ROPE CLAMPS FOR USE
IN MOUNTANEERING
INCLUDING CLIMBING
Manufacturers instructions, service and maintenance noti-
ce for TRACTEL rope clamps.
The TRACTEL rope clamps inserted onto one textile rope
lock when loaded in one direction, and slip freely in the
opposite one. A locking device avoids the slipping out of
the rope. The rope clamp can be used alone for autobe-
laying on a fix textile rope.The caving chest-ascender is
specific for use in caving and shall be positionated bet-
ween the sit harness and the chest harness,its anatomic
shape allows it to stick to the chest. N.B. The TRACTEL
rope clamps work perfectly on dry and clean ropes from 8
mm to 12 mm..On iced or dirty sandy or mudy ropes ,the
blocking action can be, with a consequent sliding of the
tool along the rope, greatly reduced and even be annulled.
This situation is more evident on small diameter ropes:for
this reason it is suggested to use a rope minimum diam.
11 mm. The special holes on the locking cam, which
make the eject of the mud, easier attenuate but do not
annull this problem.
Warning: never use on wire cables.
WARNING!
Mountaneering, rock climbing,"via ferrata"(or klettersteig),
rappelling, speleo, ski touring, exploration, rescue and
work on height are very dangerous activities which may
lead to severe injuries even letal. Learning and practising
the appropriate techniques of use and methods of security
is under your own responsability. We remind that you per-
sonally assume the risks and responsabilities for all dama-
ges, injuries or death which may occur to yourselves or to
others during or following the use of our items of any kind
and in any manner whatsoever. If you are not in the posi-
tion or able to assume this responsabilty or to take these
risks, avoid the use of these items. Remember that do not
exist better "instructions" than the apprenticeship under the
supervision of a competent and trained instructor.
GENERAL USE INFORMATION.
1) Important: immediately before use visually inspect the
item to ensure that this product is in servicable condition
and operates correctly. We reccomend a thorough inspec-
tion at least once a year by a competent person (this may
be the manufacturer). This inspection should be recorded.
2) If you are in any doubt whatsover about the safe condi-
tion of this product replace it immediately; in particular
always check the wear and tear of the ascender where
the rope slides and the hole used to hook the connector.
3) Ensure that the instructions for other components used
in conjuncton with this product are complied with. It is the
users responsability to ensure that he/she understands the
correct and safe use of this product.
4) These products may be used in conjunction with any
appropriate item of rock climbing/mountaineering equip-
ment (personal protective equipment) relevant to EC direc-
tive 89/686/EEC.
5) This product is designed for use in mountaineering
including climbing in normal climatic conditions.
6) The user must be advised that the strength of any rock
anchor natural or unatural cannot be guaranteed as a safe
and therefore good judgment by the user is a neccessity to
obtain adequate protection.
7) Positioning of the rock anchor is crucial for safety fall
distance, height of the fall and rope stretch should be
considered so that obstructions (such the ground) may be
safely avoided.
8) Your life may depend on your equipment. The user
should be fully aware of its history (use, storage, inspec-
tion, etc.). If this equipment is not for personal use (e.g.
used in mountain centers, clubs, rescue teams etc) we
strongly recommend systematic approach to inspection
and record keeping. This should always be carried out by a
competent person.
9) No responsability will be accepted by Tractel for dama-
ge, injury or death resulting from misuse or for items modi-
fied or repaired by unauthorised person.
10) No special transport precautions are necessary, howe-
ver, avoid all contact with chemical reagents or other corro-
sive substances.
MAINTENANCE, SERVICING AND STORAGE.
This product is not user maintanable with the exception of
cleaning and lubrication as detailed below.
It is recommended the cleaning of the product above all
after the use in salt environment.
1) Cleaning: if soiled rinse in clean water of domestic sup-
ply quality (maximum temperature 40° C) with mild neutral
detergent. Dry naturally away from direct heat.
2) Lubrication: lubricate the mobile parts where shown
with a silicone based lubricant only. This should be carried
out after cleaning and drying. Avoid any oil contact with
textile parts.
3) Disinfection: soak the product for 1 hour in warm water
(max 20°C) added with a disinfectant containing quarterna-
ry ammonium compounds. Then rinse with clean water of
domestic supply.
4) Storage: after any necessary cleaning, drying and lubri-
cation, store unpacked in a cool, dry dark place in a che-
mically neutral environment away from excessive heat or
heat sources, high humidity, sharp edges, corrosives or
other possible causes of damage. Do not store wet. Avoid
UV radiations and salt environnements.
5) Obsolence: it is very difficult to estimate this due to local
use and storage conditions but a conservative estimate
would be 3 years for use in climbing and 2 years for use in
caving. However, the following may reduce the strenght
greatly and the lifespan to as little as one use: incorrect
use, severe fall arrest, mechanichal deformation, fall from
an height of the tool, general wear and tear, malfuction,
heat contamination, chemical contamination. Warning: do
not leave your equipment in vehicles parked under the
sunshine.
TESTS
TRACTEL blocking devices are complying with CE norm
and, if marked with UIAA.
Furthemore, all tests indicated in the CE norms are carried
out on random samples of the production.
Group
GB
5