Climbing Technology SPARROW Mode D'emploi page 7

SELF-BRAkING DESCENDER SPARROW
Read carefully before use.
EN
These user instructions include the necessary infor-
mation for a correct use of the Sparrow descend-
er for work at heights. This device is a PPE intend-
ed to be included in a rope access system. Rope
length adjusters and descenders are not intended
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for use in fall arrest.
0) FIELD OF APPLICATION
Rope adjustment device EN 12841:2006-C, res-
cue descender EN 341:2011-2A. Must be used
only with ropes (core + sheath) static - semi-static
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- EN 1891 type A - 10.5 ≤ Ø ≤ 11
1) WARNINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Attention! Specific apprenticeship in the activities
defined in this field of application is mandatory be-
fore use. The use of this device is reserved only
for qualified operators properly trained: the user is
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wholly responsible for any consequence accident
or fatality determine by an incorrect use. Whoever
doesn't accept this responsibility must not use this
device. The implementation of PPE, doesn't justi-
fy to imperil yourself to risks that can even lead to
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fatality: the user is fully responsible for the risks he
decides to undertake.
Before use is required to:
have read and understood these user instructions;
have received specific training in its proper use;
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become familiar with its usage, performances and
limitations.
Whilst using this equipment:
verify that the system is correctly assembled, all
components must not interfere one with the other;
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verify that the equipment is perfectly complementa-
ry and that is conforming with the rule and regu-
lations in force. Attention! Always check the com-
patibility of your rope; ropes might be more or less
slippery depending on various factors: type of con-
struction, eventual surface treatments, diameter of
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the rope, water or ice on the surface of the rope.
Before performing work at heights:
it is mandatory to prearrange a rescue plan to give
immediate assistance to the operator in difficulty;
inform the operator about the rescue plan.
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Moreover: Always ensure that the health conditions
of the User are such to grant the safe employ of the
device; it is recommended that PPE is supplied to
the final user. In alternative, the PPE must be thor-
oughly checked, before and after each use, by a
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qualified and authorized Inspector. It is prohibited
to alter, modify the device. Improper way of use are
countless, only a few of them are highlighted in
these user instructions (crossed drawings). Atten-
tion! Only the techniques indicated as correct are
permitted. Any different way of use must be consid-
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ered as prohibited.
2) MARkING
On the descender are engraved the following in-
formation (fig. 2):
1) Name of the manufacturer or of the responsible
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for the immission in the market;
2) Product model;
3) Indication of the free end of the rope;
4) 0333 - Number of the notified body responsible
for the control of the manufacturing;
5) CE marking; Attention! EN 341:2011 is not in-
cluded in the harmonized standards for PPE, the
CE marking refers solely to EN 12841:2006
6) Logo advising the user to carefully read the in-
struction manual before employing the device;
7) Indication for the anchored/engaged side of
the rope;
8) Number, year of the relevant EN normative of
reference:
EN 12841:2006-C - Rope access system rope ad-
justment devices
ROPE  10.5 ≤ Ø ≤ 11 - For use with static or
semi-static ropes EN 1891 type A, ø between 10.5
and 11 mm
150 kg - Maximum work load permitted
EN 341:2011 - Rescue Descenders
ROPE  ø 11 Patron PLUS TEUFELBERGER - For
use with static or semi-static ropes certified toEN
1891 tipo A, ø 11 mm
100 m - Max descent length permitted
30 kg ≤≤ 150 kg - Min and Max work load
permitted
T>-40°C - Lowest temperature of use permitted
9) Indication about the work modes of the con-
trol handle;
10) Batch number and year of manufacture.
Verify the indications engraved on the device are
readable after use.
3) NOMENCLATURE OF PARTS
Components of the device (fig. 3):
A - Counter-block; B - Snapping catch; C - Attach-
ment slot; D - Control handle; E - Fixed side plate;
F - Cam; G - Cam pivot; H - Feed rope slot; I -
Sliding side plate; L - Safety catch.
Components of the system (fig. 4.1 - 4.2):
M - Anchor point; N - Engaged side of the rope; O
- Hand controlling the descent; P - Descender; Q
- Free end of the rope; R - Connector for linking to
the harness or anchor point ; S - Hand holding the
free end of the rope.
Handle positions (fig. 4.3):
T - Stand-by / Safety work positioning; U - Work
positioning; V - Start descending; X - Maximum de-
scent speed; Y - (EBS) extra braking system.
Materials:
Light alloy (side plates), stainless steel (cam, coun-
ter-blocks, hinges, springs), nylon (handle and
safety catch)
4) SAFETY CHECk LIST
Check carefully before each use:
there are no signs of abrasion, cracks, corrosion;
the cam rotates freely, without jamming and the
spring of the cam snaps it in the rope locking po-
sition; the cam is not worn out especially in the ar-
ea where it locks on to the rope and inside the
grove for the rope; the connector placed in the at-
tachment slot is free to rotate unimpeded; the con-
trol handle works properly, the spring sets back the
handle in to the "REST" position; the mobile side
plate hooks properly on to the hinge of the cam;
the control handle rotates correctly without imped-
iments; the karabiners lock properly;
no dirt in or on the descender (ex. sand); check the
rope for signs of abrasion, corrosion, frying yarns
and, stitches or swages, are in good state.
Attention! Before you apply a load on to the de-
vice, make a thorough good working order check:
in case you have any doubt about the good state of
the device, remove it immediately from further use.
During use:
regularly check the correct functioning of the de-
vice, the correct placement of the other compo-
nents included in the system; make sure nothing
interferes with the system throughout the entire
length; make sure the connectors are properly
locked and the safety catch is closed; ensure the
rope is always in tension to avoid possible free-
falls; avoid having slack rope between the anchor
and the attachment on the harness.
5) USER INSTRUCTIONS
This equipment is meant to be used in normal cli-
matic conditions tolerated by human beings (op-
erating temperature range between +40°C and
-40°C). Enclosed to this user manual, find an in-
spection card (conforming to EN 365:2004) which
has to be properly filled in every part and kept con-
stantly updated by the user. If the inspection card
is missing or unreadable, do not use the device.
During the use, it is essential for your own safe-
ty, that the device and the anchor points are al-
ways correctly placed, and that the work is organ-
ized in such a way, to minimize the risk of a fall
from a height. Always make sure to have enough
clearance to avoid impacts with the ground or ob-
stacles on the trajectory of a bad fall in the air. You
must use only anchor points that conform to the re-
quirements of EN 795 (min. 10 kN) they must be
free from burrs or cutting edges. The anchor point
must be always located at or above waist level to
minimize the eventual free fall distance (fig. 7.1)
Inserting and removing the rope.
Connect the Sparrow to the ventral ring of your
full body harness (fig. 5) or to the anchor point
(fig. 6), using a locking karabiner certified to EN
362:2004 (max.120mm); open the mobile side
plate; insert the rope following the instructions on
the device; close the mobile side plate (ensure the
safety catch is properly closed). In difficult condi-
tions, when you need a stronger braking action,
or lowering a heavy weight from an anchor point,
pull the free end of the rope through the snapping
catch, you will have better control over the descent.
Good working order check.
Before each use verify the good working conditions
of the device. Attention! Before following this pro-
cedure, you must safety backup on abseil.
Use with a fall arrest harness (fig. 8.1):
1) Pulling on the engaged side of the rope, the cam
must lock the device: in case it doesn't, check the
correct insertion of the rope.
2) Load progressively your weight on the device,
holding the free-end of the rope: The cam must
lock on to the rope. If the cam locks on to the rope,
the device is working properly and is ready to use.
If the Cam doesn't lock the device, check whether
the rope has been correctly inserted, if the device
still doesn't lock on to the rope, remove it from fur-
ther use immediately.
Use on an anchor point (fig. 8.2):
1) Remember to pull the free end of the rope
through the snapping catch.
2) Pulling on the engaged side of the rope, the cam
must lock on to the rope. If the Cam doesn't lock
the device, check whether the rope has been cor-
rectly inserted, if the device still doesn't lock on to
the rope, remove it from further use immediately.
EN 12841:2006
The Sparrow descender is a Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) intended to be incorporated in a
rope access system. Rope length adjusters must not
be used for fall arrest. Max work load 150kg. The
Sparrow descender is a rope length adjuster type
C intended for descending a rope (anchor line).
An anchor line loaded with the entire weight of the
user, has to be considered a work line and is not
meant to arrest a fall. It is mandatory to use a fall
arrest back-up device type A connected to a safety
line. Pay attention that the back-up system is never
loaded on to the work line.
Abseil of one person (fig. 9).
Holding the free end of the rope, gradually pull
on the control handle to adjust the speed. For dif-
ficult abseils, requiring a stronger brake power,
insert the free end of the rope through the snap-
ping catch in order to have a better control over
the heavy weight and gradually pull on the con-
trol handle to adjust the speed. Attention! Always
hold the free end of the rope whilst abseiling. To
stop the descent, let the control handle go: The le-
ver will spontaneously return to "REST" mode. No
further maneuvers are required to up-keep the po-
sition hands free. For avoiding any interfering with
the handle or to work more comfortably, it's pos-
sible to shift the control handle on to "STAND BY"
mode. Attention! Never lose governance over
your abseil, it may result difficult to regain control.
EBS (Extraordinay breaking system).
EBS is security systems that decreases the speed
rather than increase it, when the lever is acciden-
tally pulled downwards. This maneuver has to be
used only in case of emergency and not during
normal employment. Regular use of this safety sys-
tem may lead to a faster wear of the rope.
To resume the descent, firmly hold the free end of
the rope and gradually release the control han-
dle back in to the "REST" position. At this stage
you can re-start descending following the instruc-
tion above.
Warnings.
Always wear a pair of good suitable gloves to pro-
tect your hands when manoeuvring the device and
the rope (we suggest the use of 7X980 gloves em-
ployed to carry out the certification test); Use only
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