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rappels to the victim. Always make sure that the incoming rope runs prope rly into the descender.
Descenting can be slowed down either by holding the hand wheel or by holding on to the upward running
rope . Once the victim has been reached, the rescuer stops descenting and positions himself by inserting the
backstop or ensuring he has a secure stand near the victim. If necessary, an additional fall arrest is required
(redundant system) for the rescuer. Attention: The victim may not be hooked into the rescue system and taken
over.
Excersises
26. To perform a safe rescue in case of an emergency rescue it is essential that the users receive professional
training by specially trained instructors. These exercises should be performed under similar working and
operating conditions using an appropriate, independent second backup line/belay and in compliance with the
safety instructions.
27. Rescue exercises can be designed to be very versatile and very complex and therefore do not meet the
specified standard test procedure. This can lead to premature wear of the descender and rope . The reason
for this can be for example: Lower descent heights - the rope runs through the device more often; reciprocal
strain from the lifting device and descent - gear box, pulley and rope are strained more heavily; mainly
unilateral strain on the device - gear box, pulley and rope are very heavily used; turning the hand wheel
against the backstop - excessive force may result in backstop failure and block any descent; in addition,
the effects can be exacerbated, for example from how the user handles the rope /device and the ambient
conditions (environmental influences, pollution, chemical effects, edge loads, etc.)
28. The following recommendations on use should be observed: The descent rescue equipment and the descent
rope s can be strained until they reach their tested descent load (7,500,000 joules). Any descent work by
the devices shall be documented in the test log after the end of the exercise. When the maximal required
descent work is reached, the device with the corresponding notation in the test log should always be sent
to the manufacturer. If the device is mainly strained on one side, then the maximum possible descent load
(3,750,000 joules) is halved.
29. The exercises should be planned so that the maximum possible descent load of the device to be performed
(7,500,000 joules) or (3,750,000 joules as per Item 28) is never exceeded.
30. The descender devices for rescue heats up from the centrifugal brake. If several exercises take place
consecutively, plan an appropriate time to cool down the device between exercises. Always wear gloves to
prevent burns and injuries.
31. After the end of the exercises - no later than one day after an exercise - have the descender devices for
rescue checked by a qualified person (see Items 6 and 8). Only defect-free devices can be reused.
Device storage and transport:
The packaged device, rope and accessories are to be protected from any external influences. These include
extreme heat or cold, electric influences, strong sunlight (ultra-violet degradation), sparks, knocks, falls, sharp
or pointed objects, damp or other mechanical or aggressive chemical effects. The device should always be
transported in suitable packaging or one specified by the manufacturer.
Cleaning:
Clean the device after use if necessary. Rub down the rope with mild, luke-warm soapy water, rinse clean and dry.
Drying should be by natural means, i.e. do not hang up directly over heat sources. Store the descent device in a
dry, well-ventilated and dark location. Avoid contact with acids, corrosive substances and oils.
GB