Vertiqual Engineering V9 SQUIRREL User manual

Edition: 20.02.2019
Instruction manual for mountaineering harness
V9 SQUIRREL, certified according to EN 12277
Thank you for choosing a VERTIQUAL® harness! You have purchased a high quality product that will reliably protect you and will be your companion for a long time
when working at heights and depths. This manual must be read and understood before using the product! This product will be used with other equipment (components)
thus forming a system for working at heights. Please refer to the instruction manual of each component in your system for compatibility and correct use! Following these
instructions accordingly is essential for your safety. Failure to do so can result in serious or even fatal accidents! Keep these instructions together with the product, acces-
sible to all users, so they can consult them whenever is needed!
WARNING! These instructions are a basic comprehensive guide to the safe use of the purchased equipment. They contain general information about the product, intended
to help the user, but cannot cover all the situations that may occur in the daily activities and cannot in any case replace the specialized training courses for safety at
heights. This PPE against falls from heights can only be used by well-trained users, who are familiar with the relevant legislation and who have successfully completed a
special safety training course for working at heights.
WARNING! For works with risk of falling from heights or in depths, a risk assessment must be carried out in advance in accordance with current regulations and legal
provisions (EN standards or specific national rules) that will provide adequate measures for safety and rescue!
WARNING! Instructions for use are updated when technical or legislative changes occur. The latest version of the instructions overwrites previous versions and is the only
valid version. Please make sure you follow the instructions of the most recent version. You can download the most recent instructions from our website
www.vertiqualsafety.com by accessing the section of each product. For help or additional questions, please contact us at [e-mail] or Tel. (+40)
0365/882143.
WARNING! This product is developed as a Personal Protective Equipment against Fall (PPEaF). Bringing modifications to it or assigning other uses are strictly forbidden!
The user must know the performances and limitations of his equipment! In case of uncertainty regarding the equipment seek advice from the manufacturer or distributor.
FIELD OF USE
The V9 SQUIRREL (EN 12277 type C) was developed for use in mountaineering and climbing applications (eg: adventure parks, rope glider systems, rappel, belay) and
must be used exclusively as a PPEaF (Personal Protective Equipment against Falling) in usual environments with temperatures between -30℃and +50℃. Avoid contact
with any damaging factor (e.g. sharp edges, flames or hot objects, chemicals etc.) and never push the equipment over its limits! The EN 12277 type C harness is NOT
suitable for use in fall arrest systems (EN 363) or for supporting an unconscious person.
EN
V9 SQUIRREL
(EN 12277:2015 type C harness)
V9–TOP
(adjustable shoulder straps)
V9SQUIRREL+V9TOP
+
=

Edition: 20.02.2019
DESCRIPTION: The V9 SQUIRREL is made of high tensile PES webbings having as main components: the leg loops, the waist belt and the ventral attachment ring. The
adjusting buckles are made of coated high tensile steel and the ventral ring is made of high tensile aluminum alloy. The adjustable shoulder straps “V9 TOP” can be at-
tached to the V9 SQUIRREL in order to offer additional protection when accidentally rolling upside down. V9 SQUIRREL is approved for users weighing up to 150kg and
is available in two sizes: “Adults” (waist 74 – 130 cm) and “Kids” (waist < 74cm).
The equipment can be supplied in 3 configurations: - V9 SQUIRREL (sit harness only - EN 12277 type C);
- V9 TOP (shoulder straps only);
- V9 SQUIRREL + V9 TOP (sit harness with pre-assembled shoulder straps);
ATTACHEMENT POINT: Ventral D-Ring
ACCESSORY LOOP
“V9-TOP” INSTALATION
I.
Webbing attachment CHECK & hold free ends
II.
III.
OK
Ventral D-ring
(EN 12277 type C)
● a certified connector (EN 362) ● a proper figure 8 knot
]
Use this loop to park equipment or accessories that
you need (e.g. a carabiner, a descender and other
handheld gear)!
WARNING!
The accessory loop is not suitable for support-
ing a person! NEVER use the accessory loop as
an attachment point!
TIE IN using:
WARNING! Before use, make sure that the knot is done
correctly and tightened well or, if a connector is used,
check if it is closed and locked properly!
If there are any doubts, seek advice before using it!
1→2→3→R→4→R
1→R→2→R
Check!

Edition: 20.02.2019
WARNING! The shoulder straps “V9-TOP” will be used only when properly installed on the V9 SQUIRREL sit harness! Never use the shoulder straps “V9 TOP” alone!
WARNING! This harness is intended to be used for mountaineering and climbing! Beginners may use it only under direct supervision of trained and experienced users!
WARNING! Monitor your equipment during use! Check buckles, webbings and seams regularly to make sure that there are NO damages or malfunctions!
WARNING! Before use, the integrity and compatibility of the equipment must be checked. If damage is identified, the harness must be immediately withdrawn from use! If
there is any doubt regarding the condition of the equipment it must be sent to the manufacturer or to an authorized representative of the manufacturer for a professional
evaluation.
The harness must be immediately removed from service if:
1.The marking/label is missing or is unreadable.
2.Damage has been identified (incisions, cuts, tearing, abrasions, worn seams, discoloration, hardened or thinned areas, burns, rusted or deformed metal parts, defective
buckles) or if any abnormalities of the parts or structure have been found. Below some examples of damage are illustrated:
3. Contact with paints or unknown chemicals had occurred (irreversible contaminations).
4. The harness was involved in a fall arrest or had been subjected to heavy loading.
5. The integrity of the equipment is questionable and the inspection log is incomplete or missing.
6. The equipment was in service longer than 10 years.
FITTING THE HARNESS
A. Loosen all buckles and then, depending on the configuration you have, dress the harness as follows:
V9 SQUIRREL
The sit harness V9 SQUIRREL will be
dressed similar to a trouser. Insert each leg
through the waist and leg loops, then tighten
the waist strap.
V9 SQUIRREL + V9 TOP
V9 SQUIRREL + V9 TOP will be dressed similar to a
trouser. First, insert each leg through the waist and leg
loops, then tighten the waist strap. Loosen the shoulder
strap enough so you can pull the shoulder part from the
side over your head.
C. All straps will be tightened so that one or two fingers can slide in between the body and the strap
(check the images below). If the adjustment is too tight the harness will be uncomfortable and the user
will have difficulties using it. Insufficiently adjusted or loose straps can lead to serious or even fatal
accidents!
D. Make sure that all buckles are attached correctly, straps are not twisted, all free webbing ends are
held tightly by the elastic rings on the harness.
E. A harness fitted correctly will have waist strap positioned on or slightly above the hips with the ventral
attachment ring centered in the front.
F. Perform a short suspension test from a small and safe height, in order to check the adjustments and
the comfort of the harness.
Hold
Adjust
Pull
Check fit!

Edition: 20.02.2019
Service Life
The service life, under normal conditions of use is 6-8 years, from the date of the first use and can reach max. 10 years (*). The date of first use must be written in the
inspection log! The storage of new, unused products, under optimal conditions (dark, cool, dry, clean, no chemical vapors or gases, kept in original packing) should not
exceed 2 years. If the storage time has exceeded 2 years the extra time spent will be subtracted from the service life.
(*) harnesses belonging to a single user, which were subject to periodical inspections by experts and recorded in the Inspection Log, carefully treated and maintained, that
were stored in accordance with regulations, were not in contact with oils, greases or aggressive chemicals, were not used extensively, can be hold in service for up to 10
years.
Intensive use, heavy and stressful working conditions, improper application and faulty maintenance can reduce or even end the service life of the equipment. Some
events, such as exposure to severe heat, exposure to corrosive chemicals and use over sharp edges can shorten the service life to a single use! The service life will be
ended if any of the facts presented in the previous chapter has been identified.
STORAGE, MAINTENANCE, TRANSPORT
The equipment should be stored in a dry, cool and well-ventilated room, if possible, in its original packaging. While in storage, this PPEaF must be protected from UV
radiation, solar radiation, heat, sparks, incandescent metal splash, electricity, chemicals, sharp objects, heat sources, dust, cement, oils and greases or any kind of con-
taminants. Buckles and metal parts can be cleaned using a soft cloth or using compressed air. If necessary, the textile parts can be cleaned using warm water (30°C) then
rinsed. Drying the wet equipment will be made by hanging it in well-ventilated room away from any heat source. When fully dried, the equipment can be stored accordingly
in its packaging (bag or box). Transport of the equipment must be made in its protective bag or box, away from any factor that could contaminate or inflict damage.
MARKING
●V9 SQUIRREL is fitted with a label which contains the following elements and essential information: name of the manufacturer, name of the model, size, article number,
allowed user weight (Max. 150kg), manufacturing date (month & year), standards/norms the product complies to (EN 12277 type C), European CE marking with identifica-
tion number of the notified body that carries out the internal production control, international symbol/icon for reading the instructions before use, the product’s serial number
(000000) and graphic instructions regarding buckle operation.
●V9 TOP has its own label which contains the following information: name of the manufacturer, name of the model, size, article number, allowed user weight (Max. 150kg),
manufacturing date (month & year), international symbol/icon for reading the instructions before use, the product’s serial number (000000) and a warning regarding its
compatibility! The label must be always present and readable!
PERIODIC INSPECTIONS AND CHECKS
The user must perform a visual and functional inspection of his equipment before and after each use! During use, it is important to monitor your equipment in order to
identify possible damages inflicted in use, without being aware of it. The equipment must be inspected at least once every 12 months or more often if required, depend-
ing on the working conditions and compulsory after every incident it has been involved in. Inspections can be carried out only by the manufacturer or by an authorized
inspections center. If the periodic inspections were not performed at least once every 12 months, were carried out by unqualified persons, or without strictly
respecting the manufacturer’s instructions, the warranty is lost and the manufacturer declines any responsibility related to the equipment!
Inspection Log! Every PPEaF is delivered with an Inspection Log. This document must be kept safely and sent along with the product for every inspection.
The Log (table) contains important data regarding your equipment. The date, signature of the inspector and the results are also recorded. The date of first use must be
written in the Inspection Log by the user!
Repairs or any other modifications can be performed only by the manufacturer! Any repairs, modifications or additions (even minor ones) performed by anyone else are
strictly forbidden, lead to the loss of the manufacturers guarantee and any responsibility related to this product!
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY!
The manufacturer offers a 24 month warranty for this PPEaF from the date of first use. The user has the obligation to write the date of first use in the Inspection Log. If the
date of first use was not filled in, the warranty period will be calculated from the manufacturing date. The warranty is applicable only for material or manufacturing defects!
Damage resulting from normal wear and tear, corrosion, poor maintenance (or no maintenance at all), those resulted from carelessness, accidents, fall arrest, unauthor-
ized repairs or modifications, wrong use of this PPEaF or any other reasons are NOT covered by the warranty!
The warranty does NOT cover the springs of the carabiners and automatic buckles as these can be damaged due to inadequate storage or improper use.
Warranty claims only apply to the product. All claims by the user or any other party for the direct, indirect or any consequential damages resulting from the use of this
PPEaF are excluded from guarantee and liability assumptions. Any claims in this regard are hereby expressly rejected.
The user must be informed regarding the dangers of work at heights and depths. He should be aware of the risks and he has to be aware that he is the only responsible
for eventual damage, accidents or even death which may result from the use of this equipment. If the user is unable to do so or if he does not have the competence to do
so, he cannot use this PPEaF.
VERTIQUAL Engineering SRL herewith rejects any liability claims for direct, indirect, accidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of this PPEaF (Personal
Protective Equipment against Fall).
The EU type examination was carried out by: INCDPM (The National Research and Development Institute for Occupational Safety-Bucharest). European notified body: NB
2756.
The EU Declaration of Conformity can be downloaded from our website www.vertiqualsafety.com by accessing the product’s dedicated section.
Manufacturer: Vertiqual Engineering S.R.L.
RO-547367 Corunca DN1-E60 Nr. 397G
www.vertiqualsafety.com