Safety First (Even if it’s 6th or whatever on the menu)
These force multiplying devices are expected to be used by competent adult individuals or be closely supervised.
The UIAA does not have standards for multi pulley systems. These hoists have not been evaluated or approved by UIAA and should not be used as a primary lifeline without redundant belays.
Back up your knots! The slipperiness of the modern materials used in bridles and rigging line allow even perfectly dressed knots to creep under a load. Literately untying before your eyes like a couple of snakes making more snakes. An overhand stopper knot will usually prevent this. This inherent slickness make these lines not suitable for friction knots. (prusiks)
Always be prepared for the failure of some part of a lift, rigging or anchors. Don’t place yourself or others under the load.
Clean dry Spectra ® is considered a dielectric but any dirty wet rope will conduct electricity.
Be cautious about allowing the line to slip through your hand / glove. The heat buildup is surprisingly quick and you may not be able to maintain control. Using a hand over hand method or a couple wraps on a burr free climbing rated carabiner or similar hardware is a better friction option when lowering an extremely heavy load. Do not use a Cleat Plate as a friction device as line damage will occur.
One of the most hazardous situations will be encountered when lowering an extremely heavy load. Line that may become entangled in brush etc. should be laid out in large open loops or S shapes before you begin lowering. In extreme cases or when you are alone having the line run straight out into the brush some hundred feet is ideal. This can be achieved by tying the stopper knot end to the tail of frightened wiener dog. If you have a wiener dog that can be easily frightened.
Measure first! 12 feet isn’t as far as you may think. This is extremely important when making a lowering move. It is usually very difficult to change plans when you start running out of line. It is possible to cut the stopper knot off and gain a few feet of lift/lower. (sacrificing some mechanical advantage). But the gains in length are relatively small. For example, a “Bull” hoist is 16:1 for 12 feet. Allowing it to unreeve to 12:1 only gains 4 additional feet of travel. Attempting anything less than 9:1 is not recommended while lowering. The usable lift of a Bull using only 9 pullies is 22 feet. 200′ / 9 = 22′
And back up your knots…………you’ll see.
Future safety bulletins, including product recalls may be sent to customers that have purchased a hoist kit if the need arises. The address used at time of purchase will be saved for this purpose alone. Opting out of our mailing list will not exclude you from receiving safety related information.