Kong FORZA Manual page 3

- make sure that the devices used are suitable for the purpose and
are certified.
Important: in a system for protection against falling from heights, it
is obligatory to use a full body harness in compliance with current
regulations.
3 – MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Device maintenance consists of frequent washing in warm drinking
water (30°C), possibly with the addition of neutral detergent. Rinse
and, without spinning, leave it to dry without leaving it in the direct
sunlight;
In addition, if necessary to disinfect the device, use a weak 1%
solution of potassium permanganate, or MIRAZYME according its
information provided by its manufacturer. Rinse with drinking water
and, without spinning, leave it to dry without leaving it in the direct
sunlight. Avoid sterilising textile devices in an autoclave.
Store the devices in a dry (50-70% relative humidity), fresh (tem-
perature 15-25°C), and dark place, chemically neutral (absolutely
avoid salty and/or acid environments), away from sharp edges, cor-
rosive substances or other possible detrimental conditions.
While transporting the device use a packaging that will protect from
damage, dirt or contamination by aggressive substances, adopt
storage precautions, avoid exposition to direct sunlight and humidity.
4 – CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS
We strongly advise to carry out checks before and after use, carried
out by qualified individuals, as indicated in the instructions for the
specific equipment. Except in the case of more stringent legal re-
quirements, inspections on category III equipment must be carried
out by a competent person - therefore one trained and authorised by
the manufacturer – every year starting from first use. The outcome
of these periodic inspections must be recorded on the equipment's
inspection chart or in a designated register.
5 – DEVICE LIFE
In case of present-time advanced materials (polyamide 6, polyam-
ide 6.6), a considerable adverse change of properties of the product
in a time interval of 5 years can be excluded provided that optimum
storage conditions (point 3) are maintained.
Lifetime of textile, synthetic or plastic devices is theoretically 10
years from the date of first use (maximum 15 years from the date of
production), under the following conditions:
- the operating procedures comply with point 1C;
- maintenance and storage are carried out as described in point 3;
- the outcomes of pre and post-use checks and routine inspections
are positive;
- the equipment is used correctly, not exceeding 1/10 of the nominal
strength.
Any equipment that do not pass the pre-use, post-use and periodic
inspections must be discarded.
6 – LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Professional and recreational activities are often regulated by spe-
cific national laws that may impose specific limits and/or require-
ments for the use of PPE and the preparation of safety systems,
which included the PPE in their components. The user is obliged
to know and apply these laws, which may in some cases impose
obligations different from those contained in this information.
7 – GUARANTEE
The manufacturer guarantees that the device complies with regu-
lations in force at the time of production. The guarantee covering
faults is limited to production defects and raw materials. It does not
include wear and tear, oxidation, damages caused by improper use
and/or during competition, incorrect maintenance, transport, con-
servation, storage, etc. The guarantee becomes void as soon as
the device is modified or tampered with. The validity corresponds
to the legal guarantee of the country where the device was sold by
the manufacturer, with effect from the date of sale. After this period
no claim can be made against the manufacturer. Any request for
repair or replacement under this warranty must be accompanied by
a proof of purchase. If the defect is accepted, the manufacturer, at
its sole discretion, will repair, replace or refund the device. Under no
circumstances does the manufacturer's liability extend beyond the
invoice price of the device.
8 - SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Before the first use - The correct uncoiling of a new rope will avoid
kinking and hockling, throwing the rope is not recommended. - Open
a new packaged rope as follows:
- Coiled rope, uncoil in reverse direction of coiling..
- Spooled rope, in the same way as the hank and to be uncoiled
from the spool.
Then wash and dry it according to point 3.
Type A and Type B - There are two types of EN 1891 ropes avail-
able:
- Type A ropes shall be preferred to type B ropes for protection of
persons working at height and above free depth, for use in rope
access, speleology, human rescue and other similar activities (com-
bined ascent and descent of persons, safety device for work posi-
tioning in rope access, lowering and raising of persons in rescue, as
a means for ascent, descent and horizontal motion in speleology);
- Type B ropes are sized for a lower performance than type A ropes.
Shrinkage - Shrinkage is a natural property of polyamide fibres -
Kernmantel ropes shrink as a result of effects of moisture (steam,
raindrops, ...), external conditions (immersion of the rope in water,
e.g. in canyoning, ...) and way of using the rope (top rope belaying,
...).
The shrinkage of ropes can make up to 10% of the rope length in
extreme cases.
Colour pattern - The colour marker thread identifies the calendar
year of manufacture of the device: 2015 green, 2016 blue, 2017
yellow, 2018 black, 2019 red/yellow, 2020 blue/ yellow, 2021 green/
yellow, 2022 black/yellow, 2023 red/blue, 2024 red/green, 2025 red/
black, 2026 green, 2027 blue.
Internal identification marking - There is an identification tape or
marker thread inside the device - It contains the following informa-
tion on the device:
- manufacturer;
- made in accordance with: EN 1891:1998;
- type A or type B;
- material: (PA = PolyAmide);
- year of production.
Compatibility - Check before use that this device is compatible
with the remaining equipment of your system - Do not use devices
that are not intended for this purpose or do not comply with appli-
cable technical standards. Special attention should be paid to the
selection of belaying elements which have to take account of the
rope diameter. Also other European Standards shall be taken into