Safetec Duck R

Equipment Specifications:

Safetec Duck R

 
Primary functions

  • Back up device for use within rope access system
  • Back up device for hauling and lowering systems
  • Rope grab
  • Adjustable restraint device

Primary Features

  • Cam pinches the rope when loaded from the connection point
  • Absorbs force in case of a fall by slipping until force is reduced to 3kN
  • Positioning cord allows device to be brought down on the rope and reduces the chance of defeating the device

Standards and certifications

  • EN 12841 Type A: 2006

Specifications and limitations

  • For use with EN 1891 A Rope 10.5mm-11mm
  • Onset of rope slippage at 2.5kN with 11mm semi-static rope
  • Not effective on loaded or pre-tensioned rope

Proper handling and use

General

  • Attach with EN lanyard up to 60cm long or knotted lanyards of dynamic rope 80cm max from ventral attachment, 50cm max from sternal attachment, including connectors
  • Pre-rig device by pushing cam through and clipping with a lanyard
  • Install on rope with arrow towards tensioned side of rope and allow cam to swing back through
  • Function check by moving device up the rope then pulling down on lanyard to ensure it locks down on the rope
  • At all times that the user is stationary the Duck-R should be positioned as high as possible. The Duck-R must always be above the descender or chest ascender and never below its lanyard/cows-tail attachment point (FF1)
  • To move the Duck-R up the rope, hold the lanyard or karabiner- do not hold the device
  • To move the Duck-R down, pull the Positioning cord down using the index finger and thumb. Users should only hold the positioning cord for as short a period as necessary and ensure that they are prepared to let go of the Positioning cord immediately at all times
  • To remove from the rope – disconnect the karabiner, pass the Cam through the body and re-connect the karabiner before pulling the device from the rope
  • In many applications the Duck-R should be controlled independently of the descent device (one for one technique) in others it may be necessary to control both Duck-R and descent device simultaneously
  • Slippage less than 3cm at 2.5kN
  • Slippage increases at FF1 and FF2, but does not exceed 50cm
  • Required clearance height- 2m plus rope stretch

Special situations

  • On low angles, keep device high and to the side to reduce the chance of trapping device between surface and user
  • In windy conditions, add friction below device or anchor rope below so that slack does not develop
  • When working within 3m of knots, edges, or other obstructions, maintain the Duck as high as possible with less than 10cm slack in the lanyard

Belaying when lowering from anchor

  • Use extra carabiner to direct tail rope in line with device
  • Eliminate slack or reduce to 20cm maximum
  • 1 for 1 technique or dedicated belay rope controller

Rescue

  • Device must be maintained above shoulder level of both rescuer and casualty
  • If practicable, one device should be used for each person, each on its own rope and controlled separately of the descender
  • More clearance required
  • Slippage of 150cm or greater at FF1 and FF2, with forces not exceeding 6kN

Pre-use inspection

  • check for any corrosion, cracks, evidence of abrasion, deformation, loose bolt or missing components, including positioning cord
  • 1.5mm max wear on friction point and inside body
  • 10 years max life from first use
  • full function test
  • Lubricate cam and spring if needed
  • The positioning cord can be replaced with 4mm cord no longer than 40mm, or 3mm cord no longer than 50mm

Misuse and discrepancies

Major Discrepancy (Fail)

  • Loaded backwards and trying to use in that manner
  • Used with incorrect diameter rope
  • Unacceptably low device, rendering it ineffective
  • Fall Factor 1 or more with a 2 person load

Minor Discrepancy (Discrepancy)

  • Low device beyond what is allowed by manufacturer
  • Incorrect lanyard
  • Lanyard passing under arm
  • Defeating device by poor handling
  • Too close to obstacle without maintaining device high
  • Fall Factor greater than 1
     

RETURN TO EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS