Checks And Controls - Niviuk Vital CIRES Manual

4.2 STORAGE
Unnecessary exposure to UV rays, heat and humidity should always
be avoided. Keep your harness and reserve parachute in your ruck-
sack when not in use. Store all your paragliding equipment in a cool,
dry place, and away from solvents such as grease, acid, oil and paint
and abrasive materials.
Never stow away your reserve parachute when damp or wet. If your
reserve parachute does ever get wet (i.e. water landings or snow), it
must be taken out of the harness, let dry in a shaded area, and properly
repacked before inserting it back into the reserve parachute container.
A dirty reserve parachute canopy or container can be cleaned with
lukewarm water. Mild soap may be used if necessary without rubbing
the fabric. Do not use caustic chemicals.
Rinse the canopy thoroughly and allow it to dry naturally. If the canopy
shows signs of mildew, it must be sent to the distributor or manufactu-
rer for repairs, as its integrity could be compromised.
If the rescue is to be stored for an extended period, the canopy should
be opened and loosely rolled.
Observe the following precautions: use care in handling packed
parachutes as metal parts could cause personal injury. Damage to
the canopy materials could result from watches, rings, bracelets, etc.
Protect the parachute from damaging elements, dust, oil, grease, and
caustic products. Place the unpacked reserve parachute in aviator kit
bag/duffel bag. Cover the canopy during periods of inactivity. Avoid
prolonged exposure to sunlight, inspections lights, or florescent lights.
Nylon material is subject to deterioration under ultraviolet light.
Use a climate controlled building to store parachutes when available.
Store parachute in a dry, well-ventilated location, dampness, fire, dirt,
insects, and direct sunlight.
6
CAUTION!
Leaving the packed parachute system exposed to the sun will greatly
decrease its service life.

4.3 CHECKS AND CONTROLS

Canopy Assembly Fabric
CANOPY Inspect for rips, tears, dampness, debris, broken or loose
stitching, and marred and illegible marks.
APEX Inspect for holes, cuts, frays, tears, burns, loose or
LINES broken fibers.
UPPER Inspect for dampness, dirt, foreign materials, holes, cuts,
LATERAL tears, frays, burns, loose or broken stitching, marred or
BAND illegible marks.
GORES Inspect for loose or broken stitching, frays, tears, burns,
SECTIONS and cuts..
LOWER
Inspect for loose or broken stitching, picks, frays, burns,
LATERAL
and stains.
BAND
SUSPENSION Inspect line continuity and lengths. Inspect for zigzag on
LINES suspension lines.
4.4 LIFE SPAN
The life span of the CIRES reserve parachute is not to exceed 10
years. If past that period, the product is deemed to be B.E.R (beyond
economical repair) it will be removed from service, not to be used again
(contact your local dealer or school on the correct way to dispose of
the reserve parachute).