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o Kinks, knots (other than those intended by the manufacturer) or hockling
(unravelling due to constant turning of the rope in the same direction, or due to
shock loading)
o Brittle, fuzzy or worn fibres, fraying or abrasions
o Overall deterioration or discolouration
o Any kind of modification/attempted repairs
o Hard or shiny spots, fused fibres or strands
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 (3)
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 Scaffold 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 (11, 17) and inspect the
Nose (8, 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 the Lanyard (5) in warm water (30 – 60°C) with a mild pH neutral (pH7)
household detergent, taking care that water does not enter underneath the
Protective Sleeves (4). In case 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 with a soft, lightly oiled
cloth.
10
• 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'). 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 Protective Sleeves is thoroughly dry
before returning the equipment to use or storage.
Note: This also applies to equipment that has become wet during use.
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 product 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 max. 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 max. 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 max. 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.