INTRODUCTION TO THE
CRITR
The Canyon Werks’
CRITR
rappel device
lets you easily vary the friction while
on rappel for both single and double
line rappels using 8mm-10mm rope.
The
CRITR
minimizes rope twist, and
is reversible to help it wear longer in
sandy conditions. The
CRITR
is also
easy to tie off. Machined from 7075 T6
Aluminum Alloy.
RAPPEL SAFETY
Rappelling is one of the most dangerous
activities at height and it accounts for
numerous serious accidents. Specific
instruction and supervised practice in
a controlled situation is mandatory. If
you have any doubt as to your ability
to safely accomplish your rappel you
MUST be belayed.
TEST YOUR SYSTEM
Friction will vary depending on rope
size, type, and condition. Test with your
rope in a safe manner to determine
compatibility and the particular friction
settings you will use. Remember that
rope weight adds friction and will
become less as you get closer to the
end of the rope.
LOCKING CARABINER
ATTACHMENT
The
CRITR
is designed for a tight
fit with a 12mm HMS style locking
carabiner such as a Petzl Arrache, Petzl
William, Rock Exotica Pirate, or Black
Diamond Rock Lock Carabiner. Always
use a LOCKING CARABINER with a full
round or oval cross-section. DO NOT
use ultra-light carabiners with ‘I-beam’
construction.
ADDING FRICTION
Plan ahead! Add friction early; BEFORE
control of the descent becomes
difficult! If you lose control of a rappel
for ANY reason you WILL NOT be able
to recover and serious injury or death
will probably occur.
ALWAYS USE PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
Sturdy gloves and a helmet should
always be worn when rappelling or
canyoneering with the
CRITR
.
ALWAYS CHECK FOR WEAR
Dirty/sandy ropes are very abrasive and
quickly wear out ALL rappel devices and
carabiners. Flip the
CRITR
over (reverse
sides) OFTEN in sandy conditions
to spread the wear and reduce the
formation of SHARP edges on the
CRITR
. Retire the
CRITR
when any part
becomes worn 1/3 of the way thru or if
sharp edges develop.
DON’T GET ANYTHING
JAMMED IN THE
CRITR
WHILE
RAPPELLING
Secure all hair, clothing, straps, etc. and
keep hands away from the
CRITR
while
on rope!
DON’T RAPPEL OFF THE END
OF THE ROPE
Tie a large knot at the end of your rope,
or have the end tied SECURELY to a
canyoneering rope bag. Always make
sure your rope end(s) touch bottom
BEFORE you begin the rappel.
YOU MUST ALWAYS GRIP THE
FREE END OF THE ROPE
You can get some backup protection
thru proper use of a Prusik or other
method, but you must ensure it will
catch. Prusik-style back-ups are NOT
recommended if rappelling into water. A
proper ‘fire-mans’ belay from a partner
below should be learned, practiced, and
provided to all members of your group
regardless of experience level.
LIMITATIONS ON USE
It is impossible to imagine all the ways
this equipment can be misused. It must
only be used by physically fit users who
have practiced in a controlled situation.
SELF RESCUE
You must be able to free yourself if
you get stuck while rappellling. This is
a simple matter if you are trained and
prepared, but can be fatal if you are not.
HEAT
The longer the rappel, the more the
CRITR
can heat up. Protect yourself
from a hot
CRITR
.
BELAY SLOT
The
CRITR
has a belay slot that will fit
up to 10mm rope. This is not intended
to belay a leader fall. Only use in a low
WEIGHT: 4.7 oz. (133gm)
HEIGHT: 5.0 inches
WIDTH: 3.9 inches
Max Rope – Single Rope 8-10mm
Max Rope – Double Rope 8-10mm
MANUFACTURE INFO
14 03 A 001
Year Month Model Lot #
1. Head
2. Reduced radius edges
3. Arms with ‘paws’
4. Center slot
5. Carabiner connection point
with O Ring
6. Legs with ‘paws’
angle, low fall potential situation.
Test first!
INSPECTION BEFORE & AFTER
EACH USE
Check for cracks, deformation, wear,
corrosion, etc.
INSPECTION DURING USE
Regularly inspect and monitor your
system, confirming the carabiner is
locked and the
CRITR
is positioned
properly.
2941 Brookspark Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89030
www.canyonwerks.com / 702-649-1077
made in the USA
Anatomy of a
CRITR
CANYON WERKS, LLC
RETIRE FROM SERVICE &
DESTROY IF THE EQUIPMENT:
• Does not pass inspection or there is
any doubt about its safety.
• Is misused, altered, damaged,
dropped from a height, exposed to
harmful chemicals etc.
• Consult the manufacturer if you have
any doubts or concerns.
RESPONSIBILITY
Thorough and specific training is
absolutely essential before use. Being
at height is dangerous and it is totally
up to you to reduce the risks as much
as possible – but the risks can never
be eliminated. You must personally
understand and assume all risks and
responsibilities of using this equipment.
If you cannot or do not want to do this,
do not use this equipment.
LIFETIME
10 years maximum, but will often be
much less depending on conditions and
frequency of use; it could even be a
single use in some cases.
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
Clean if necessary with fresh water;
then allow to dry completely. Store in a
dry place away from extremes of heat &
cold and avoid exposures to chemicals.
REPAIRS TO EQUIPMENT
Are only allowed by the manufacturer.
DETAILED INSPECTION
In addition to inspection before,
during and after each use, a detailed
inspection by a competent inspector
must be done at least every 12 months
or more frequently depending on
amount and type of use. Make a copy
of these instructions and use one as the
permanent inspection record and keep
the other with equipment. It is best
to issue new gear to each user so they
know its entire history.
WARNING!
• These activities are inherently dangerous and carry a big risk of injury or
death that cannot be eliminated.
• It is the user’s responsibility to obtain specific training and to follow safe
practices. These instructions DO NOT tell you everything you need to know.
• DO NOT USE unless you can and will understand and assume all risks and
responsibilities for all damage/injury/death that may result from use of this
equipment or the activities undertaken with it.
• Carefully check equipment before and after each use.
• You must always have a backup – never trust a life to a single tool.
• Everyone using this equipment must be given a copy of these instructions
and thoroughly understand them and refer to them before each use.
• You must have a rescue plan and the means to implement it. Inert suspension
in a harness can quickly result in death!
CRITR
rappel
device
canyoneering
for
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