STEPS TO FOLLOW IF A FALL WAS TO OCCUR:
Although no one plans to fall from their treestand, falls can and do occur without
warning. It is important to become familiar with the guidelines below and practice
your recovery plan at ground-level. Failure to read, understand, and follow these
steps may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! There is time to make a correct decision on what action to take
if a fall occurs while wearing a full-body fall arrest harness. It is important NOT
TO PANIC! Remain calm and implement your practiced rescue, relief and recovery
plan. Failure to follow this warning may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! A suspension relief device must be on your person and readily
accessible while using a full-body fall arrest harness. These devices will allow
you to relieve the load on the lower extremities if suspended in a full-body fall
arrest harness and help maintain circulation in the legs and mitigate suspension
trauma (blood pooling) or allow descent to the ground. Follow all instructions
below regarding the provided SRD (Suspension Relief Device) and NEVER
remove it from your full-body fall arrest harness. Failure to follow full-body
fall arrest harness instructions could result in not being able to return to the
stand and being suspended in a full-body fall arrest harness after a fall. Failure
to follow this warning may result in serious injury or death!
STEP 1.
After a fall, take a moment to catch your breath and stay calm;
DO NOT PANIC
.
STEP 2.
Pull on the
SRD strap
located on the lower back side of your
full-body
fall arrest harness
. (see fig. 10)
STEP 3.
Adjust the
SRD strap
so that you are able to step into the loop and then
stand up, relieving the pressure on your lower extremities. The loop size can be
adjusted by moving the buckle up or down. (see fig. 11 & 12)
STEP 4.
If you are able to reach your ladder or climbing system, use it to get back
into your secured treestand and then carefully climb down to ground-level. If you
are not able to reach your stand, remain calm and continue to stand in the
SRD
loop
until help arrives. (see fig. 13)
STEP 5.
Use your
personal locating device
or
cell phone
to call for help.
NOTE:
Several optional products/systems are available that offer self-recovery or
self-extraction from a fall when suspended in a full-body fall arrest harness. Some
systems automatically descend the user while others allow user control. One of
these products/systems can be considered for use as an additional safety precaution
against prolonged suspension and suspension trauma. Be sure to follow the
manufacturers’ directions on the safe use of these products/systems.
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READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO USING THIS PRODUCT.
This Instruction Manual complies with the Treestand Manufacturers Association’s
TMS 04 -
Standard Practice for Treestand Instructions
& TMS 02 -
Standard Test Method for Treestand Fall Arrest Systems
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