Kong QUICK LINK 07 LONG Manuel D'instructions page 8

CONNECTORS
KONG s.p.a. - Via XXV Aprile, 4 - (zona industriale)
Tel +39 0341630506 - Fax +39 0341641550 - info@kong.it
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
A) Users must read and perfectly understand the information provided by the manufacturer
(hereinafter 'information) before using the device. Warning: this information relates to the
characteristics, services, assembly, disassembly, maintenance, conservation, disinfection,
etc. of the device. Although it does include some suggestions on how to use the device,
it must not be considered a true to life instruction manual the same as an operating and
maintenance handbook for a car does not teach how to drive it and does not replace a driving
school). Warning: climbing rocks and ice, abseiling, via ferrata, speleology, alpine skiing,
canyoning, exploration, rescue work, tree climbing and works at height are all activities with
a high degree of risk, which may lead to accidents and even death. The user takes complete
responsibility for the risks deriving from these activities and from using our device.
This device must be used only by individuals medically fit that have been trained (and
educated) in its use, or under the direct control of instructors/supervisors who can guarantee
their safety.
B) Before and after using the device, the user must perform all the inspections described in
the specific information and, in particular, must make sure that the device is:
- in perfect condition and working well,
- suitable for use: only the techniques that are not crossed out are permitted, any other use
is considered improper and therefore potentially dangerous.
C) If the user has the slightest doubt concerning the efficiency of the device, it must be
replaced immediately, particularly after having used it to stop a fall. Improper use,
deformation, falls, wear, chemical contamination, exposure to temperatures below -30°C or
higher than +50°C for the textile/plastic components/devices, and +100°C for metal devices,
are some examples of other causes that may reduce, limit or end the life of the device. We
strongly suggest using the device personally in order to continuously monitor the degree of
protection and efficiency.
D) This device can be used combined with personal protective equipment that conforms to
Directive 89/686/EEC when compatible with the relevant information from the manufacturer.
E) The anchoring position is essential for safely stopping a fall: carefully assess the free
height under the user (clearance), height of a potential fall, rope paid out, the stretch in any
energy dissipaters or absorbers, the height of the user and the "pendulum" effect in order to
avoid all possible problems (e.g. ground, material rubbing against the rock face, abrasions,
etc..).
F) Minimum resistance of anchoring points, on both natural and artificial elements, must be
at least 12 kN. The assessment of those made on natural elements (rocks, plants, etc.) is
possible only empirically, and must therefore be performed by a competent expert, while
those on artificial elements (metal, concrete, etc.) can be calculated scientifically, and must
therefore be performed by qualified personnel.
G) It is strictly forbidden to modify and/or repair the device.
H) Avoid exposing the device to heat sources or to contact with chemical substances. Reduce
direct exposure to the sunlight to a minimum, particularly for textile and plastic devices.
At low temperatures and in the presence of moisture can form ice that, on textile devices, can
reduce flexibility and increase the risk of cutting and abrasion.
I) Make sure that the device has been supplied complete, in its original packaging and with
the manufacturer's information. It is compulsory for dealers selling products in countries
other than the original destination to check and supply the translation of this information.
L) All our devices are tested/inspected piece by piece in accordance with the procedures
of the Quality System certified according to the UNI EN ISO 9001 standard. Our personal
protective equipment is certified by the accredited authority indicated in the device's specific
instructions and, if they belong to category III, are also subjected to production surveillance -
in compliance with article 11/B of Directive 89/686/CEE - by an authority whose accreditation
number is indicated on the device.
Warning: laboratory tests, inspections, information and norms do not always manage
to reproduce what actually happens in practice, and so performance under real usage
conditions in a natural environment can differ, sometimes even considerably. The
best information can be gained by continual practice under the supervision of skilled,
expert, qualified individuals.
2 – WORKS AT A HEIGHT
Additional information for protective equipment against falls from a height.
For the sake of safety in case of risk of falls from a height, it is essential to:
- assess the risks and make sure that the whole system, where this device is only a
component, is reliable and safe,
- prepare a rescue plan to deal with any emergencies possibly arising while the device is
being used,
- make sure that the anchoring device or the anchoring point is always positioned as high
up as possible, and that work is done in such way as to reduce potential falls and relevant
heights to a minimum,
- make sure that the devices used are suitable for the purpose and are certified.
Important: in a system for protection against falling from heights, it is obligatory to use a
complete harness in compliance with current regulations.
3 – MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Device maintenance consists of:
- Frequent washing in warm drinking water (30°C), possibly with the addition of neutral
detergent. Rinse and, without spinning, leave it to dry without leaving it in the direct
sunlight.
- Lubricate moving parts (only for metal devices) with silicon-based oil. This operation is
to be performed once the device has dried out, being careful to avoid contact with textile
components.
In addition, if necessary:
- disinfect the device, soaking it in warm water containing 1% of sodium hypochlorite
(bleach). Rinse with drinking water and, without spinning, leave it to dry without leaving it
in the direct sunlight. Avoid sterilising textile devices in an autoclave.
Storage: store the devices in a dry (40-90% relative humidity), fresh (temperature 5-30°C)
and dark place, chemically neutral (absolutely avoid salty and/or acid environments), away
from sharp edges, corrosive substances or other possible detrimental conditions.
4 – CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS
We would strongly advise having pre and post use controls carried out by qualified
individuals, as indicated in the instructions for the specific device.
Except in the case of more stringent legal requirements, category III devices must be
inspected annually and the inspections must be performed by a competent person that has
been trained and authorised by the manufacturer. The outcome of these periodic inspections
must be recorded on the device's inspection chart or a designated register.
I - 23804 MONTE MARENZO (LC) - ITALY
5 – DEVICE LIFE
Read point 1C very carefully. The lifespan of metal devices is impossible to determine,
theoretically unlimited, while textile, synthetic and plastic devices can last 10 years from the
date of production (indicated in the serial number) as long as: maintenance and storage are
carried out as described in point 3, the results of pre-use, post-use and periodic inspections
are all positive, and the device is used correctly, not exceeding 1/4 of the indicated load.
Any devices that do not pass the pre-use, post-use and periodic inspections must be
discarded.
6 – LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Professional and recreational activities are often regulated by specific national laws that may
impose specific limits and/or requirements for the use of PPE and the preparation of safety
systems, which included the PPE in their components. The user is obliged to know and apply
these laws, which may in some cases impose obligations different from those contained in
this information.
7 – GUARANTEE
The manufacturer guarantees that the device complies with regulations in force at the
time of production. The guarantee covering faults is limited to production defects and raw
materials. It does not include wear and tear, oxidation, damages caused by improper use
and/or during competition, incorrect maintenance, transport, conservation, storage, etc.
The guarantee becomes void as soon as the device is modified or tampered with. The
validity corresponds to the legal guarantee of the country where the device was sold by
the manufacturer, with effect from the date of sale. After this period no claim can be made
against the manufacturer. Any request for repair or replacement under this warranty must
be accompanied by a proof of purchase. If the defect is accepted, the manufacturer, at
its sole discretion, will repair, replace or refund the device. Under no circumstances
does the manufacturer's liability extend beyond the invoice price of the device.
8 - SPECIFIC INFORMATION
These connectors (fig. 1) are category III Personal Protection Equipment certified according
to one or both of the following norms:
- EN 12275:13, connectors suitable for mountaineering, rock climbing and related activities.
They are part of a safety system that protects climbers against falling from a height.
- EN 362:04, connectors suitable for connecting personal protection equipment elements to
prevent falling from a height, such as: stopping a fall, positioning for work purposes, rope
access, retainers and rescue.
Important: Carefully assess the suitability of the anchor point chosen in relation to the
application for which it is to be used. Especially, always make sure that the connectors
attached to the anchor are free to move and take up a position in the foreseeable direction in
which the load will be applied, with the gates fully closed at all times.
Nomenclature of parts (fig. 1):
- (A) Body,
- (B) Gate,
- (C) Gate locking device:
- (C1) Screw lock (manual locking)
- (C2) Express lock (automatic gate locking)
- (C3) Twistlock / Autoblock lock (automatic gate locking)
- (C4) Safety lock (automatic gate locking).
Position that provides the greatest strength (fig 2). Please Note: connecting using wide
elements reduces the connector's strength (fig. 3) and may compromise releasing
and closing the gate (fig. 4).
Important:
- Before using the connectors for hanging, calculate the actual loads that will be applied
(fig. 5). These loads must never exceed ¼ of the load marked on the connector (SWL 1:4).
- For tasks that require frequent opening and closing of the connector, models with automatic
locking devices should preferably be used (figures 26-27-28 and 29) rather than a manual
device (figures 25 and 30).
- Take the connector's length into consideration, when using it in a system to prevent falling.
- Do not open the gate when the connector is loaded.
Examples of correct use of the connector.
- Using a "Munter hitch" for dynamic belaying of the lower climber (fig. 6).
- When making up quickdraws (fig. 7); "fasteners" (D) limit movement of the webbing (E) on
the connector (F).
Correct use of fasteners: stainless steel (fig. 8), plastic (fig. 9), rubber (fig. 10), stainless
steel bar (fig. 11).
Examples of incorrect, dangerous use of fasteners (fig. 12), Warning: danger of death!
Examples of use of quickdraws.
- Correct insertion of a progression rope into the connector (fig. 13).
- Incorrect, dangerous insertion of a progression rope into the connector (fig. 14). Warning:
a fall could cause the rope to come out accidentally.
- Incorrect insertion of the connector into the anchor (fig. 15).
Important: Always make sure that the quickdraw stays lower than the anchor point (fig. 16).
- Using quickdraws makes it easier for the rope to slide and helps to reduce the fall factor
(fig. 17).
- Never grip the connectors as shown in figure 18 to help you to climb.
Examples of possible accidental opening:
- Dynamic impact against the rock (fig. 19).
- Protrusion from the rock that opens the gate (fig. 20).
- Vibrations caused by the rope sliding during a fall (fig. 21).
Examples of incorrect, dangerous positioning:
- An anchor that is too big does not allow the gate to close (fig. 22).
- Positions that cause lateral and/or sideways forces and/or twisting (fig. 23).
- The descender applies force to the lock (fig.24).
9 - CHECKS BEFORE AND AFTER USE
Check and make sure that:
- The connector is suitable for the intended use.
- The connector is not out of shape and does not show signs of cracks or wear.
- Fabric parts do not show signs of:
- Cuts, wear or damage caused by use, heat, chemical products, cutting edges, etc.
Especially check the parts in contact with the connectors.
- Frayed stitching: Be careful of cut or loose threads.
Also check that:
- The gate opens completely when pushed and closes automatically and completely when
released.
- The gate locking device works as described in figures 25 – 26 – 27 – 28 – 29 and 30.
Before use, on each occasion check that the device holds correctly by putting your weight on
it, in a position that is completely safe.
10 - CERTIFICATION
This device is certified by one of the following accredited bodies:
- no. 0123 - TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH Daimlerstraße 11 - 85748 Garching –
Germany
- no. 2008 – DOLOMITICERT scrl - z.i. Villanova, 7/A – 32013 Longarone BL – Italy
Master text: ITALIAN