Tractel Tracpode Manual

equipment
in accordance with
CE directives
fall arrest equipment
anchorage device - Tracpode
&
retractable lifeline with elevation rescue device - Blocfor® range
operating
and
maintenance
instructions

2
Description & Specifications of the Tracpode page 3
Description & Specifications of the Blocfor 20R (30R) page 4
General warning page 5
1. Function and description page 6
2. Installation page 6
3. Operation page 8
4. Inspection before use page 10
5. Storage page 10
6. Maintenance and Repair page 10
7. Warnings against hazardous operations page 11
8. Permissible attachments page 11
9. Statutory inspection page 11
10. Marking page 11
Always anxious to improve the quality of its products,
TRACTEL S.A.S.reserves the right to modify the
specifications of the equipment described in this
manual.
The companies of the TRACTEL Group and their
agents or distributors will supply on request des-
criptive documentation on the full range of
TRACTEL products: lifting and pulling machines,
permanent and temporary access equipment, safe-
ty devices, electronic load indicators, accessories
such as blocks, hooks, slings, ground anchors, etc.
The TRACTEL network is able to provide an after
sales and regular maintenance service.
CONTENTS

3
DESCRIPTION
1. Leg
2. Telescopic tube
3. Ball spindle
4. Articulated foot
5. Strap
6. Hinge pin
7. Spring pin
8. Anchoring ring
9. Loop
10. Pulley
11. Spacer
Tracpode
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Tracpode Tracpode Tracpode Tracpode Trapode
with anchorage point with Blocfor 20R with Blocfor 30R with Carol TS 250 with Carol TS 500
Weight (kg) 17,7 30 36,70 30,70 35,70
Dimensions Lx l (m) 1.87 x 0.4 1.87 x 0.4 1.87 x 0.4 1.87 x 0.4 1.87 x 0.4
Length of wire rope (m) 20 30 20 30
Capacity (Kg) 350 100 100 250 350
lifting personnel
Standard EN795 class B EN795 class B EN795 class B EN795 class B
EN 360, EN 1496 class B, EN 1808 EN 1808 EN 1808
Dimensions during use :
Adjustment A: H = 1.74 m L = 1.10 m
Adjustment B: H = 1.92 m L = 1.20 m
Adjustment C: H = 2.13 m L = 1.38 m
Adjustment D: H = 2.30 m L = 1.53 m
Adjustment E: H = 2.48 m L = 1.63 m
H
L

4
1. Housing
2. Anchorage on structure
3. Anchorage on harness
4. End stop
5. Identification label
6. Carrying handle
7. Folding operating handle
8. Locking button
9. Hand crank
DESCRIPTION
Blocfor®20R & 30R
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Blocfor 20R Blocfor 30R
Weight (kg) 9,34 16
Dimensions LxlxH 400x275x100 600x320x130
Steel cable Ø 4 mm 20 m 30 m
Ø 4,7 mm 18 m 27 m
Retraction force (N) 25 25
Braking force (kN) 5 5
Braking distance (mm) 750 750
Standards EN 360, EN 1496 class B

5
1. The Tracpode is a mobile anchorage point (EN 795 class B) to which personal fall arrest
equipment is attached, such as a Blocfor 20R (or 30R).
2. The Blocfor 20R (or 30R) is a retractable lifeline (EN360) designed to protect the user in the
event of a fall. It is equipped with a rescue device for lifting or lowering (EN 1496 class B,
rescue device).
- These devices must only be used for individual protection of persons against falling from
heights and for rescue purposes.
- Never use a Blocfor 20R (30R) for the protection of more than one person at a time.
- If a Blocfor 20R (30R) has stopped a fall it must not be re-used. It must be inspected by a com-
petent person from Tractel S.A.S. or its approved repairers.
- Caution ! The operating instructions for the rescue device must be followed
(see section 3.4).
- The instructions for attaching fall arrest equipment together to create a fall arrest system must
be followed, in accordance with standard EN 363 (see section 8).
3. Before using the Tracpode and the Blocfor 20R (30R), it is essential that users read this manual
and comply with its instructions, in order to ensure safe and efficient operation of the equip-
ment. This manual must be kept and made available to all users. Additional copies can be sup-
plied on request.
4. Never use a Tracpode and/or a Blocfor 20R (30R) which is not visibly in good condition.
It is recommended that a visual check is carried out before each use. Return any device which
is damaged in any way to Tractel or its distributor.
5. Before using this safety device, it is essential that users are trained in its use.
6. Tractel accepts no responsibility for the consequences of dismantling a Tracpode
and/or a Blocfor 20R (30R), or any modification not made under its supervision, in particular in
the event of replacement of original parts with parts from another source.
7. Important : If you are responsible for assigning equipment to an employee or similar person,
ensure that you comply with the applicable health and safety at work regulations.
GENERAL WARNING
!
!
Special applications
For any special applications, please do not hesitate to contact Tractel S.A.S.

6
1. FUNCTION AND DESCRIPTION
1.1 Tracpode
This is an anchorage point for temporary use by
a person for access to a confined space eg. well,
silo, sewer, etc.
The Tracpode is made of aluminium, and its light
weight (17.7 Kg) makes it easy to transport.
The height of the Tracpode can be changed as the
telescopic tubes have five adjustment positions.
The articulated feet are non-slip. A strap holds the
three legs once the tripod has been adjusted.
The Tracpode has a basic configuration to which
fall arrest devices from the Blocfor range and/or
hoists from the Carol range can be added.
1.2 Blocfor 20R (& 30R)
This is a retractable lifeline with elevation rescue
device.It is used vertically for evacuating (upwards
or downwards) a person who has fallen.The nomi-
nal load for this device is 100 Kg.
The wire rope runs freely when the user is moving
at normal speed, but is constantly subject to a
slight retraction force from a spring which activa-
tes a reel on which the lanyard is wound.
In the event of a fall, the reel is locked by two cat-
ches which engage in a ratchet wheel by the ope-
ration of the centrifugal force. The energy which
is generated when the person falls is dissipated
by a disk braking system.
The Blocfor 20R (30R) has a manual hoist, which
enables the rescuer to raise and/or lower the user
following a fall.This device can be disengaged. It
is operated by a removable operating handle cou-
pled to an automatic brake. Pressing on the loc-
king button engages the operating handle which
can then be used to wind or unwind the wire rope.
The Blocfor 20R has a 20m cable capacity (the
30R has 30m), and has two carrying handles for
easy handling.
The Blocfor 20R (30R) is fixed onto one of the legs
of the Tracpode by a bracket..
1.3 Carol TS 250 (& TS 500)
The manual drum winch Carol TS enables the win-
ding of 20 or 30 m of wire rope. The winch offers
high safety in use thanks to two independent bra-
king systems, a non reversible worm gear and a
disk brake. If the Carol winch is used for man rid-
ding, a fall arrest system like the Blocfor should
be installed on the Tracpode.
2. INSTALLATION
2.1 Tracpode
The Tracpode is supplied with two pulleys to be fit-
ted for installing the Blocfor 20R (30R) and/or the
Carol winch, as well as a leg strap.
2.1.1 Attachment of the pulleys
After fitting the pulleys in theTracpode head, tigh-
ten them using an 8 mm Allen key.
2.1.2 Setting up the Tracpode

7
- Remove the ball spindles
- Spread the 3 legs out until the spring pins lock.
- Adjust the height of the 3 legs (see table of dimen-
sions during use on page 3) and lock them using
the ball spindles.
- Insert the strap through the loops and tighten.
2.2 Blocfor 10-20-30
Basic configuration, to secure the Blocfor 10, 20
or 30 to the anchorage ring (4) which is fitted with
a fall indicator (figure 5).
2.3 Blocfor 20R (30R)
2.3.1 Fitting the support (figure 6)
- Position the bracket according to the type of
Blocfor used (20R or 30R).
- Remove the spring pin and the spindle from the
support.(figure 7).
- Remove the locknut (figure 8).
- Install the support on one of the 2 legs of the
Tracpode which is fitted with a pulley (figure 9).
position Blocfor 30R
position Blocfor 20R
Fig.7 Fig.8
Fig.1 Fig.2
Fig.3
4Fig.
Fig.6
Fig.5
Fig.9 Fig.10

8
- Replace the spring pin and the spindle (fig. 10).
2.3.2 Fitting the Blocfor 20R
- Pre-tighten the wing nut (Fig.11).
- Position the lower part of the Blocfor first.
- Retighten the locknut (1) and the wing nut (2).
- Insert the wire rope in the pulley (3).
2.3 Carol
- First of all fit the Carol hoist on its support, secu-
ring it with the 4 screws provided. There are two
models of Carol hoist, the TS250 and the TS500.
- Then fit the hoist on the Tracpode.
NB: A Blocfor and a Carol can be fitted on the
Tracpode at the same time, as a deflection pulley
is fitted on two of the three legs of the Tracpode.
▲ CAUTION ▲
Do not exceed the Working Load Limit (WLL)
of the Tracpode. WLL = 350Kg.
3. OPERATION
3.1 Basic configuration
Fig.13
Fig.14
Fig.15
Fig.11 Fig.12

9
▲ CAUTION ▲
It is advisable not to exceed an angle of 20°,
and not to move more than 3 m from vertical.
3.2 Anchoring the Blocfor to the structure
The anchorage point of the Blocfor 20R (30R)
should have a minimum resistance of 10kN (EN
795).
The anchorage point of the Blocfor 20R (30R) must
always be above the user, or level with the user’s
feet. It must never be below the user.
3.3 Anchoring to the harness
The connector fitted on the end of the lanyard must
be attached to the borck or chest attachment point
on the harness.The M44 connector has a fall indi-
cator.This is a red ring which is visible after a fall.
3.4 Clearance
The mandatory clearance is the distance between
the obstacle and the user’s feet (in this case a mini-
mum of 1.75 m). After a fall there must be a mini-
mum of 1 m clearance beneath the user’s feet.
3.5 Operating environment of the Blocfor
- Conditions generally found on an outdoor buil-
ding site
- A temperature range between - 35°C and + 60°C
- Conditions in explosive atmospheres (all inter-
nal metal parts are non-sparking)
- For work which involves spraying products (sand-
blasting, painting, etc) it is recommended that
the Blocfor is protected against any of the pro-
duct being sprayed entering the casing.
3.6 Rescue operation with Blocfor R
▲ CAUTION ▲
It is essential to have a second person near-
by who can carry out an evacuation if neces-
sary.
A survey should have been carried out to define
how (in terms of personnel and equipment) an inju-
red person is to be rescued within less than 15
minutes. Any longer will endanger the life of the
person being rescued.
3.6.1 Engaging the operating handle
- Press the red locking button.
- Turn the handle to evacuate the user (clockwi-
se to raise the user, anti-clockwise to lower the
user).
Longe
Obstacle
1,75m
1m

10
- When the evacuation is complete, wind the wire
rope back into the unit (turning the handle clock-
wise).
▲ CAUTION ▲
Never unlock the system if the wire rope is
not completely wound in the unit as it will
rewind at high speed.
- To disengage the hoist mechanism, press the
red button and the hinge pin of the operating
handle simultaneously. The operating handle
must be in the vertical position, with the knob at
the top, in order to carry out this operation.
- Folding operating handle (3) and (4).
3.7 Lifting operation with Blocfor R
The hoisting mechanism of the Blocfor R may be
used occasionally ( 20 times a year ), to gain
access of a person from top or bottom.( see chap-
ter 3.4 for operation of Blocfor R );
A comfortable harness is required for this type of
operation ( Promast harness ).
3.8 Lifting operation with Carol TS hoist
The hoisting mechanism of the Blocfor R may be
The user attaches himself to the chest anchor
point of his harness with the wire rope end of the
Carol TS hoist and to the back anchor point of his
harness with the wire rope end of the Blocfor. In
case of a failure of the Carol hoist or a breakage
of the lifting wire rope, the blocfor stops the fall of
the user.
In case of a fall, if the injured person is to be res-
cued within a short period of time, the Blocfor R
(retrieval model) is required to raise or lower the
person.
4. INSPECTION BEFORE USE
4.1 Tracpode
Check :
- That the spring pins, in the upper part of the
Tracpode, are correctly engaged (see diagram
3 page 7)
- The stability of the Tracpode.
- That each of the 3 telescopic legs is locked with
the ball spindles.
- That the strap linking the 3 legs is correctly ten
sioned.
- That the Blocfor support is correctly attached to
the leg of the Tracpode (figure 9 page 7).
- That the Blocfor is correctly attached to its sup-
port (figure 11 page 7).
4.2. Blocfor
Check :
- That the housing is not distorted.
- That the fall indicator is not visible.
- The condition of the lanyard along its entire
length.
- That the lanyard is completely wound on the reel
(the rubber end stop should come into contact
with the housing).
- That the lanyard locks correctly, by pulling shar-
ply on the end.
- The condition of the attachments (harness,
connectors, etc).
- That the device is set to operate as a fall arrest
device.
- That there is a second person nearby, in case

11
he/she is needed for a rescue operation.
- That the device is fixed to an anchorage point
with a minimum resistance of 10 kN eg. the
Tracpode tripod..
- That the connector is correctly locked (in the
case of anchorage to the Tracpode ring).
- That there is no obstacle in the path of the user.
- That the wire rope is not likely to run over a sharp
edge.
▲ CAUTION ▲
The user must adjust the harness to his size
and check that the harness is correctly ancho-
red to the lanyard.
5. STORAGE
The Blocfor and theTracpode must be stored away
from adverse weather conditions and kept at a
temperature of between -10°C and +40°C.
6. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
The devices must be regularly maintained by the
user. In addition to the inspections described in
section 4.
6.1 Blocfor
The following maintenance operations should be
performed:
• Clean the wire rope lanyard with a cloth impre-
gnated with oil.
• Clean the housing with soapy water.
• If the lanyard does not rewind, unwind it fully,
check that it is in good condition and rewind it.
• If it still does not rewind correctly, send the Blocfor
for repair.
• If the lanyard does not unwind when pulled using
a constant force (friction point), go past the fric-
tion point by pulling on the lanyard with a force
not exceeding 100 Kg, check the condition of the
lanyard and re-wind it. If the problem persists,
send the device for repair.
6.2 Tracpode
The following maintenance operations should be
performed:
• Oil the spindles.
• Check that the structure is in good condition.
Annual servicing and repairs must be carried out
by Tractel or an approved repairer.
7. WARNINGS AGAINST HAZARDOUS
OPERATIONS
7.1 Blocfor
- Do not use a device which has not been inspec-
ted for the past 12 months.
- Never let go of the lanyard before it is comple-
tely rewound.
- Do not re-use a device which has stopped a fall
and has not been inspected.
-Do not use a device to protect more than one
person.
- Do not create slack on the lanyard by preven-
ting it from rewinding.
- Do not attach the device by any means other
than its anchorage point.
- Do not use the lanyard as a hoisting device.
- Do not open the Blocfor and grease or oil the
mechanism.
- Do not tamper with the fall indicator.
8. PERMISSIBLE ATTACHMENTS
In accordance with standard EN 363, the Blocfor
20R (30R) is used in a fall arrest system, which
must consist of :
■An anchorage device (EN 795),
■A connector (EN 362),
■The retractable lifeline (EN360) with
elevation rescue device (EN 1496),
■A connector (EN 362),
■A fall arrest harness (EN 361),
■(back anchorage point recommended).
All other configurations are prohibited
In the European Union these devices are subject
to CE marking. This is the result of an EC type-
examination by the APAVE Lyonnaise (177, route
de Saint Bel- B.P. 3,69811 Tassin la Demi Lune
cedex).The “CE”quality assurance system is car-
ried out by Tractel S.A.S. (CE body no. 0197, in
accordance with article 11.B of the European
Directive dated December 1989).

12
9. STATUTORY INSPECTION
Any company providing fall arrest equipment to
personnel must ensure that all the obligations
under safety at work regulations are fulfilled and
that its employees have been fully and properly
trained in the safe operation of the equipment.
In the European Union such equipment must be
periodically inspected in accordance with directi-
ve 89/656/EEC dated 30/11/89 (at least annually
by Tractel. or by a Tractel S.A.S.approved repai-
rer).
The annual inspection allows a one-year exten-
sion of operation, but with a maximum time limit
of 10 years.
Please see the equipment inspection sheet on
page 13.
10. MARKING
The identification labels indicate:
• The name of the Blocfor device with the length
of lanyard wound on the reel: 20 or 30 met-
res.
• The European standard to which the device
is approved.
• The manufacturing serial number.
• The year of manufacture.
• Name and address of the manufacturer.
• CE 0197:Tractel number, as company respon-
sible for inspection and testing its products in
accordance with directive 89/656/EEC.
• Reminder of the general warnings (icons).
COMMENT

13
i
Read the operating and maintenance
instructions
Visual inspection of the device
and its lanyard
Check that the lanyard locks by pul-
ling sharply on the end
Do not let go off the lanyard
before it is completely
rewound inside the Blocfor Do not dismantle the Blocfor
Clic
OK
The nominal load for this device
is 100 Kg.

105835 03- ind 02 - 09/2003
TRACTEL UK Limited
Old Lane, Halfway
SHEFFIELD S20 3GA
Tél. + 0114 248 2266
Fax : [phone]
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Made by TRACTEL S.A.S.
Date of manufacture* (A)
Type of product* (B)
Product reference* (C)
Serial number* (D)
Name of user
Date of purchase
Date of first use
* Please copy
these into the table below :
ANNUAL INSPECTION
DATE INSPECTIONACTIONS INSPECTED BY
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPAIR
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
❍ACCEPTED ❍ REPARATION
❍ REFUSED ❍ DESTRUCTION
▲▲Warning ▲▲
Connecting other fall arrest items - see Permissible attachments section
-B-
blocfor® 10
EN 360
L = 10 m
N°Série / Serial N°
CCC - DDDD/DDD
Année/Year :
AAA
TRACTEL
29, rue du Progrès
F-93108 Montreuil Cedex
tel. [phone]
fax. [phone]
Made in France
0621745 - ind 01
11/99
B
D
A
C
TRACTEL S.A.S.
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B.P38 F-10102 Romilly sur Seine
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Fax. [phone]
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