Additional Information - Petzl ABSORBICA-I FLEX Technical Notice

EN
These instructions explain how to correctly use your equipment. Only certain
techniques and uses are described.
The warning symbols inform you of some potential dangers related to the use of
your equipment, but it is impossible to describe them all. Check Petzl.com for
updates and additional information.
You are responsible for heeding each warning and using your equipment correctly.
Any misuse of this equipment will create additional dangers. Contact Petzl if you
have any doubts or difficulty understanding these instructions.
1. Field of application
Personal protective equipment (PPE) used for fall protection.
Energy absorber with integrated lanyard.
This product must not be pushed beyond its limits, nor be used for any purpose
other than that for which it is designed.
Responsibility
WARNING
Activities involving the use of this equipment are inherently dangerous.
You are responsible for your own actions, decisions and safety.
Before using this equipment, you must:
- Read and understand all Instructions for Use.
- Get specific training in its proper use.
- Become acquainted with its capabilities and limitations.
- Understand and accept the risks involved.
Failure to heed any of these warnings may result in severe injury or death.
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.
You are responsible for your actions, your decisions and your safety and you
assume the consequences of same. If you are not able, or not in a position to
assume this responsibility, or if you do not fully understand the Instructions for Use,
do not use this equipment.
2. Length
Maximum length of lanyard with energy absorber and connectors on the ends = 2
m for 100 kg (one connector maximum on each end).
3. Nomenclature
(1) Harness attachment loop, (2) Energy absorber, (3) Fall indicator, (4) Pouch, (5)
Rope lanyard, (6) Lanyard termination with plastic sheath, (7) Elasticized webbing
lanyard, (8) STRING, (9) Pre-installed connector.
Principal materials: polyester, nylon, high-modulus polyethylene.
4. Inspection, points to verify
Your safety depends upon the integrity of your equipment.
Petzl recommends a detailed inspection by a competent person at least once every
12 months (depending on current regulations in your country, and your conditions
of usage). Warning: your intensity of use may cause you to inspect your PPE more
frequently. Follow the procedures described at Petzl.com. Record the results on
your PPE inspection form: type, model, manufacturer contact info, serial number or
individual number, dates: manufacture, purchase, first use, next periodic inspection;
problems, comments, inspector's name and signature.
Before each use
Check the condition of the lanyards (rope or webbing), the pouch, the attachment
loop and the lanyard terminations. Look for wear and damage due to use (cuts,
fuzziness, signs of chemicals, abrasion...).
Check the condition of the safety stitching: look for any loose, worn, or cut threads.
Verify the presence and condition of the STRINGs and the plastic sheaths, and that
the connectors are correctly installed.
Verify that the energy absorber is intact (unbroken fall indicator).
During use
It is important to regularly monitor the condition of the product and its connections
to the other equipment in the system. Make sure that all items of equipment are
correctly positioned with respect to each other.
5. Compatibility
Verify that this product is compatible with the other elements of the system in your
application (compatible = good functional interaction).
Equipment used with your ABSORBICA must meet current standards in your
country (e.g. EN 361 harnesses).
6. Installing the ABSORBICA
Lanyard-end connector: use the connector positioning system supplied with your
lanyard (STRING or plastic sheath).
Connection to the harness
Frequent connection: use a carabiner with a system that helps keep it positioned in
the major axis (STRING, MICRO SWIVEL, CAPTIV...).
Semi-permanent attachment to the harness: use a semi-permanent connector,
closed with a tool (RING OPEN, SWIVEL OPEN, quick link...).
7. Precautions for use
Warning: attaching a lanyard end to the harness prevents absorber deployment
in the event of a fall (except when attached to specific lanyard stowage points
available on certain harnesses).
Anchor selection:
Beware of anchors that can increase the length of a fall (vertical or oblique anchors,
flexible textile anchors...).
The anchor point for the system should preferably be located above the user's
position and should meet the requirements of the EN 795 standard (minimum
strength of 12 kN).
8. Clearance
Clearance is the minimum amount of clear space below the user that prevents the
user from hitting an obstacle in the event of a fall.
The values presented are based on theoretical estimations and fall tests using a
rigid mass.
Warning: with elasticized lanyards, the fall length estimation must take into account
the elongation of the elastic arm.

9. Additional information

This product meets the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal
protective equipment. The EU declaration of conformity is available at Petzl.com.
The melting point of high-modulus polyethylene (140° C) is lower than that of nylon
and polyester.
- You must have a rescue plan and the means to rapidly implement it in case of
difficulties encountered while using this equipment.
- Select the anchor and use the lanyard in such a way as to minimize slack.
- In a fall arrest system, it is essential to check the required clearance below the
user before each use, in order to avoid hitting the ground or an obstacle in the
event of a fall.
- Make sure that the anchor point is correctly positioned, in order to limit the risk
and the length of a fall.
- A fall arrest harness is the only device allowable for supporting the body in a fall
arrest system.
- When using multiple items of equipment, a dangerous situation can arise in which
the safety function of an item of equipment can be affected by the safety function of
another item of equipment.
- WARNING: ensure that your products do not rub against abrasive surfaces or
sharp edges, or take appropriate precautions.
- When setting lanyard length, to avoid the risk of a fall, do not move about in an
area that presents a fall risk.
- A knot in the arm of a lanyard reduces its strength.
- Users must be medically fit for activities at height. WARNING: inert suspension in a
harness can result in serious injury or death.
- The Instructions for Use for each item of equipment used in conjunction with this
product must be followed.
- The Instructions for Use must be provided to the user of this equipment, in the
language of the country where the equipment is used.
- Make sure the markings on the product are legible.
TECHNICAL NOTICE ABSORBICA I /ABSORBICA Y - CE
Fall on an edge:
The energy absorber with integrated lanyard has been tested for horizontal use in a
drop test over a 0.5 mm radius, burr-free steel edge (as per RFU 11.074). You can
use it on similar edges (e.g. structural steel, wooden beams, rounded parapets...).
If there is a risk of a fall on a sharp (radius less than 0.5 mm) and/or burred edge:
- take preventative actions that eliminate any risk of falling over an edge, or
- install edge protection
WARNING: in case of a fall, there is a risk of injury from hitting an obstacle situated
below the work area, but also to the sides in case of a pendulum.
Special rescue measures must be put into place if there is a risk of a fall on an edge.
Work on a platform:
- If working on a platform that presents the risk of a fall on an edge, there must
be a minimum of 5.6 m of free space below the edge (result of testing to the
requirements of RFU 11.074).
- Limit your horizontal travel to 1.5 m from the anchor, in order to reduce the risk of
a pendulum fall. In special cases where the user must exceed this limit, do not use
a single anchor point, but instead use a lifeline that meets the EN 795 standard for
type C (rope) or D (rail). If the lanyard is used with an EN 795 type C anchor device
with flexible horizontal anchor line, the sag created by the anchor device must be
taken into account in your clearance calculation. See the Instructions for Use for
the anchor device.
- In a fall on an edge, to avoid a redirection angle in the lanyard of less than 90°,
select an anchor point that is above the edge.
When to retire your equipment:
WARNING: an exceptional event can lead you to retire a product after only one
use, depending on the type and intensity of usage and the environment of usage
(harsh environments, marine environments, sharp edges, extreme temperatures,
chemicals...).
A product must be retired when:
- It is over 10 years old and made of plastic or textiles.
- It has been subjected to a major fall or load.
- It fails to pass inspection. You have any doubt as to its reliability.
- You do not know its full usage history.
- When it becomes obsolete due to changes in legislation, standards, technique or
incompatibility with other equipment...
Destroy these products to prevent further use.
Icons:
A. Lifetime: 10 years - B. Marking - C. Acceptable temperatures - D. Usage
precautions - E. Cleaning/disinfection - F. Drying - G. Storage/transport - H.
Maintenance - I. Modifications/repairs (prohibited outside of Petzl facilities,
except replacement parts) - J. Questions/contact
3-year guarantee
Against any material or manufacturing defect. Exclusions: normal wear and tear,
oxidation, modifications or alterations, incorrect storage, poor maintenance,
negligence, uses for which this product is not designed.
Warning symbols
1. Situation presenting an imminent risk of serious injury or death. 2. Exposure to
a potential risk of accident or injury. 3. Important information on the functioning or
performance of your product. 4. Equipment incompatibility.
Traceability and markings
a. Meets PPE regulatory requirements. Notified body performing the EU type
examination - b. Number of the notified body responsible for the production control
of this PPE - c. Traceability: datamatrix - d. Maximum length (lanyard/absorber/
connectors assembly) - e. Serial number - f. Year of manufacture - g. Month of
manufacture - h. Batch number - i. Individual identifier - j. Standards - k. Read
the Instructions for Use carefully - l. Model identification - m. Precautions - n. Fall
indicator - o. Date of manufacture (month/year) - p. Manufacturer address - q.
Lanyard type - r. Connector type - s. Lanyard length - t. Horizontal use
L0026700B (221119)
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