PETZL Ascension B17L Handbuch Seite 5

(EN) ENGLISH
Rope clamp
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 kernmantle ropes
from 8 to 13 mm diameter that comply with UIAA and EN standards. If
there is any risk of a fall, 10 mm or larger diameter rope 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.
For more detail on inspection procedures, see the PETZL
PPE INSPECTION CD-ROM or go to www.petzl.com
If there is any doubt about the condition of the device, contact PETZL.
Instructions for use
Limitations on use
The ASCENSION and BASIC rope clamps are personal protective
equipment 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 the rope channel.
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
Guard against anything that could accidentally open or block the action
of the cam or the safety catch (webbing, clothing, pebbles, twigs...).
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 ASCENSION 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. Progression on rope alone without direct aid
from the structure
Diagram 5. Mixed progression, structure and rope
Shock-load absorption by the rope:
Do not forget that it is the rope that absorbs energy in the event of a
fall. The closer you get to the anchor point, the more the rope's shock-
absorbing ability decreases, eventually reaching zero.
Diagram 6. Progression on a structure without direct aid
from the rope: self-belaying
Diagram 7. Horizontal progression
Diagram 8. Hauling system
Attention: unlocking under load requires skill in pulley hauling
systems.
General information
Important notice: 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. In case of doubt or difficulty
in understanding, contact PETZL.
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). Verify that this product is compatible with the other
components of your system. See the instructions specific to the
products.
To prolong the life of this product, care is necessary, when
transporting as well as when 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.

B17L / B17R ASCENSION B18 BASIC B17504 revision H (160506)
Major fall and impact
Do not continue to use this product after a major fall or a major impact
(fall of the product or impact on the product). Even though no external
signs may be visible, a deformation may restrict its operation or
internal damage may have occurred, thus reducing its strength. Do not
hesitate to contact PETZL in case of doubt.
Checking = safety
Do not hesitate to scrap a product showing signs of wear which might
affect its strength, or restrict its operation. For your safety we advise
you to adopt a 3-level checking schedule.
- Before and after each use it is necessary to check the condition of
the product.
- During use, it is important to regularly monitor the condition of the
product and of its connections to the other elements of the system.
- A more thorough inspection must be carried out by a competent
inspector (approximately every 3 months).
For more safety and better control of your equipment, we advise you to
keep an «inspection record» for each product.
It is preferable to personally issue each user of PPE with his or her
own set of equipment.
Product lifetime
The potential lifetime of Petzl products is as follows: up to 10 years
from the date of manufacture for plastic and textile products, indefinite
for metallic products. The actual lifetime of a product ends when it
meets one of the retirement critera 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.
ATTENTION: in extreme cases, the lifetime of the product can be
reduced to one single use through exposure to for example any of the
following: chemicals, extreme temperatures, sharp edges, major fall
or load, 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. 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
examples of detailed inspection records 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.
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.
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.