3
ENGLISH
Nomenclature of the parts
(1) webbing, (2) protective cover
The principal materials used in the manufacture of the ABSORBICA are
nylon and polyester plus a heat-shrink sleeve.
Checking, points to verify
Before every use carry out a visual check of the ends of the webbing
and the protective cover. If in any doubt, return the device to PETZL
for checking.
Instructions for use
Diagram 1. Setting up
The ABSORBICA (component of a fall arrest system) must be used
in combination with EN 795 anchors, EN 362 locking carabiners, EN
354 lanyards, EN 361 harnesses.
The total length of the “energy absorber, lanyard, connectors”
assembly must not exceed
2 metres. The minimum strength of the anchors must be 10 kN.
The anchor-point for the system should preferably be sited above the
position of the user.
Diagram 2. Available height between the anchors and the
ground
The ABSORBICA increases in length by 1.4 m as it absorbs the impact
force. The distance between the anchor and the ground must be at least
3.9 m plus the length of the “energy absorber, lanyard, connectors”
assembly. The ABSORBICA must not be reused after a fall which causes
any damage or tearing, even if only partial. Replacement of the product
is obligatory in such cases.
General information
1. Important notice :
Specific training is essential before use
Read this notice carefully, it gives instructions for the use of
this product. Only the techniques shown in the diagrams and
not crossed out are authorised.
All other uses are excluded : danger of death. A few examples
of misuse and forbidden uses are also represented (shown in the
crossed out diagrams or with the “skull and crossbones” symbol).
Many other types of misuse exist and it is impossible to enumerate
or even imagine all of them.
In case of doubt or difficulty in understanding, contact PETZL.
Activities at height are dangerous activities which may lead to severe
injury or even death. Gaining an adequate apprenticeship in appropriate
techniques and methods of protection is your own responsibility.You
personally assume all risks and responsibilities for all damage, injury
or death which may occur during or following incorrect use of our
products in any manner whatsoever. If you are not able, or not in a
position to assume this responsibility or to take this risk, do not use
this equipment.
2. Use
This product must only be used by competent and responsible persons,
or those placed under the direct and visual control of a competent and
responsible person (see specific notice herewith).
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be used only on
or with energy absorbing systems
(for example dynamic ropes, energy absorbers etc...).
Check that this product is compatible with the other components
of your equipment.
To prolong the life of this product, care in use is necessary.
Avoid impacts, or rubbing against abrasive surfaces or sharp edges.
It is up to the user to foresee situations requiring rescue in case of
difficulties encountered while using this product.
3. Checking = safety
Do not hesitate to scrap a product showing signs of wear
which might affect its strength, or restrict its operation.
For your safety we advise you to adopt a 3-level checking schedule :
- before and after each use it is necessary to check the
condition of the product,
- during use, it is important to regularly monitor the condition of the
product.
Periodically, a more thorough inspection must be carried out by a
competent inspector: approximately every three months for textile
products and helmets, approximately annually for metallic products.
You will find details of the checks to carry out in the information which
is specific to each product.
For more safety and better control of your equipment, we advise you to
keep an inspection record for each product or batch of products.
It is preferable to personally issue each user of P.P.E. such as helmets,
impact absorbers or textile products, with his or her own set of
equipment to ensure better traceability. On the other hand, it is not
necessary to personally issue metallic equipment or anchors to a single
user.
4. Major fall and impact
Do not continue to use this product after a major fall
(see specific notice) or
a major impact (fall of the product or impact on the product) : even
though no external signs may be visible, a deformation may restrict
its operation or internal damage may have occurred, thus reducing its
strength. Do not hesitate to contact PETZL in case of doubt.
5. Dangerous products
All chemical products, corrosive materials and solvents should be
regarded as harmful. If it is absolutely necessary, or if there is a risk
of contact with these products, please contact us, stating the precise
name of the chemicals concerned. After consideration we will give you
specific advice.
6. Storage, cleaning, maintenance
Storage : a product must be stored loosely packed, in a well-ventilated
place, away from direct light, extreme temperatures and corrosive or
aggressive substances.
Cleaning : a soiled product must be washed and rinsed in water.
Do not wash with a pressure-hose.
Helmets : wash in water without solvents. For washing webbing
straps, use soap or a cleaning product for delicate fabrics. Textile
products : wash, by hand or in a machine, with a cleaning product
for delicate fabrics and rinse in water (maximum temperature
30° C). Grease stains may be removed with trichloroethylene.
Drying: Allow to dry in a dark, well-ventilated place and away from
any source of direct heat. Webbing which has been wet then dried
may shrink very slightly.
Care of metallic products : a drop of oil regularly applied to the
mechanism (pin, spring...) ensures better operation.
7. Disinfection
If it is necessary to disinfect the product, use a disinfectant
that is compatible with the materials used in our products.
Use in a solution diluted with clean water at a maximum temperature
of 30° C. Allow to soak for an hour, then rinse thoroughly in clean
water and dry (see paragraph on cleaning).
8. Temperature
Use and stock our products within the temperature ranges given
below :
Helmets :
ECRIN from -30° C to +50° C, METEOR from -20° C to +35° C
Textile products : from -40 C to +80° C
Metallic products : from -40 C to +80° C
9. Lifetime =
length of time in s length of time in use
Length of time in storage (in favourable conditions) :
Helmets, harnesses, webbing slings and lanyards : 5 years
Metallic products : no limitation.
Maximum length of time in use (without taking account of wear) :
Helmets and harnesses : 5 years
Webbing slings and lanyards :
3 years
Metallic products : no limitation.
The operational lifetime depends on the intensity of use. It is
difficult to give a precise lifetime because this depends on the
environment where it is used. Certain environments considerably
increase the amount of wear : marine or sandy environments,
or where chemicals are present. However wear or damage could occur
on the first use which reduces the lifetime of the product to that one
single use.
For webbing slings and lanyards, because of their direct contact
with supporting structures and the heavy demands that usage places
on them, their average operational lifetime is 6 months heavy use,
12 months normal use,
3 years maximum occasional use.
10. PETZL 3 year guarantee
This product is guaranteed for
3 years against any faults in materials or manufacture. Limitations
of the guarantee : normal wear and tear, modifications or alterations
and bad storage. Equally excluded from the guarantee are damage
due to accidents, to negligence, and uses for which the product was
not designed.
PETZL is not responsible for the consequences, direct, indirect or
accidental, or any other type of damage befalling or resulting from the
use of its products.
L57500 180199
