Product Manual

User Manual
Page 6
Issue 1
Ensure all connecting elements have been safely closed. If the rope between the user
and the anchorage is slack, pull the opposite rope until it is taught before
commencing with descent.
There are three methods of use when descending.
Method One - Automatic Descent Only
This method should be used when the rescuer is connecting the casualty to be
lowered and then allowing the descender to lower the casulaty and at an
automatically controlled rate without manual input from the rescuer or casualty.
Connect the MAX connector to the anchorage above the user and then the rope
connector to the casualty. Next remove any slack between the casualty and the MAX
descender and lock off the non load bearing rope using the standard rope lock off
method shown on page 8. If required remove any fall arrest or restraint equipment
from the casualty. The casualty can be lowered by releasing the non load bearing rope
from the rope lock off, the user will descend at a constant rate without manual input.
Once released do not attempt to grasp the rope as this may result in serious injury.
Method Two - Top Controlled Descent
This method should be used when the rescuer is controlling the descent of the
casualty when positioned next to the anchored MAX descender. The rescuer will be
required to wear heavy duty gloves to prevent injury. Connect the MAX connector to
the anchorage above the user and then the rope connector to the casualty. Next
remove any slack between the casualty and the MAX descender and lock off the non
load bearing rope using the standard rope lock off method shown on page 8. If
required remove any fall arrest or restraint equipment from the casualty. To begin
descending the rescuer will need to slowly remove the non load bearing rope from
the rope grip (NOT THE ROPE HOOKS) using both hands to control the rope. The
casualty will begin to descend at a rate controlled by the rescuer up to 6.5ft/s (2m/s).
To slow or halt descent push the non load bearing rope back into the rope grip.
Method Three - Self Controlled Descent
This method should be used when the descender is used in an inverted position, in
which the user has control of their own descent.The user will be required to wear
heavy duty gloves to prevent injury. Connect the MAX connector to the front D of the
harness and then the rope connector to the anchorage above the user. Next remove
any slack between the MAX descender and the anchorage and lock off the non load
bearing rope using the inverted rope lock off method shown on page 8. If required
remove any fall arrest or restraint equipment. To begin descending the user will need
to slowly remove the non load bearing rope from the final rope grip which is the last
contact point between the rope and descender using both hands to control the rope.
The user will begin to descend at a self controlled rate up to 6.5ft/s (2m/s). To slow
or halt descent push the non load bearing rope back into the vacant rope grip.
Descending
The entire MAX range has automatic or hand controlled descent functions. Once a person has been safely attached
to the rope the device will automatically control descent speed to 1.6ft/s - 6.5ft/s (0.5m/s - 2m/s) without the need
for user input. If required descent can be prevented by using the rope lock off points, (See page 8 for rope lock-off
methods). When there is a potential fall hazard when disconnecting from the rescue system, post descent, it will be
necessary to connect the rescuee/user to an appropriate fall arrest system(compliant with ANSI Z359.1), to reduce
the risk of a fall while disconnecting from the rescue system. The user/rescuer may also be required to lock-off the
rope to prevent further descent. The rescuer must not expose themselves to a potential fall hazard and may be
required to use a fall arrest or restraint system(compliant with ANSI Z359.1).
WARNING!
When used as an auto descender
the hand wheel will begin to spin
rapidly, do
NOT grab the wheel
when it is revolving.
Once released do
NOT attempt to
grasp the upstream rope during
descent as this may result in
serious injury.
Always ensure that the landing
zone is free from electrical,
thermal, chemical or other
potentially harmful hazards.