Kong FORZA User manual

FORZA
KONG s.p.a.
Via XXV Aprile, 4 - (zona industriale)
I - 23804 MONTE MARENZO (LC) - ITALY
Tel [phone] - Fax [phone] - [email protected]
ø10 • ø10,5 • ø11
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DESCRIPTION: The Category III Personal Protective Equipment
“FORZA ø10mm”, “FORZA ø10,5mm”, and “FORZA ø11mm”
are:
- low stretch KernMantel ropes (semi-static ropes) designed for use
in rope access, speleology, human rescue and other similar activ-
ities (combined ascent and descent of persons, safety device for
work positioning in rope access, lowering and lifting of persons in
rescue, as a means for ascent, descent and horizontal motion in
speleology);
- part of a system protecting against impact caused by fall from a
height;
- certied according to EN 1891:1998 type A.
CUTTING: Each end of this device is terminated by the manufac-
turer with a special and unique technology: the core and the sheath
are connected into a single compact unit in the last 15 mm of the
rope length.
If the user cuts this device, it must be terminated so as the core and
the sheath to form a single unit (e.g., by melting the ends above an
alcohol burner or cutting the ends with a hot knife). Both ends shall
have no sharp edges, and shall be equipped with external tapes with
the following information:
- number of standard: EN 1891;
- rope diameter in mm, example: 10.5 mm;
- rope type A or B according to EN 1891:1998.
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
A) Users must read and perfectly understand the information pro-
vided by the manufacturer (hereinafter ‘information) before using
the device.
Warning:
- This information relates to the characteristics, services, as-
sembly, disassembly, maintenance, conservation, disinfection,
etc. of the device;
- Although this information include some suggestions on how
to use the device, it must not be considered a true to life in-
struction 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);
- Climbing rocks and ice, abseiling, via ferrata, speleology, al-
pine 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 activi-
ties and from using our device;
- This device must be used only by individuals medically t
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 specic 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 po-
tentially dangerous.
C) If the user has the slightest doubt concerning the efciency of
the device, it must be replaced immediately, particularly after having
used it to stop a fall. Improper use, deformation, falls, wear, chemi-
cal 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 re-
duce, 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 efciency.
D) This equipment can be used in combination with other devices
when they are compatible with the relevant information provided by
the manufacturers.
E) The anchoring position is essential f or 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 ar-
ticial elements, must be at least 12 kN. The assessment of those
made on natural elements (rocks, plants, etc.) is possible only em-
pirically, and must therefore be performed by a competent expert,
while those on articial elements (metal, concrete, etc.) can be cal-
culated scientically, and must therefore be performed by qualied
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 tempera-
tures and in the presence of moisture can form ice that, on textile
devices, can reduce exibility and increase the risk of cutting and
abrasion.
I) Make sure that the device has been supplied complete, in its origi-
nal packaging and with the manufacturer’s information. It is compul-
sory for dealers selling products in countries other than the original
destination to check and supply the translation of this information.
L) Our personal protective equipment is certied by the accredited
authority indicated in the equipment’s specic instructions and are
also subjected to production surveillance - in compliance with annex
V and VIII of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 - by an authority whose
accreditation number is indicated on the equipment.
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, qualied 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 aris-
ing 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 certied.
Important: in a system for protection against falling from heights, it
is obligatory to use a full body 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;
In addition, if necessary to disinfect the device, use a weak 1%
solution of potassium permanganate, or MIRAZYME according its
information provided by its manufacturer. 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.
Store the devices in a dry (50-70% relative humidity), fresh (tem-
perature 15-25°C), and dark place, chemically neutral (absolutely
avoid salty and/or acid environments), away from sharp edges, cor-
rosive substances or other possible detrimental conditions.
While transporting the device use a packaging that will protect from
damage, dirt or contamination by aggressive substances, adopt
storage precautions, avoid exposition to direct sunlight and humidity.
4 – CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS
We strongly advise to carry out checks before and after use, carried
out by qualied individuals, as indicated in the instructions for the
specic equipment. Except in the case of more stringent legal re-
quirements, inspections on category III equipment must be carried
out by a competent person - therefore one trained and authorised by
the manufacturer – every year starting from rst use. The outcome
of these periodic inspections must be recorded on the equipment’s
inspection chart or in a designated register.
5 – DEVICE LIFE
In case of present-time advanced materials (polyamide 6, polyam-
ide 6.6), a considerable adverse change of properties of the product
in a time interval of 5 years can be excluded provided that optimum
storage conditions (point 3) are maintained.
Lifetime of textile, synthetic or plastic devices is theoretically 10
years from the date of rst use (maximum 15 years from the date of
production), under the following conditions:
- the operating procedures comply with point 1C;
- maintenance and storage are carried out as described in point 3;
- the outcomes of pre and post-use checks and routine inspections
are positive;
- the equipment is used correctly, not exceeding 1/10 of the nominal
strength.
Any equipment 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 spe-
cic national laws that may impose specic limits and/or require-
ments 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 regu-
lations 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, con-
servation, storage, etc. The guarantee becomes void as soon as
the device is modied 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
Before the rst use - The correct uncoiling of a new rope will avoid
kinking and hockling, throwing the rope is not recommended. - Open
a new packaged rope as follows:
- Coiled rope, uncoil in reverse direction of coiling..
- Spooled rope, in the same way as the hank and to be uncoiled
from the spool.
Then wash and dry it according to point 3.
Type A and Type B - There are two types of EN 1891 ropes avail-
able:
- Type A ropes shall be preferred to type B ropes for protection of
persons working at height and above free depth, for use in rope
access, speleology, human rescue and other similar activities (com-
bined ascent and descent of persons, safety device for work posi-
tioning in rope access, lowering and raising of persons in rescue, as
a means for ascent, descent and horizontal motion in speleology);
- Type B ropes are sized for a lower performance than type A ropes.
Shrinkage - Shrinkage is a natural property of polyamide bres -
Kernmantel ropes shrink as a result of effects of moisture (steam,
raindrops, ...), external conditions (immersion of the rope in water,
e.g. in canyoning, ...) and way of using the rope (top rope belaying,
...).
The shrinkage of ropes can make up to 10% of the rope length in
extreme cases.
Colour pattern - The colour marker thread identies the calendar
year of manufacture of the device: 2015 green, 2016 blue, 2017
yellow, 2018 black, 2019 red/yellow, 2020 blue/ yellow, 2021 green/
yellow, 2022 black/yellow, 2023 red/blue, 2024 red/green, 2025 red/
black, 2026 green, 2027 blue.
Internal identication marking - There is an identication tape or
marker thread inside the device - It contains the following informa-
tion on the device:
- manufacturer;
- made in accordance with: EN 1891:1998;
- type A or type B;
- material: (PA = PolyAmide);
- year of production.
Compatibility - Check before use that this device is compatible
with the remaining equipment of your system - Do not use devices
that are not intended for this purpose or do not comply with appli-
cable technical standards. Special attention should be paid to the
selection of belaying elements which have to take account of the
rope diameter. Also other European Standards shall be taken into

account, for example:
- EN 341 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height
– Descender devices;
- EN 353-2 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height
– Guided type fall arresters including a exible anchor line;
- EN 365 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height –
General requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic
examination, repair, marking and packaging;
- EN 12841 Personal fall protection equipment - Rope access sys-
tems - Rope adjustment devices.
Important:
- Using this device requires training in techniques of making and
using knots;
- Before using this device, nd a completely safe position and carry
out tests the whole equipment composing the system;
- Always and carefully carry out PRE AND POST USE CONTROLS
(point 9), most damages this device can be subjected to are not
evident to naked eyes;
- In case of climbing activities where risk of falls is frequently im-
minent (mountaineering or speleology), the use of dynamic ropes
meeting the requirements of EN 892 (Dynamic mountaineering
ropes) should be considered;
- This device:
- is not designed for arresting falls, the user shall avoid this
risk;
- must be protected in use against mechanical damages (abra-
sion, cutting, chang, etc).
Warning:
- Every knot reduces this devices strength, use recommended
knots only;
- Do not use this device if it has been mechanically or chemi-
cally damaged;
- UV radiation reduces the strength of materials of which the
rope is made;
- The belaying system must be attached at a reliable anchor
point which is placed above the position of the user;
- Low stretch kernmantel ropes may be used for static belaying
only, and they shall not be used for progressive belaying;
- If a polyamide rope becomes wet or if a wet rope freezes up,
its static and dynamic properties are signicantly reduced;
- Loading by falls or other strong mechanical, physical, climatic
or chemical effects can damage the rope so heavily that it must
be withdrawn from use immediately;
- Avoid leading the rope over sharp edges (both natural and
articial, e.g. progressive belaying with an extremely small di-
ameter of the contact area of the belaying element).
Note:
- Additional important recommendations for ropes are specied in
EN 1891, Annex A;
9 - PRE AND POST USE CONTROLS
Before and after use make sure that the device is in efcient condi-
tion and working properly, particularly check that:
- there are no:
- clusters of fused bres in the rope sheath;
- damaged bres of the rope sheath in one place; hard spots
under the rope sheath indicating the possibility of local dam-
ages to the core or local changes in rope diameter (bulges,
narrow portions, etc.);
- does not show any signs of tear, burns, chemical residues, exces-
sive uff, wear;
- markings, labels included, are still readable.
Conformity to the Regulation (EU) 2016/425
1019
Notied body for production inspection:
N°1019, VVUÚ, a.s., Pikartska 1337/7, 71607
Ostrava-Radvanice, Repubblica Ceca.
Conformity to the relevant UIAA standard
Read and always follow the information
supplied by the manufacturer
EN 1891:1998
This device conforms to EN 1891:1998, the
European standard for Low Stretch Kenmantel
Ropes
ø10
ø10,5
ø11
Diameter of the device in milimeters
LLLm Length of the rope in meters
Type A according to EN 1891:1998 (Low
Stretch Kernmantel Ropes)
Type B according to EN 1891:1998 (Low
Stretch Kernmantel Ropes)
Month/Year of production
MM/YYYY
A
B
MARKING

KONG FORZA Elongation Shrinking Sheath slippage Mass
Linear density Sheath Core
D (mm) E (%) R (%) Ss (mm) M (g/m) Sp (%) C (%) Ø10 4,1 2 0,1 69 38 62 Ø10,5 3,4 1,9 0 72 35 65 Ø11 3,7 1,9 0,3 80 39 61
Conformity to Regulation (EU)2016/425 Conformity to UIAA 107 Standard - Low Stretch Ropes Type A static rope per EN 1891:1998 Low Stretch Kernmantel Ropes Type B static rope per EN 1891:1998 Low Stretch Kernmantel Ropes COMPACT – COMPACT TERMINATION A unique technology of terminating ropes. The core and the sheath are connected into a single compact unit in the last 15mm of the rope length. SBS – SIMPLE BRAIDING SYSTEM The simple braiding system (SBS) is a system where every strand is woven into the sheath independently. This sheath construction increases the abrasion resistan- ce of the rope and improves its mechanical properties – its exibility. PROTECT SHIELD Special impregnation in form of very small particles is applied to the rope sheath and very effectively prevents penetration of water, dust and other particles into the rope sheath in which way the water repellency and the abrasion resistance of ropes are increased. COMPLETE SHIELD The maximum level of protection of ropes with high water repellency and abrasion resistance.
ROPE CHARATERISTICS
PICTOGRAMS
AB
If all general instructions for safe use of static ropes are observed, the following tentative lifetime could be used as reference.
Lifetime Use Indicators
Less than 1 year Intensive use – Every day
High intensity of use, mechanical loading (suspension), but without fall arrest.
heavy wear vitrication
contamination
uffyness
1 - 3 years Intensive use – Every day
Normal intensity of use, without considerable mechanical loading or fall arrest.
obvious wear
heavy contamination
obvious uffyness
3 - 5 years
Very frequent use - Several times a week
Low intensity of use, without considerable mechanical loading or fall arrest.
heavy wear
slight contamination
recognizable uffyness
Very frequent use - Several times a week
High intensity of use, mechanical loading (suspension), but without fall arrest.
signs of wear
slight vitrication
obvious uffyness
5 - 8 years
Frequent use - Several times a month
Low intensity of use, without considerable mechanical loading
(suspension, occasional lowering or rappelling) or fall arrest.
no signs of heavy wear
slight contamination
hardly recognizable uffyness
Occasional use - Several times a year
High intensity of use, mechanical loading
(suspension, occasional lowering or rappelling), without fall arrest.
slight wear
contamination
negligible uffyness
8 - 10 years
Occasional use - Several times a year
Intensity which is not worth mentioning, without considerable mechanical loading or fall arrest,
without recognizable wear or contamination.
no signs
LIFEFIME