6
Sperian Fall Protection Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Seligenweg 10, D-95028 Hof, T el. +49 9281 8302-0, Fax +49 9281 3626,
[email protected], www.fall-protection.com
3. Preparation
The user must conduct a visual inspection of the descender and rescue lifting device
each time before using it to ensure that all its equipment is operational. The rope, the
device housing, the safety karabiner, the rope turning point and the handwheel must
be free of damage and smooth run-in and run-out of the rope should be possible at
the point where it enters and leaves the descender and rescue lifting device. If an y
type of damage is detected or if there is a doubt regarding the safety of the system,
the use of the device must be stopped immediately and the device should be handed
over to the manufacturer or one of the e xperts specified by the manufacturer for
checking.
The anchor point for the descender and rescue lifting device must withstand at least
11 kN. Connection to the anchor point can be established using lanyards as per EN
354, holding ropes as per EN 358, karabiners as per EN 362, guided-type fall
arresters on a flexible anchor line as per EN 353-2 or tape slings and anchor slings
as per EN 795.
If possible, the anchor point should be at such a point on the structure that allows a
free descent without obstacles. Descent over sharp edges and sharp-edged objects
must be avoided and sufficient distance (approximately 0.5 m) should be maintained
from the stonework in order to facilitate descent. If it is not possible to maintain a
sufficient distance, the rope must be protected by underlaying it with a suitable edge
protection.
During the entire rescue process, ensure that the persons involved are always
secured at the base. This means that if there are no railings, the persons must be
secured using a full body harness as per EN 361 or lanyards as per EN 354 or
energy absorbers as per EN 355.
The operator at the location must ensure the availability of a rescue measures plan
which takes into account all possible accidents that may occur.
