USER’S MANUAL Rev 1-2011 ENG ActSafe PME Ascender 4-stroke engine User’s Manual PME Ascender 4-stroke engine 2
PME Ascender 4-stroke engine User’s Manual revision 1-2011 © Copyright 2011 ActSafe Systems AB www.actsafe.se info@actsafe.
Table of contents INTRODUCTION 4 Emergency descent 20 Foreword 4 Refuelling 22 About ActSafe 4 Transportation 22 About this manual 4 Storage 2 Definitions 5 Disclaimer 6 SAFETY 7 2 SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 23 Maintenance recommendation 23 Clean the ascender of salt water/dirt 23 Ascender safety 7 Changing a broken safety shear bolt 23 Engine safety 8 Changing the rope grab system 24 Fuel safety 8 Changing the primary connection sling 25 General safety measures 9 Engine
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Foreword About this manual Thank you for choosing a product from ActSafe Systems AB®. The information in this manual cannot replace training and exercise. The ascender must only be used by personnel who have undergone proper training. Improper use may result in serious injury or death.
INTRODUCTION Definitions WORD DESCRIPTION Anchor Attachment point for rope or ascender. Ascending Moving up on the rope. Descending Moving down on the rope. Primary rope Main rope used with ascender. Approved according to EN 1891. Backup rope /Secondary rope Safety rope that takes load if failure with primary rope. Approved according to EN 1891. Fall arrest Device that stops a fall and limits the load. Approved according to EN 353-2. Active / Live rope Rope that is loaded during work.
DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER 6 Since ActSafe Systems AB is unable to control the use of the equipment, the user and the user only is responsible for any damage, personal injuries or death resulting from improper use and maintenance of this product. The ascender is not safety equipment. It is a tool for hoisting and lowering a person and/or equipment. It must therefore always be used in combination with an approved secondary system including approved components for fall arrest.
SAFETY SAFETY Users of this product must have been certified or have undergone proper approved training either by ActSafe Systems AB or by ActSafe approved distributors. DANGER Read this chapter carefully and make sure you understand its contents. Ascender safety The ascender must not be used: • For anything other than that for which it has been designed. • In an explosive environment. • If modified in any way by anyone other than ActSafe Systems AB.
SAFETY Engine safety For full information about the engine, check the engine owner’s manual supplied. Certain parts of the engine can remain hot long after it has been turned off. It is therefore important to take care when handling the ascender to prevent injury by burning. CAUTION Make sure that the hot parts do not come into contact with clothes or anything that would be damaged by excessive heat. DO NOT start the engine: Further do NOT: •• If the air filter or its cover have been removed.
SAFETY General safety measures Rig for rescue •• Draw up a risk analysis and a minimum of 2 separate rescue plans. Traditional rescue methods refer to climbing/ascending the unloaded rope to the injured operator and lowering/descending to safety with the help of equipment. •• Make suitable rescue equipment available. •• Check all components in the system. TIPS The area of risk under someone working at height is within a radius of 2/3 of the height and larger due to strong wind.
SAFETY Rope system safety The rope system must consist of a primaryrope (1) and a secondary back-up rope (2), both must be approved according to EN1891 and have a diameter of 10-13mm. The two ropes must have separate anchor points that must hold at least 15 kN each. A competent person shall judge if the separate anchor points are sufficient. National regulations may require more. The product ascends on the primary rope.
SAFETY Rope recommendations ActSafe PME is designed for EN 1891 ropes. However, all EN 1891 ropes does not perform well with the ascender. ActSafe has tested a variety of ropes; please contact usfor more information about different rope qualities. As a rule of the thumb one can say that extremely soft ropes don’t get good grip in the rope grab. A very soft rope may result in poor lifting capacity since the rope starts to slip or in the worst-case scenario even a jam.
SAFETY Personal safety The user must wear a combination harness (1,2) approved according to EN813 (low attachment point for the primary rope, 3) as well as EN361 (high attachment point for the secondary rope or fall arrester, 4). National regulations may require more. Do not use the ascender if you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
SAFETY Training Users of this product must have been certified or have undergone proper approved training either by ActSafe Systems AB or by ActSafe approved distributors. The ActSafe PME ascender makes it possible to access heights and depths in a very quick, safe and reliable way. The ascenders are very easy to implement within various work methods and is invaluable in places where access is difficult or impossible by other means.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 8 7 6 9 5 10 11 4 12 13 14 15 2 3 20 1 19 18 16 17 14 NO PART NO PART 1 Primary connection 11 Fuel tank 2 Sling 12 Accelerator handle 3 Attachment karabiner 13 Main switch 4 Chassis 14 Secondary connection point 5 Rope grab system 15 Lower hole, NOT FOR LIFTING 6 Rescue kit 16 Transmission 7 Descending Device 17 Oil tank cap/ level meter 8 Spark Plug (hidden) 18 Starter 9 Air Filter (hidden) 19 Priming bulb 10 Fuel
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 1 NO PART 1 Secondary connection 2 Lower hole, NOT FOR LIFTING 3 Loop (Rope guide) 4 Knife 5 Rope Cover 6 Rope Grab 2 3 4 5 6 General Engine & fuel This product has been designed for lifting a person or load in a static rope system (including backup rope) with ropes of 10-13 mm approved by EN1891. The dead rope shall be unloaded. The ascender is equipped with a 4-stroke engine. Normal 4-stroke unleaded petrol 91-octane or higher may be used.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION Over load protection The ascender is equipped with overload protection that is based on a centrifugal friction function. When the engine speed increases, two brake shoes are forced towards a drum; the friction causes the rope grab to be driven. If the ascender is run according to the instructions, the overload protection will withstand 300 kg. The maximum load can also be limited if the engine’s power diminishes, e.g.
USAGE USAGE Checklist before and after use The user must make sure that the ascender is in full working order and the correct preparations have been made before each use of the ascender. If in doubt do not use the ascender and consult ActSafe Systems AB or an approved distributor. Check the ascender and its components for loose parts, excessive wear and damages. Damage includes cracks, marks and/or abnormal wear indicating the product has been subject to excessive force or impact energy.
USAGE Connect to rope 1. Place the ascender on the ground. 2. Open the rope cover. 3. Form a loop on the rope and push it through the rope guide just above the rope grab. 4. Put the rope around the rope grab. 5. Close the rope cover. 6. Connect the primary connection karabiner to the EN 813 connection point of the full body harness and check the karabiner is locked. RECOMMENDATION Drive the ascender to waist level to simplify connection to harness.
USAGE Ascent 1. Place the ascender on the ground. 2. Turn the main switch on. 3. Press the priming bulb several times until fuel can be seen (hidden). CAUTION Do not hold the rope just above the winch, there is a risk of being pinched. 4. Use the choke if needed (cold engine). 5. Pull the starter (hidden). 6. Turn the accelerator handle towards you to increase the speed. 5 7. Hold the handle firmly in the right hand with the ascender pointing towards the right.
USAGE Emergency descent Stay connected to your backup rope system during all these steps. In the pictures the backup system is excluded for clarity. 1 Use the equipment in the rescue kit. 1. Attach the Descender to the rope under the ascender and connect it to the harness with the attached red karabiner. Ensure that the Descender have been threaded correctly. 2-4 2. Attach the rope clamp (blue karabiner) to the live rope above the ascender (approx. 10 cm). 3.
USAGE 6b 6. Place a foot in the step loop and “step up” (a). While you are standing up tighten the rope through the Descender (b). Your weight is now transferred to the Descender when you sit down. 6a 7. Disengage the rope clamp and begin the descent. 7 RECOMMENDATION Adjust the speed according to the circumstances, be aware and use common sense. This technique is also employed in daily work when needing to descend, i.e. the ascender will transport you up, and this method will allow descent.
USAGE Refuelling Storage Follow these instructions when refuelling to minimise risk of fire and personal injury. Store the ascender in the transportation box, in a cool, dark and dry place. 1. Turn the engine switch off. Keep the ascender away from areas where fuel vapours can reach sparks or open flames (from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces etc.) 2. Allow the engine to cool. 3. Open the fuel tank. 4. Refill the fuel. 5. Close the fuel tank.
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE SERVICE & MAINTENANCE Use only original spare parts / material recommended by ActSafe Systems AB. RECOMMENDATION Remove the ignition cable before service. Do this to avoid accidental start-up during maintenance work. Maintenance recommendation Clean the unit regularly (the performance will be affected negatively by excessive dust, clogged parts etc). Check the karabiners for oxidation. Clean and lubricate if needed.
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE Changing the rope grab system If unsure of any of these steps, contact ActSafe Systems AB or local distributor. After cleaning, lubricate the gear ring and gear wheel with water-proof grease. 1. Unscrew the loop inside the textile bag (2 nuts). 5. Replace the rope grab and tighten the screws to 10 Nm and use Loctite 243. 2. Remove the loop, knife and the rope cover which is mounted on the loop. 6.
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE Changing the primary connection sling If unsure of any of these steps, contact ActSafe Systems AB or local distributor. 3. Push the new sling through the chassis holes. 1. Use pliers to force the captive bar out. 4. Connect the new karabiner and lock it with a captive bar. 2. Remove the karabiner and the sling. Engine maintenance For full information about the engine maintenance points and schedule, check the included owner’s engine manual.
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE Spark plug Oil level check and change The spark plug can have deposits on the electrodes, which may result in malfunction and/or starting difficulties. The spark plug condition is influenced by: Check the engine oil level with the engine stopped and in a level position. Change the oil regularly to prolong the lifetime of the engine. •• A dirty air filter. RECOMMENDATION •• Hard running conditions.
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE If this guide does not solve your problems, first check the engine manual for further trouble shooting guide and then contact ActSafe Systems AB or by ActSafe approved distributor. The engine does not start PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY Empty tank Refuel the ascender. Ignition cable loose Reattach the ignition cable to the spark plug. Wrong fuel Empty the tank, clean and refuel the ascender.
WARRANTY & GUARANTEE WARRANTY & GUARANTEE ActSafe is responsible for the proper function of the product during the warranty period. If a defect is detected while under warranty, the product will be repaired by ActSafe or an authorized Service Dealer. The validity of the warranty must be proved by a copy of the invoice and the serial no. of the product. The warranty period is 12 months after the date of purchase, unless otherwise agreed, and must be proved by the documentation mentioned above.
TECHNICAL DATA TECHNICAL DATA NOTE ! The performance is tested with an unused 11 mm, unwatered rope at room temperature. PERFORMANCE/PART VALUE COMMENT Rope Static / Semi Static rope 10-13 mm EN1891 Max working load 300 kg Safe Working Load (SWL) 200 kg Rescue 250 kg Ascent speed 0-17 m/min (100 kg load) Continuous adjustment. Recommended temperature range -20 °C til + 40°C The ascender can be used at other temperatures as well. Weight 10.4 kg Excluding fuel.
APPENDIX APPENDIX Declaration of conformity and EC Type test Certificate.
SERVICE CARD SERVICE CARD ActSafe Serial No: Year of manufacture Date of purchase Date first put into service Name of owner Date of service DATE INSPECTOR OK Signature User’s Manual PME Ascender 4-stroke engine 31
© Copyright ActSafe Systems AB Distributor: 1 ActSafe Systems AB Sagbäcksvägen 13 | SE-437 31 Lindome | Sweden Phone +46 31 65 56 60 | Fax +46 31 65 56 69 info@ actsafe.se | www.actsafe.se www.actsafe.
