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”.