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RP88X series: Issue B - Feb 2018
Ensure full handle rotation is not impeded or compromised.
WARNING: Do not let anything interfere with the correct operation of the descender or its components.
Ensure the handle of the descender and the gate of the connector do not come into contact with any
objects or surfaces which may impede its function or cause cross-loading – see misuse.
With the handle in the PRIMED position:
a. Try to pull the descender down the rope – it should not travel down the rope. If it does, check that the
rope is installed correctly, and that there is no sign of wear.
b. The descender should still travel up the rope.
Gradually put your weight on the descender, and with one hand holding the braking side of rope slowly
pull on the handle to allow the rope to slide through the descender. Ensure the movement can be
controlled and is smooth. If this does not work, check the installation of the rope.
Release the handle and check that the descender stops. If it does not stop do not continue to use the
descender.
[I] Horizontal movement / Traverse: On sloping or horizontal terrain, or with light loads the PANIC
brake activates easily. To enable you to travel smoothly, use the thumb-grip on the cam. NOTE: the
angle at which the device is held can affect the speed of the rope through the device.
[J] Forseeable misuse
[K]Descent(work):To control the descender in descent, your non-braking hand is used to control the
position of the handle, and your brake hand can be used on the braking side of rope, to give you extra
security and ne adjustment of speed control. If you pull the handle too far, whilst descending, the
descender will engage the PANIC function causing the descender to stop.
The PANIC function will be harder to engage if the braking side of rope is held rmly with the brake
hand, which is normal behaviour.
To RESET the descender, from the PANIC position, rotate the handle in the same direction (see Fig D).
This will allow you to continue your descent. Whilst it is not a requirement, if a second karabiner is used
to add friction to the system, you must ensure that it is located away from the main descender
attachment point – see Fig I.
[L] Work positioning: After stopping at your working position, lock the descender on the rope by
moving the handle in the opposite direction to that used for descent – ‘PUSH TO PARK’. Once you reach
the PARK position the handle will not travel any further in that direction (you should hear an audible
‘click’). To continue with your descent after completing your work, whilst holding the braking side of rope,
pull the handle to the PRIMED position and to begin your descent continue to rotate the handle.
[M] Ascending: With the descender in PRIMED position, using a hand ascender (RP220) take up slack
as you stand up. Never allow slack between the hand ascender and descender.
(1)Expertuse(fortrainedoperators,withappropriateknowledgeandexperience)
•It is important to fully understand the information provided in the ‘Expert use’ notice before using the
information provided.
•Mastering/carrying out these techniques requires training
•Consult with a professional before attempting to perform these techniques on your own for your safety.
[N] Rigged for rescue / Anchor: The handle of the descender must be in the PARK position. It must
be backed up using a suitable knot (e.g. Mule) with a suitable length of slack to allow slippage in the event
of overloading the system. In the event of a rescue, remove the knot and begin to lower.
Holding the braking side of rope, move the handle to PRIMED position, rotate the handle gradually to
allow the rope to slide through the descender. Control is aided by varying the grip on the braking side
of rope. To activate the self-braking function, release the handle. When the descender is lightly loaded,
if the PANIC function activates too easily, use the thumb-grip on the cam. Whilst it is not a requirement,
if a second karabiner is used to add friction to the system, you must ensure that it is located away from
the main descender attachment point – see Fig I.
[O] Pick-off rescue: The descender is rated for 240kg which allows for a variety of rescue scenarios.
Additional friction can be added if required, but is not always necessary.
[P] Progress capture/Horizontal lines: The descender can be used to capture the progress of a rope
at an anchor point of a horizontal line. With the handle in PRIMED position, the line can be tensioned,