spLIFE Manufacturers information and user instructions

Norwegian user instructions follow the English ones.

 

 

Manufacturer’s information and user instructions for

spLIFE

according to EN 1891:1998


ENGLISH

This manufacturer’s information only relates to the eye termination spLIFE. Any information on e.g. use, limitations to  use, transport,  storage, cleaning, life span of the rope as such are to be found in the user instructions for the rope.

CAUTION

This product may be utilized only by persons trained in its safe use and having the relevant knowledge, experience and skills, or be under the direct supervision of such persons. Whenever possible, the equipment should be allocated to a single user. It may be used only within the specified limited scope of use and for the defined purpose(s).

Prior to using this product, read this document thoroughly, make sure you understand the instructions for use. Keep all product information readily accessible, together with the records of inspection. In addition, check national safety regulations regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) for local requirements. The product accompanied by this set of instructions is type-examined, CE-marked to state conformity with the European regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and meets the European standard(s) given on the product label. The product does however not comply with any other standards unless explicitly stated. If the system is sold or passed on to another user, the instructions for use must accompany the equipment. If the system is transferred to another country, it is the responsibility of the seller/previous user to ensure that the instructions for use are in the correct language for that country and that the requirements of relevant national standards are met. Anton's Timber is not responsible for any direct, indirect, or incidental consequences/damage occurring during or after the use of the product and resulting from any improper use, especially caused by  incorrect assembly of  the equipment.


EXPLANATION  OF LABEL NOMENCLATURE

The rope is a low stretch kermantel rope according to EN 1891:1998, manufactured and type examined by Teufelberger Fiber Rope GmbH, Vogelweiderstrasse 50, A-4600 Wels.


The inner marking (tracer) therefore relates to the rope and type-examination by Teufelberger Fiber Rope, whereas the outer marking (labels at the rope ends) relates to the spLIFE.

Inner marking (tracer): The inner marking gives rope-related information: name of the rope manufacturer (Teufelberger Fiber Rope), number and edition of the EN, material from which the rope is made, and year of manufacture. Additionally, the rope name may be given.


Outer marking (labels at the rope ends):

Product name

spLIFE:   name of the termination

L: length of rope in [m]

A xxx Type, diameter in mm, (example: A 10.5 = Type A rope, 10.5 mm diameter)

EN 1891A:1998 Standard for low stretch kernmantle ropes

YY/MM:  year/month of manufacture 

Manufacturer 

Ser. no.: unique job (production) number 

Rope ID: yy/mm-followed by a number

CE 0408 The CE mark certifies compliance with the fundamental requirements of regulation (EU) 2016/425. The number identifies the testing institute (e.g., 0408 for TÜV Austria GmbH,  Deutschstrasse 10, A-1230 Vienna, Austria).


    Information that the Instructions for use have to be  read.


Sections of the low stretch kernmantel ropes must be marked at both ends with outer strips stating: Type (A or B), diameter in mm, number of the standard (EN 1891), year of manufacture (at least the last two digits), manufacturer, ser. no.


USE & LIMITATION OF USE

Observe the user instructions of the rope for correct treatment and proper choice of anchors and attachment points.

The rope is delivered by Anton's Timber with the spliced eye termination spLIFE.

This innovative eye termination offers particular advantages:

– The rope remains flexible even near the eye termination.

– The eye termination spLIFE is low profile and hardly exceeds the rope diameter.

The eye termination spLIFE meets the requirements of EN 1891:1998 for rope type A, i.e. it withstands 15 kN for 3 minutes when new.

The breaking strength quoted is for rope, or rope including the eye termination loaded in a longitudinal direction. Therefore, never apply a transverse load to a rope end termination eye (e.g. by applying a load across the eye via two connectors in the same termination eye). Be aware of the loads applied to the rope in the chosen configuration and never overload it. We recommend safety factors of 7 or more.

The end termination eye spLIFE is low profile and hardly exceeds the rope diameter. Caution! The end termination eye spLIFE is not suitable for use as a stopper!


Never use this product if, as a result of your physical and/or mental condition, your safety in normal (or emergency) scenarios might be compromised. Modifications or additions to the eye termination not  acceptable, unless done by  the manufacturer.

Protect the rope and particularly the eye termination against abrasion and cuts. Metal parts must be 

burr-free and must not have rough or sharp edges that may damage the rope or the eye termination. It is essential that the end termination eye and its neighbouring components are compatible.

If you wish to make eye terminations yourself, we recommend the use of figure of eight knots. A sufficiently long rope end (at least 5x rope diameters) must remain behind the knot after the knot has been set with a suitable and sufficient force.


TO BE OBSERVED PRIOR TO USE

Prior to use the rope, and the eye termination in particular, must be subject to a visual and tactile inspection in order to verify its integrity, readiness for use and proper functioning.

If the product is subjected to a fall, its use must be discontinued immediately. If the slightest doubt remains, the product must be retired or quarantined. It may not be used again unless a compentent person, having subjected such product to the suitable and sufficient testing and/or inspections, has approved its further use in writing.

Knots in the rope reduce the breaking strength! Ensure all neighbouring components are compatible. Ensure all components are correctly configured.

It must be ensured that the recommendations for use with other components be complied with: Carabiners need to be compliant with EN 362. Further PPE components must meet the harmonized standards under the regime of regulation (EU) 2016/425. Ensure all neighbouring components are compatible. Ensure all components are correctly configured. Failure to do so increases risk. Risk of serious injury or fatality.

It is the responsibility of the user that a relevant and ‘live’ Risk Assessment is in place for the work to be carried out which includes emergency contingencies. A plan of rescue measures that covers all foreseeable emergencies needs to be in place before this product can be used. Prior to and during use, rescue measures that can be executed safely and effectively must be considered at all times.


TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND CLEANING

Observe the user instructions of the rope for correct transport, storage and cleaning! The following instructions are to be regarded as supplemental.

spLIFE shall not be exposed to heat exceeding 100°C. If you notice reactions such as discolouring or hardening, the product must be withdrawn for safety reasons.

Conditions of storage:

  • Dry and clean

  • At room temperature (15 - 25 °C)

  • Protected from light (UV radiation, welding machines,…)

  • Not in the proximity of chemicals (acids, lyes, liquids, vapours, gases,…) and other aggressive environments

  • Protected against sharp-edged objects

Therefore, store the product dry and ventilated in a moisture-repellent bag that is impervious to light.

For cleaning, use lukewarm water (<40°C) and mild-action detergents. Then, rinse the equipment with water of drinking quality, and dry it prior to putting it into storage. Dry the product in a natural way, not near fires or other heat sources.

For disinfection, use only substances that do not have an impact on the synthetic material and metals used.

If you fail to observe these provisions, you will be putting yourself into danger!


REGULAR CHECKS

Checking the equipment at regular intervals is absolutely necessary: your safety depends on the effectiveness and durability of the equipment! Following each use, the rope and the eye termination in particular should be checked for possible damage.

Check the eye of the termination with special attention: The whipping with lock stitches that prevent the termination from gradually opening must be in place. The eye must not be longer than 25mm (length measured inside the eye).

Systems that have been damaged or affected  by a fall must be withdrawn from use immediately. If

there is the slightest doubt, the product must be withdrawn or inspected by an expert.


When using the equipment in occupational health and safety to EN 365, it must be checked at least every 12 months by a duly qualified person strictly observing the instructions, or else by the manufacturer, and  it must, whenever necessary, be replaced. These inspections must be documented (documentation of equipment; cf. attached Inspection Sheet). Refer to national regulations for inspection intervals.

Such inspections must comprise:

  • Check of general state: age, completeness, discolouration, correct assembly

  • Check of label: Does it exist? Is it legible? Is there  a CE marking? Does it specify the year of manufacture?

  • Check of all individual parts for mechanical damage such as: cuts, cracks, indentations, abrasion, formation of ribs, kinks, crushing.

  • Check of all individual parts for thermal or chemical damage such as: fusing, hardening.

  • Check of metal components for corrosion, deformations.

  • Check of condition and completeness of terminations, stitching (e.g. no abrasion of sewing thread), splices (e.g. no slippage), knots.


Check the eye of the termination with special attention. In the eye, part of the rope core is removed and there is less material to bear the load.

The whipping with lock stitches that prevent the termination from gradually opening must be in place. 

The eye must not be longer than 25mm (length measured inside the eye). If the cover is damaged, the product must be discarded:

  • Protruding fibres / yarns are a sign of abrasion.

  • Cuts provide evidence of rope damage.

  • Deformation and squashing may point to local overloading.

  • Melted or hardened parts are signs of thermal and / or chemical impact.

Again, the following rule applies: If there is the slightest doubt about the suitability of the product to perform its required task, the product must to be retired or quarantined and then subjected to testing by a competent person.

 

MAINTENANCE

Repairs may be carried out only by the manufacturer.


SERVICE LIFE

Its theoretically possible period of use is up 7 years (ropes with spLIFE) / 10 years (ropes without endtermination)

from the time when the product is first removed from the undamaged package (only when

used infrequently (1 week per year) and stored properly (see Chapter “Transport, Storage and Cleaning”)).

The product must be retired no later than after 7 years of use (ropes with spLIFE) / 10 years

(ropes without endtermination). It is assumed that the product will be removed from its package upon

purchase. We recommend keeping the sales receipt. The theoretically possible total lifetime (proper

storage prior to first removal + use) is limited to 10 years from the date of manufacture.

Actual useful life depends solely on the condition of the product which is influenced by various factors

(see below). The lifespan could be as short as first use under extreme conditions, or even less if damaged

(e.g. in transit) prior to first use. Mechanical wear or other influences such as the effects of sunlight

seriously reduce useful life. Bleached or rubbed fibres, discolouring and hardening are a sure sign that

the product should be withdrawn from use. We expressly refrain from making any general statements

about the useful life of the product, since it depends on a variety of factors such as UV light, the type

and frequency of use, treatment, the effects of weathering such as snow, the environment such as salt,

sand, battery acid, and many more factors.

In general, if for whatever reason, no matter how insignificant, the user is not certain that the product

satisfies the requirements, it must be withdrawn from use and inspected by an expert. Any product that

shows signs of wear should be withdrawn.

The product must be replaced without fail after a fall! 


DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

The declaration of conformity can be accessed via https://anton.no/pages/splife-declaration-of-conformity



 

NORWEGIAN

This manufacturer information applies only to the spLIFE end-fitting. All information, e.g. on use, restrictions on use, transport, storage, cleaning and the rope's lifespan, is available in the information from the rope manufacturer.

CAUTION

This product shall only be used by persons who have received training in the safe use of the product and who have the relevant knowledge and skills, or who are under the direct supervision of such persons! The equipment should be made available for the user's personal use. It shall only be used within the established, restricted terms of use and the intended purpose.

You must read and understand these instructions for use before use. Keep them and the inspection sheet together with the product, so you can refer to them later. Also check the national safety regulations and local requirements for PPE. The product supplied with this manufacturer information has been prototype tested and CE marked to confirm compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 for personal protective equipment and meets the requirements of the European standards listed on the product label. However, the product does not meet any other standards except where expressly stated. The manufacturer information shall be attached if the system is sold or passed on to another user. If the system is to be put into use in another country, it is the responsibility of the seller / previous user to ensure that the manufacturer information is presented in that country's language and that the applicable national standards are met. Anton's Timber is not responsible for direct, indirect or incidental consequences/damages arising during or after use of the product and which can be traced back to incorrect use, especially incorrect installation.


EXPLANATION OF MARKING

The rope is manufactured and prototype tested as a static safety rope according to EN 1891:1998 Teufelberger Fiber Rope GmbH, Vogelweiderstrasse 50, A-4600 Wels.

The internal marking (marking tape) therefore applies to the rope, and the certification from Teufelberger Fiber Rope, the external marking (label on the rope end) applies to spLIFE.


Internal marking (marking tape): The internal marking provides information about the rope: The manufacturer's name (Teufelberger Fiber Rope), EN number and edition, the materials the rope is made of and the year of production. If applicable, the name of the rope is also stated.


External marking (labels on the rope end):

Product name

spLIFE:   The name of the end-fitting

L: rope length in [m]

A xxx Type, diameter in mm (example: A 10.5 = rope of type A with 10.5 mm diameter)

EN 1891A:1998 Standard for low-stretch kernmantle rope

YY/MM:  Year/month of production

Manufacturer

Ser. no.: unique order (production) number

Rope ID: yy/mm - followed by a number

CE 0408 CE confirms that the essential requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 are met. The number refers to the notified body (0408 for TÜV Austria GmbH, Deutschstrasse 10, A-1230 Vienna).

     Indicates that the instructions for use must be read.


Sections of low-stretch kernmantle rope must be marked at both ends with external bands containing the following information: type (A or B), diameter in mm, standard number (NS-EN 1891), year of production (min. the last two digits), manufacturer, serial no.


USE AND RESTRICTIONS ON USE

See the information from the rope manufacturer for correct use and selection of the anchor point! Anton's Timber supplies the rope with a spliced spLIFE end-fitting.

This innovative end-fitting offers special advantages:

– The rope is flexible at the end-fitting.

– The spLIFE end-fitting is very narrow and barely exceeds the rope diameter.

The spLIFE end-fitting meets the requirements of NS-EN 1891:1998 for type A rope, i.e. in new condition it withstands 15 kN for three minutes in a straight pull.

The breaking load for the rope / rope with end-fitting applies to tension in the rope's longitudinal direction. A loop at the end must therefore never be loaded transversely (e.g. by loading two carabiners hung in a loop). Check what load affects the rope in the selected configuration, and avoid any overloading. We recommend safety factors ≥7.

The spLIFE end-fitting is very narrow and barely exceeds the rope diameter. CAUTION: The spLIFE end-fitting is therefore not suitable to take over a stopper function!


Do not perform work with this product if your physical or mental condition can lead to your own safety being reduced during normal use or in emergency situations! Alteration or extension of the end-fitting according to NS-EN 1891 is not permitted in any form, and shall only be performed by the manufacturer.

Protect the rope and especially the end-fitting against wear and cuts. Metal parts must not show burrs or sharp edges that can damage the rope or the end-fitting. The compatibility between the end-fitting and the components it is used with is of crucial importance.

For self-made end-fittings, an eight-figure knot is recommended. There must be a sufficiently long rope end (min. five times the rope diameter) behind the knot after the knot is tightened with appropriate and sufficient load.


NOTE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE USE!

Before use, the rope, and especially the end-fitting, shall be visually inspected and subjected to a rope check to ensure that it functions as intended and is complete and ready for use. If the equipment has been loaded after a fall, it must be immediately withdrawn from use. Even in the slightest doubt, the product must no longer be used, or not be used until a competent person has inspected the equipment and approved its use in writing. Knots on the rope reduce the breaking load! Do not use rope with an unknown usage history.

Ensure that the recommendations for use with other components are met: Carabiners must meet the requirements of NS-EN 362. Additional components for fall protection equipment shall meet the requirements of the individual harmonized standards according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Ensure that all components are compatible. Ensure that all components are correctly arranged. Failure to do so increases the risk of serious or fatal injuries.

It is the user's responsibility to ensure that a relevant and current risk assessment is carried out for the work to be performed, and that this also covers emergency situations. Before use, there must be a plan for rescue measures that covers all conceivable emergency situations. Before and during use, it must be clear how the rescue measures can be carried out safely and effectively.


TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND CLEANING

Note the information from the rope manufacturer regarding transport, storage and cleaning! The following information is an addition to this information. The heat load for this yarn must never exceed 100°C. In case of reactions such as discoloration and hard spots, the product must be withdrawn from use for safety reasons.

Storage conditions:

  • dry and clean,

  • at room temperature (15 – 25°C),

  • protected from light (UV rays, welding equipment,...),

  • at a good distance from chemicals (liquids, vapors, gas,...), and other aggressive conditions,

  • protected from objects with sharp edges

An opaque rope bag provides good protection.

Clean the rope by rinsing it with lukewarm water and drying it with a damp cloth. The damp rope must dry before storage. Let it dry naturally, not near fire or other heat sources.

For disinfection, only substances that have no effect on the synthetic materials shall be used.

You endanger your own safety if these requirements are not met!


REGULAR INSPECTION

It is absolutely necessary to inspect the equipment regularly: your safety depends on the equipment working as intended and being durable! After each use, the rope, and especially the spLIFE end-fitting, should be inspected for possible damage. It is absolutely necessary to inspect the equipment regularly: your safety depends on the equipment working as intended and being durable! After each use, the rope, and especially the end-fitting, should be inspected for possible damage. Inspect the eye of the end-fitting extra carefully: The stitching with the safety stitches that prevent a step-by-step opening of the eye is required. The eye must not be longer than 25 mm (measured inside the eye).

Damaged equipment or equipment that has been loaded during a fall shall no longer be used. In the slightest uncertainty, the product shall be withdrawn from use or inspected by a competent person.


In addition, equipment used for work at height according to NS-EN 365 shall be inspected and, if necessary, replaced by a competent person on the basis of the instructions for use or by the manufacturer itself at least once a year. These inspections shall be documented in the equipment documentation, see the attached inspection sheet).


The inspection must cover the following:

  • Inspection of general condition: age, completeness, dirt, correctly assembled.

  • Inspection of the label: Is it present? Is it legible? CE marking? Is the year of construction legible?

  • Inspection of all individual parts for mechanical damage such as: cuts, cracks, grooves, wear, deformation, formation of ribs, tangles, pinch damage.

  • Inspection of all individual parts for thermal or chemical damage such as: melting together, hard spots

  • Inspection of metal parts for rust and deformation.

  • Inspection that the end-fittings, seams and knots are complete.


Inspect the eye of the end-fitting extra carefully.

In the eye, a part of the rope core has been removed, and there is less material that can bear the load. The stitching with the safety stitches that prevent a step-by-step opening of the eye is required. The eye must not be longer than 25 mm (measured inside the eye).

If the sheath is damaged, the product must be withdrawn from use:

  • Threads/yarns sticking out are a sign of wear.

  • A cut means that the rope is damaged.

  • Deformation and pinch damage can be signs of local overloading.

  • Melting together and hard spots are signs of thermal overloading and/or exposure to chemicals.


The following also applies here. In the slightest uncertainty, the product must be withdrawn from use or inspected by a competent person.


MAINTENANCE

Maintenance work shall only be performed by the manufacturer.


LIFESPAN

The theoretically possible service life can be up to 7 years (rope with spLIFE) / 10 years (rope without end connection) from the first time the product is removed from the undamaged packaging (only in case of rare use (1 week per year) and correct storage (see section Transport, storage and cleaning)). The product must be withdrawn from use after 7 years (rope with spLIFE) / 10 years (rope without end connection) of use at the latest. It is assumed that the product is removed from the packaging when the product is purchased. It is recommended to keep the receipt. The theoretically possible total lifespan (correct storage before the product is removed from the packaging for the first time + use) is limited to 10 years from the production date.

The actual lifespan depends exclusively on the condition of the product, which depends on numerous factors (see below). Extreme influences can reduce the lifespan to a single use or even shorter, if the equipment is damaged before the first use (e.g. during transport).

Mechanical wear or other influences such as sunlight reduce the lifespan considerably. Faded or scrubbed fibers, discolorations and hard spots are a sure sign that the product must be withdrawn from use. A general statement about the product's lifespan cannot be expressly given, as this depends on various factors such as (the list is incomplete!) UV light, manner and frequency of use, treatment, weather influence such as snow and surroundings such as salt, sand, battery acid.

Generally, the following applies: If the user for whatever reason, and even if at first

glance it seems completely insignificant, is not certain whether the product meets the safety requirements, it must be withdrawn from use and inspected by a competent person. A product that shows wear should always be sorted out!


After a fall, the product must always be replaced!


DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

The declaration of conformity can be accessed via https://anton.no/pages/splife-samsvaerserklaering

 

EQUIPMENT RECORD - INSPECTION SHEET for Personal Protective Equipment

 

 For each component, subsystem or system a record must be kept!

 

 

Product name:

Product ID:

o

 

Product:1

 

Serial number:

Rope ID:

Year of Manufacture:

Purchase date:

 

Date first put into use:

 

Periodic examination and repair history

 

Date:

Reason for entry:2

Defects noted, repairs carried out etc.:

Name / signature of component person:

Periodic examination next due date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Product: e.g. full body harness

2 Reason for entry; periodic examination or repair