ActSafe PMX Operating instructions

Introduction A
Product safety
& system description B
Rope C
General safety guidelines
and lifting systems D
Starting/operating
the Engine E
How to use the Ascender F
Service & maintenance G
Warranty terms H
Technical data I
PMX
Rev 1-2016 ENG MASTER

DISCLAIMER
Failure to read and follow
the instructions within
this manual may result
in re, damage to property,
personal injury or death.
WARNING
Training and experience are required to lower the risk
of serious bodily injury or death.
This user’s manual provides general information about safe
operation and risks associated with the use of the ActSafe PMX
Power Ascender. It also gives details of maintenance procedures.
Never use the equipment unless you have read and understood
this manual and completed ActSafe approved training in the
use of the Power Ascender System. ActSafe Systems AB, our
partners and subsidiaries, disclaim any liability for damages,
injuries or death resulting from the use of the equipment which
is not in compliance with this manual.
This manual may be updated without notice.
For more information about updates and safety warnings,
visit www.actsafe.se

INTRODUCTION
A
About ActSafe A.01
About this manual A.02
Denitions A.03
FOREWORD
Thank you for choosing the ActSafe PMX
Ascender from ActSafe Systems.
This Ascender has been designed as
an ultra-portable and versatile lifting tool
for lifting people or equipment in a safe
and effective way. It revolutionises working
in a vertical environment.

A.01 ABOUT ACTSAFE
A
ActSafe is a pioneer in developing powered
rope ascenders and has been delivering
high-performance equipment since 1997.
ActSafe has a worldwide distribution
network of dedicated experts selling our
innovative products to a wide variety of
users. Our Power Ascenders have been
successfully used for installing reworks at
the top of the Eiffel Tower, hostage rescue
from pirates at sea and providing essential
logistical support in offshore wind turbines.
ActSafe products are redening the
possibilities for work in vertical environments.
We are completely committed to our
customers and do our utmost to deliver
top quality products and service.

A.02 ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual gives detailed information on
features and safety. However, this manual
cannot replace the need for training and
experience. The Ascender must only be
used by operators who have undergone
the ActSafe-approved training.
Safety messages of extra importance
are highlighted throughout this manual
using the signals ‘danger’, ‘caution’,
‘recommendation’ and ‘note’:
DANGER
CAUTION
RECOMMENDATION
Note
Not following instructions or training
methods may result in SERIOUS BODILY
INJURY or DEATH.
Not following instructions or training
methods may result in BODILY INJURY,
or DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
Instructions and tips on how best
to use the Ascender.
Important information on the use of the
equipment used with the Ascender.
i

A.03 DEFINITIONS Active/loaded rope
Loaded end of the work-positioning rope
system.
Anchor
Attachment point for rope or Ascender.
Ascending
Moving up the rope.
Backup system
A rope system which captures the load in case
of primary rope failure. Approved according to
backup system requirements.
Competent Person
Operator with adequate training, experience
and certication.
Descending
Moving down the rope.
Passive/dead rope
Unloaded end of the work-positioning
rope system.
Primary rope
Work rope system used with Ascender.
Rope must be 11 mm and approved according
to EN1891 A or be an ActSafe Equipment
Lifting Rope depending on the application.
User/operator
Operator of the Ascender.
Safety Factor
The Safety Factor of equipment is the ratio
between the breaking strength and the Safe
Working Load (SWL).
Secondary rope
See ‘Backup sytem’.
SWL
Safe Working Load. The maximum load
(as certied by a competent person) that an
item of lifting equipment may raise, lower or
suspend under particular service conditions.
WLL
Working Load Limit. The maximum load
that an item of lifting equipment is designed
to raise, lower or suspend.

PRODUCT SAFETY
& SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
B
Product safety B.01
Usage exclusions B.02
System description B.03
Rope mechanism B.04

B.01 PRODUCT SAFETY
ActSafe Ascender operators must, before rst use, have undergone
training in the safe use of the Ascender by either ActSafe Systems AB
or by an ActSafe-approved training partner or ActSafe distributor.
The ActSafe Ascender must be checked before and after every use
by a Competent Person and must undergo a minimum of one inspection
per year by ActSafe Systems AB or an ActSafe-authorised person.
More frequent inspections may be required by your national regulations.
B

»For any purpose other than that
for which it has been designed
»In an explosive environment
»Ifmodiedinanywaybyanyone
other than ActSafe Systems
»After a free fall from a height of
more than 0.5 m or against any
hard surface
»The Ascender system should not
be exposed to high impact forces
caused by people or loads falling
into the system
»If subjected to misuse in any way
so that parts or components could
have been damaged
»If the operator is unsure of how
to use the Ascender safely
B.02 THE ASCENDER MUST NOT BE USED:

BB.03 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Oil Tank Cap/Level Meter
Protective Cage
Fuel Tank
Main Switch
Sling
Accelerator Handle/Throttle
Spark Plug (hidden)
Carying Handle
Descent Lever
Rope Grab Cover
Ascender Positioning Point
Rope Cover Lock
Friction Brake
CAUTION
Do NOT use the carrying handle or
the engine protection frame as rigging
points, this part is only designed to lift
the weight of the PMX Ascender!
Engine Cover

Machine Rating label
The Ascender is
supplied with a
machine rating label
attached to the
housing. This label
must not be removed!
The PMX Ascender is
approved under the
Machinery Directive
2006/42/EC and is
designed for lifting
both people and
equipment with a safe
working load of 250 kg.
Priming Bulb (hidden)
Choke Lever
Starter Grip
Fuel Cap
Fuel Tank
Air Filter CoverAir Filter Mufer (Insider cover)
Machine Rating Label

The Ascender Positioning Point should
preferably be used for positioning the
Ascender but in some cases can be
used for rigging setups (expert use only).
B.04 ROPE MECHANISM
Rope Grab
Rope Guide
Rope Wedge
Friction Brake
Rope Cover

ROPE
C
Rope type
and preparation C.01

CC.01 ROPE TYPE
AND PREPARATION
Rope recommendations
Rope recommendations for the
PMX Ascender depend on the
type of application, whether
personnel or equipment lifting.
Equipment lifting
The ActSafe Equipment Lifting
Rope (ELR) is the only approved
rope to be used in the equipment
lifting system and can be ordered at
ActSafe or via your ActSafe distributor.
Personnel lifting
EN1891 A 11 mm low stretch
kernmantle rope of a solid construction.
Soft ropes have the tendency to
deform under load and should be
avoided because of poor grip and
the risk of getting jammed in the
rope grab system.
Ask your local ActSafe distributor
for rope recommendations and also
perform a suitability test before rst
use. Load the intended rope in the
Ascender and lift 200 kg. There
should be no slipping of the rope.
Pre-Soaking
It is recommended that only pre-
soaked ropes are used with ActSafe
Ascenders. New ropes should be put
in cold water (<40°C) for 24 hours
and dried slowly afterwards.
This will make ropes more suitable
for use in ActSafe Ascenders for
two reasons:
1. Rope density
Pre-soaking makes ropes denser.
The bres will absorb the water
and will shrink when drying.
The correct choice of rope
type depends on whether
the Ascender is being used
to lift or lower equipment
or personnel.
Check with your ActSafe
supplier to determine
which rope is the most
suitable to use.

The result is that all bres become
more densely aligned and the
sheath sits tighter around the core
of the rope. This will make the rope
more solid and will consequently
result in less mantle slippage and
deformation and thereby lead
to better grip in the Ascender.
2. Oil dissolution
During the production process
some oil is added to the rope bres
in order to reduce the friction
between the individual bres. When
soaking the rope in cold water some
surface oil in the sheath of the rope
will dissolve. This will contribute
further to a better grip. Do not soak
ropes in warm water, this will lead
to greater dissolution of oil, which
will have a negative impact on
the rope properties.
RECOMMENDATION
A new rope will get an increased service life if it is soaked in cold
water before the rst use.
Avoid getting sand or dirt onto/into the ropes since it will wear the
rope grab and rope guide. Use a rope mat, rope bag or similar.
i
CAUTION
Always make sure that the rope is in good condition.

GENERAL SAFETY
GUIDELINES AND
LIFTING SYSTEMS
D
General safety guidelines D.01
Personnel lifting D.02
Personnel safety checklist D.03
Personnel lifting setup D.04
Equipment, materials
and tool lifting D.05
Basic lifting safety rules D.06
Equipment lifting setup D.07
ActSafe Training Network D.08

DD.01 GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
»Operate the Ascender according
to the advice contained within this
user manual and pre-planned work
instructions (lift plan, access plan)
»Only trained and competent
operators should operate
the PMX Ascender and its
ancillary equipment
»Plan and evaluate your work
carefully. A rescue plan should
be in place
»Plan for appropriate supervision
of work
» Perform a toolbox talk/safety brieng
before starting the work
»Use only approved and inspected
equipment. This goes for the
Ascender, PPE and/or lifting
equipment
»Inspection of equipment must be
carried out in accordance with local
regulations. The Ascender should
undergo a documented inspection
at least once every year
»Pre-use check of the Ascender should
be carried out in accordance with the
inspection guidance provided
»Use PPE (Personnel Protective
Equipment) such as helmet,
gloves and protective eye wear
when required
»Keep your hands, hair and clothing
away from moving parts
»Do not hold the loaded rope when
ascending as there is a risk of
pinching
»Keep a constant eye on the rope
guide to ensure that the rope is
running smoothly through the
rope mechansim
The PMX Ascender
is designed for both
personnel and equipment
lifting. These applications
have different system
requirements that are
described in the
following pages.
DANGER
DO NOT USE the Ascender
if you are tired, ill, using
prescription medication that
prevents you from using
machinery, or under the
inuenceofalcoholordrugs.