Kong FORZA Manual page 2

DESCRIPTION: The Category III Personal Protective Equipment
"FORZA ø10mm", "FORZA ø10,5mm", and "FORZA ø11mm"
are:
- low stretch KernMantel ropes (semi-static ropes) designed for use
in rope access, speleology, human rescue and other similar activ-
ities (combined ascent and descent of persons, safety device for
work positioning in rope access, lowering and lifting of persons in
rescue, as a means for ascent, descent and horizontal motion in
speleology);
- part of a system protecting against impact caused by fall from a
height;
- certified according to EN 1891:1998 type A.
CUTTING: Each end of this device is terminated by the manufac-
turer with a special and unique technology: the core and the sheath
are connected into a single compact unit in the last 15 mm of the
rope length.
If the user cuts this device, it must be terminated so as the core and
the sheath to form a single unit (e.g., by melting the ends above an
alcohol burner or cutting the ends with a hot knife). Both ends shall
have no sharp edges, and shall be equipped with external tapes with
the following information:
- number of standard: EN 1891;
- rope diameter in mm, example: 10.5 mm;
- rope type A or B according to EN 1891:1998.
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
A) Users must read and perfectly understand the information pro-
vided by the manufacturer (hereinafter 'information) before using
the device.
Warning:
- This information relates to the characteristics, services, as-
sembly, disassembly, maintenance, conservation, disinfection,
etc. of the device;
- Although this information include some suggestions on how
to use the device, it must not be considered a true to life in-
struction manual (the same as an operating and maintenance
handbook for a car does not teach how to drive it and does not
replace a driving school);
- Climbing rocks and ice, abseiling, via ferrata, speleology, al-
pine skiing, canyoning, exploration, rescue work, tree climbing
and works at height are all activities with a high degree of risk,
which may lead to accidents and even death. The user takes
complete responsibility for the risks deriving from these activi-
ties and from using our device;
- This device must be used only by individuals medically fit
that have been trained (and educated) in its use, or under the
direct control of instructors/supervisors who can guarantee
their safety.
B) Before and after using the device, the user must perform all the
inspections described in the specific information and, in particular,
must make sure that the device is:
- in perfect condition and working well;
- suitable for use: only the techniques that are not crossed out are
permitted, any other use is considered improper and therefore po-
tentially dangerous.
C) If the user has the slightest doubt concerning the efficiency of
the device, it must be replaced immediately, particularly after having
used it to stop a fall. Improper use, deformation, falls, wear, chemi-
cal contamination, exposure to temperatures below -30°C or higher
than +50°C for the textile/plastic components/devices, and +100°C
for metal devices, are some examples of other causes that may re-
duce, limit or end the life of the device. We strongly suggest using
the device personally in order to continuously monitor the degree of
protection and efficiency.
D) This equipment can be used in combination with other devices
when they are compatible with the relevant information provided by
the manufacturers.
E) The anchoring position is essential f or safely stopping a fall:
carefully assess the free height under the user (clearance), height of
a potential fall, rope paid out, the stretch in any energy dissipaters or
absorbers, the height of the user and the "pendulum" effect in order
to avoid all possible problems (e.g. ground, material rubbing against
the rock face, abrasions, etc..).
F) Minimum resistance of anchoring points, on both natural and ar-
tificial elements, must be at least 12 kN. The assessment of those
made on natural elements (rocks, plants, etc.) is possible only em-
pirically, and must therefore be performed by a competent expert,
while those on artificial elements (metal, concrete, etc.) can be cal-
culated scientifically, and must therefore be performed by qualified
personnel.
G) It is strictly forbidden to modify and/or repair the device.
H) Avoid exposing the device to heat sources or to contact with
chemical substances. Reduce direct exposure to the sunlight to a
minimum, particularly for textile and plastic devices. At low tempera-
tures and in the presence of moisture can form ice that, on textile
devices, can reduce flexibility and increase the risk of cutting and
abrasion.
I) Make sure that the device has been supplied complete, in its origi-
nal packaging and with the manufacturer's information. It is compul-
sory for dealers selling products in countries other than the original
destination to check and supply the translation of this information.
L) Our personal protective equipment is certified by the accredited
authority indicated in the equipment's specific instructions and are
also subjected to production surveillance - in compliance with annex
V and VIII of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 - by an authority whose
accreditation number is indicated on the equipment.
Warning: laboratory tests, inspections, information and norms
do not always manage to reproduce what actually happens in
practice, and so performance under real usage conditions in a
natural environment can differ, sometimes even considerably.
The best information can be gained by continual practice under
the supervision of skilled, expert, qualified individuals.
2 – WORKS AT A HEIGHT
Additional information for protective equipment against falls from a
height.
For the sake of safety in case of risk of falls from a height, it is
essential to:
- assess the risks and make sure that the whole system, where this
device is only a component, is reliable and safe,
- prepare a rescue plan to deal with any emergencies possibly aris-
ing while the device is being used,
- make sure that the anchoring device or the anchoring point is
always positioned as high up as possible, and that work is done
in such way as to reduce potential falls and relevant heights to a
minimum,