Spanset Gotcha Shark Operation manual

SpanSet Ltd, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0HX
Tel: [phone]
www.spanset.co.uk
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
The Gotcha Shark rescue kit is designed for the purpose of performing an assisted snatch rescue and the remote
rescue and lowering of a casualty.
Self-evacuation and rescue descender kit, comprising:
- Self-braking descender (EN 341-2A, EN12841-C)
- 11mm semi-static rope (EN1891A)
- Various PPE connectors (EN362)
- PPE anchor sling (EN795-B)
- Accessory slings (EN566)
This kit is supplied in a robust, roll-top PVC kit bag. The kit inside the bag has been environmentally sealed for ease of
inspection and improved product lifespan.
Self-braking descender approved for vertical descents of 180m with loads of up to 200kg.
SpanSet recommends that all PPE be personal issue and that the user keeps copies of all the documentation supplied.
FOR TECHNICAL DATA AND ROPE RIGGING THIS KIT MUST BE USED IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED. SPECIFIC INFORMATION
RELATED TO THE SAFE, CONTROLLED MANNER OF DESCENT ARE INCLUDED IN THE
INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS.
USER INFORMATION –GOTCHA SHARK RESCUE KIT

SpanSet Ltd, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0HX
Tel: [phone]
www.spanset.co.uk
HOW TO USE YOUR GOTCHA SHARK
This document is not a fully comprehensive instruction manual and does not replace training in rope descent and
rescue techniques, nor does it supersede the individual product instructions supplied. Contact SpanSet for information
regarding approved training courses.
Before each use verify the good working conditions of the device.
Use with a fall arrest harness:
1) Pulling on the engaged side of the rope, the cam must lock the device: in case it doesn’t, check the correct insertion
of the rope.
2) Load progressively your weight on the device, holding the free-end of the rope: The cam must lock on to the rope.
If the cam locks on to the rope, the device is working properly and is ready to use. If the Cam doesn’t lock the device,
check whether the rope has been correctly inserted, if the device still doesn’t lock on to the rope, remove it from
further use immediately.
Use on an anchor point:
1) Remember to pull the free end of the rope through the snapping catch.
2) Pulling on the engaged side of the rope, the cam must lock on to the rope. If the Cam doesn’t lock the device,
check whether the rope has been correctly inserted, if the device still doesn’t lock on to the rope, remove it from
further use immediately.
See the individual self-braking descender user instructions for further details.
GENERAL DESCENDING
Holding the free end of the rope, gradually pull on the control handle to adjust the speed. For difficult abseils, such as
assisted rescue, requiring a stronger brake power, insert the free end of the rope through the snapping catch in order
to have a better control over the heavy weight and gradually pull on the control handle to adjust the speed.
Attention! Always hold the free end of the rope whilst abseiling.
Attention! Always use the snapping catch for controlled descent of more than 100kg weight.
To stop the descent, let the control handle go: The lever will spontaneously return to “REST” mode. No further
manoeuvres are required to up-keep the position hands free. For avoiding any interfering with the handle or to work
more comfortably, it’s possible to shift the control handle on to “STAND BY” mode. Attention! Never lose
governance over your abseil, as it may prove difficult to regain control.
Warnings. Always wear a pair of good suitable gloves to protect your hands when manoeuvring the
device and the rope
There are restrictions for the length or slant of sloped pathways. No special precautions are required when accessing
sloped trails; Any overloading or loading on the device can harm the anchor line; Never use lanyards or extensions of
any mean to connect the device to your harness; During use, the anchor point must always be placed above the waist
level of your harness; The technical performances of the anchor line might vary considerably, due to dirt, moisture,
ice, repeated descents on the same stretch: keep in mind that these variances will influence the behaviour of the rope
inside the device, and consequently, the speed of descent.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR SELF OR ASSISTED RESCUE
INITIAL SETUP
1. Firstly, the SHARK Kit containment bag should be sat on a flat surface or attached to the structure to
prevent accidental loss of the unit.
2. Open the containment bag and remove the black attachment sling.
3. The sling should be attached to an unquestionably reliable anchor point (>EN795, min 12kN).
4. Before this is chosen, care should be taken to ensure that any descent made from this anchorage would be
free of obstructions or other hazards that may impair the descent. Ensure also, that the descent rope will not
run over any surfaces that may potentially cut or abrade the rope and promote failure during the descent. A
protective sleeve is attached to the rope above the device that can be positioned over any rough or abrasive
surfaces or edges. Avoid sharp edges as the protective sleeve can still be cut.
5. Place the sling around the anchor point and connect back into the twist-lock karabiner.
6. Once this has been achieved, the pre-threaded descender will become obvious, as it is attached to the rope
and sited just below the protective sleeve.
7. Connect the karabiner (directly connected to the self-braking descender) to the front attachment point of
the full-body harness.

SpanSet Ltd, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0HX
Tel: [phone]
www.spanset.co.uk
SELF EVACUATION
Read 1 to 7 of INITIAL SETUP
8. The containment bag can then be attached to the side of the full-body harness so that it hangs freely, or
thrown to the base of the descent. USE CAUTION IN WINDY CONDITIONS AND IF PERSONNEL ARE
BELOW.
9. Before leaving a position of safety, a check should be made to ensure that the auto-locking function of the
descender is functional. Applying body weight to the device as per the instructions above.
10. Carefully climb out of the structure, safe area, or platform and apply body weight to the descender.
11. Turn to face the structure.
12. Descend to ground level in a controlled manner as per the self-braking device instructions.
RESCUE OF AN INCAPACITATED CASUALTY (AT ANCHOR LEVEL)
Read 1 to 7 of INITIAL SETUP
8. The containment bag can then be attached to the side of the full-body harness so that it hangs freely, or
thrown to the base of the descent. USE CAUTION IN WINDY CONDITIONS AND IF PERSONNEL ARE
BELOW.
9. In a position of safety, a check should be made to ensure that the auto-locking function of the descender is
functional. Applying body weight to the device as per the instructions above.
10. Connect the remaining short extender to the front attachment point of the full body harness worn by the
casualty.
11. Carefully climb out of the structure, safe area, or platform and apply both body weights to the self-braking
device.
12. Turn to face the structure.
13. Descend to ground level in a controlled manner.
14. Casualty management during the descent is important. Where possible, the rescuer should straddle the
casualty with their legs placed both side of them, and planted firmly on the steelwork. This will make it
possible to ‘walk’ down any vertical surface, pushing away with the legs to ensure that the casualty is
protected from any possible collision with steelwork, etc.
RESCUE ON AN INCAPACITATED CASUALTY (SUSPENDED BELOW RESCUER)
Read 1 to 7 of INITIAL SETUP
8. The containment bag can then be attached to the side of the full-body harness so that it hangs freely, or
thrown to the base of the descent. USE CAUTION IN WINDY CONDITIONS AND IF PERSONNEL ARE
BELOW.
9. Before leaving a position of safety, a check should be made to ensure that the auto-locking function of the
descender is functional. Applying body weight to the device as per the instructions above.
10. Carefully climb out of the structure, safe area, or platform and apply body weight to the descender.
11. Turn to face the structure.
12. Descend in a controlled manner to a position directly level with the suspended casualty.
13. When this position is achieved, the rescuer should connect the remaining purple extender and karabiner
either the front or rear EN361 attachment point of the full body harness worn by the casualty (Fig 1).
ENSURE THE KARABINER IS SECURELY CLOSED AND LOCKED IN PLACE.
14. Having made this safe attachment to the casualty, the rescuer may then cut away the sling/Ianyard/rope, etc.,
from which the casualty is suspended. The weight of the casualty will then be transferred to the self-braking
device.
15. A wire rescue knife is provided within the SHARK Kit for the cutting procedure. The wire of the knife must
be looped once around the item of equipment (e.g. rope or lanyard) suspending the casualty. A back and
forth ‘sawing’ action rapidly cuts through rope or webbing (fig 2). After cutting the knife must be safely
stowed away.
16. Once the casualty is suspended from the rescue unit, descend to ground level in a controlled manner (fig 3).
17. Casualty management during the descent is important. Where possible, the rescuer should straddle the
casualty with their legs placed both side of them, and planted firmly on the steelwork. This will make it
possible to ‘walk’ down any vertical surface, pushing away with the legs to ensure that the casualty is
protected from any possible collision with steelwork, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTICE; SPECIFIC TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL BEFORE USE
This device must only be used by competent persons, or those placed under direct supervision and control of a
competent person. This notice illustrates the only correct way of using this device. All other uses are excluded due to
danger of death. Activities at height are dangerous with inherent risk of injury or death. Gaining adequate training in
appropriate techniques and safe methods is YOUR own responsibility.

SpanSet Ltd, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0HX
Tel: [phone]
www.spanset.co.uk
You personally assume all risks and responsibilities for all damage, injury, or death, which may occur during or
following wrong use of this equipment in any manner. You must ensure that this product is compatible with the other
components of your system.
INSPECTION AND EXAMINATION
Keep these instructions to aid future inspection, and examination.
The equipment must be given a visual and tactile inspection when delivered to site/works, and before every use. Do
not hesitate to write off a product showing wear detrimental to the strength of the device.
Spanset recommends recorded inspection by a competent person authorised by SpanSet every 6 months.
Particular attention should be paid to the following: -
Webbing - Check for cuts, cracks, tears, abrasion* and scorch marks, burns or chemical attack.
Stitching –Look for broken stitch, loose or worn threads.
Metal-ware –Inspect for signs of damage/distortion/corrosion/excessive wear, correct operation of sleeve and
spring, and locking of connectors.
Rope –Examine for any signs of wear/ abrasion, including inter-strand wear, unravelling, extension and
fusion.
All Personal Protective Equipment should be immediately removed from service after being subjected to any shock
load, fall, or if there is any doubt about its condition.
All equipment should be used, stored and transported in the following manner:
To prevent contact with sharp or abrasive objects.
Away from extreme heat.
Away from harmful substances (chemicals, acids, alkalis etc).
Kept in a cool, dry place free from direct sunlight, to avoid the degrading effects of ultra-violet light.
WARNINGS
1. When work positioning your system should be set up to prevent a fall from occurring, by positioning your
anchorage point at or above waist height. Free movement should be restricted to less than 0.6m.
2. Regularly check connectors and harness buckles during use.
3. Be aware of all medical conditions that could affect the safety of the user in normal and emergency use.
4. Persons trained and competent in its safe use shall only use this equipment.
5. A rescue plan should be in place to deal with any emergencies that may arise during work.
6. No alterations, additions or repairs should be made to this equipment without the written consent of SpanSet.
7. The equipment shall not be used outside its limitations, or for any other purpose than that it is intended for.
8. The safe function of one item of equipment may interfere with the safe function of another with certain
combinations of equipment. Always ensure that the instructions for the safe use of other items of PPE are
complied with.
9. If in any doubt about the use or care of SpanSet equipment, please contact SpanSet.
SPANSET TRAINING
Although in itself this is a simple item to use, there are three stages that should be considered as part of the process
as a whole. Training is available for all the stages outlined at the SpanSet training school in Middlewich or subject to
suitability on a site of your choice:
Assessment and planning –Training Module 9 Management of Work at Height
Use –Training Module 1 Height Safety Equipment Appreciation and Inspection followed by an appropriate practical
module.
Inspection and Maintenance –Training Module 1 and Module 7 Competent Person Practical Inspection & Record
Keeping.
All training for work at height is conducted in accordance with BS8454:2006 and is audited as part of our
ISO9001:2008 quality management system.
For additional information on training please visit www.spanset.co.uk or Email: trainin[email protected]

SpanSet Ltd, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0HX
Tel: [phone]
www.spanset.co.uk
Figure 1
Figure 2

SpanSet Ltd, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0HX
Tel: [phone]
www.spanset.co.uk
Figure 3