Falltech Unidrive Manuel D'instructions page 8

In the unloaded condition, when there is no suspended load on the rope, the travel direction lever on
the release head on the back of the rescue device can be operationally shifted and the direction of
travel of the rescue device selected. To descend, the travel direction lever must point towards the long
side of the rescue rope deployed to the landing spot. Direction switching of the travel direction lever
can only be done when there is no load on the device. If there is a suspended load, the load must be
held by operating the handwheel before the travel direction can be switched.
Before initiating the rescue or descent, all slack in the user connected side of the rope shall be
removed to prevent freefall.
The rescue system is now configured for Automatic Descent/Rescue of one or two users
simultaneously. For two-user simultaneous descent, both users must be connected to the rescue rope
carabiner and/or by approved alternate means. Two-user simultaneous descent shall only be used
when descent via shuttle operation is not possible. See Section 5.2.3 for multiple user descent/rescue
via shuttle operation.
If the descending load needs to be stopped, an operator, who is not actively descending, may use the
device handwheel with minimal effort. If the actively descending user needs to control descent speed
or stop, then the loose, unloaded end of the rescue rope may be guided through the open eyebolt
and stretched tight downwards also known as belaying the rope. In this position the operator can
hold the weight with one hand with minimal effort. By slowly guiding the free end of the rescue rope,
the operator can now control the speed of the descent and stop it at any time. Note that this type of
rescue depends on appropriate rope length to control the entire descent length. Do not attempt to
belay the rope unless specifically trained.
5.2.3 Using the Rescue Device, Shuttle Operation - Device to Fixed, Single Point Anchor
For rescues of multiple victims, each victim must have a full body harness. Rescue will be conducted
one person at a time until the rescue operation is complete.
The FallTech UniDrive Rescue Device can operate in both directions, facilitating prompt rescue of
multiple victims via shuttle operation. Follow steps in Section 5.2.2 for the rescue of the first/initial
user. Do not belay the rope for shuttle operation use.
After the first user has descended, they must disconnect from the rescue rope carabiner.
The second user may now attach to the opposite rescue rope carabiner. Remove any slack from the
device to the full body harness attachment point. At not point shall the rescue device be subjected to
freefall or fall arrest.
Switch the travel direction lever so that the second user may now descend.
This process can be repeated until all persons are descended/rescued. Depending on the application
or rescue operation, capacity may be limited by the number of and length of descents. See Table 1B in
Appendix A for complete capacity and performance specifications.
5.3 Rescue/Descent - Device Connected to Rescuer/User
The Rescue Device shall only be used by persons who have been instructed in its safe use and
who have the appropriate knowledge in its use as a self- or assisted rescue device. When lifting or
descending, the rescue rope shall not travel over sharp edges or abrasive surfaces. Protect ropes
against sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, and other hazards that may damage the rope during operation.
Wear protective gloves.
5.3.1 Anchoring the Rescue Device - Device Connected to Rescuer/User
Remove the device from the storage container. Connect the Rescue Device to the sternal or frontal
attachment point on the full body harness via the Device Carabiner. Ensure that there are no knots or
kinks in the Rescue Rope and the device hangs straight and free. Connect the rescue rope carabiner
adjacent to the rescue device to the anchor point. Remove any slack from the device to the full body
harness attachment point. At not point shall the rescue device be subjected to freefall or fall arrest.
5.3.2 Using the Rescue Device - Device Connected to Rescuer/User
Deploy the stored rescue rope down to the intended rescue landing spot. Ensure that there are no
knots or kinks in the Rescue Rope and the device hangs straight and free.
In the unloaded condition, when there is no suspended load on the rope, the travel direction lever on
8