EN
Only the techniques shown in the diagrams that are not crossed out, and that do not
display a skull and crossbones symbol and/or «NO!» are authorized. Some examples
of misuse are presented, but it is impossible to describe them all. Check www.petzl.
com regularly to find the latest technical information.
Contact Petzl if you have any doubt or difficulty understanding these documents.
1. Field of application
Personal protective equipment (PPE). Double rope progression device for tree care.
Working load limit: 140 kg/one person.
This product must not be pushed beyond its limits, nor be used for any purpose
other than that for which it is designed.
WARNING
Activities involving the use of this equipment are inherently dangerous.
You are responsible for your own actions and decisions.
Before using this equipment, you must:
- Read and understand all instructions for use.
- Get specific training in its proper use.
- Become acquainted with its capabilities and limitations.
- Understand and accept the risks involved.
Failure to heed any of these warnings may result in severe injury or
death.
Responsibility
WARNING, specific training is essential before use. This training must be adapted to
the practices defined in the Field of Application.
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.
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.
2. Nomenclature of parts
(1) Friction chain, (2) Release lever, (3) Rope passage hole, (4) Sheave, (5) Rope end
attachment hole, (6) Swivel, (7) Harness attachment hole.
Principal materials:
Stainless steel, aluminum, plastic.
3. Inspection, points to verify
Before each use
Verify that the product has no cracks, deformation, marks, excessive wear,
corrosion, etc..
Verify that the friction chain extends and compresses freely. Make sure there is no
play in the rivets.
Verify the mobility of the release lever and the effectiveness of its spring.
Verify that the sheave turns freely and that there is no play in its axle.
Verify that the swivel turns freely.
Make sure there are no foreign objects in the mechanism.
Consult the details of the inspection procedure to be carried out for each item of PPE
at www.petzl.com.
During each use
It is important to regularly inspect the condition of the product. Check its connections
with the other equipment in the system and make sure that the various pieces of
equipment in the system are correctly positioned with respect to each other.
Beware of foreign bodies, or system elements, which can impede the
operation of the friction chain, or press on the release lever.
Accidental pressing of the release lever can cause a fall.
Make sure that connectors are always loaded on the major axis.
Contact Petzl if there is any doubt about the condition of this product.
4. Compatibility
Verify that this product is compatible with the other elements of the system in your
application (compatible = good functional interaction).
Ropes and connectors
The ZIGZAG works only on EN 1891 11.5 - 13 mm semi-static ropes having a core
and sheath.
WARNING: jamming effectiveness and smoothness of descent varies
with the rope used (diameter, condition, texture, etc.).
Use only double auto-locking connectors.
Rope compatibility test
Regularly test the compatibility of your rope with your ZIGZAG, and also each time
the rope is changed. When hanging at a very low height on your ZIGZAG (installed
on a single strand of rope without the rope end connected to it) there should be no
slippage.
If there is slippage on a single strand of rope, that rope is incompatible with your
device.
5. Function principle and test
The ZIGZAG slides along the rope in one direction and jams in the other direction.
When the device is pulled, the friction chain extends and jams on the rope. Each time
the device is installed onto the rope, verify that it jams in the desired direction.
Pressing on the release lever allows the friction to be varied so that the rope can
slide.
6. Installing the ZIGZAG
Compress the friction chain. The arrow marked on the device must be correctly
aligned. Pass the unspliced end of the rope through the release lever and all links of
the friction chain.
Slide the rope through to position the ZIGZAG at the desired location, close to the
manufactured termination.
Connect the ZIGZAG to the harness with a double auto-locking connector.
Never connect the harness to the rope end attachment hole.
When connecting the device to an adjustable bridge, verify that it stays within reach.
After passing your rope through a suitable anchor, connect the rope end to the rope
end attachment hole.
The rope end can also be attached to one of the harness attachment points.
7. Precautions
Always keep the rope between you and the anchor under tension, to avoid any shock
load. Make sure that the anchor point is correctly positioned, in order to limit the risk
and the height of a fall.
WARNING: never grab both ropes above the device as the rope termination can
press on the release lever and cause an accidental unjamming of the system.
8. Uses
8a. Controlling rope glide.
The ZIGZAG can be used with one hand.
Rapid rope glide can be tricky to control if there is low friction in the tree and at the
anchor. In this case, we recommend holding the braking side of the rope.
WARNING: if you do not hold the braking side of the rope, any
pressure on the release lever presents a fall risk.
If you lose your balance when using the ZIGZAG with one hand, you might reflexively
clench the device in your hand, which impedes jamming.
Movement within the tree
8b. Movement away from the trunk.
With your weight on the device (rope tensioned), press on the release lever to allow
the rope to slide.
8c. Returning to the trunk.
Take up slack by pulling on the free end as you progress.
8d. Occasional ascent.
Push on the free end with a PANTIN or a FOOT-LOCK. This technique is quickly set
up, but inefficient (1/2).
8e. Descent.
Press on the release lever to allow the rope to slide.
WARNING: the double configuration generates high heat in the device
during rapid descents.
The device reaches the temperature limit of 48 °C after 10 m of descending for a
100 kg user (7 m for 140 kg). Wear gloves to avoid burns during longer descents.
D22 ZIGZAG
Positioning at the work station
8f. Double point.
Use a second ZIGZAG, or an adjustable lanyard, on a separate anchor.
Other uses and rescue situations
Refer to the «Product Experience» document at www.petzl.com.
9. Petzl general information
Lifetime / When to retire your equipment
For Petzl's plastic and textile products, the maximum lifetime is 10 years from the
date of manufacture. It is indefinite for metallic products.
WARNING: an exceptional event can lead you to retire a product after only one use,
depending on the type and intensity of usage and the environment of usage (harsh
environments, marine environment, sharp edges, extreme temperatures, chemical
products, etc.).
A product must be retired when:
- It is over 10 years old and made of plastic or textiles.
- It has been subjected to a major fall (or load).
- It fails to pass inspection. You have any doubt as to its reliability.
- You do not know its full usage history.
- When it becomes obsolete due to changes in legislation, standards, technique or
incompatibility with other equipment, etc..
Destroy retired equipment to prevent further use.
Product inspection
In addition to the inspection before each use, an in-depth inspection must be carried
out by a competent inspector. The frequency of the in-depth inspection must be
governed by applicable legislation, and the type and the intensity of use. Petzl
recommends an inspection at least once every 12 months.
To help maintain product traceability, do not remove any markings or labels.
Inspection results should be recorded on a form with the following details: type of
equipment, model, manufacturer contact information, serial number or individual
number, date of manufacture, date of purchase, date of first use, date of next
periodic inspection, problems, comments, the name and signature of the inspector.
See an example at www.petzl.com/ppe.
Storage, transport
Store the product in a dry place away from exposure to UV, chemicals, extreme
temperatures, etc.. Clean and dry the product if necessary.
Modifications, repairs
Modifications and repairs outside of Petzl facilities are prohibited (except replacement
parts).
3-year guarantee
Against all material or manufacturing defect. Exclusions: normal wear and tear,
oxidation, modifications or alterations, incorrect storage, poor maintenance,
negligence, uses for which this product is not designed.
Rescue plan
You must have a rescue plan and the means to rapidly implement it in case of
difficulties encountered while using this equipment.
Users must be medically fit for activities at height. - Warning, inert suspension in a
harness can result in serious injury or death.
Responsibility
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.
Traceability and markings
a. Body controlling the manufacture of this PPE
b. Notified body that carried out the CE type inspection
c. Traceability: datamatrix = product reference + individual number
d. Diameter
e. Individual number
f. Year of manufacture
g. Day of manufacture
h. Control or name of inspector
i. Incrementation
j. Read the Instructions for use carefully
D225000B (041012)
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