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1 - GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
USE INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF CONNECTORS–EN
362:2004 / EN 12275:1998 ATTENTION : Read carefully before use.
The connectors without the marking "EN 362:2004" comply with the
previous issue of the EN 362 standard (1993). These instructions
contain all the necessary information for the correct and safe use of
the connectors in the fields of activity: rescue, mountaineering,
climbing, caving, "Via Ferrata", mountain skiing, rafting, free climbing,
working at heights... The connectors covered by these instructions
are personal protection devices designed to be integrated in fall
arrest personal protection systems such as harnesses and cables.
The full body harness is the only acceptable body retaining device
that can be used in a fall arrest system. The connectors are a vital
transmission component of the mechanical resistance between a
proper anchorage point and the user who should accidentally fall. A
malfunction due to improper use of the equipment is dangerous for
the physical health of the user.
The connectors must be used as follows: closed - with the closing
system locked – without any constrictions or other pressures on the
outer side of the connector. Before using the connectors, the user
must be adequately trained in the techniques and security measures
to be adopted; those persons who are not trained or are not able to
evaluate the dangers of the situations in which the devices are used
must not use these devices. The user must be informed of the
existence of an emergency plan, present at the place of work,
necessary to handle any possible emergency that can arise. If
necessary, it will be prescribed to indicate that the product is
delivered individually to the user; or else to have the product checked
by competent persons before and after use. If necessary, there must
be an adequately studied efficient and safe rescue method to be
adopted should a person find himself in difficulty while using this
product. Always verify that the physical conditions of the user are
such that the connector is used safely during ordinary as well as
emergency use. The situations where the device could be used
incorrectly are many. Only some of these incorrect uses are included
in these instructions and these are indicated with a cross over the
illustrations. Only the ways indicated as "CORRECT" are allowed.
Always verify before use that your equipment consists of products
compatible with each other and in conformity with the applicable
regulations, standards and directives in force. Also verify that the
system has been properly assembled and that each component
functions without interfering with any of the other components. When
a connector is inserted in any fall arrest system, in order to regulate
the other components correctly and ntot compromise the efficiency of
the system you must take into account the length of the connector.
Using a personal protection device against falls does in no way justify
exposing yourself to any type of risk that may even lead to fatal
consequences . The user is responsible for the risks to which he
exposes himself. The manufacturer and the seller decline any and all
responsibility in case of incorrect use, improper application or for
products having been modified or repaired by persons not specifically
authorized by the producer. The producer assumes the responsibility
only for the use for which the product is designed for; and is not
responsible for cases of bad maintenance and for cases of user
negligence's which can aggravate the dangerous conditions which
can arise during the use of the connector. The producer declines any
and all responsibility for accidents, injuries or death due to improper
and incorrect use of its products by the user. The producer declines
any and all responsibility for all the cases in which the above-mentio-
ned instructions are not followed. The producer declines any and all
responsibility for cases in which a finished product is put on the
market without the instructions and technical card. It's essential for
the safety of the user that if the product is re-sold outside the original
Country of destination the reseller shall provide these general
instructions for use in the language of the Country in which the
product is to be sold. IMPORTANT: Before using the connector
always check its condition; there must not be any signs of wear,
corrosion, deformation or defects in general.
If you have any doubts, do not use the connector and replace it
immediately. The closing system must function perfectly and to help
assure this, the connector must be adequately lubricated. These
devices have been designed for use in weather conditions normally
tolerated by man.
TYPES OF CONNECTORS FOR
PERSONAL PROTECTION (EN 362:2004)
Class A: Anchor connectors: component designed to be linked
directly to a specific type of anchor; Class B: Basic connectors:
intended to be used as a component; Class M: Multi-use connectors:
component which may be loaded in the major and minor axis; Class
T: Termination connectors: element of a sub-system in which the
loading acts on a predetermined direction; Class Q: Screw gate
connectors: intended to be used only for enduring or permanent
connections. The class identification is marked on the device. Refer
to table to identify the rank and the maximum gate opening ("a" in
mm) of your connector.
ANCHORS
Use only anchor's complying with the EN 795 with a minimum
breaking strength of 12kN. While using the connector and other
personal protective devices, the user must always remain below the
anchor point. The position and the height of the anchor point from the
ground, must be calculated in the view of a possible fall, taking into
account the length of the rope and of the devices connected to the
rope, any dangerous obstacles, and the possibility of a "swinging"
effect. The work must be carried out in such way as to minimize both
the potential fall and potential fall distance. WARNING: The
connectors equipped with a manual-locking gate (screwgate) are
to be used only when the opening and closing operations are not
frequent.
When using these connectors the screw must be completely closed;
for connectors class Q verify that the threads of the screw are not
visible. Avoid loading a connector across its gate. Verify that a
technical identification and control card in conformity with standard
EN 365:2004 is provided with the product. This card must be filled in
and kept updated by the user. If the card is missing, do not use the
device.
WEBBING
Use only homologated webbing marked CE, that is in conformity with
the European Standard EN 566 having a minimum breaking load of
22 kN. Before each use verify that the webbing is in good condition,
verify that there are no signs of wear, abrasions, cut threads or
fraying weave. If the webbing shows any one of the mentioned
defects, replace it immediately. In any case always replace the
webbing after a serious fall.
Warning: Be sure the webbing is inserted in the correct position.
MATERIALS
All the materials and treatments used are antiallergenic; they do not
cause skin irritations or sensitivity. The connectors are made of steel,
zinc plated; light alloy, polished or anodized: stainless steel, polished.
2 - TRACEABILITY AND MARKINGS
The following information is etched on the connector : CE marking;
(Number of the production process controlling body); Name of the
manufacturer or of the person responsible for the introduction on the
market; EN 362:2004 (N° and year of the standard: "Personal
Protection Equipment Against Falls From A Height – CONNEC-
TORS") followed by a letter that identifies the class of the connector;
A logo that warns the user to carefully read the
uses instructions attached to the connector;
Production lot number; Year of production; Maximum load applicable
in kN, the strength indicated is the lowest value guaranteed by the
producer. This information can be etched in different places
depending on the size of the connector. CHECK that these markings
are legible even after use.
3 - MAINTENANCE
PRE-CHECKS AND CARE
ALWAYS CHECK before, after and during use that the connector
works properly. ALWAYS REPLACE the connector after a fall even if
no defect or damage is visible; the initial resistance of the connector
could be seriously reduced. The possibility of re-using the device
must be authorized exclusively by the producer with a prior written
consent that reserves the right to carry out appropriate examinations
and testing. Any repair shall only be carried out in accordance with
producer's procedures.
REPLACE the connector that shows signs of wear and corrosion.
REPLACE the connector if opening and/or closing/locking are
difficult. Clean the connectors with soft water and dry it with a
non-abrasive cloth. When using CATCH-FREE System connectors,
pay particular attention to the slot on the lever: It has to be dirt-free:
soil, mud, gravel etc.(list not exhaustive). In the case of use on icefalls
or alpine environments, make sure the slot on the lever is not
obstructed by snow or ice.
LUBRICATE the mobile components with a general purpose, low
viscosity silicone oil used lubrificating metal and non-metal surfaces
(e.g. LOCTITE 8021). If the connector comes in contact with salt
water, wash it immediately and lubricate it. All necessary maintenan-
ce operations must be carried out by competent persons explicitly
authorized and scrupulously following the operational instructions
established by the producer.
STORAGE
Remove the item from its container and store it in a cool, dry,
well-aired place. There must not be any corrosive or solvent substan-
ces or heat sources (max 100° C) in the storage place.
The connector must not come in contact with other sharp objects
which could damage it. Never store the equipment before having
thoroughly dried it and avoid storing it in places with a high saline
concentration. Except for the above-mentioned indications, there are
no special precautions to be used during the transport. Avoid leaving
your equipment in a car or in a closed place exposed to the sun.
Dissolve a disinfectant which contains quaternary ammonium salts in
warm water ( max 20° C). Soak the tool in this solution for one hour.
Rinse with potable water and dry it with a clean cloth.
4 - LONGEVITY
It is rather difficult to establish the length of the device's life, as it can
be adversely affected by several negative factors such as intensely
frequent or improper use; the conditions the device is required to
work in (humid, freezing and icy conditions); wear; corrosion; serious
stress with or without relative deformation; exposure to heat sources;
improper storage; device age; exposure to chemical agents ... (plus
any further reason, not merely limited to all the foregoing reasons).
Taking the adequate care of your device (please consult the "mainte-
nance" section accordingly) will have a considerable influence on
and will definitely increase device durability and long life. By way of
example, the following can be considered as a rule to determine
standard potential durability of devices, tools and equipment: - 10
years for products composed of plastic materials and/or with fabric
components and elements. For metal products, durability is undeter-
mined. It is nevertheless recommended that you replace your
devices, tools and equipment at least every 10 years, considering
that in the meantime new techniques and/or rules and regulations
may have become applicable and your equipment may no longer be
compliant and/or compatible with one another.
INSPECTION
For your safety it is therefore highly recommended that you always
check your device and equipment before, during and after use and
that that you regularly submit your device and equipment to
inspections and controls by competent persons, every 12 months at
the latest. These time intervals may change according to frequency
and intensity of device and equipment use. Should you ever have
even the smallest doubt as to the conditions of the device, please see
that it is immediately replaced. Fall Safe® Inspector allows you to
easily record and access information on inspections, inventory and
use. It tracks equipment assignments by worker or location and
automates the inspection process. There are multiple system options
available that allow for easy-access and time-saving information.
WARRANTY
This product is provided with a three-year warranty against any
manufacturing defect, or defects in the materials it is composed of.
The warranty does not cover standard item wear, device alterations,
improper storage, damages due to improper use of the device,
negligence, improper maintenance, etc., and any further reason not
only limited to the aforesaid.
(mm)
a(mm)
LOCK
MODEL
WEIGHT(kg)
MATERIAL
0,160
SL
Zinc-Plated Steel
FS802
19
0,160
SL
FS846
19
Stainless Steel
0,180
Zinc-Plated Steel
FS33500-2L
18
TWL
FS33664
17
0,190
TWL
Zinc-Plated Steel
0,270
TWL
Aluminium Alloy
FS829
42
0,290
AL
Stainless Steel
FS822
80
0,340
Stainless Steel
FS828
105
AL
0,380
AL
Stainless Steel
FS814
140
0,288
TWL
Zinc-Plated Steel
FS33665
22
0,090
Aluminium Alloy
FS820
18
SL
0,100
TWL
Aluminium Alloy
FS823
20
FS33547-3L
22
0,090
TL
Aluminium Alloy
FS821
62
0,450
AL
Aluminium Alloy
0,150
AL
Aluminium Alloy
25
FS33562
FS831
110
0,160
Aluminium Alloy
AL
FS33561
10
0,100
Galvanized Steel
SL
0,600
Zinc-Plated Steel
SL
FS802QL
16
0,100
FS893
10
SL
Galvanized Steel
0,770
SL
Zinc-Plated Steel
FS894
11
21
Aluminium Alloy
FS826
0,153
AL
21
FS825
0,220
AL
Zinc-Plated Steel
AL
FS843
52
0,235
Zinc-Plated Steel
AL
FS836
85
0,850
High Tensile Steel
FS33555-3L
27
0,090
TL
Aluminium Alloy
SL - Screw Lock
TL - Triple Lock
TWL - Twisted Lock
NOTIFY BODY
CE 0082
CE 0333
CE 0333
CE 0333
CE 0333
CE 0333
CE 0333
CE 0333
CE 0120
CE 1019
CE 0321
CE 0120
CE 1019
CE 0321
CE 0333
CE 0082
CE 0082
CE 0082
CE 0082
CE 0158
CE 1019
CE 1019
CE 1019
CE 1019
AL - Auto Lock
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