MISSION ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

X-BELT AND M-HARNESS

PRODUCT OPTIMIZATION GUIDE

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS

U.S. Patent No. 8,235,173

The M-Harness and its components are intended for use by competent, responsible, trained professionals only, or under the direct supervision and control of competent, responsible, trained professionals. You are responsible for your own actions and decisions. Before using this product, read and completely understand all instructions and warnings that accompany it and familiarize yourself with its capabilities and limitations.

PRODUCT OPTIMIZATION GUIDE

WARNINGS

WARNINGS
Failure to read, understand and follow the instructions in this manual can result in severe injury or death. Improper assembly and configuration of this equipment may lead to failure in the field and may cause severe injury or death. Failure to heed the information in this manual may result in suboptimal performance of this equipment. Assembly/modification required prior to use.

X-BELT AND M-HARNESS

U.S. Patent No. 8,235,173

TOC
2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 10 10 22 22 23 25 27 31 31 34 37 37 38 40 41 50 52

Prior To Use Liability Waiver Care and Maintenance WARRANTY WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS RETURNS AND REFUNDS Configuration Descriptions Component Reference Configuration and Setup Inserting the Main Belt into the Padding System Small Waists Large Waists Attaching the Gear Loops Attach the Leg Loop Support Strap Buckles to the Leg Loop Support Straps Donning the Leg Loop Assembly Doffing the Leg Loop Assembly Donning the M-Harness QR Accessories Attaching Suspenders Inserting Armour Attaching a MOLLE Drop Panel Safety TURTLES HARNESS Use Log Notes

PRODUCT OPTIMIZATION GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 PRIOR TO USE:

READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT.

Get proper training in the use of the M-Harness and its associated products. Learn how to correctly size and don your M-Harness. Learn how to correctly attach your M-Harness to the rope, descent control device or hoist. Always use a captive eye carabiner with the M-Harness. Test the fit and function of your M-Harness by hanging in it in a safe situation prior to use. Understand and accept the risks involved in the use of this product. Regularly inspected for deterioration of integrity for all components. Do not use this product in any application other than that which it is designed for. For ease of instruction, whenever the term M-Harness is referred to in this manual regarding safety, care and maintenance or liability, the reference includes all associated products including the X-Belt, D-Harness, Turtles Harness and other related safety products. If using the M-Harness in vertical suspension operations while wearing armour and or a pack, it is highly recommended that it be used in conjunction with Turtles Harness, D-Harness or some other form of chest harness in order to avoid inverting. All sit harnesses risk inversion when the wearer is top heavy. Ensure you always test your hang balance with your intended load-out prior to use in a life suspension situation. Harness suspension can be fatal. Always have a rescue plan!

LIABILITY WAIVER
By using this product it is implied that you personally assume all risks and responsibilities for all damage, injury or death which may occur during or following incorrect use of this product in any manner whatsoever. If you are not able or not in a position to assume this responsibility or take this risk, do not use this product.

X-BELT AND M-HARNESS USE & CARE

CARE AND MAINTENANCE:

Prior to and after each use inspect all webbing, stitching and attachment points for wear, fraying, pulled or abraded stitches. Ensure to inspect under buckles where the webbing runs through or around the buckle. Identify any cuts, melting, abrasion, discoloration or other damage. Ensure all buckles are in good condition and not bent, burred or cracked.

RETIRE YOUR HARNESS IMMEDIATELY IF THERE IS ANY:

cuts, rips or holes in the webbing; burnt, singed or melted webbing other than the manufacturers melted running end tips; discoloration of the webbing; pulled stitching or worn bar tacks; heavy abrasions; or deformed, bent, cracked or otherwise damaged buckles. If the M-Harness has been involved in a severe fall but is not visibly damaged it is recommended to retire it. If you ever doubt the dependability of your M-Harness or related products, retire it and replace it with a new one. When retiring your M-Harness, destroy it to prevent future use for safety reasons.

MAINTENANCE:
Hand wash in warm water using a mild soap. Do not use bleach to clean. It is best to allow the M-Harness to completely dry prior to use. Do not dry in direct sunlight. Do not dry in a dryer. This product must not come in contact with corrosive materials such as battery acid or fumes, solvents, chlorine bleach, antifreeze, isopropyl alcohol or gasoline as these may degrade the materials in the M-Harness. All repairs made to the harness must be done by the manufacturer. Do not modify or repair the harness on your own in anyway. Any modification or repair voids the warranty. Store the M-Harness in a clean dry environment, away from rodents and pests, out of direct sunlight and away from any heat sources. Do not store the M-Harness wet or damp. Do not store the M-Harness during transport where vibrations may abrade the webbing.

 WARRANTY
CTOMS warrants only to the original purchaser for the life of the product that Turtles Harness is free from defect in material and workmanship. If you, as the original purchaser, discover a defect, do not use the product and return Turtles Harness to CTOMS Inc. Turtles Harness will be repaired or replaced at our discretion. We reserve the right to require proof of purchase for all warranty claims.

WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS
CTOMS do not warranty Turtles Harness against normal use, wear and tear, unauthorized modifications or alterations, improper use, improper maintenance, accidents, misuse, negligence, damage, or if Turtles Harness was used for a purpose other than that which is designed. Canadian Tactical and Operational Medical Solutions Inc, Mission Essential Equipment Inc. and Mission Essential Training Inc. shall not be liable for direct, indirect, incidental collateral or other types of damages arising out of or resulting from use of Turtles Harness.

RETURNS AND REFUNDS

See website for full details. Returns are not accepted on life support products including the M-Harness. Returns may be accepted on non life support products/components with a return authorization number.

X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATIONS

CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTIONS:
M-Harness - describes any system that includes a Leg Loop Assembly. X-Belt - describes any system that does not include the Leg Loop Assembly. QR Quick Release, refers to the Cobra Buckle/main belt being present. PS Padding System, refers to a Padding System present in the system. A Armour.

THEREFORE:
M-Harness QRPS-A includes: M-Harness QR, which includes: Main Belt with Cobra Buckle. Leg Loop Assembly.

X-Belt PS: Side Padded Panels. Rear MOLLE Panel. Rear Pad. A Armour Inserts separate.

It also includes Gear Loops but this is not designated in the name.

X-Belt QRPS-A: includes all of the above except the Leg Loop Assembly (and the Gear Loops).

COMPONENT REFERENCE

U.S. Patent No. 8,235,173

1 Main Belt A - Adjuster Buckle B - Main QR (Quick Release) Buckle (Cobra Buckle) 2 Leg Loop Assembly A - Main Tie In Loops B - Leg Loop QR Buckles
COMPONENT REFERENCE CONTINUED ON PAGE 8-9

X-BELT AND M-HARNESS COMPONENTS

1A 1 1B 2A

2 2B 2B

COMPONENT REFERENCE continued

Padding System Sides A - Right Side Padding B - Left Side Padding C - Internal Belt Loops

4 Padding System Rear Pad 5 Padding System Rear MOLLE Panel 6 Gear Loops 7 Leg Loop Support Strap Buckles 8 Triglide Buckles 9 Performance Optimization Guide (not shown)

X-BELT AND M-HARNESS COMPONENTS

3 5

4 3A

3C

3B

8 7
3/4" 3/4"

CONFIGURATION AND SETUP

INSERTING THE MAIN BELT INTO THE PADDING SYSTEM

1 If setting up an X-Belt (no leg loops) go to step 2. If setting up an M-Harness insert the Leg Loop Keeper Buckles through the last MOLLE channel on the Left and Right Side Padding so the side release buckle is pointing down and the top two MOLLE rows are captured in the loop when snapped closed. Do this on both sides.

2 The following describes assembly for a right handed pistol shooter (if you are hanging a holster on the inner belt only). For left handed assembly, simply reverse the left and right hand references in this description. 3 Separate the Main QR by pressing both release buttons. For reference, the Padding System Sides are identified as right and left by placing the rounded ends outward and plastic rectangle rings away from you. The left is then on your left, and the right is on your right side.

4 Unsnap the dot snap and lift the MOLLE panels on both sides. 5 On the Left Side Padding, insert the female end of the Main QR Buckle through the 2 belt loop closest to the rounded corner, toward the rounded corner. You will have to angle the buckle in order to work it through the belt loop.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

6 Insert the male end of the Main QR Buckle through the 1 belt loop in the center of the Padding System. Pull all the slack through and insert it through the second 1 belt loop at the end of the Padding System.

Ensuring the Rear MOLLE Panel and Padding System rectangle rings are oriented in the same direction (when Padding System Side flap is closed), insert the male end of the Main QR Buckle through the first 1 webbing belt loop on the back of the Rear MOLLE Panel.

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8 Insert the running end through one Rear Pad belt loop. You may have to angle the buckle to work it through.

9 If you are using a Drop Down Anchor Loop accessory, insert the belt through the Drop Down Anchor Loop ensuring it is oriented away from the plastic D-rings.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

10 Insert the Main QR buckle through the second Rear Pad belt loop.

11 Insert the running end through the second one inch webbing belt loop on the Rear MOLLE Panel.

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Insert the running end through the remainder of the belt loops on the right Padding System Side. Ensure the padding system, Rear MOLLE Panel and Rear Drop Down Anchor Loop (if used) are oriented the correct way. All plastic rectangle rings should be facing the same direction and the Rear Drop Down Anchor Loop (if used) should be pointing in the opposite direction as the plastic rectangle rings.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

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Place the belt on your waist with the trousers that you will be wearing under the belt. Adjust the size of the belt under the left side cover flap using the Adjustment Buckle. Size the belt so that the loops of webbing on either side of the Main QR Buckle on the main belt are just exposed beyond the MOLLE flap. A good guide is to have the loops on either side of the main buckle accessible and not hidden under the MOLLE flap. This is important later when donning the harness.

14 Ensuring the Adjustment Buckle does not change the sizing during removal, remove the belt and lay flat.

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15 Stow the excess running end of the Main Belt using the elastic keeper and under the belt loops. Ensure the Main Belt running end is under all Velcro belt loops so as not to cover any Velcro.

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Center the Rear MOLLE Panel and attach to the Padding System Sides at the appropriate location for the size you have just measured by inserting webbing into the top row, then the MOLLE channel on the back of the Rear MOLLE Panel, then through the bottom MOLLE row on the Side Padding, then through the final MOLLE channel on the back of the Rear MOLLE Panel.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

17 Finish by inserting the running end back through the MOLLE channel on the back of the Rear MOLLE Panel and insert it as far as it will go.

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18 Do the same on both sides preferably ensuring symmetry of the belt. 19 Tuck the tab under the MOLLE as shown below.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

20 For individuals using the snap version of the belt, please refer to the images below. Close the snap at the front on both sides.

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SMALL WAISTS
1 Small waists may need to completely eliminate the Rear Pad from the assembly process and only use the two Padding System Sides and Rear Panel. 2 If your waist is very small and you plan to carry heavy loads on the rear MOLLE section, you can add support to the Rear MOLLE Panel by attaching the Rear MOLLE Panel to the Padding System Sides with MALICE Clips (sold separately) through the channel closest to the Rear Pad on both sides. This is generally not required if there are only one or two open channels between the Rear MOLLE Panel attachment points or the Padding System Side ends.

LARGE WAISTS
1 Large wastes may require a second Rear Pad in order to accommodate the fit. These are sold separately.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

ATTACHING THE GEAR LOOPS

1 Depending on how you wish to configure the belt with pouches and equipment, you may want to do this step after you have configured your entire belt with all its aftermarket attachments and accessories in order to avoid any interference.

2 The gear loops are attached to the Padding System Side panels by lifting the cover flap 3 Twisting the plastic reducer buckle sideways and inserting it through the MOLLE channel on the inner section of the Padding System Side.

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4 Once all the way through, straighten the plastic reducer buckle and pull it up against the MOLLE webbing.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

5 This is done to both ends of the Gear Loop.

6 The Gear Loop can be placed anywhere on the belt, including using the outer MOLLE if desired. The reducer buckle can also be inserted 90 degrees to the MOLLE for unique configurations.

ATTACH THE LEG LOOP SUPPORT STRAP BUCKLES TO THE LEG LOOP SUPPORT STRAPS
1 Remove the male end of the side release buckle on the Leg Loop Support Strap Buckles by squeezing the sides of the buckle. These will now be hidden under the Rear MOLLE Panel on the Padding System Sides.

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2 Thread the tri-glide buckle onto each elastic Leg Loop Keeper Strap.

3 Thread the elastic Leg Loop Support Straps on the Leg Loop Assembly through the male side release buckles.

4 Thread the running end back through the tri-glide buckle then thread the locking bite.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

5 Stow the Leg Loop Assembly in the Leg Loop Assembly Storage Pouch, in your pack or your rope bag (all sold separately). 6 The M-Harness can be worth as a gun belt, without the attachment of the Leg Loop Assembly. This is considered X-Belt QRPS mode.

DONNING THE LEG LOOP ASSEMBLY

1 While wearing the M-Harness in X-Belt PS mode, hold the Leg Loop Assembly out so that you can read the inner labels and the side marked left is on your left and the side marked right is on your right.

2 Insert the Leg Loop Assembly Main Tie In Loops though the loops of the Main Belt on respective sides of the Main QR Buckle.

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3 IMPORTANT: Ensure that the Leg Loop Assembly Main Tie In Loops are captured inside the loops on the Main Belt and not behind them. 4 Attach a carabiner (sold separately) through both Main Tie In Loops. Unclip the Leg Loop Quick Release Buckles. It is best to use a carabiner with a captive eye to prevent cross loading when weighted (not pictured).

Ensuring there are no twists, secure the leg loops around each leg. Ensure there is no material caught in the Leg Loop Buckles by running your finger behind the buckle and that the Buckles are fully seated closed on both sides.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

6 Adjust both leg straps to desired tightness and stow the excess running end in the elastic keepers.

7 Insert the male half of the Leg Loop Support Strap Buckles to their corresponding female components under the Rear MOLLE Panel and adjust the straps as desired.

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8 The M-Harness is fully functional worn with pouches and holsters. Leg mounted holster straps can be secured over top of the M-Harness Leg Loops. 9 The M-Harness is now ready for use.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

DOFFING THE LEG LOOP ASSEMBLY

1 Reverse the steps of donning. 2 Release the Leg Loop Support Strap Buckles in the rear. 3 Release the Leg Loop Buckles. 4 Undo the Main Tie In Point Carabiner and pull the Leg Loop Assembly free of the Main Belt. 5 Stow the Leg Loop Assembly.

DONNING THE M-HARNESS QR

1 The M-Harness can be used with or without the use of the X-Belt PS (Padding System). The Main belt can be worn as a trouser belt. 2 To don, start to the left of the first belt loop on your left and insert the female end through toward the front center. You may need to angle the buckle in order to allow it to fit through the belt loop. 3 Insert the male end through the belt loops toward the rear and around your waist to the front. 4 Don the remainder of the belt and attach the Cobra buckle together at the front.

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5 Attach the Loop Keeper Buckles at the rear.

6 Adjust the size with the adjustment buckle and stow the excess running end in the keeper elastic. 7 Don the Leg Loop Assembly as described above.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

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ACCESSORIES
The X-Belt or M-Harness can have an almost unlimited amount of accessory types added and configured depending on your specific requirements.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS ACCESSORIES

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS ACCESSORIES

ATTACHING SUSPENDERS
1 Set the tri-glide buckles on the four running ends at the desired level for sizing. It is best if the placement of the tri-glides is symmetrical on the left and right side. 2 Thread the running ends through the rectangle buckles on the X-Belt/M-Harness PS. 3 Thread the running end back through the tri-glide buckle. 4 Try on the suspenders and make any size adjustments that are required. 5 Thread the running end of the suspenders back through the tri-glide buckle creating a locking bite. 6 If desired, the excess webbing can be cut and burned at the desired length. If there is any possibility for the requirement to length them in the future, take that into account before cutting and burning excess webbing.

INSERTING ARMOUR
1 Read the Armor Insert Product Brochure. 2 Open the Velcro opening at the squared end of the side panels. 3 Insert the armor panels round end first until they are fully seated. 4 Secure the Velcro closed. 5 Undo the MOLLE attachment of the right side of the rear MOLLE Panel. 6 Undo the Velcro flap. 7 Insert the larger rectangle armor panel until it is full seated. 8 Closed the flap. 9 Rethread the MOLLE attachment to the side panel.

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ATTACHING A MOLLE DROP PANEL

1 Identify the location that you wish to attach the MOLLE Drop Panel. 2 Undo the MOLLE flap retaining snap. 3 Lift the MOLLE flap. 4 Lift the inner belt out of the way by pushing it upward. 5 Hook the G-Hooks on the MOLLE Drop Panel onto the inner MOLLE row of the side panel of the Padding System. 6 If there is a belt loop in the way, adjust the position of the G-Hook by sliding it back or forth to the best position, then hook it into the inner MOLLE row. 7 Close the MOLLE flap ensuring Velcro adhesion. 8 Close the flap retaining snap at the front. 9 Attach pouches/equipment as desired.

MOLLE Drop Panel being attached to inner MOLLE row.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS ACCESSORIES

Drop Down MOLLE Panel being lifted up to show how it is attached to belt.

One MALICE Clip inserted into Drop Down MOLLE Panel.

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X-BELT AND M-HARNESS

For additional stability, a second MALICE Clip can be added to both ends.

SAFETY
The Patented Main Tie in Point design of the M-Harness allows a quick release buckle on the main belt for ease of use as a gun belt without sacrificing safety. Should the main buckle come undone while the M-Harness is being used correctly in vertical suspension mode, it does not compromise the integrity or function of the harness in any way.

The leg loop buckles have recessed release buttons to mitigate accidental release from being squeezed. The buckles resist being released under load. If one button is pressed, the buckle will not release.

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TURTLES HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

TURTLES HARNESS
Turtles Harness and its components are intended for use by competent, responsible, trained professionals only, or under the direct supervision and control of competent, responsible, trained professionals. You are responsible for your own actions and decisions. Before using this product, read and completely understand all instructions and warnings that accompany it and familiarize yourself with its capabilities and limitations.

COMPONENT REFERENCE
1

2 2B 2A

1 Chest Strap 2 Torso Strap A - MOLLE/Cobra Section B - Tubular Nylon 3 Main Tie In Strap 4 Belt Attachment Straps

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CONFIGURATION AND SETUP

ATTACHING THE CHEST STRAP
1 Different armour carriers will have different MOLLE patterns and may require modification to these instructions.

Place the Chest Strap between two MOLLE rows at the point where the armour plate edges are still running parallel. The Cobra Frame Buckle should be at the edge, but not over the edge of the plate. The MOLLE on the carrier and the Chest Strap should align. If it is placed around the plate where the edges are converging toward the top, the strap will not be able to tighten correctly. It is best to place the Chest Strap around the plate, between two MOLLE rows below the point the side of the armour plate starts to angle inward.

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TURTLES HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

Wrap the running end around the plate and armour carrier then thread through the ladder lock Cobra Frame Buckle. Pull webbing as tight as possible through the buckle ensuring that the MOLLE on the carrier and on the Chest Strap is aligned.

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TORSO STRAP
1 Position the sewn section of the Torso Strap between two MOLLE rows on the lower section of the front of the plate carrier below the Plate Strap. 2 The Tubular Nylon is routed around the back of the plate carrier, between the MOLLE and any mounted pouches, then threaded through the ladder lock portion of the Cobra Buckles.

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TURTLES HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

MAIN TIE IN STRAP

1 Thread the Main Webbing Strap downward (toward the bottom of the plate carrier) through the channels in of the Plate Strap and the Torso Strap and under all the MOLLE. Depending on the plate carrier and if there is a stitch or a MOLLE channel down the center of the plate carrier, it is recommended to leave one or two channels between the rows in which you thread the Main Webbing Strap through.

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BELT ATTACHMENT STRAPS

1 Thread each running end of the Main Webbing Strap through the tri-glide on the Belt Attachment Straps.

Ensure it is threaded back on itself in a locking bite.

DONNING
1 Don the plate carrier. If using the Torso Strap, connect the Cobra Buckles at each side.

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TURTLES HARNESS CONFIGURATION & SETUP

Remove the Leg Loops from the main tie in point of the M-Harness QR belt and undo the main belt buckle. Insert the M-Harness QR belt through the Belt Attachment Straps on their respective sides and close the main Cobra Buckle on the belt.

Replace the Leg Loops at the main tie in point, ensuring the Belt Attachment Straps are toward the outside of the Leg Loop Tie In Straps.

Turtles Harness is now ready for use. Either the chest or waist tie in points can be used.

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USE LOG
Date

PRODUCT:
INSPECTION FINDINGS Use Remarks

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X-BELT, M-HARNESS AND TURTLES HARNESS USE LOG

USE LOG
Date

PRODUCT:
INSPECTION FINDINGS Use Remarks

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NOTES:

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NOTES NOTES:

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