b) Provide suitable karabiners to allow indirect (via
the strop) and direct (at the attachment point on
the product) attachment of the product to the
operator's harness.
CAUTION: The belt eyelet is not
dimensioned for use with a so-called
safety rope. Use the rope eyelet for
this purpose.
c) Send the product up to the operator in the tree
and attach the other end of the strop to the
operator's harness.
WARNING: Make sure that the
product is securely attached when
you send it up to the operator in the
tree.
d) Make sure that the product is secured to the
harness before you disconnect from the means
of ascent. This should be done by the operator in
the tree.
4. The product should only be attached to the
recommended attachment points on the harness.
There are four attachment points which are mid-point
front and rear and on the sides.
Note: If you attach the product to the centre rear
mid-point you will keep the product clear from
climbing lines and support its weight centrally down
your spine.
WARNING: Make sure that the product
is secured in the new position when you
move it from any attachment point to
another, before you release it from the
previous attachment point.
To use the product in the tree
•
Aim for a secure work position when you use the
product when you cut horizontal sections at hip level
and when you cut vertical sections at solar plexus
level. This allows you to hold the product with both
hands and should be considered as a general rule.
308 - 004 - 27.09.2017
•
Where you work close into vertical stems with a low
lateral forces on your work position a good footing
may be all that you need to maintain a secure work
position. However, as you move away from the stem
you will need to take steps to remove or counteract
the increasing lateral forces. This can be done if you
redirect the main line via a supplementary anchor
point or if you use a adjustable strop directly from the
harness to a supplementary anchor point.
•
To gain a good footing at the work position can be
assisted if you use a temporary foot stirrup that is
created from an endless sling.
WARNING: An analysis of accidents with
these products during tree service
operations shows primary cause as being
inappropriate one-handed use of the
product. In the vast majority of accidents,
operators fail to adopt a secure work
position which allows them to hold both
handles of the product. This results in
increased risk of injury due to:
•
that the operator doesn't have a firm grip
on the product in an event of a kickback.
•
a lack of control of the product such that
it is more liable to contact climbing lines
and the operator's body (particularly the
left hand and arm).
19