SKYLOTEC DEUS 3300 Instrucciones De Uso página 20

Wet, cold, frozen and hot conditions
Wet or frozen rope, in general, creates more
friction than dry rope. Therefore, wet or frozen
rope will usually cause descent to be considerably
slower than dry rope. While SKYLOTEC
DEUS 3000 Series controlled descent devices
are designed to operate safely in wet, cold,
frozen and hot conditions, performance under
these conditions can vary from performance
experienced during training under normal dry
conditions. For this reason, we encourage users
to occasionally include these adverse conditions
as part of your normal training routine. Please
refer to "Rotate frame of the SKYLOTEC DEUS
3000 Series controlled descent device" for specific
information on overcoming cold, frozen rope or
light working loads. Hot conditions, and especially
when the descent device has been laying in the
sun, cause descents to begin with the descent
device at an elevated temperature. An elevated
starting temperature means the heat generated
during descent will cause the descent device
to get hotter quicker. (See the following section
about "Heat").
Heat
Heat is a natural consequence of controlled
descent. The potential energy stored in a body at
height is converted to heat as it descends. The
total amount of heat generated during a descent
is determined by the load (kg/lbs) and the descent
distance (height). Descent speed affects the rate
of heat generated, but not the total amount of heat
generated.
Some of the heat generated during descent
increases the temperature of the rope, some
increases the temperature of the descent device,
and some increases the temperature of your glove
if you are holding onto the free end of the rope.
To limit and manage the heat generated during
descent, do these things:
a) Always wear leather or heat resistant gloves.
b) Lighten the load by getting rid of excess gear.
c) Descend slowly and under manual control by
tailing the free end of the rope with your gloved
hand to give heat an opportunity to radiate
from the controlled descent device.
d) Use a heat-resistant rope for descents longer
than 30 meters / 100 feet.
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e) Do not exceed load and vertical distance
ratings of the controlled descent device.
f) When using device for multiple descents from
maximum height, thermal cover should be
used. Heat generated from the descents can
heat the device and/or damage the rope.
g) Do not expose soft auxiliary equipment
to flame or high temperature. Carry the
equipment so that it is protected, as it could
melt or burn and fail.
Major fall and impact loading
WARNING: Impact loading and major falls place
tremendous stress on all of the components in a
vertical rescue system, stress that can damage
equipment and make it unsafe to use. Do not
continue to use a DEUS 3000 Series descent
device or other components of the system with
which this device was used after a major fall or a
major impact (fall of the device or impact on the
device). Even though no external signs may be
visible, a deformation may restrict its operation
or internal damage may have occurred, thus
reducing its strength. Call SKYLOTEC to make
arrangements for a factory inspection of your
DEUS 3000 Series descent device if subjected
to a major fall or impact loading. Do not hesitate
to contact SKYLOTEC in case of doubt.
Descent path
WARNING: Use care in selecting the vertical
descent path used during an escape or rescue.
Regardless of descent velocity, landing on or
encountering dangerous objects during descent
can cause serious injury. It is vital to descend in
control, loss of control may be difficult to recover.
Keep control of the tail end of the rope to reduce
risk of serious injury or death.
Ensure descent path is free of electrical, thermal,
chemical, or other hazards.
Pinch hazard
WARNING: Be careful not to wrap loaded end
of rope around hand or fingers prior to initiating
descent. Do not put hand under loaded rope
going over an edge prior to initiating descent. Do
not wrap free end of rope around hand. Do not
grab loops of rope. All of these things can result
in dangerous pinching hazards.