FAQ
1 - How to uncoil a new rope?
2 - How to wash a rope?
3 - How to eliminate sheath slippage on a rope?
4 - How to know the year of production for my rope?
5 - What is the lifetime of my rope?
6 - What is the lifetime of my harness?
7 - What is the lifetime of my Via Ferrata set?
1 - How to uncoil a new rope?
Here is an easy way to uncoil a new rope.
1. To unwrap the hank, the securing bands should be removed by hand, not by knife or scissors.
2. Pass your left arm through the hank, with your other arm take the free strand and pull down the 4 first turns of the hank, lay them loosely.
3. Now, pass your right arm through the hank, with your other arm take the free strand and pull down the 4 following turns of the hank, lay them loosely.
4. Repeat points 2 and 3 until the end of the rope. This way you create 4 twists in one direction equalized by 4 twists in the opposite direction, at the end the rope is not kinked and ready to be used.
EDELWEISS ROPES - How to uncoil a rope from MBC on Vimeo .
2 - How to wash a rope?
EDELWEISS ROPES - How to wash a rope from MBC on Vimeo.
3 - How to know the year of production for my rope?
The last 2 digits from the batch number indicate the year of manufacture, i.e. 08 = year 2008.
4 - What is the lifetime of my rope?
Lifetime = Time of storage before first use + time in use.
The lifetime of the rope in use must never exceed 10 years.
The total maximum lifetime (storage before use + lifetime in use) is limited to 15 years (i.e. if the time of storage was 6 years the maximum time in use is limited to9 years:15– 6 = 9).
Attention: This is only a potential lifetime; a rope could be destroyed during its first use. It is the inspections which determine if the rope must be scrapped more quickly. Proper storage between uses is essential.
The rope must be retired earlier:
- if it has held a major fall, approaching fall factor 2
- if inspection reveals or even indicates damage to the core
- if the sheath is very worn
- if it has been in contact with any active or dangerous chemicals
- if there is the slightest doubt about its security.
5 - What is the lifetime of my harness?
Lifetime = Time of storage before first use + time in use.
The lifetime of the harness in use must never exceed 10 years.
The total maximum lifetime (storage before use + lifetime in use) is limited to 15 years (i.e. if the time of storage was 6 years the maximum time in use is limited to9 years: 15– 6 = 9).
Attention: This is only a potential lifetime; it is the inspections which determine if the harness must be scrapped more quickly. Proper storage between uses is essential.
The harness must be retired earlier:
- if it has sustained a heavy fall even if no damage is apparent
- if the webbing has been damaged by abrasion, cutting, chemical agents or any other means
- if the stitching has been damaged
- if the buckles are not working well
- if it has been in contact with any active or dangerous chemicals
- if there is any other doubt as to its security.
6 - What is the lifetime of my Via Ferrata set?
Lifetime = time of storage before first use + time in use.
The working life depends on the frequency and the type of use.
Abrasion, UV exposure and humidity gradually degrade the properties of the tapes.
Storage time: In good storage conditions this product may be kept for 5 years before first use without affecting its future lifetime duration in use.
Lifetime: The potential lifetime of this product in use is 10 years.
Attention: This is only a potential lifetime. A Via Ferrata set could be destroyed during its first use. It is the inspections which determine if the product must be scrapped more quickly. Proper storage between uses is essential.
The lifetime of the Via Ferrata set in use must never exceed 10 years.
The total maximum lifetime (storage before use + lifetime in use) is thus limited to 15 years.
A Via Ferrata set must be scrapped without delay if:
- On inspection it appears to be damaged
- It has been in contact with dangerous chemical products
- If there is the slightest doubt about its security
- After a fall that has caused the energy absorber to activate (tearing or splitting of the belt weave)
