspections |
|
Failure Events |
Any bending of any metal part, 3 or more consecutively loose or broken load-bearing stitches or significant fraying of webbing. |
| Load Limit | 450 lb – 182 kg. |
| Required Maintenance | Acceptance in-service inspection, post-use inspection, pre-flight/use inspection. Bi-annual inspection of the flotation collar/vest by LSC authorized service center. |
Service Life Policy
Lifesaving Systems Corporation (LSC) has set forth the following recommendations for Life Limits on LSC Manufactured products. These recommended service life limits are conditional upon documented maintenance and inspections performed in accordance with minimum recommendations set forth in LSC product owner’s manuals. LSC will not recertify or perform maintenance actions on products determined to be beyond these limits.
Recommended Service Life Limits
Inflatables: Inflatables manufactured by LSC have a recommended service life limit of fifteen (15) years from Date of Manufacture or ten (10) years from the date placed in service – whichever shall occur first.
Harnesses/Load Bearing Materials: Rescue harnesses and load bearing webbing products manufactured by LSC for use in Human External Cargo (HEC) operations have a recommended service life limit of fifteen (15) years from Date of Manufacture or twelve (12) years from the date placed in service – whichever shall occur first.
TSO/ATSO Approved Product Service Life: As marked on the attached label – typically 10 years from the DOM.
Steel Products: Welded steel, mechanically compressed, or assembled steel products* manufactured by LSC for use in Human External Cargo (HEC) operations have a recommended service life limit of twenty-five (25) years from Date of Manufacture or twenty (20) years from the date placed in service* – whichever shall occur first.
* this policy does not apply to hoist hooks installed on aircraft.
This policy does not supersede or alter LSC’s Limited Warranty Terms.
Your Warranty
LSC products are warranted to the first consumer purchaser to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months.
Tough Gear for Tough Jobs
