PETZL ASCENSION B17L Handbuch Seite 7

(EN) ENGLISH
Ascender
Nomenclature of parts
(1) Upper hole, (2) Cam, (3) Safety catch, (4) Lower hole.
Principal materials: aluminum alloy (body), chrome-plated steel (cam),
polyamide (safety catch).
Rope diameter
The ASCENSION and BASIC rope clamps work on kernmantel ropes
from 8 to 13 mm diameter that comply with UIAA and EN standards.
For safety, whenever the risk of a fall exists, rope of a minimum
diameter of 10 mm must be used.
Inspection, points to verify
Before each use, check the condition of the body, the attachment
holes, the cam and the safety catch (cracks, scoring, deformation,
wear, corrosion), the cam springs and axle. Make sure the teeth are
not worn out. Warning, do not use the rope clamp if any of the teeth
are missing.
Consult the details of the inspection procedure to be carried out for
each item of PPE on the Web at www.petzl.com/ppe or on the PETZL
PPE CD-ROM.
Contact PETZL if there is any doubt about the condition of this
product.
Instructions for use
Field of application
This equipment is personal protective equipment (PPE). Rope clamp
for progression on rope.
Diagram 1. Installing the rope
Pay attention to the Up/Down indicator. Pull the cam downwards by
working the safety catch with the thumb and locking it on the body of
the device. The cam is thus held open.
Put the rope into position. Push on the safety catch until the cam
swings into place against the rope.
The safety catch helps prevent involuntary opening of the cam.
To remove the rope, slide the device upwards on the rope and
simultaneously pull the cam back by working the safety catch.
Function test
With the device installed on rope, verify that it jams in the desired
direction.
Precautions
Be careful of foreign bodies which can impede the operation of the
cam (pebbles, twigs, webbing...).
Beware of catching the safety catch in clothing and webbing.
Diagram 2. Ascent
2A. With the device held in the hand:
The device must be loaded in a direction parallel to the rope. To avoid
slippage of the device on rope, do not load it at an angle with the rope.
2B. If it is not possible to avoid loading the device at an angle with the
rope, clip your lanyard carabiner to the rope or clip a carabiner through
the two upper holes of the device.
Diagram 3. Descent
Diagram 4. Climbing the rope without help from the
structure
Diagram 5. Climbing the rope with help from the structure
Shock-load absorption by the rope:
Do not forget that it is the rope which absorbs energy in the event of
a fall. The closer you get to the anchor point, the more the energy-
absorbing capacity of the rope diminishes, eventually becoming
practically zero.
Diagram 6. Progression on a structure without direct rope
aid: self-belaying
Diagram 7. Horizontal progression
Diagram 8. Hauling system
Warning: unlocking under load requires skill in pulley hauling systems.

B17L / B17R ASCENSION B18 BASIC B17504 revision H (160506)
General information
Warning: specific training is essential before use
Read this notice carefully and keep all instructions and information on
the proper use and field of application of the product(s).
Only the techniques shown in the diagrams that are not crossed out
are authorized. All other uses are excluded: danger of death. A few
examples of misuse and forbidden uses are also represented (shown
in the crossed out diagrams or with the "skull and crossbones"
symbol). Many other types of misuse exist and it is impossible to
enumerate or even imagine all of them. Contact PETZL if you have any
doubt or difficulty understanding these documents.
Activities at height are dangerous and may lead to severe injury
or even death. Gaining an adequate apprenticeship in appropriate
techniques and methods of protection is your own responsibility.
You personally assume all risks and responsibilities for all damage,
injury or death which may occur during or following incorrect use of
our products in any manner whatsoever. If you are not able, or not in
a position to assume this responsibility or to take this risk, do not use
this equipment.
Use
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.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be used only on or with
energy absorbing systems (for example dynamic ropes, energy
absorbers etc...). Check that this product is compatible with the other
components of your equipment, see the instructions specific to the
products.
To prolong the life of this product, take care when transporting and
using it. Avoid impacts, or rubbing against abrasive surfaces or sharp
edges.
It is up to the user to foresee situations requiring rescue in case of
difficulties encountered while using this product.
Lifetime
WARNING, an exceptional event can reduce the lifetime of the product
to one single use; for example, if it is exposed to any of the following:
chemicals, extreme temperatures, sharp edges, major fall or load, etc.
The potential lifetime of Petzl products is as follows: up to 10 years
from the date of manufacture for plastic and textile products. It is
indefinite for metallic products.
The actual lifetime of a product ends when it meets one of the
retirement criteria listed below (see "When to retire your equipment"),
or when in its system use it is judged obsolete.
The actual lifetime is influenced by a variety of factors such as: the
intensity, frequency, and environment of use, the competence of the
user, how well the product is stored and maintained, etc.
Inspect equipment periodically for damage and/or
deterioration.
In addition to the inspection before and during use, a periodic in-depth
inspection must be carried out by a competent inspector at least once
every 12 months. This inspection must be performed at least once
every 12 months. The frequency of the in-depth inspection must be
governed by the type and the intensity of use. To keep better track of
your equipment, it is preferable to assign each piece of equipment
to a unique user so that he will know its history. The results of
inspections should be documented in an "inspection record". This
document must allow recording of the following details: type of
equipment, model, name and contact information of the manufacturer
or distributor, means of identification (serial or individual number),
year of manufacture, date of purchase, date of first use, name of user,
all other pertinent information for example maintenance and frequency
of use, the history of periodic inspections (date / comments and
noted problems / name and signature of the competent person who
performed the inspection / anticipated date of next inspection). See
example of detailed inspection record and other informational tools
available at www.petzl.com/ppe
When to retire your equipment
Immediately retire any equipment if:
- it fails to pass inspection (inspection before and during use and the
periodic in-depth inspection),
- it has been subjected to a major fall or load,
- you do not know its full usage history,
- it is at least 10 years old and made of plastics or textiles,
- you have any doubt as to its integrity.
Destroy retired equipment to prevent further use.
Product obsolescence
There are many reasons why a product may be judged obsolete
and thus retired before the end of its actual lifetime. Examples
include: changes in applicable standards, regulations, or legislation;
development of new techniques, incompatibility with other
equipment, etc.
Modifications, repairs
Any modification, addition to, or repair of the equipment other than
that authorized by Petzl is prohibited: due to the risk of reducing the
effectiveness of the equipment.
Guarantee
This product is guaranteed for 3 years against any faults in materials
or manufacture. Exclusions from the guarantee: normal wear and
tear, oxidation, modifications or alterations, incorrect storage, poor
maintenance, damage due to accidents, to negligence, or to improper
or incorrect usage.
PETZL is not responsible for the consequences, direct, indirect or
accidental, or any other type of damage befalling or resulting from the
use of its products.