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
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
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