Tractel derope Series Operation instructions

derope®
emergency escape/controlled descent devices
use and
maintenance
instructions
Meets or exceeds standards
requirements established by
ANSI Z359.4-07
CSA Z259.2.3, type 1E

derope®emergency escape/controlled descent devices
LIRE D’ABORD CET AVERTISSEMENT
Il est essentiel pour sa sécurité que l’utilisateur comprenne
intégralement le présent guide avant d’utiliser le
dispositif. Une mauvaise compréhension de ce guide peut
entraîner un risque mortel. L’utilisateur qui ne comprend
pas couramment l’anglais doit recevoir et comprendre
l’information équivalente d’un spécialiste de la sécurité ou
de son superviseur.
LEER ESTA ADVERTENCIA PRIMERO
Es necesario, para su propia seguridad, que el usuario lea
y comprenda integramente este manual antes de utilizar
el dispositivo. Si no se asimila bien este manual, puede
tener como consequencia riesgo mortal. Si el usuario
no comprende sucientemente el inglés, es necesario
que tenga la información equivalente por parte de un
especialista en seguridad o de su responsable superior.
The derope®emergency escape/contolled descent device is only part of a total fall protection system and the use
of compatible hardware and components is mandatory. It’s the user’s responsibility to ensure the components
are compatible within the fall protection system. The system components must meet local, state, federal and
provincial regulations before being incorporated in a personal fall protection system. It is imperative for the safety
and efciency of operations that this manual be read and fully understood by the worker before using any fall
arrest system. ALL instructions contained herein must be carefully read and strictly followed for proper use and
maintenance of the equipment. Alterations or misuse of this product, or failure to follow instructions can result
in serious injury or death. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your distributor or Tractel®.
IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE A FALL HAZARD EXISTS,
SAFETY IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH FOR WORKERS AND BYSTANDERS.
This instruction manual is intended to meet the “Manufacturer’s Instructions” as required by ANSI and CSA and
should be used as part of an employee training program as required by OSHA.
It is neither a regulations compliance guide nor a general training guide for fall arrest, work positioning or
travel restraint systems. You must refer to instructions delivered by manufacturers of the pieces of equipment
included in your system. Whenever calculations and specic installations are required, the worker should be
professionally trained to that end and should secure relevant information prior to commencing such work.
Contents Page
First read the following warnings ................................................3
1. Function and description ......................................................6
2. Limitation of the equipment ....................................................8
3. System component requirements ................................................9
4. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5. Operation .................................................................12
6. Marking and labeling ........................................................14
7. Maintenance and storage .....................................................14
8. Performance data...........................................................16
9. Inspection ................................................................16
10. Warranty information ........................................................17
11. Inspection check list.........................................................17
2

FIRST READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS
3
PRIOR INFORMATION
i. It is the user’s responsibility, and his employer’s responsibility if the user operates under an
employer’s control, to strictly conform to the following warnings and to the instructions in this
manual. Doing otherwise would place any incident and its consequences under his responsibility.
ii. It is imperative, for safety and efciency reasons, that this manual be read and fully
understood by the operator before using the derope®emergency escape/controlled
descent device, and that all the instructions contained herein be followed accordingly.
iii. This manual should be available at all times to all users. Keep these instructions handy for easy
reference whenever required. Extra copies are available from Tractel®.
iv. Never operate the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device if any warning,
operating or capacity instruction afxed to the device, as shown in this manual (Figure15,
page15), are obscured or missing. In such case contact Tractel®for supply of label or exchange
of the unit (for stamped instructions) under commercial conditions.
v. The emergency escape/controlled descent equipment must be placed under the authority of
a competent person being fully trained and aware of the applicable safety regulations for use,
maintenance, overhaul and control of the equipment for any professional use.
vi. Equipment associated with the use of the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device
must comply with applicable safety regulations, either local, state, federal and regional, and
be compatible with one another and with the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent
device as described in this manual. This includes all parts that constitute the rescue equipment,
especially the harness and connecting equipment. Tractel®denies liability for any incident due
to non compliance of components not sold or not recommended by Tractel®.
TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION
vii. Do not use the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device unless properly
trained by an authorized trainer. A fall could result in serious injury or death.
viii. Health condition of the operator must be compatible with a possible fall arrest operation of the
system used.
ix. Before operating, a worker should be:
a) mentally and physically t for the purpose, especially at heights or in conned spaces
b) free from the inuence of alcohol or drugs
c) competent for the job to be performed
d) familiar with the equipment and all applicable safety rules, regulations and requirements
e) trained under safe conditions, for working under the above requirements
x. Training must be extended to maintenance, control and overhaul. It must be carried out
under safe conditions excluding risk of fall. The training of the operator must be extended to
a proper rescue procedure which must be set up in writing under the authority in charge of
the equipment by a competent person or technical consultant according to work conditions.
Contact Tractel®for training information.

FIRST READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS
4
CONTROL AND MAINTENANCE
xi. The installation of the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device must be carried out
under safe conditions according to the applicable local, state, federal and regional regulations.
xii. The installation of the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device must be completed
by a competent person to ensure that the anchorage is adequate, according to the applicable
safety regulations, and that it can safely bear the dynamic loads applied in case of fall arrest.
xiii. Every time the operator is to be connected to the rescue system, inspect the derope®emergency
escape/controlled descent device and the associated equipment. Ensure it is in good condition,
as explained in this manual (section9). Never operate the equipment if damage is detected.
Check that the anchoring of the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device is safe
and adequate for the load and the type of operation, according to applicable regulations.
xiv. The user must connect to the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device in a safe and
stable place, away from any unprotected edge, according to the applicable safety regulations.
xv. A careful and regular inspection of the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device
and of the associated rescue equipment is part of the maintenance requirements for safe
operation, especially under site conditions. Keep the device clean and free from dirt. Thorough
overhaul servicing is available from Tractel®.
xvi. Tractel®declines any responsibility for the consequences of dismantling or altering the derope®
emergency escape/controlled descent device beyond description in this manual, by anyone
who is not authorised by Tractel®. Tractel®declines any responsibility for the consequence of
repair having been carried out beyond its control.
xvii. Except for the operations described in this manual, the maintenance and repair of Tractel®
equipment, must be exclusively performed by authorised (written approval) Tractel®service
center or by Tractel®.
xviii. Should the responsible authority decide that a piece of equipment is no longer suitable for use,
take precautions in disposing of it so that it cannot be re-used. Satisfactory inspections should
be entered in the provided inspection log.
OPERATION
xix. Always consider and control the specic risks related to the nature of the job that is subject
to a rescue.
xx. Ensure that the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device is properly secured
to the structure before every operating session. The derope®emergency escape/controlled
descent device must be fastened with components specied by Tractel®.
xxi. Prior to the use of the equipment described in this manual, it is imperative that you ensure that
there are no obstacles within the evacuation trajectory or risk of contact with a dangerous surface.
xxii. The derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device must be positioned in a manner
that will not interfere with the self aligment of the unit or prevent the proper rotation of the
handwheel. The lifeline must be allowed to travel freely without any interference by the setup
of the derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device.
xxiii. Refer to the rescue plan put in place by the person responsible for the intervention site before
using the device.

FIRST READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS
5
xxiv. Tractel®recommends that all operators/rescue workers be equipped with a communication
device allowing them to issue an emergency signal in case of an incident.
xxv. The derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device must be used only for evacuation
or rescue purposes, as described within this manual. No other use of the device is authorized.
More specically, the device must never be used as a suspension device or as part of a fall
protection system.
xxvi. The derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device is designed to be used by one or two
(1 or 2) persons. The combination of the user(s) weight, clothing and tools must not be less than
66lbs. (30kg) and must not exceed 500lbs. (225kg).
xxvii. A maximum of two persons can be connected on one derope®emergency escape/controlled
descent device. The supporting structure must be adquate to bear the required efforts.
xxviii. Tractel®assumes no liability for the adequacy of particular installations incorporating the
derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device, beyond the information and description
given in this manual.
IN CASE OF FALL ARREST
xxix. The rescue operation should not take more than 15 minutes. Longer delays may endanger the
safety and health of the person to rescue.
xxx. The rescue procedure must be carried out by rescuers trained in accordance with the rescue
procedure, according to the fall arrest work environment.
xxxi. The derope®emergency escape/controlled descent device and associated equipment must be
removed immediately after service.
xxxii. Equipment must be returned to Tractel®or a Tractel®authorized service center for inspection
and re-verication.
SYMBOLS AND CODE WORDS
WARNING
Immediate or possibly imminent danger leading to serious injuries or death.
CAUTION
Possibly dangerous situation leading to minor injuries.
DANGER
Hazardous situation leading to serious injuries or death.
NOTICE
Possibly dangerous situation leading to damage to equipment or surroundings.
Always concerned to improve the quality of its products, Tractel®reserves
the right to modify the specications of the equipment described in this manual.
Drawings and pictures presented in this manual are for illustrative purposes.

6
1. FUNCTION AND DESCRIPTION
1.1 The derope®emergency escape/controlled
descent device is intended for use as a
connecting link in various work applications as
dened below.
1.1.1 Rescue – The process of removing a person from
danger, harm or connement to a safe location.
1.1.2 Control descent – Gain access to a lower level
in a safety manner.
1.1.3 Emergency escape – The act of escaping or
evacuating from a dangerous area situated in
a high place.
1.2 Function
The derope®emergency escape/controlled
descent device enables the evacuation or
rescue of persons from an elevated position
to the ground or a lower level at a controlled
speed. The derope®descent device is not to be
used as a fall arrest system or part of a fall
arrest system (Figure1).
1.3 Description
The derope®descent device is composed of
a Kernmantle®rope that goes through the
reinforced casing where a centrifugal brake
limits the descent speed. Snap hooks located at
each extremity of the rope allow for accelerated
evacuations. Pig tails and a jamming cleat give
users even more control on the descent speed.
Cooling ns ensure that the unit is rapidly
available for consecutive descents.
1.3.1 The descent speed is automatically limited
to 235 ft./min. (72 m/min.) for a single user
through the operation of the centrifugal brake.
1.4 Features
1.4.1 Hoisting or lowering function
This feature allows a victim to be lifted by the
rescue worker with the help of the hand wheel
equipped with a folding handle. Lifting speed
is 3ft./min. (1m/min.). This option is available
on the derope®UpA, UpE and UpR descent
device models.
1.4.2 Descent deceleration
or arrest conguration
By having the rope pass through the pig tail,
the rescue worker can manually decrease and
even stop the descent action. To lock the device,
simply insert the rope trough the jamming cleat.
This feature is standard on all derope®descent
device models from Tractel®(Figure2).
1.4.3 Attachment feature
1.4.3.1 derope®T and derope®Up A – These devices
can be attached by a carabiner located on top
of the device (Figure3 and Figure4).
1.4.3.2 derope®Up E – This device comes equipped
with a bracket designed to stabilize the derope®
Up E descent device on a ladder. The bracket
locks onto two rungs and must be anchored with
the use of an adjustable lanyard (Figure5).
1.4.3.3 derope®Up R – This device comes equipped
with a bracket designed exclusively for the
Tracpode™ positioning tripod from Tractel®.
This bracket must be fastened to one of the legs
of the tripod with the fastening pin (Figure6).
Fig.1
Evacuation operation from cable car cabin
Fig.2
Descent deceleration
using the pig tail
Arrest conguration
using the jamming cleat

7
Fig.3
Jamming
cleat
Kernmantle®rope
(Ascending
extremity)
Kernmantle®rope
(Descent extremity)
derope®T
Self-locking
snap hook
Carabiner
Pig tail
Pig tail
Casing
Fig.6 derope®Up R
Fastening pin
Locking screw
Rope
blocking
device
Rope guide
Safety pin
Fig.4 derope®Up A
Hand wheel
Folding
handle
Fig.5 derope®Up E
Adjustable lanyard
to secure the system
Upper
clamp jaw
Lower
clamp jaw
Knurled knob
Knurled
knob
Anchor
pin
Rope
adjuster
Carabiners

8
1.5 Accessories
1.5.1 Carryring bag – The carrying bag is designed
to house the derope®descent device with up
to 330ft. (100m) of rope. This bag allows for
easy access to the equipment as well as easy
transportation in the event of an intervention or
rescue situation.
1.5.2 In-line pulley – Pulley equipped with two
aligned sheaves, designed for evacuation on a
tensioned rope.
1.5.3 Rigging plate – The rigging plate is used to
fasten several connectors to a single fastening
point. The plate allows for orienting and
distributing the load during rescue operations.
1.6 Technical specications
See Table1 below.
DANGER
Only the Tractel®Kermantle®that comes with
the device is authorized for use with the derope®
descent device. This rope can be customized for
lengths ranging from 30 to 1,300ft. (10 to 400m).
2. LIMITATION OF THE EQUIPMENT
2.1 Maximum two workers per derope®descent
device.
2.2 Capacity
The derope®descent device is rated to be
used with a minimum of 66lbs. (30kg) and a
maximum of 500lbs. (225kg).The combination
of the user(s) weight, clothing and tools may
not exceed 500lbs. (225kg).
2.3 Descent
For repeated descents, use of the derope®
descent device is limited with respect to
load, descent height, and number of repeated
descents in accordance with the limits
indicated in Table2 below.
DANGER
Following each use, whether for a single descent
or repeated descents, the derope®descent device
must be inspected by a technician trained and
qualied for this operation.
Table1
Model derope®T derope®Up A derope®Up E derope®Up R
Max. height for
single descent
1 person: 1,300ft. (400m)
2 persons: 650ft. (200m)
Speed of
descent
1 person: 235ft./min. (72m/min.)
2 persons: 295ft./min. (90m/min.)
Temperature -31 to 122°F (-35 to 50°C)
Dimensions
(H x L x D)
611⁄16 x 423⁄32 x 41⁄8in.
(170 x 120 x 105mm)
855⁄64 x 77⁄8x 61⁄2in.
(225 x 200 x 165mm)
1929⁄32 x 107⁄16 x 61⁄2in.
(485 x 265 x 165mm)
193⁄32 x 107⁄16 x 61⁄2in.
(485 x 265 x 165mm)
Construction Housing: aluminum casting
Internal parts (pulley and gears): heat-treated steel
Hand wheel
winch n/a Max load: 310lbs. (140kg) Applied force: 11lbs. (5kg)
Capacity 1 person: 310lbs. (140kg)
2 persons: 500lbs. (225kg)
Weight 4lbs. (1.9kg) 6.6lbs. (3kg) 13.4lbs. (6.1kg) 14.3lbs. (6.5kg)
Kernamntle®
rope
3⁄8in. (9mm) Tractel®Kernmantle®made of nylon
Minimum breaking strenght: 4,000lbs. (18kN)
Elongation: 4.5%
Standards ANSI Z359.4-07 and CSA Z259.2.3, type 1E
Table2
Maximum number of repeated descents
Descent height < 165ft.
(50m)
< 410 ft.
(125m)
< 650 ft.
(200m)
< 1,000 ft.
(300m)
< 1,300 ft.
(400m)
Capacity of
310lbs. (140kg) 16 6 4 2 3
Capacity of
500lbs. (225kg) 6 2 1 1 Prohibited

9
DANGER
The combined descent height must be monitored.
If the combined descent height exceeds the limits
indicated in Table2 below, regardless of the time
taken to reach this combined descent height, the
descent device must be overhauled as instructed
in section9 by a technician trained and qualied
for this operation.
2.3 Corrosion
The derope®descent device has been designed
with corrosion resistant materials. However it
should not be left for long periods of time in
environments where corrosion could take place. If
corrosive environments such as sewage, fertilizer
or seawater are unavoidable, increase frequency
of inspections to ensure that the integrity of the
rescue equipment remains uncompromised.
2.4 Electrical hazards
Take extreme caution when working near or
around high voltage power lines: electricity
can pass through the metal components of the
equipment resulting in electrocution.
2.5 Explosive environment
The derope®descent device is not to be used in
a potentially explosive environment.
2.6 Temperature
The derope®descent device is intended for use
in an environment ranging from -31 to 122°F
(-35 to 50°C).
2.7 Chemical hazards
The user is responsible for keeping the lifeline
out of exposure to damage such as chemical
hazards and/or abrasion.
2.7.1 Each application should be evaluated taking
into consideration the following:
a) type of acid/alkali
b) exposure conditions
c) concentration
d) temperature
2.7.2 Paint can penetrate into the weave and dry,
causing the rope to become hard, brittle and
eventually break the bers. Solvents and drying
agents within paint cause damage similar to
chemical exposure.
2.7.3 Exposure to chemicals may cause equipment
malfunction. If your equipment will be exposed
to chemicals and you are unsure of the effects
on your equipment, please contact Tractel®.
2.8 Moving machinery
Take extreme caution when working near or
around moving machinery.
2.9 Sharp edges/Abrasion
Contact with sharp edges or abrasive surfaces
should be avoided. Cushion or otherwise protect
against product contact.
2.10 Sunlight
All organic bers, either natural or man-made,
will degrade to various degrees from exposure
to ultraviolet light. Precautions should be taken
to store equipment away from prolonged
exposure to sunlight, uorescent lights and
other source of ultraviolet radiation.
2.11 Product life
Any derope®descent device showing excessive
wear or degradation shall be removed from
service and returned to an authorized dealer
for inspection. See inspection information
(section 9) for further information.
3. SYSTEM COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Environmental hazards must be considered
in selecting the appropriate lifeline, harness
and lanyard. Questions about using the
derope®descent device where chemicals, high
temperature or other unusual conditions exist
should be addressed to Tractel®.
3.2 Anchor system
An anchorage point is a secure point of
attachment for a personal fall arrest system. It
must be identied by a qualied or competent
person. It has to be independent of the means
Fig.7
Make sure there is no obstacle
in the evacuation path

10
of supporting the worker. For rescue purposes,
the anchorage point must support a minimum
of 3,100 lbs. (13.8 kN) per attached worker.
Consult local, state, federal and provincial
regulations as revisions occur.
3.2.1 Every anchorage point must be selected with
care. Make sure that there are no obstacles in
the evacuation path and on the landing zone.
Maintain a safe distance from any obstruction
to ensure a safe descent (e.g. electric wires,
glass, concrete reinforcing bars) (Figure7).
3.2.2 Never use an anchorage point which will not
allow the connector keeper to close. Anchor
must be compatible with connector and
must not be capable of causing a load to be
applied to connector keeper. Before each use,
ensure that all connectors are in good working
condition and safely closed, especially the
gates on the snap hook and/or carabiner.
4. INSTALLATION
WARNING
The derope®descent device must only be installed
and used by a trained person.
4.1 derope®T and derope®Up A emergency
escape/controlled descent devices
An inspection as per section 9 must be
performed before use.
4.1.1 Identify or prepare the anchorage point for the
derope®descent device.
4.1.2 Make sure that the anchorage point can
withstand a minimum of 3,100lbs. (13.8kN)
and is located above the evacuation point.
4.1.3 Attach the derope®descent device to the
anchorage point with the help of the supplied
carabiner.
4.1.4 Throw the rope down, making sure that there
are no entanglements or knots, that the rope
does not come in contact with sharp edges and
that it reaches the ground.
4.2 derope®Up E emergency escape/
controlled descent device
Inspect the ladder uprights and rungs for signs
of deformation.
4.2.1 Set up the upper clamp jaw onto the ladder
rung at the desired position to perform the
rescue (Figure8a).
Fig.8 derope®Up E mounted on ladder
Fig.10 derope®Up R mounted on tripod
Fig.9
a.
c.
Index
pin
b.
d.