GB
Opening and closing the Scaffold Hook
1. Push the locking lever (see Fig. V: "1") towards the hook's spine
2. The gate (see Fig. V: "2") is now unlocked and can be pushed in to open
3. Release gate and locking lever to close
WARNING: This scaffold hook must ALWAYS be used with the gate closed and fully locked! To
check whether the gate is securely locked, try pushing the gate open from the outside; it must not
open without the locking lever being operated first.
Making connections (see Fig. IV & VI)
WARNING: Never apply multiple loads to a single karabiner.
• When using a karabiner to connect to an anchorage, or when connecting components of a fall
arrest system together, ensure that accidental disengagement ('rollout') cannot occur
Note: Rollout is possible when interference between a karabiner and the mating connector causes
the karabiner's gate or keeper to accidentally open and release.
• DO NOT use connectors that will not completely close over the anchor point
• DO NOT make knots in a lanyard
• DO NOT hook a lanyard back on to itself
• DO NOT attach two or more karabiners to each other
• DO NOT attach two or more karabiners into one D-ring
• DO NOT attach karabiners directly to a horizontal lifeline
• DO NOT choke hitch the lanyard
WARNING: ALWAYS follow the manufacturer's instructions supplied with each system
component.
Proper alignment of the Karabiner under load
• The karabiner must be installed so that the loads are applied in the area designed for greatest
strength (see marking on the product and Fig. VII)
• The anchorage or anchorage connector should be seated in the radius of the Karabiner opposite
the gate
• DO NOT apply loads across the Gate (Fig. VI)
• The karabiner must be able to move freely and without interference during use. ANY constraint or
external pressure is DANGEROUS (Fig. VI)
• Be aware that some equipment combinations may reduce the effective strength of the karabiner
(e.g. when connecting to wide straps)
Note: Regularly check connections with other equipment in the system during use, and ensure
various system components are correctly positioned with respect to each other. This may save
your life!
Rescue plan
WARNING: A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be carried out before commencing
with any kind of work at height, or any work that requires the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE) as a control measure.
• The user must have a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement it
• The plan must take into account the equipment and special training necessary to effectively
conduct prompt rescue under all foreseeable conditions
Accessories
• Additional fall arrest equipment, workwear and other personal protection equipment is available
from your Silverline stockist
Maintenance
Note:
All fall arrest equipment must be regularly inspected, cleaned and maintained by a
competent person, in accordance with local laws and regulations. Maintenance must be recorded in
a dedicated service record (see end of this manual).
WARNING: Carry out a visual and tactile inspection of all components, every time the
equipment is used. Carry out a detailed examination if the equipment has not been used for
some time.
Note: A thorough, detailed examination of the equipment must be carried out at regular intervals,
at least once annually, or more frequently depending on use.
WARNING: It is ILLEGAL to carry out any kind of repair or modification to fall arrest equipment.
WARNING: Should any damage be detected, remove the equipment from service immediately.
It must then be rendered unusable and discarded.
8
Inspection procedure
• The following procedure helps detect defects potentially resulting in degradation and/or
weakening of the Karabiner (2) and Scaffold Hook (1):
1. Inspect for missing or altered parts. Refer to the image in 'Product Familiarisation' for
identification. Verify each item is present and has not been tampered with
2. Inspect the entire karabiner or hook for cracks, nicks or breaks in the metal. Inspect every
millimetre
Note: If necessary, clean before inspection, to be able to detect even small hairline cracks.
3. Inspect for deformation, bent or dented parts. Open the gate and inspect the nose of the
karabiner or hook for signs of wear, distortion or damage
4. Inspect the metal surface for any signs of corrosion. Steel karabiners and hooks may show red
dust as evidence of corrosion, aluminium karabiners may develop pitting or scales
5. Inspect for heat damage, which can usually be seen as discoloration or darkening of the metal
surfaces
6. Perform a functional test: The locking mechanism must function easily, and the karabiner or hook
must fully open and close smoothly and easily. When locked, the gate MUST NOT open under
pressure from any direction
• Slowly pass the rope through your hands to detect small defects, abrasions and twist damage.
Feel for softening and hardening of fibres and look for ingress of contaminants
• The following defects potentially result in degradation and/or weakening of the lanyard:
• Cut/broken fibres or nicks
• Kinks, knots (other than those intended by the manufacturer) or hockling (unravelling due
to constant turning of the rope in the same direction, or due to shock loading)
• Brittle, fuzzy or worn fibres, fraying or abrasions
• Overall deterioration or discolouration
• Any kind of modification/attempted repairs
• Hard or shiny spots, fused fibres or strands
• Heat or friction damage indicated by fibres with a glazed appearance which may feel
harder than surrounding fibres
• Burnt, charred or melted fibres or strands
• Change in diameter, compared to the original diameter (see 'Specification')
• Rope marked with paint or a permanent marker
• Loose, missing, deformed or damaged Rope Thimble (5)
• Eye damage (cuts, nicks, fraying, fusing, abrasion etc.)
• Damage to protective covers/sleeves/sheaths
• Splices starting to unravel, or showing signs of damage or deterioration
• Partially deployed energy absorber (e.g. short pull-out of tear webbing)
• Damage to stitching
• Chemical attack potentially resulting in local weakening and softening (often indicated
by flaking of the surface)
• UV-degradation which is difficult to identify, particularly visually, but there may be some
loss of colour (if dyed) and a powdery surface
• Contamination (e.g. with dirt, grit, sand etc.) which may result in internal or external
abrasion
• Damaged, oxidised or deformed fittings (e.g. karabiners, screw link connectors, scaffold
hooks)
• Inspect all other components or subsystem of the fall arrest equipment according to
manufacturer's instructions
• Record inspection date and results in a dedicated service record (see end of this manual)
Note: Refer to 'Service life and product obsolescence' if any damage or other defects are detected
during inspection.
Cleaning
Note: Correct cleaning is essential to ensure integrity of all safety equipment. Follow the cleaning
instructions below without deviation.
• Clean the karabiner and hook by wiping it with a soft, lightly oiled cloth
• If this is not sufficient, use warm water with a mild pH neutral (pH 7) detergent, to clean off any
foreign matter. Dry thoroughly and lubricate moving parts with a suitable spray lubricant
• Clean lanyard in warm water (30 – 60°C) with a mild pH neutral (pH7) household detergent,
taking care that water does not enter underneath the protective sheath of the Energy Absorber
(3). In case of minor soiling, wipe with a cotton cloth or carefully clean using a soft brush
• DO NOT under any circumstances use any abrasive materials, acids, basic detergents or solvents
• Disinfect parts that come into contact with the operator's skin, using a disinfectant suitable for
the material of the equipment (see 'Specification'). Strictly follow the disinfectant manufacturer's
recommendations and procedures
• ALWAYS allow the equipment to dry naturally, and keep it away from open fire or any other
heat source
Note: This also applies to equipment that has become wet during use.