Petzl RIG
Primary functions
● Personal descent device
● Work Positioning
● Ascending
● Belaying
● At the head of a haul system
● Rescue
● Lowering
● To attach ropes to an anchor
Primary Features
● Hinged plate to install rope without removing from harness
● Handle returns to lock and storage positions on 2018 and later models
Standards and certifications
● EN 12841 Type C: 2006
● EN 341 Class A: 1997
● EN 1515-1/6
● NFPA 1983 (2017)
Specifications and limitations
● MBS 14kN per NFPA standard testing
● WLL 150 kg per EN 341 and 12841
● Max 200 kg load for accompanied descent rescue using extra friction
● EN 1891 A Rope 10.5mm-11.5mm
● 200m max descent per EN 341/A standard testing
Proper handling and use
General
- Install rope correctly
- Attach to ventral D ring on harness
- Use with compatible connector
- Verify correct installation by visual inspection, function check, and operational (bump) check
- Verify the safety gate is closed
- Position to allow free movement of device
- Maintain control of tail rope when handle is open, use lock position to go hands free
- Tail rope is directed over roll plate
- Maintain control of speed
Lowering from anchor
- Use extra carabiner to direct tail rope over roll plate. Attach friction carabiner to anchor opposite the safety catch.
Hauling
- Friction through the device reduces efficiency in a 3:1 raise to an effective 2:1
- Consider using as capture for a separate haul
Belaying
- Eliminate slack or reduce to 12” maximum
- 1 for 1 technique or dedicated belay rope controller
- Pivot body to allow slack to feed
Attaching ropes to anchor
- Tie off with mule hitch and clip loop back to anchor
- For tensioned ropes, the mule hitch should allow for 1m slippage
Rescue
- In a dedicated kit, swing plate can be secured with screw
- Use friction carabiner for accompanied descent. Attach friction carabiner to the same carabiner attaching device to harness, on the side of the roll plate.
Pre-use inspection
● Inspect for any cracks, deformation, corrosion
● Make sure the cam is not worn out; when the cam groove becomes worn all the way to the wear indicator, discontinue use of the I’D
● Check the moving side plate for deformation or excessive play: if the side plate can pass over the head of the cam axle, discontinue use of the I’D
● Check the locking components (safety gate, locking screw, axle) and the operation of the springs in the cam, the safety gate and of the anti-error catch
● Verify that the cam is fully mobile.
● Verify that the horizontal movement button springs back out after it is pressed
Misuse and discrepancies
Major Discrepancy (Fail)
- Loaded backwards and trying to use in that manner
- Uncontrolled descent
- Safety catch not completely closed
Minor Discrepancy (Discrepancy)
- Device not secured beyond normal lock off when used as anchor
- Excessive slack when used to belay or while standing on a platform
- No extra friction for accompanied descent or lowering from top anchor
- No control of tail rope when handle is unlocked or while descending
- Tail rope running over the back side of device