6
Descent speed is between 0.5 – 2 m/sec or 1.6 – 6.6 ft/sec.
7
After a single descent, the descender device shall be withdrawn from service, details recorded on the
periodic examination log and referred to Latchways.
8
Should a fall occur and the fall arrest harness be subject to fall arrest loads, it must be withdrawn from
service, details recorded on the periodic examination log and referred to Latchways.
9
The life of the product can be affected by environmental conditions.
10 The PRD is suitable for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by
mixtures of air and gases, vapours or mists or by air/dusts mixtures are likely
to occur, as per BS EN 13463-1:2001 equipment group II, category 2.
5 System requirements
5.1 Risk assessment and rescue planning
The PRD forms part of a fall protection system and as such it is recommended
that before undertaking work at height and at regular intervals during the
period of work, a risk assessment should be carried out. The risk assessment
should cover, but is not limited to, descent height, descent path, suitability of
landing areas.
In addition to the risk assessment ensure a rescue plan is in place to deal with
any emergency that may arise and you are fully aware of the procedure before
attempting to work at height.
The PRD is designed primarily as a self-rescue system and will assist with rescue planning. However, in the
event that the user is unable to initiate self-rescue a secondary release means is provided on the right-hand
shoulder area. This takes the form of a red and black rubberised loop which can be pulled by a rescuer to
activate the descent (See Figure 3). Secondary release by a rescuer should be taken into account in the
risk assessment.
5.2 Unprotected edges
It is good working practice to avoid allowing any parts of a fall arrest system (including the harness and
lanyard) from contacting, or abrading against, unprotected edges.
The risk assessment described in Section 5.1 should identify appropriate precautions to be taken to avoid
contact with unprotected edges or where use over an edge is possible, the risk assessment should identify
appropriate precautions to be taken.
5.3 Connected elements
5.3.1 Anchor
Only use with a CE approved fall protection system that conforms to national standards. The anchor must
be able to sustain a minimum load of 10 kN. Latchways recommends using a certified anchor, refer to
EN 795. If more than one user is attached to the same anchor then the anchor should be capable of
sustaining the loads arising from multiple falls. Before connecting to the anchor, consideration should be
given to the descent path, refer to Section 7.3.
WARNING! It is essential for safety that the anchor device or anchor point
should always be positioned and work carried out, in such a way as to minimise
both the potential for falls and potential fall distance. It is also recommended
that the anchor device/point is positioned above the position of the user.
Personal Rescue Device
User Instruction Manual
11
UK
II 2 G c IIC T3
Figure 3