6
Latchways PRD descender device user instructions
Product limitations (continued)
• Use of this equipment in hazardous environments may require additional precautions to reduce
the possibility of injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are
not limited to: high heat, fires, acids, caustic solutions, welding flames, explosive or toxic gases,
corrosive environments, sharp edges, moving machinery.
• Standard operating temperature -4°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C).
• Extended operating temperature -40°F to +140°F (-40°C to + 60°C). If the unit is used between
-40°F to -4°F (-40°C to -20°C), it must be in a dry condition before use.
• Descent speed is between 1.6 – 6.6 ft/sec or 0.5 – 2 m/sec.
• After a single descent, the descender device shall be withdrawn from service, details recorded on
the periodic examination log and returned to MSA or an authorised agent.
• Should a fall occur and the Approved harness be subjected to fall arrest loads, it shall be
withdrawn from service.
• The life of the product can be affected by environmental conditions.
• The Latchways PRD is suitable for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by
mixtures of air and gases, vapours or mists or by air/dusts mixtures are likely to occur, as per BS
EN 13463-1:2001 equipment group II, category 2.
Pre-use checks and requirements
Risk assessment and rescue planning
The Latchways PRD forms part of a fall protection system and it is
therefore recommended that before undertaking work at height and
at regular intervals during the period of work, a risk assessment is
carried out. The risk assessment should cover, but is not limited
to,
descent height, descent path, suitability of landing areas,
unprotected edges and rescue.
A rescue plan shall be in place to deal with any emergency that may
arise.
The Latchways PRD is designed, primarily, as a self-rescue system
and will assist with rescue planning. In the event that the User is
unable to initiate self-rescue a secondary release means is provided
on the right-hand shoulder area. This is a red and black rubberised
loop (figure 3a) which can be pulled by a Rescuer, by hand or with
the aid of the Latchways PRD Rescue Pole (figure 3b) or by other
means, to activate the descent. A telescopic pole assembly is
available (MSA part number 68099-00) for this purpose. Secondary
release by a Rescuer should be taken into account in the risk
assessment.
Figure 3b
Figure 3a
EN
