Responsibilities Of The User - TEUFELBERGER CEclimb Manual De Instrucciones

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE USER

localised or climatic conditions that may demand greater attention from the user. Beware, tree
exudates may create conditions similar to those made by lubricants or adhesives. Contamination
of ropes with tree exudates may lead to rope hardening and reduce friction hitch grab reliability.
Maintain ropes so that their function is reliable. Ideally, ropes should always be dry, clean and
equally flexible along their entire length.
Great care shall be taken to ensure that objects (such as leaves or twigs) are not trapped by the
friction hitch. Friction levels may be lowered, the grab function may fail, resulting in descent. To
minimise this risk, users shall plan their route carefully through trees (and other structures where
debris may be encountered) to avoid this situation.
Check also at all times that objects (including karabiners, rope crossings, twigs etc.) do not
contact the top of the friction hitch and affect or eliminate the reliable grab function. This is most
likely to occur in 'busy' structures and during complex rescue scenarios e.g. pick-off rescues
when it is necessary to displace friction away from the friction hitch. It is vital that user vigilance
is maintained at all times to avoid unanticipated descent. See The Hitch Climber Guide to the Ca-
nopy for informative details of how to lift and lower pick-off loads with a Hitch Climber System:
https://www.teufelberger.com/en/products-services/tree-care.html or www.treemagineers.com.
Use according to ANSI Z133-2017: ANSI Z133-2017 requires arborist climbing lines (i.e. lines
designated to support the climber while aloft in a tree or attached to a crane) to have a minimum
diameter of 1/2 inch (12.7mm) with the following exception: In arboricultural operations not sub-
ject to regulations that supersede ANSI Z133, a line of not less than 7/16 inch (11 mm) diameter
- like the line present in CEclimb 11 - may be used, provided the employer can demonstrate it
does not create a safety hazard for the arborist and the arborist has been instructed in its use.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE USER
It is the responsibility of the user to ensure (for example):
The acquisition of relevant training and competence for the Hitch Climber System prior to
ƒ
first use;
That suitable supervision is in place when and where required;
ƒ
Suitable physical and mental condition to use the system in both normal and emergency
ƒ
situations;
That a relevant and 'live' Risk Assessment is in place for the work to be carried out which
ƒ
includes emergency contingencies;
That the Hitch Climber system is maintained using only components approved by Teufelber-
ƒ
ger Fiber Rope GmbH, and installed in accordance with the manufacturers procedures;
That alterations made to any part of the Hitch Climber System receive prior written consent
ƒ
of Teufelberger Fiber Rope GmbH;
5