INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Arizona Vortex Kit
(Vortex). The Vortex is a versatile, state of the art multipod.
With proper study and practical training, you can construct
the Vortex to accomplish your rigging needs in any number
of environments from industry to wilderness.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN TECHNICAL
RIGGING IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR SAFE USE.
THIS MANUAL IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAINING. THIS
MANUAL IS A REFERENCE FOR ASSEMBLY AND BASIC
OPERATION OF THE VORTEX.
APPLICATION
The Vortex is ideal for a wide range of applications, from
access and egress for confined spaces, to the negotiation of
complex edges in wilderness environments. The Vortex is the
multipod of choice for professionals within rescue, indus-
trial rope access, construction, military, and entertainment
rigging.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The Vortex multipod is more than a typical tripod, in part
due to the enhanced flexibility of the two piece head set. The
A-Frame Head has been designed to give the most optimal
angle between the legs, while the Gin Pole Head can hinge
to allow precise positioning of the third leg. Both heads can
be used simultaneously to assemble a three-leg frame or
they can be used individually to create an A-Frame (bipod) or
a Gin Pole (monopod).
The legs of the Vortex are made up of two components. The
inner legs (shiny, anodized finish) are one constant diameter
with adjustment pin holes at 150 mm (5.9") increments along
the leg. The inner leg is sized to connect to the heads, the
feet and the outer legs.
The outer legs (matte gray) have a coupler on one end that
enables multiple outer legs to join together. The coupler is
also sized to connect to the heads and the feet.
The head units are designed on a rigging plate principle
allowing attachment of multiple connectors as well as direct
tie-in of rope, cord, and webbing. Ball-lock pins are also in-
cluded for attachment of the head sheave and other compat-
ible rigging components.
MANUAL AVAILABILITY
This Vortex User Manual is also available for download at
cmcpro.com. If you have any questions or concerns regarding
this product, please contact CMC Customer Support using
the website or email address listed at the end of the manual.
CARE & USE
Service Life: The maximum service life of the Vortex metal
products is not defined; however, the lifespan may be
reduced by frequency of use, adverse loading, incompatible
environment, incorrect use or inappropriate storage and
handling.
Inspection frequency: The Vortex must undergo a detailed
periodic inspection by a competent person at least every 12
months. The frequency of inspection may be more often de-
pending on the nature of use and the environment in which
it is used. If you have any doubts or questions about the
safety or suitability of the Vortex, or any part thereof, remove
the product from service and contact CMC.
In addition to the detailed periodic inspection, the Vortex
must be inspected before and after each use. Ideally, users
of the Vortex will be trained to perform this function. The in-
spection should include a tactile, visual and functional check
of all Vortex components. Refer to the inspection criteria in
this User Manual for further information.
Record keeping: A record of inspections should be kept and
made available in accordance with applicable laws, codes of
practice and policies. A sample inspection record is provided
at the end of this User Manual.
Preventive Maintenance / Storage: To ensure maximum
longevity of the Vortex, prevent contact with salt water,
chemicals and other potentially harmful substances. Avoid
exposing the Vortex to harsh environments when practical.
Wash all components with fresh water after use to remove
dirt, grime, salt and other chemicals or contaminants. Dry,
or allow to dry away from direct heat. Store the Vortex
in a clean dry place away from extremes of temperature
and avoid chemical exposure. Small burrs may be lightly
smoothed with a fine abrasive cloth.
USER INFORMATION
User Information shall be provided to the user of the prod-
uct. NFPA Standard 1983, incorporated into the 2022 edition
of NFPA 2500 recommends separating the User Information
from the equipment and retaining the information in a
permanent record. The standard also recommends making
a copy of the User Information to keep with the equipment
and that the information should be referred to before and
after each use. Additional information regarding life safety
equipment can be found in NFPA 1550 and NFPA 1858 and
NFPA 1983, incorporated in the 2022 edition of NFPA 2500.
If re-sold outside the original country of destination, CE
guidelines require the re-seller of the Vortex to provide in-
structions for use, maintenance, periodic examination and for
repair in the language of the country in which this product is
to be used.
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