3
Master Cord | Auxiliary Cord
eNGLIsh
MANUFACTURER
Oberalp S.P.A., Via Waltraud Gebert Deeg
Strasse 4, 39100 Bozen
A GENERAL
Please read these instructions thoroughly
before using this product and follow all the
information contained within. Failure to observe
these instructions can lead to a reduction in the
protection this product provides.
Please note: mountain climbing and indoor
climbing are high-risk sports which can involve
unforeseeable dangers. Your decisions and
activities in this sport are your own responsi-
bility. Please familiarise yourself with all asso-
ciated risks before attempting climbing of any
sort. SALEWA recommends that before attempt-
ing any climbing, you should obtain training
and advice from suitably qualified persons (for
example mountain guides or climbing teachers).
In addition it is the user’s responsibility to keep
himself or herself informed of the correct tech-
niques for carrying out safe rescue operations.
The manufacturer bears no liability in the case
of any misuse or abuse of this product. Also
check for the appropriate certification of all
other pieces of equipment.
B INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
An auxiliary cord is an extra cord used when
climbing. It is designed solely for transmitting
force and not for absorbing energy. This means:
an auxiliary cord is only to be used for static
securing. Auxiliary cords are NOT suitable for
lead climbing and possible dynamic falls.
All Salewa auxiliary cords are of the kern-
mantle type. An exterior sheath protects the
weight-bearing core.
The standard auxiliary cords from Salewa are
made from PES (both core and sheath). Such
auxiliary cords with a minimum breaking load of
under 12kN are NOT to be used as components
in a belay system (intermediate belay, belay
station, self-belay).
The 8mm standard auxiliary cord (dynamic) is
an exception: the core and sheath of PA are
so constructed, that it is suitable for belaying
the following climber, for example, for belay-
ing persons in via ferrata. However additional
equipment is required for this purpose.
Salewa’s high-strength auxiliary cords (so-called
“master cords”) have a high-strength UHMWPE
core and a sheath of PA.
To clearly distinguish the normal Salewa “auxil-
iary cord” from the “master cord”, the sheath of
the “auxiliary cord” has a black zigzag pattern
combined into the colour. The Salewa “master
cord” has a zigzag pattern combining white into
the colour of the sheath.
PLEASE REMEMBER: The 2mm, 4mm and 6mm
auxiliary cords (with black in the pattern) are
only of LIMITED SUITABILITY for belaying.
C SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The instructions for use supplied with the prod-
uct are always to be stored with the product.
This product is only to be used by appropriately
trained and/or competent persons, or when the
user is under the direct supervision of such a
qualified person.
Please make sure that all components being
used are compatible. We recommend the exclu-
sive use of climbing equipment which complies
with the relevant standards, for example: EN
892 for ropes, EN12275 for carabiners.
Inspect the auxiliary cord for damage both
before and after use. Ensure it is in usable con-
dition and functioning correctly. If there is any
doubt whatsoever about the safety of using the
product, it is to be withdrawn from service.
Use appropriate knots to join auxiliary cords,
for example the double overhand knot, which
is suitable for joining two free ends and for the
knot of a sling. The length of the end strands
must be at least 8 cm. To achieve the greatest
knot strength, the knot must be pulled taut on
all four strands individually. Be aware that knots
always reduce the strength of a rope!
WARNING
· If there is the least doubt about the safety of
the product, it is to be replaced immediately.
· A product which has been subject to a fall
impact force is not to be used again. Snow, ice
and moisture can compromise the handling and
strength of the auxiliary cord.
· High temperatures, sharp edges, and contact
with chemicals (for example acids) must be
completely avoided. Pay attention that only
moderate speeds are used when abseiling, to
avoid excessive heating of the ropes.
· UV-light and abrasion reduce the strength.
· Knots in the auxiliary cord significantly reduce
the breaking strength.
D LIFESPAN
The lifespan of the product is dependent on a
number of factors, such as the manner and fre-
quency of use, UV exposure, moisture, affects
of weather, storage conditions, and dirt (sand,
salt, etc.). Under extreme conditions the lifespan
can be reduced to a single usage or even less,
if the equipment has suffered damage (for
example during transport) before ever being
used. Please note: Products manufactured from
synthetic fibres are subject to ageing even
when not used. This ageing depends mainly on
environmental conditions as well as the impact
of UV light.
Indications of maximum lifespan:
Frequency of use
Durability
Never: Correct storage
up to 10 years since
production
Once or twice a year
up to 7 years
Once a month
up to 5 years
More times a month
up to 3 years
Every week
up to 1 year
Almost daily
up to 0.5 year
Faded or abraded fibres, any discolouring and
hardening, or any irregularities in the core are
a sure sign that the product is to be taken out
of use.
The product is always to be replaced after a fall!
E STORAGE TRANSPORT AND CARE
Storage
The product is not to be stored inside a trans-
port container, but in a cool, dry, well-ventilated
place, and guarded from exposure to sunlight.
Do not store close to sources of heat, or at
extreme temperatures or subject to mechani-
cal force (with kinks, under compressive load,
under tension) The product should NEVER come
in contact with corrosive chemicals such as bat-
tery acid, solvents, or chemical salts.
Cleaning
Wash the auxiliary cord in warm water (with a
neutral soap if needed) and rinse well. Allow the
auxiliary cord to dry out naturally before use.
Do not dry close to fire or other sources of heat,
and never dry in a laundry dryer! Disinfect the
material only with substances which have no
impact on the synthetic material used.
Transport
There are no extra precautions to be taken dur-
ing transport, apart from the measures already
mentioned (protect from sunlight, chemicals
and dirt). Specially designed protective bags or
transport containers (rope sacks) can be used.
F IDENTIFICATION LABELS
EN 564 standard for auxiliary ropes
CE XXXX four-digit identification code of the
certification institute
Follow the instructions for use.
For experienced climbers only.
G CERTIFICATION
This product was tested and certified by:
1015
Strojirensky Zkusebni Ustav s.p.
Hudcova 56b
621 00 BRNO
Country : Czech Republic
0082
APAVE SUDEUROPE SAS
8 rue Jean-Jacques Vernazza - Z.A.C. Saumaty-
Séon - BP 193
13322 MARSEILLE CEDEX 16
France
0408
TÜV Wien
Krugerstrasse 16
1015 WIEN
Austria
