Latchways PRD User Instructions page 6

EN
• Use of this equipment in hazardous environments may require additional precautions to reduce
the possibility of injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are
not limited to: high heat, fires, acids, caustic solutions, welding flames, explosive or toxic gases,
corrosive environments, sharp edges, moving machinery.
• Standard operating temperature -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F).
• Extended operating temperature -40°C to + 60°C (-40°F to +140°F). If the unit is used between
-40°C to -20°C (-40°F to -4°F), it must be in a dry condition before use.
• Descent speed is between 0.5 – 2 m/sec or 1.6 – 6.6 ft/sec.
• After a single descent, the descender device shall be withdrawn from service, details recorded on
the periodic examination log and returned to Latchways or an authorised agent.
• Should a fall occur and the fall arrest harness be subjected to fall arrest loads, it shall be
withdrawn from service.
• The life of the product can be affected by environmental conditions.
• The Latchways PRD descender device is suitable for use in areas in which explosive
atmospheres caused by mixtures of air and gases, vapours or mists or by air/dusts mixtures are
likely to occur, as per BS EN 13463-1:2001 equipment group II, category 2.
Pre-use checks and requirements
Risk assessment and rescue planning
The Latchways PRD descender device forms part of a fall protection
system and it is therefore recommended that before undertaking work
at height and at regular intervals during the period of work, a risk
assessment is carried out. The risk assessment should cover, but is
not limited to, descent height, descent path, suitability of landing
areas, unprotected edges and rescue.
A rescue plan shall be in place to deal with any emergency that
may arise.
The Latchways PRD descender device is designed, primarily, as
a self-rescue system and will assist with rescue planning. In the
event that the User is unable to initiate self-rescue a secondary
release means is provided on the right-hand shoulder area. This is
a red and black rubberised loop (figure 3a) which can be pulled by a
rescuer, by hand or with the aid of the Latchways PRD Rescue Pole
(figure 3b) or by other means, to activate the descent. A telescopic
pole assembly is available (Latchways part number 68099-00) for
this purpose. Secondary release by a rescuer should be taken into
account in the risk assessment.
Anchor point requirements
EN The anchor point shall be able to sustain a minimum load of 12 kN (2700 lbs). Refer
to EN 795:2012 or CEN/TS 16415:2013.
Note: If multiple fall arrest systems are attached to the same anchor point the strength
requirement shall be multiplied by the number of personal fall arrest systems.
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Figure 3a
Figure 3b