EN
o Heat or friction damage indicated by fibres with a glazed appearance which may feel
harder than surrounding fibres
o Burnt, charred or melted fibres or strands
o Change in diameter, compared to the original diameter (see 'Specification')
o Rope marked with paint or a permanent marker
o Loose, missing, deformed or damaged Rope Thimble (5)
o Eye damage (cuts, nicks, fraying, fusing, abrasion etc.)
o
Damage to protective covers/sleeves/sheaths
o Splices starting to unravel, or showing signs of damage or deterioration
o Partially deployed energy absorber (e.g. short pull-out of tear webbing)
o
Damage to stitching
o Chemical attack, potentially resulting in local weakening and softening (often indicated by
flaking of the surface)
o Visual signs of UV degradation (may not be present), loss of colour (if dyed) and a powdery
surface
o Contamination (e.g. with dirt, grit, sand etc.) which may result in internal or external
abrasion
o Damaged, oxidised or deformed fittings (e.g. karabiners, screw link connectors, scaffold
hooks, buckles etc.)
Inspecting connectors
•
The following procedure helps detect defects potentially resulting in degradation and/or
weakening of the Karabiner (2) and Scaffold Hook (1):
1. Inspect for missing or altered parts. Refer to the image in 'Product Familiarisation' for
identification. Verify each item is present and has not been tampered with.
2. Inspect the entire karabiner or hook for cracks, nicks or breaks in the metal. Inspect every
millimetre.
Note: If necessary, clean before inspection to enable better detection of hairline cracks.
3. Inspect for deformed, bent or dented parts. Open the Gate (9, 17)and inspect the Nose (6, 14)
of the karabiner or hook for signs of wear, distortion or damage.
4. Inspect the metal surface for any signs of corrosion. Steel karabiners and hooks may show red
dust as evidence of corrosion; aluminium karabiners may develop pitting or scales.
5. Inspect for heat damage, which can usually be seen as discolouration or darkening of the metal
surfaces.
6. Perform a functional test: The locking mechanism must function easily, and the karabiner or
hook must fully open and close smoothly and easily. When locked, the gate MUST NOT open
under pressure from any direction.
•
Inspect all other components or subsystems of the height safety equipment according to the
manufacturer's instructions
•
Record inspection dates and results in a dedicated service record (see end of this manual)
Note: Refer to 'Service life and product obsolescence' if any damage or other defects are detected
during inspection.
Cleaning
Note: Correct cleaning is essential to ensure integrity of all safety equipment. Follow the cleaning
instructions below without deviation.
•
Clean lanyard, webbing straps and buckles in warm water (30 – 60°C) with a mild pH neutral
(pH7) household detergent, taking care that water does not enter underneath the protective
sheath of the Energy Absorber (3). In the event of minor soiling, wipe with a cotton cloth or
carefully clean using a soft brush.
•
Clean the Karabiner (2) and Scaffold Hook (1) by wiping them with a soft, lightly oiled cloth.
•
If this is not sufficient, use warm water with a mild pH neutral (pH 7) detergent to clean off any
foreign matter. Dry thoroughly and lubricate moving parts with a suitable spray lubricant.
•
DO NOT under any circumstances use any abrasive materials, acids, basic detergents or
solvents.
•
Disinfect parts that come into contact with the operator's skin, using a disinfectant suitable for
the material of the equipment (see 'Specification') and not known to cause irritation to the user.
Strictly follow the disinfectant manufacturer's recommendations and procedures.
•
ALWAYS allow the equipment to dry naturally and keep it away from open fires or any other
heat sources. Ensure area beneath Energy Absorber sheath is thoroughly dry before returning
the equipment to use or storage.
Note: This also applies to equipment that has become wet during use.
12
Lubrication
•
Occasionally, apply a small amount of a suitable spray lubricant to the gate mechanism of the
Karabiner (2) and Scaffold Hook (1). Afterwards, perform a thorough inspection as described
in 'Inspection procedure' .
Transport
•
ALWAYS transport this equipment inside a dedicated bag or suitable container that protects it
from mechanical damage and shields the equipment from high temperatures, humidity, UV
rays and chemicals.
Storage
•
Store this equipment carefully in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children
•
Store at moderate temperature and humidity, away from direct sunlight or chemicals, inside a
dedicated, UV-proof bag or container
•
Never place heavy objects on top of this equipment
Disposal
Service life and product obsolescence
WARNING: Fall arrest and related restraint or work positioning equipment is designed to arrest
a fall from height ONLY ONCE! If subjected to an arrested fall, the gear must be withdrawn from
service and rendered unusable.
Note: The date on which the product is removed from the original packaging for the first time
becomes the 'date of first use' , which should be recorded on the Inspection Record (see end of this
manual). The specified working life begins from this point.
Due to the ingress of dirt and grit, chemical contamination, edge and surface damage, UV-light
degradation and general wear and tear, all fall arrest, work positioning and restraint equipment
manufactured from synthetic fibres (webbing and/or rope) is subject to a manufacturer's statement
of obsolescence, which is a requirement of BS EN365:2004.
This equipment is subject to a maximum working life of 5 years from the recorded date of first use,
providing the product has been correctly stored, maintained and subjected to regular inspections by
a trained and competent person.
New equipment may be stored for a maximum of 5 years from the date of manufacture, as indicated
on the product, and will still give the potential 5-year working life – providing it remains in the
original manufacturer's packaging and is used and stored in accordance with the instructions
provided.
If the new product is stored for longer than 5 years unopened from the date of manufacture, the
maximum remaining working life will be reduced up until 10 years from the date of manufacture, as
indicated on the product. For example, if the product is stored new and unopened for 7 years then it
is opened and used, the maximum working life of the equipment will be the remaining 3 years.
Note: Other reasons why the product may be considered obsolete include, but are not limited to,
changes of applicable standard, regulations or legislation, development of new techniques, or
incompatibility with other equipment.
WARNING: Remove height safety equipment from service if:
•
It has been used to arrest a fall
•
Any damage is present (including corrosion or rust)
•
Identification is not evident (permanent markings are not legible or have been damaged/
removed)
•
It exceeds its specified service life
•
Its full service history is unknown
•
You have any doubt as to its integrity