TEUFELBERGER CEclimb User manual

CECLIMB
HITCH CLIMBER SYSTEM COUNCIL DIRECTIVE

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Generic work at height warning 3
Generic work positioning cautions 4
Equipment description, its intended purpose, applications and limitations 5
Responsibilities of the user 7
Nomenclature - configured system and component compatibility 9
CEclimb product markings 11
System capabilities 12
How to install the system 14
Operating formats 17
Operating, transportation, maintenance and storage parameters 20
Lifespan, obsolescence and component inspection 21
Replacement of friction hitch cord (Valdôtain 4+4) and system assembly 27
System inspection record sheet 29
Declaration of conformity (from manufacturer) 30
Notes 31
CONTENT
WARNING
Use of the products can be dangerous. Our products are to be used only for their intended pur-
pose. The customer must ensure that the user is familiar with the proper application and the ne-
cessary safety procedures. Be aware that every product can cause harm if it is used improperly
or overstressed. Subject to technical changes as well as written and print errors.

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Work at height is a high risk activity. It is your responsibility to manage those risks.
Before using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) components you must:
Inspect each component for defects;
Read and understand all relevant User Instructions;
Understand the scope of application of each component and any limitations;
Recognise, register and manage the risks involved;
Gain instruction from competent personnel where appropriate; and
Accept that there can be no claim for damages, injury or death resulting from misuse of
equipment.
CAUTION
Failure to manage risks may result in serious injury or death.
Any questions should be sent to: [e-mail]
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GENERIC WORK AT HEIGHT WARNING
GENERIC WORK ATHEIGHT WARNING

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GENERIC WORK POSITIONINGCAUTIONS
This equipment is designed for use as part of a Work Positioning system;
Work Positioning may only be adopted when a thorough Risk Assessment has demons-
trated that the work can be performed safely and the use of other, potentially safer work
equipment is not reasonably practicable;
The user must be securely attached to at least one anchor point at all times;
Each anchor point, and the means of attachment to it, shall be of suitable and sufficient
strength and stability for the purposes of supporting any foreseeable loading including tho-
se in an emergency contingency;
The system must be installed and used in such a way as to prevent unplanned or uncon-
trolled movement of the user;
The potential for a fall shall be minimised at all times;
Where potential for a fall is anticipated, Fall Arrest systems shall be adopted;
Work Positioning systems normally attach to the Ventral point on a Sit Harness. On some
Work Positioning harnesses, the ventral point is considered to be rolling/sliding hardware
on a textile ‘bridge’. Consult the user instructions of the sit harness in question for details.
A Work Positioning system shall only be used if:
The system includes a suitable backup system for preventing or arresting a fall (and
the user is connected to it). A second structural anchor point is required especially
during cutting operations; or
Where it is not reasonably practicable to comply with a), all practicable measures are
taken to ensure that the work positioning system does not fail.
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a.
b.
GENERIC WORK POSITIONING CAUTIONS

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The Hitch Climber System is a designed collection of PPE components forming a doubled (run-
ning) rope Work Positioning system. These components have been independently certified indi-
vidually and together as defined systems. System configuration and the neighbour component
compatibility have therefore been verified. When used correctly, and in combination with other
appropriate work at height tools, the Hitch Climber System facilitates safe, precise and efficient
work positioning, thereby aiding the performance of a task.
The Hitch Climber System was developed for work at height in complex structures where the
transition from ascent to descent occurs relatively frequently (e.g. within trees). Users must be
fully conversant with the structures upon which they work and any constraints imposed by those
structures. Hitch Climber Systems allow ascent and descent without the requirement to reconfi-
gure components.
Work at height systems where the rope moves (running rope systems), demand special conside-
ration to rope damage e.g. abrasive and/or sharp edges. Care should be taken to ensure that the
running rope (or any other part of the system) is routed away from surfaces that may damage the
rope (or any other component), or that suitable and sufficient protection is appropriately placed
to ensure the rope and other components are protected.
Whenever possible, this system shall be personal issue. Any relevant documentation, especially
user instructions for each PPE component, shall be issued to the user, read and fully under-
stood before its first use and remain convenient to access. Do not discard instructions. Keep
instructions for future reference. If the system is sold or passed on to another user, the User
Instructions must accompany the equipment. If the system is transferred to another country, it
is the responsibility of the seller/previous user to ensure that User Instructions are in the correct
language for that country.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION, ITS INTENDED PURPOSE, APPLICATION AND LIMITATIONS.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION, ITS INTENDEDPURPOSE, APPLICATION AND LIMITATIONS.

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In adverse environments, the function of Hitch Climber Systems may be affected. For example,
greater care may be needed to ensure that the friction hitch grabs reliably and that autolock
karabiner gates close and lock. Ice, mud, rain, cold, snow and tree exudates are examples of
localised or climatic conditions that may demand greater attention from the user. Beware, tree
exudates may create conditions similar to those made by lubricants or adhesives. Contamination
of ropes with tree exudates may lead to rope hardening and reduce friction hitch grab reliability.
Maintain ropes so that their function is reliable. Ideally, ropes should always be dry, clean and
equally flexible along their entire length.
Great care shall be taken to ensure that objects (such as leaves or twigs) are not trapped by the
friction hitch. Friction levels may be lowered, the grab function may fail, resulting in descent. To
minimise this risk, users shall plan their route carefully through trees (and other structures where
debris may be encountered) to avoid this situation.
Check also at all times that objects (including karabiners, rope crossings, twigs etc.) do not
contact the top of the friction hitch and affect or eliminate the reliable grab function. This is most
likely to occur in ‘busy’ structures and during complex rescue scenarios e.g. pick-off rescues
when it is necessary to displace friction away from the friction hitch. It is vital that user vigilance
is maintained at all times to avoid unanticipated descent. See The Hitch Climber Guide to the Ca-
nopy for informative details of how to lift and lower pick-off loads with a Hitch Climber System:
www.teufelberger.com/en/products/treecare or www.treemagineers.com.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION, ITS INTENDEDPURPOSE, APPLICATION AND LIMITATIONS

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It is the responsibility of the user to ensure (for example):
The acquisition of relevant training and competence for the Hitch Climber System prior to
first use;
That suitable supervision is in place when and where required;
Suitable physical and mental condition to use the system in both normal and emergency
situations;
That a relevant and ‘live’ Risk Assessment is in place for the work to be carried out which
includes emergency contingencies;
That the Hitch Climber system is maintained using only components approved by TEUFEL-
BERGER Ges.m.b.H., and installed in accordance with the manufacturers procedures;
That alterations made to any part of the Hitch Climber System receive prior written consent
of TEUFELBERGER Ges.m.b.H.;
That the requirements of any relevant national work at height legislation are observed.
Where there appears to be a conflict between legislation and these instructions for use, the
user shall postpone the use of the Hitch Climber System until resolution has been achieved;
That when in service or storage, the system is in a safe and functional condition and pro-
tected from damage;
That the system is only used for the purposes for which it was intended and within an ap-
propriate environment;
That components or the entire system are immediately withdrawn from service, placed in
quarantine and labelled in an obvious manner so that they can not be used by mistake if 1)
there is any doubt about its condition or 2) it has been used to arrest a fall. Components
may only be returned to service following the written authorisation of a Competent Person;
That anchor points are directly above the work position whenever possible;
That the potential for a pendulum swing has been minimised;
That each anchor point system meets the requirements of EN795(B);
That an inspection regime is in place to detect component defects, abrasion and damage
prior to any safety issues arising e.g. pre-use checks, weekly inspections, thorough exami-
nations (see national legislation) and examination after exceptional circumstances;
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE USER
RESPONSIBILITIESOFTHE USER

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That potential for the conduction of electricity through the system or structure is minimised
prior to, and during, any work activity;
That trailing work equipment, such as rope or lanyards, does not cause a hazard e.g. by
becoming entangled in other work equipment or restricting egress;
That climatic stress (e.g. extreme hot, cold or humidity) does not lead to impairment of
judgement, increase in risk levels and/or injury;
The use of appropriate PPE for the task which (as a minimum) ensures compliance with
local legislation e.g. head, ear, foot and eye protection;
That all safety warnings have been understood and acted upon;
That the climbing line is long enough for safe egress;
That there is a stopper of sufficient size and strength in the end of the rope to stop the
friction hitch running off the end of the rope.
That vigilance is maintained at all times.
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RESPONSIBILITIESOFTHE USER

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System Components:
NOMENCLATURE – CONFIGURED SYSTEM AND COMPONENT COMPATIBILITY
NOMENCLATURE –CONFIGURED SYSTEM ANDCOMPONENT COMPATIBILITY
FUNCTION COMPONENT
DESCRIPTION
CERTIFICA-
TION
IMAGE PART NUMBER
Climbing line Braided Safety
Blue ™ Ø 13 mm
rope with eye
splice and stop-
per knot(s)
EN 1891
A: 1998 including
splice
91180: 35 m
91181: 45 m
91182: 60 m
Climbing line Tachyon ™
Ø 11.5 mm rope
with eye splice
and stopper
knot(s)
EN 1891
A: 1998 including
splice
91170: 35 m
91171: 45 m
91172: 60 m
Friction hitch Ocean Polyester
friction hitch cord
Ø 8 mm eye-to-
eye
sling 85 cm
EN 795 B: 1996 7350808
Friction hitch Ocean Polyester
friction hitch cord
Ø 10 mm eye-
to-eye
sling 90 cm
EN 566: 2006 7351012
Hitch climber
pulley
Hitch climber
pulley
EN 795 B: 1996
EN 12278: 1998
NFPA 1983:2006
Class L
85303

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NOMENCLATURE –CONFIGURED SYSTEM ANDCOMPONENT COMPATIBILITY
FUNCTION COMPONENT
DESCRIPTION
CERTIFICA-
TION
IMAGE PART NUMBER
Upper and lower
karabiner
Ultra O Locksafe
karabiner
EN 12275: 1998
EN 362: 2004
85302
Constriction
band
Constriction
band
Not applicable 85799
Note that in CEclimb only the components specified in
the table above may be used and that compatibility has
only been tested for these combinations.
Braided Safety Blue™ Ø 13 mm must always be used
with Ocean Polyester Ø 10 mm eye to eye sling 90 cm,
Tachyon™ Ø 11.5 mm rope must always be used with
Ocean Polyester Ø 8 mm eye to eye sling 85 cm.
The components are available as spare parts and may
be ordered from TEUFELBERGER Ges.m.b.H.,
Vogelweiderstrasse 50, 4600 Wels, Austria;
T [phone].
For correct assembling consult chapter “Replacement of
Friction Hitch Cord (Valdôtain 4+4) and System Assem-
bly”.

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CECLIMB PRODUCT MARKINGS
CECLIMB PRODUCT MARKINGS
TEUFELBERGER Ges.m.b.H.
Vogelweiderstraße 50
4600 Wels, Austria
www.teufelberger.com
CE0408 Notified Body
TÜV Austria
Krugerstraße 16
1015 Vienna, Austria
Model Hitch Climber System
Art. no: TEUFELBERGER article number
Name CEclimb xx/yy - xx: diameter of climbing line in [mm] / yy: length of
climbing line in [m]
Control no: Coded batch number
Council directive
89/686/EEC
Council Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 1989 on the ap-
proximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal
protective equipment.
max. 140 kg Maximum net load when during work positioning; rescue opera-
tions are possible but not recommended. Load was tested up to
285 kg.
Requirement to read user instructions.
For product markings of each PPE component of the system consult the respective user instruc-
tions.

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SYSTEM CAPABILITIES
Static Strength of Configured System (Doubled Rope)
Withstand a static request of 23 kN for three
minutes. Anchor bollard Ø 25 mm. Karabiner con-
nection to Ø 12 mm. This test meets or exceeds
the static strength requirements of many Europe-
an and US industrial standards.
Braided Safety Blue™
CE0408
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Tachyon™
CE0408

Dynamic Strength of Configured System (Doubled Rope)
 Withstand a dynamic request comprising a
2500 mm drop with 100 kg via a Ø 12 mm
2000 mm three strand polyamide lanyard with a
75 mm spliced eye at each end. This test follows
the philosophy of parts of EN795.
Braided Safety Blue™
CE0408
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Tachyon™
CE0408

 Withstand a dynamic request comprising a
600 mm drop with 285 kg via a Ø 12 mm
2000 mm three strand polyamide lanyard with a
75 mm spliced eye at each end. This test follows
the philosophy of parts of EN341.
Braided Safety Blue™
CE0408
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Tachyon™
CE0408

Grab Function of Configured System (Single Rope)
 Hold 4 kN five times in succession using a
test speed of 100 mm/min. Move the rope clamp
to a new section of rope between each applica-
tion of force. No part of the system shall show any
signs of permanent deformation that would affect
its function, and the anchor line shall not show any
signs of tearing or breaking. Maximum slippage of
25 mm per test. This test follows the philosophy
of parts of EN567.
Braided Safety Blue™
CE0408
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Tachyon™
CE0408
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SYSTEM CAPABILITIES
Hitch Climber Systems have been certified by TÜV Austria to perform to the following criteria
when new:

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SYSTEM CAPABILITIES
Grab Function of Configured System (Single Rope)
 Hold 4 kN for 3 minutes. No part of the
system shall show any signs of permanent de-
formation that would affect its function, and the
anchor line shall not show any signs of tearing or
breaking. Maximum slippage of 25 mm. This test
follows the philosophy of parts of EN12841.
Braided Safety Blue™
CE0408
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Tachyon™
CE0408
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Residual Strength
After all tests marked , the system must retain a
residual strength of 15k N for 3 minutes.
Braided Safety Blue™
CE0408
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Tachyon™
CE0408
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Anchor and structure strength
Select an anchor point of sufficient strength for the
planned works. Consideration should be given to peak
forces generated during work positioning, potential fall
scenarios and rescue contingencies. Consider the capabi-
lities of the whole structure being climbed including its to-
lerance to the horizontal component of forces. In all cases
the structure and anchor point shall meet the strength
requirements of EN795(B). Climbers and site supervisors
shall be competent in assessing climbing structures prior
to, and during, climbing operations.
Anchor location
Anchor points shall be located to minimise the chance of unwanted movement and pendulum
swings. Whenever possible place the anchor point directly above the site of work.
Protect the tree and PPE
Consider the use of tools at the anchor point that minimise damage to the tree and PPE e.g.
TEUFELBERGER multiSAVER.
Rope Installation
Users shall follow the approved installation sequence for
each type of anchor device employed. For TEUFELBERGER
multiSAVER, pass the rope sling over the selected anchor
branch or stem so that its ends lie to each side of, and be-
low, the anchor. Pass the eye of the climbing line through
the small ring before the large ring.
For natural anchors, pass the eye around the anchor point.
Consider protecting the rope by a covering sleeve. Be
aware that direct contact of the climbing rope on the tree
leads to abrasion.
HOWTO INSTALLTHESYSTEM
HOW TO INSTALL THE SYSTEM

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Eye connection
Connect the eye termination of the climbing line to the
upper karabiner. Ensure the karabiner passes between the
bite in the eye and the constriction band.
Constriction band
Ensure the constriction band on the eye termination is in
close contact with the load settling point of the karabiner.
If necessary, spread the legs of the eye termination to force
the constriction band into contact with the karabiner, the-
reby ensuring correct karabiner orientation. Connect the
karabiner to the upper hole of the hitch climber pulley.
Function tests
Before working at height, check on the ground that the
grab function of the friction hitch is reliable. Check that the
friction hitch grabs reliably after advancing it a number of
times i.e. that a controlled ascent is possible. Check that
the friction hitch can be gently released under load and
that a controlled descent is possible. Check that a small
impact load is effectively braked. If the friction hitch fails
to grab reliably, it may be necessary to ‘condition’ a new
sling by loading it a few times with a normal working load.
A slight increase of the contact surface area of the friction
hitch against the climbing line may significantly improve
the grab function. This can be achieved by rotating the first
crossover as shown:
Harness connection
Connect the lower karabiner (which is attached to the lower hole of the hitch climber pulley) to a
harness attachment point approved for work positioning. Ensure both karabiners are closed and
fully locked.
HOWTO INSTALLTHESYSTEM

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Backup system
A Work Positioning system shall only be used if:
a) The system includes a suitable backup system for preventing or arresting a fall (and the user
is connected to it). A second structural anchor point is required especially during cutting opera-
tions; or
b) Where it is not reasonably practicable to comply with a), all practicable measures are taken to
ensure that the Work Positioning system does not fail.
The Hitch Climbers Guide to the Canopy, page 6 (www.teufelberger.com/en/products/treecare
or www.treemagineers.com) shows some ways of incorporating a backup with the Hitch Climber
System. Many other permutations are possible.
HOWTO INSTALLTHESYSTEM

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The Hitch Climber System is a doubled (running) rope work positioning system. A loop of rope is
installed into/around an anchor point. The length of loop is altered by a controlling rope move-
ment through a friction hitch adjuster. Ascent or descent occurs as the loop either increases or
decreases in length.
Many permutations of doubled rope systems exist. The basic operating formats of the Hitch
Climber System are shown in this section. They allow the user to become familiar with the equip-
ment prior to adopting more advanced techniques required for work positioning in more complex
situations.
A wider range of operating formats, including work positioning, rescue and load hauling tech-
niques, are included in our guidance booklet entitled The Hitch Climbers Guide to the Canopy
available as a download from TEUFELBERGER: www.teufelberger.com/en/products/treecare or
www.treemagineers.com.
Ascend
To ascend, the loop of rope must be shortened. This can be done in a number of ways. It is im-
portant that any slack generated during ascent is minimised to levels acceptable for a work posi-
tioning system. Two examples of ‘slack free’ ascending techniques are presented below:
1) Place both hands on the running side of the climbing line. Reach up
and place one hand some distance above the friction hitch, place the
other hand immediately below the friction hitch. Pull down on the rope
with both hands at the same time until the upper hand is close to the top
of the friction hitch (Valdôtain tresse). Still gripping the rope, allow the
rope to travel in the opposite direction for a short distance until the fric-
tion hitch grabs. Release the rope and move both hands to their starting
position. Repeat until the ascent is complete. Note that the Hitch Climber
System is symmetrical i.e. the hand positions can be reversed to maintain
physical balance.
OPERATING FORMATS
OPERATING FORMATS

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2) Fit a foot ascender to one or both feet. Install the run-
ning part of the line below the friction hitch into the foot
ascender. Lift the leg to a comfortable position and stand
into the foot ascender. At the same time, grip the rope
above the friction hitch and pull with one or both arms.
Balance the length of rope pulled above the hitch with the
slack removed below the hitch. Allow the friction hitch to
grab after each upward movement. Repeat until the as-
cent is complete. Note that foot ascenders are available
for both feet i.e. it is possible to alternate legs to maintain
physical balance.
Descent
To descend, the loop of rope is lengthened by adjusting
the friction hitch to allow rope to pass through it. Ensure
that descents are controlled. Release the friction hitch
gradually by gently dragging the top of the friction hitch
downward with the tip of the thumb and fore finger of one
hand. In this way contact is maintained between the up-
per coils of the friction hitch and the climbing line, so that
when released, the friction hitch grabs reliably and arrests
the descent. Run the leg of rope below the friction hitch
through the second hand when descending, this acts as a
panic brake, which will slow or stop descent. Do not com-
press the friction hitch too far.
ATTENTION
When fully compressed, the Valdotain tresse retains little contact with the climbing line. Beware,
in this case, a very rapid descent is possible, grab function may become less reliable, objects may
be struck during descent, high peak forces may be generated when rapidly arresting such a de-
scent and high temperatures may be created on the ropes leading to damaged components and
/or localised skin burns.
OPERATING FORMATS

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Note: It is important for the user to recognise that a friction hitch does not have a ‘panic safety
feature’. Practice involving many repetitions may be required to ensure the necessary conditio-
ning for an appropriate reaction in a stressful situation.
WARNING
Gripping tightly and pulling down on the top of the friction hitch in a stress reaction may lead to a
fast descent.
Note: High temperatures can be generated at the friction hitch during fast descents and when
descending with large loads e.g. during a pick-off rescue. Heat at the friction hitch can be re-
duced by displacing friction to elsewhere in the climbing system, either above the friction hitch
(e.g. at the anchor point) or below the friction hitch (e.g. a belay device). See The Hitch Climbers
Guide to the Canopy for examples of system configurations (www.teufelberger.com/en/products/
treecare). Consistent good control of the friction hitch is obligatory prior to working at height.
Seek instruction and supervision if necessary.
Misconfigurations
There are more examples of unapproved configurations than can be listed or even imagined. Only
a few examples are given here.
Warning: Knots tied either directly to the Hitch Climber Pulley or karabiner increase bulk in the
vicinity of the friction hitch. This may interfere with the reliable grab function of the friction hitch,
causing uncontrolled fast descent. Use approved components only.
OPERATING FORMATS