Power Quick PQ500 User Manual

User Manual: PowerQuick PQ500 User Manual

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Operation Manual
PQ 500-Series Ascenders (Except AX Model)
Edi tion 5 – A pril 2008

Disclaimer
The PowerQuick Personal Ascender is not a safety device. It is specifically designed as a tool to
assist in the ascending and descending of personnel and tools or materials and is always to be
used in conjunction with a secondary safety device.
PowerQuick, Inc. makes no guarantee that PowerQuick will increase the user's personal safety
or free the user from possible serious injury or death or that PowerQuick operates as a lifesaving mechanism.
PowerQuick, Inc. our partners and subsidiaries disclaim any liability or responsibility for
damages, injuries or death resulting from the use or misuse of the PowerQuick Ascender.
The PowerQuick Ascender should not be operated by persons who do not possess evidence of
approved training in the use of the PowerQuick Ascender or hold at least a level 1 IRATA Rope
Access Technician rating or similar certification. However, even with this requirement,
PowerQuick, Inc has no control over the use of this equipment and the person using this
equipment assumes all risk of damage, injuries or death resulting from such use. It is expressly
understood and agreed by the buyer or any subsequent user of the PowerQuick Ascender that
PowerQuick, Inc. and/or the seller in no way be deemed or held liable or accountable for any
liability or responsibility for damages, injuries or death resulting from the use of the PowerQuick
Ascender, and makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, statutory, by operation of law or
otherwise, beyond that expressed herein.
PowerQuick, Inc. disclaims any liability in tort for damages or direct or consequential personal
injuries or death resulting from a malfunction or from a defect in design, manufacturing, materials
or workmanship, whether caused by negligence on the part of PowerQuick, Inc. or otherwise. By
using PowerQuick Personal Ascender, or allowing it to be used by others, the buyer and/or user
waives any liability on the part of PowerQuick, Inc. for personal injuries, death or other damages
arising from such use.

Manufactured by

PowerQuick, Inc.
3000-B Conestoga Drive
Carson City NV 89706
Phone 775-882-8100
http://www.powerquickinc.com/
E-mail: sales @powerquickinc.com

Contents
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY.........................................................................................2
1

WARRANTY..............................................................................................................................3

PERSONAL SAFETY ...............................................................................................................3

SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................3

BATTERY PACK AND CHARGER..........................................................................................5

CERTIFICATION/MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................7

CERTIFIED MAINTENANCE FACILITIES OR PRINCIPLE POINTS OF CONTACT............7

DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................8

USE INSTRUCTIONS ...............................................................................................................9

POWERQUICK POWERED ASCENDER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE..................................16

SAFE DEPLOYMENT OF THE POWERQUICK ASCENDER....................................................17
10

OPERATION REQUIREMENTS...........................................................................................17

EQUIPMENT AND APPLICATION OF POWERQUICK SYSTEMS ...................................18

USE REQUIREMENTS.........................................................................................................19

FIELD OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................20

EMPLOYEE SELECTION AND CAPABILITIES .................................................................22

TRAINING .............................................................................................................................24

3.0 INDUSTRIAL ROPE ACCESS SITE CHECKLIST (SAMPLE) .....................................25

DETAILED INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT .......................................26

REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS .........................................................................................32

SERVICE CONTRACT & MAINTENANCE OPTIONS ................................................................34

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

PowerQuick Powered Personnel Ascender
Model PQ 500500-1
Operations Manual & System Information for
Work Positioning Use and Safety
EC Declaration of Conformity
Conforming Equipment

PowerQuick Model 500 -1 Powered Personal Ascender for technical rope access, work
positioning and rescue operations.

Manufactured by

PowerQuick, Inc. 3000-B Conestoga Drive, Carson City, NV89706

We declare that the equipment complies with the following directives including the latest amendments: •
•

98/37/EC Machinery Safety
2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compatibility

Provided it is used and maintained by competent personnel as part of the applications for which it is intended, in
accordance with the relevant standards and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Harmonised Standards

EN 1005-1; EN 1005-2; EN13463-1; EN13463-5; EN 60079-15

Standards and Technical
Specifications

EN ISO 12100-1; EN ISO 12100-2; EN 60079-0; EN 60529; IEC 61951-2; UL 248-8

Notification Body holding
the Technical File

Authorised
Representative

TRL Compliance
Moss View, Nipe Lane, Up Holland, West Lancashire
WN8 9PY

PowerQuick UK
The Bull Pen
Castle Square
Bletchingley
RH1 4DL

Date of Issue

READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE POWERQUICK
ASCENDER.

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

Warranty

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, or otherwise
which extend beyond the description enclosed in this document and those expressly stated in these conditions.
PowerQuick, Inc. warrants to the Purchaser that the products being sold hereunder have the capacities and rating set forth in
the product specifications and are free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year or 3.8 miles/6K
(20,000 rotations measured by the odometer on the unit) of use, whichever comes first. The Ascender must then undergo
inspection and certification by a PowerQuick, Inc. qualified maintenance facility as discussed in Section 5. Once recertified,
the warranty is extended to the next certification period. See Maintenance Agreement on page 35.
The seller does not warrant equipment or accessories manufactured by others, but will submit to buyer upon request the
manufacturer’s warranty, if any, and will assist buyer in securing the benefit of such warranty if inspection proves such parts
defective. In no event, whether as a result of breach of warranty or otherwise, shall the seller be liable for special or
consequential damages. No warranty is included against any consequential damages arising from any defect. Considering
the widely varying conditions under which our products are used we cannot be and are not bound, and no person is
authorized to bind us, by any further warranty whatsoever, express or implied.

Personal Safety
•

Do not operate if under the age of 18. Do not operate unless YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED by a certified
trainer. Dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

•

For information on PowerQuick, Inc. approved trainers contact your distributor.

•

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating the Power Quick Ascender.
Do not use while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications. A moment of inattention while
operating may result in serious personal injury.

•

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

•

Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be
suitable for one model may become hazardous when used on another. See the approved Accessories List
located at the back of this manual.

•

Carefully read the maintenance and certification instructions. Check for misalignment, loosening or binding
of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may effect the operation. If damaged, have
the ascender serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained equipment.

•

Do not immerse this product in water, for example, a lake, swimming pool or water puddle. May result in
serious personal injury.

•

Do not connect or disconnect battery cable from either the PQ 500 or the battery in a potentially hazardous
environment.
Limit climb or descent to 200-foot intervals. Allow 15 to 30 seconds for unit to cool during long climbs or
descents.

•

When using in a POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE make sure the battery is fully charged. Do not
recharge the battery in a potentially hazardous atmosphere. Do not overload ascender. Operation with
excessive loads and low battery voltage may cause clutches to overheat. It is the operator’s responsibility
to insure that the PQ 500 is not overloaded.

•

Keep ascender clean of debris. Inspect and clean rope prior to each use and periodically during use. This is
particularly important when the ascender is used in dirty environments.

Specifications

PQ 500AX Powered Ascender
•

Operational Features

•

Compatible with standard climbing gear (Must be used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and
meet applicable requirements and regulations)

•

Use with 1/2-in (12.7mm) static (low stretch) kernmantle rope (Tested and approved with PowerQuick, New
England, Blue Water, and PMI brand ropes) (Note: Care and maintenance of rope required per
manufacturer’s instructions.) Test any other brand thoroughly before using with the ascender to make sure it
grips well and does not slip. You may also send a sample of the proposed brand to PowerQuick for
evaluation prior to use.

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

•

Weight: 28 pounds (13 kg)

•

Lifting capacity: 500 pounds/227 kg; gross load 550 lbs (250kg) includes PQ 500 and battery pack.

•

Designed for use by one person, for work positioning and/or moving tools and materials

•

Easily carries 2 people for rescue applications

•

Lifting speed: 0.7 ft/second (.22m/sec)

•

Powered descent speed: up to 1 ft (.3meter)/sec (varies with weight)

•

Can be operated using remote or manual control

Safety Features

•

Tested to a safety factor of 5 for structural and a factor of 2 operationally

•

Temperature sensor shuts unit down in event of motor overheating.

•

Interlock switch on cover ensures that unit will not operate if rope handler cover is not properly closed.

•

Rope cannot be removed from ascender when it is under a load.

•

Unit will not operate if the rope handler door is open.

•

Auto-braking in hands-off position provides for both locked-off and emergency or panic lockoff. No force
need be applied for panic lockoff.

•

Emergency Stop Button: cuts power to unit

•

Load limiter: Prevents lifting of load in excess of 900 lbs (409 kg) to allow for a safety factor. However, the
rated load permitted is 500 pounds.

•

Static Load/Stationary holding capacity: 1,100 lbs (500kg)

•

Dynamic load capacity: 2,500 lbs (1,136 kg)

•

Forward/reverse power control

•

Palm Interlock must be engaged to actuate ascender motion

•

Low voltage sensor detects low battery voltage and shuts unit down. PQ 500AX level is 28 VDC,

•

No pinch points

•

No sharp edges, points, etc., capable of puncturing or cutting the skin

•

Accessible surface temperature do not exceed 65° C

•

Rotating parts protection

•

No shock hazard

•

The motor will not re-start if the winding temperature exceeds 100° C

•

IP 54 enclosure for electronics, motor and battery.

Use restrictions

•

Not to be used after shock load of in excess of 1,200 lbs (544kg).

•

Not to be used after drop greater than 4 ft (1.2meters) onto hard surface
(Must undergo inspection and recertification after these events)

•

Environmental conditions
!

Operating Temperature Range: 32˚ F to 113˚F (0˚ C to +45˚ C).

Moisture: May be used in wet weather. However; do not immerse this product in water, for example, a lake,
swimming pool or water puddle. May result in serious personal injury.

No negative affect from corrosive environments, e.g. salt water or spray. Should be cleaned after use in these
environments

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

•

Dust, sand, dirt, mud etc: .The ascender can be used in oily, or dirty conditions without affecting the
performance. However; for rope safety, keep ascender clean of heavy debris. Inspect and clean rope prior to
each use and periodically during use.

Power Supply
!

NiMH Rechargeable Battery: 36vdc, 30 amp, 360 amp-minutes discharge to 25 VDC.

Climbing Height: 500 to 600 feet (152-182m) per charge.

Battery Pack Weight: 14 lbs.

Designed to withstand 4-ft (1.2meters) drop on hard surface.

Battery life: approximately 800 charge/discharge cycles (temperatures extremes can affect battery life)

Battery is protected with an internal fuse that will disable the battery in event of a short circuit. The normal
battery uses a blade type 40 amp fuse. PQ 500AX batteries use a sand-filled, 25 amp fuse.

The battery cable is 9 feet long with a threaded connector on either end. The cable connectors are such that it
is impossible to connect the cable backwards.

Charger
!

Use to charge PowerQuick NiMH battery packs only

Input: 115/230VAC 60/50 Hz 1.8/1.0A

Output 32VDC @ 30A Continuous

Battery Pack and Charger
WARNING: Before using battery charger read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) battery charger, and (2)
battery pack.

The PowerQuick Ascender battery pack features Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries. They offer up to
40% more capacity (per volume) than NiCad. They are also more
environmentally friendly. The biggest advantage of NiMH over Nicad is
Cell Type
NiMH (Sealed
their ability to accept a charge at any time without suffering from the
"memory effect". The best way to charge NiMH batteries is with regular
secondary)
charging. Do not allow NiMH batteries to discharge below 25 VDC.
Sustained high-current overcharge and cell polarity reversal (during
charge) are destructive to NiMH batteries. It is essential to terminate
charge when the cell is full. If this is not done, the temperature and
pressure within the cell will rise quickly as the charging current is
dissipated as heat. NiMH cells have internal vents, which will open to allow
gas to escape and prevent explosion of the cell.

Cautions-

Cell Numbers

Nominal Voltage 32V DC (30Amp)
Capacity

6 Amp Hour (360 Amp
minutes to 25V)

Duty

182 – 244m climbing
per charge

The AX battery has a sand-filled Fuse. The fuse is not
replaceable by the end user. Equipment shall be returned to the manufacturer or authorized repairer for fuse
replacement.

Use only the charger that accompanies your product or a direct replacement. Do not substitute any other charger.
May result in battery damage and/or serious injury.

Do not disassemble the battery or the charger or operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped
or otherwise damaged in any way. Replace damaged cords or plugs immediately. Incorrect reassembly or damage
may result in electric shock or fire.

Do not recharge battery in damp or wet environment. Do not expose charger to rain or snow. If battery case is
cracked or otherwise damaged, do not recharge. Battery short or fire may result.

External Appearance-The cell/battery shall be free from cracks, scars, breakage, rust, discoloration, leakage and
deformation.

Reverse charging is not acceptable. PowerQuick Battery Charger is equipped with a circuit to prevent reverse
charging.

Charge before use.

Do not charge/discharge with more than the specified current.

Do not short circuit the cell/battery.

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

Do not incinerate or mutilate the cell/battery.

The life expectancy may be reduced if the cell/battery is subjected to adverse conditions such as extreme
temperature, deep cycling, and excessive overcharge/over-discharge.

Store the cell/battery in a cool dry place.

Keep away from children. If swallowed, contact a physician at once.

Avoid using this product during an electrical storm. There may be remote
risk of electric shock from lightning.

Use with PowerQuick Ascender only. DO NOT use to power other devices

4.1

Use Instructions

Charging the Battery
•

Charge the battery using the battery pack provided by PowerQuick, Inc.
with your PowerQuick Ascender. (Figure 1)

•

Insert the 3-pin plug on the battery charger into the matching receptacle
on the top of the battery. (Figure 2)

•

Plug the charger into the electrical outlet. The charger is compatible with
110 and 230VAC. Locate the switch on the end of the charger and, using
a ball point pin, move it to the correct setting.

•

An LED on the end of the charger indicated red for power on, yellow for
charging and green for full charge. When the indicator turns green,
disconnect the battery, and then remove the battery from the charger.

4.2

Figure 1

Battery Warranty

PowerQuick, Inc. Battery Packs are warranted against defects in
workmanship, material and construction for a period of one (1) year
from date of shipment. The warranty period is void if the purchaser
does not adhere to storage instructions specifying both storage time
and temperature (a charged battery may be stored up to 1 year at
room temperature 68° F), are modified, subjected to abuse,
physically damaged when allowed to discharge below 25 VDC, or
charged with a charging device not approved by PowerQuick, Inc.
If the battery pack is found to be defective it will be replaced at no
charge. If, however, it is defective due to misuse as outlined in this
warranty the customer will be so advised and replacement will NOT
be issued. The liability of PowerQuick, Inc. under the warranty is
limited to a replacement of the defective battery pack subject to the
conditions as outlined in this paragraph. The warranty is the
exclusive remedy.

Figure 2
NI-MH BATTERY CHARGER SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL
Input Voltage
Output Voltage
Efficiency
Output Current
Trickle Charge Current
-∆V
∆T/∆t
Maximum start charge temperature
Minimum start charge temperature
Tmax
Max charge time
Vmax
No load voltage
Under voltage trickle current
Operating Temperature
Store Ambient Temperature
Measurement
Weight
Approval
Output Detection:
1. Short Circuit Detection
2. Output Voltage/ Current Limit
3. Reverse Power Protected
4. Overheat Detection
5. Charging Time Limit

8208N3
115VAC - 230VAC
44VDC (30 cells x 1.2V )
Min. 81%
2.6A ± 0.1A
500 - 600mA - adjustable
6mV ± 2mV/cell , 120mV – 240mV
1.0ºC ± 0.3ºC /min
45ºC ± 5%
0ºC ± 5%
48 ± 5% - adjustable
6hours - adjustable
>52.5V
59.5V ± 0.5V
0.5A ± 0.1A(≤26V)
0ºC - 40ºC
-10ºC - 70ºC
140mm(L) ×90 mm(W) ×50 mm(H)
0.8kg
CE, TUV, UL, PSE, EMI, CB, CSA

THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND SUCH
WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE EXPRESS WARRANTY
PERIOD. LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL
DAMAGES UNDER ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES ARE
EXCLUDED TO THE EXTENT EXCLUSION IS PERMITTED BY
LAW. THE SOLE REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF ANY AND ALL
GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES AND THE SOLE REMEDIES
FOR POWERQUICK, INC. LIABILITY OF ANY KIND WITH
RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS FURNISHED UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT, OR PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMEN T, SHALL
BE LIMITED TO THE REMEDIES PROVIDED IN THE PRECEDING
APPLICABLE PARAGRAPHS HEREOF. IN NO EVENT SHALL
POWERQUICK, INC’S. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES WITH
RESPECT TO ANY OF THE PRODUCTS FURNISHED EXCEED
THE CHARGES PREVIOUSLY PAID BY CUSTOMER FOR SUCH
PRODUCTS. CUSTOMER AGREES THAT POWERQUICK, INC. AND AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS AND/OR DEALERS
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF
USE, REVENUE OR PROFIT, EVEN IF POWERQUICK, INC. SHALL HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH POTENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE.

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

4.3

Battery Disposal
In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency Rechargeable Battery Management Act, 42 U.S.C
14301-14336 (“Battery Act”) rechargeable batteries must be disposed of by recycling. To locate a recycling
facility in your area go to http://www.rbrc.org/consumer/uslocate.html or call the Rechargable Battery
Recycling Corporation, a nonprofit organization which manages the Charge up to Recycle! Program at 1-8008-BATTERY. It is the Operator’s responsibility to dispose of, or recycle, the battery in accordance with
regulations of their country.

Certification/Maintenance Requirements
•

•

This Ascender must undergo maintenance, inspection and certification following every 3.4 miles/6K (20,000
rotations as measured by the odometer located on the side of the Ascender) of use, whichever comes first. The
certification requirements of each ascender are printed on the Maintenance Inspection Log located inside the back
cover of this Manual.
The ascender must also be recertified any time it is subjected to a drop from a distance of more than 5 feet. Or if it is
subjected to an on-line drop of more than 1 foot.

•

Maintain diligent maintenance inspection logs in the space provided on the inside back cover of this booklet. Your
sales person has recorded the beginning odometer reading in the inspection log and indicated the reading when the
next maintenance inspection is due. This reading will be tracked and updated each time your unit is serviced.
Additionally, a permanent record of all service for your unit will be maintained in the PowerQuick, Inc. maintenance
database.

•

Service must be performed only by a PowerQuick, Inc. Certified Maintenance Facility. Service or maintenance
performed by unqualified repair personnel could result in injury or death and will void all warranties written or
implies. See the Maintenance Contract at the end of this manual.

•

Failure to follow maintenance and certification requirements voids all warranties, written or implied.

•

PowerQuick, Inc. our partners distributors, dealers and subsidiaries are not responsible for damage or injuries that
result from failure to maintain the ascender in accordance with these instructions.
Damage that occurs due to improper packing of the ascender being returned for maintenance is the responsibility of
the person or company shipping the product. We suggest shipping in the original hard case. If shipping in your own
packaging prudence suggests documenting the condition of your ascender photographically prior to shipping.

•

Certified Maintenance Facilities or Principle Points of Contact

USA

United Kingdom (Point of Contact)

USA

PowerQuick, Inc. Certified Maintenance Facility
3000-B Conestoga Drive,
Carson City, NV 89706
(775)882-8100
http://wwwpowerquickinc.com/
maintenance@powerquickinc.com

PowerQuick UK
The Bull Pen
Castle Square
Bletchingley
RH1 4LD United Kingdom
+44 01883 740 091
e-mail: richard-brooke@btconnect.com
US and International
Production Resource Group (PRG) (Point
of Contact)

APEX, Inc (Point of Contact)
620 Alfery St.
Greensberg, PA 15601
(724) 216-5302
thomasearly@apexinc.biz

Australia and Pacific Region of Southeast Asia
Vertical Innovations International Pty Ltd (Point of
Contact)
4, 4-6 Tengah Crescent,
Mona Vale NSW, 2103 Australia,
PO Box 135 Mono Vale NSW 1660
Office (02) 9979 2582
Mobile 0427 800 028
www.vertical.com.au
e-mail: info@vertical.com.au

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

5050 Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Tel: (702) 942-4644
www.prg.com
e-mail: timbrennan@PRG.com

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India Certified Maintenance Facility
Bonanza Miura Products
H 9&10, Special Economic Zone,
Noida 201305 (U.P.) India
Tel: +91 (0120) 3078333/4/5
Fax: +91(0120) 3078336

PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

Definitions

Building maintenance means operations such as window cleaning, caulking, metal polishing, re-glazing, and general maintenance on building
surfaces.
Control means a mechanism used to regulate or guide the operation of the equipment.
Davit means a device, used singly or in pairs, for suspending a powered platform from work, storage and rigging locations on the building being
serviced. Unlike outriggers, a davit reacts its operating load into a single roof socket or carriage attachment.
Confined or enclosed space means any space having a limited means of egress, which is subject to the accumulation of toxic or flammable
contaminants or has an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Confined or enclosed spaces include, but are not limited to, storage tanks, process vessels,
bins, boilers, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility vaults, tunnels, pipelines, and open top spaces more than 4 feet in depth
such as pits, tubs, vaults, and vessels.
Lifeline means a component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or for
connection to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and which serves as a means for connecting other components
of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.
Live load means the total static weight of workers, tools, parts. and supplies that the equipment is designed to support.
Minimal risk is defined as “the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves
than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical and psychological examinations or tests” in 32 CFR
219.102(i). The overall risk level is “Less Than Minimal Risk.” This is based in accordance with this definition and regulation on the results of
component testing as discussed in Section 3, inherent safety redundancies in the design, as well the fact that the ascender will not be used in
testing, demonstration or actual use without the use of a secondary fall arrest system.
Rated working load means the combined static weight of men, materials, and suspended or supported equipment.
Registered professional engineer means a person who has been duly and currently registered and licensed by an authority within the United
States or its territories to practice the profession of engineering.
Prime mover means the source of mechanical power for a machine.
Rated load means the manufacturer's recommended maximum load.
Rated strength means the strength of rope, as designated by its manufacturer or vendor, based on standard testing procedures or acceptable
engineering design practices.
Rated working load means the combined static weight of men, materials, and suspended or supported equipment.
Roof powered platform means a working platform where the hoist(s) used to raise or lower the platform is located on the roof.
Roof rigged davit means a davit used to raise the suspended working platform above the building face being serviced. This type of davit can also
be used to raise a suspended working platform, which has been ground-rigged.
Rope means the equipment used to suspend a component of an equipment installation.
Secondary brake means a brake designed to arrest the descent of the suspended or supported equipment in the event of an overspeed
condition.
Tie-in guides mean the portion of a building that provides continuous positive engagement between the building and a suspended or supported
unit during its vertical travel on the face of the building.

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

Use Instructions

The PowerQuick Personal Ascender is easy
to use and operate. The photos below show
the major components of the PQ 500.

8.1

Loading Instructions
1.

Make sure the unit is free of debris or dirt
– particularly around the capstan (10),
tension arm (3) and up-rope guide (13).

Open the capstan cover by turning the
latch on the outside of the cover (Figure
6).

Figure 3

Figure 5

Figure 4

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

Follow the instructions as illustrated Below
1.

Place your thumb on the up-rope guide latch. Push in and up to open the guide.

2.
3.

Place the rope in the up-rope guide. Close the latch and push down making sure it is firmly secure.
Make sure the first wrap of the rope is in the groove closest to the ascender body and between the capstan and the capstan and
the tension arm

4.
5.

Wrap the rope around the inside V notch of the capstan and around the outside of the capstan idler.
Pull the rope into position for a second wrap.

6.
7.
8.

Make a second wrap around the outside capstan V grove.
You may need to pull out on the bottom of the idler arm to make sure the rope is behind the rope retainer.
Guide the rope through the down-rope guide.

9. Tug on the rope to make sure it is seated in the capstan.
10. Close and latch the cover. THE ASCENDER WILL NOT OPERATE UNLESS THE COVER IS CLOSED AND SECURELY
LATCHED. If the cover is not closed the Red power light will blink. Recheck the cover.
When the rope is properly loaded and the cover closed, turn the unit on. When the power up light is green, conduct a quick
operational check on the PQ 500. With no load, place forward/reverse lever in UP direction and pull trigger. The PQ 500 should
start to climb the rope. If it does not, pull snuggly on the rope where it exits the ascender while pulling the trigger. This will seat the
rope in the capstan. Place the forward/reverse lever in the DOWN direction and pull the trigger, PQ 500 will descend. You are
now ready to climb.
Any time the rope does not climb immediately upon pulling the trigger just pull on the down rope a little to add tension and the ascender will take
off. If it fails to grab the rope at that point check your rope for wear and ensure you are using the correct rope.
Tying a weight of 5 to10 pounds to the bottom of the climbing rope will provide adequate down-rope tension to prevent bunching of the rope while
in use.

8.2

PowerQuick Powered Ascender

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

Connecting the Power Supply
BATTERY CABLE CONNECTION CAN RESULT IN ARCING. DO NOT
CONNECT OR DISCONNECT BATTERY IN A POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE
ENVIRONNENT. US ONLY THE PQ500 AX IN HAZARDOUS ARMOSPHERES.
1. Make sure the battery is properly charged.
2. Attach the cord to the battery. Make sure the male and female pins
are aligned by lining up the notches on the plug ends. Push firmly and screw in the
connector until it is snug.
3. If using an AX battery, use an allen wrench,to tighten the set screw in the collar.
4. Repeat connections for the PQ 500 using the same
process.
5. Using a carabineer, attach the battery to a D-ring on
the side of your climbing harness or the load
attachment point at the bottom of the ascender. DO
NOT LET THE BATTERY HANG FROM THE
ASCENDER UNSUPPORTED.
6. NOTE: For the conventional version, the battery can
be connected at the work site. The process is the
same as that listed above, except that there is no set
screw on the battery cable.

8.3

Connecting to the Ascender
1.
2.
3.

Figure 7
PowerQuick
Fall Arrest

8.4

4.
5.

Make sure the climbing rope and fall arrest system is properly anchored. (See
Section 12).
When using the rope grab place a small weight at the bottom of the belay rope.
This allows the fall arrest to rise as you climb without kinking on the rope.
Using a carabineer, attach the ascender to the D-ring at the waist of the climbing
harness and the attachment point at the bottom of the ascender. PowerQuick,
Inc. recommends use of a full body harness.
Attach the fall arrest device to the D-ring on the back of your climbing harness.
Let your weight down on the ascender firmly.

About the Power Control
1.

2.
3.
4.

8.5

Figure 6: Line up
notches and screw
firmly into place

Press and release the “Power-On” button.
This begins the initialization cycle for the
electronics.
The red indicator above the “Power-On” button
will light.
Rope cover ajar—red indicator blinks twice.
Closing cover will restart power up.
In rare conditions associated with extremely
long climbs the motor may potentially overheat.
If this occurs the red indicator on the on button
blinks once. The unit will automatically shut off.
Wait 10 to15 minutes for unit to cool. The unit
will power up automatically.
In the event of a low battery voltage, the unit
will shut down. It can be restarted by pressing
the “Power On” button. If this happens, there
will not be adequate charge in the battery to
allow the ascender to climb, but it will be able to
descend.

Figure 8: Power Controls
Figure 9:
Emergency
Power Off.

Emergency Power off/Reset

Located on the top of the ascender (Figure 9) the “Emergency Power Off” is used
in the extremely rare event that an operator must stop the ascender for safety. As
an example, if the remote control is over-riding the operator and the operator must
stop the unit. The “Emergency Power Off” will cause the unit to shut down. In
order to restore power, the “Off/Reset” switch must be activated. The unit should
now go through a normal power up mode.

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8.6

Climbing with the ascender

The PowerQuick 500 series ascenders feature a trigger release, a two-position trigger and an up/down lever.
1. Move the up/down lever to the correct position by pulling the release pin and moving the lever. (Figure 10)
2. Place your hand inside the handle with you palm against the trigger release. The default position with the trigger
release open is the brake. Any time the trigger is released the brake is engaged.

Figure 10: Up/Down Lever
3. Press firmly on the trigger release with
the palm of your hand.
4. Squeeze firmly on the trigger. You will
go up or down depending on the
position of the up/down lever.
5. To stop simply release the trigger and
the ascender will hold on the rope for
working.
6. If the battery begins to loose power
during ascent, simply switch to descend.
The unit uses so little power on descent
that it is virtually impossible to be
“stranded on the rope from loss of
battery charge.
The unit can be stopped at any location on the rope
and the direction changed.

Figure 11: Trigger

8.7 Remote Control
Some versions of the PowerQuick ascender may be equipped with an
optional Remote Control.
The remote control is not design or approved for use in Hazardous
Environments.
The RF transmitter operates in the 902-928 mhz band (European model
uses 869.85 mhz) nominally known as Industrial, Medical, Scientific (ISM)
band. Features pulse codign with 16 separate codes. The hand held
transmitter is always operational.
1. Prior to use connect the antenna to the Ascender.
2. The Remote Control transmitter is keyed to a specific
ascender. They are numbered as pairs. Make sure the
number printed on the Remote Control matches the Serial
number on the ascender. Only the appropriate ascender can be
used with the Remote.
Figure12: Attaching the antenna
3. The transmitter has two Switches—UP and DOWN.
Depressing the UP button commands the ascender to go up.
Likewise the DOWN button causes the unit to descend.
4. The remote will override local, manual commands. That is, when the Remote Control is commanded, the Local
Control is disabled.

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8.
9.

The effective range of the Remote is approximately 250 feet; however, the range may be reduced for some
conditions such as metal shielding. In clear conditions
the range may approach 400 feet. (Note: range
performance may be increased if the antenna on the
Remote Control is parallel to the antenna on Power
Quick)
The Remote Control is powered by a 9 vdc battery. To
change the battery, remove the back panel from the
Remote Control module.
WHEN USING THE REMOTE TO CONTROL THE
ASCENDER, ALWAYS MAINTAIN VISIBLE
CONTRACT WITH THE POWER QUICK.
Turn off cell phones as interference may occur with
some brands of phones.
When using in some steel buildings feedback may result
in erratic operation. We can provide a ¼-wave antenna
Figure 13: Remote
for use in these locations. Contact your dealer.

Control

8.8

Brake function

Automatic brake—the brake engages automatically as soon as the control is disengaged. That is, the control is only to
tell the motor to go forward or reverse. No command results in stop.

The brake on the PQ-500 is automatically applied when the motor is not driving. That is, if the motor is commanded to
“up” it first releases the brake, then powers the unit up. When the motor is not powered the brake automatically applies.

The brake is a multi-plate device with three rotors and four stators. The rotors are stainless steel while the stators are
oil-lite bronze.

A pressure plate is spring-loaded and presses on the stack of rotors and
stators.

A throw out device is actuated by torque from the motor.

8.9

Manual Brake Release

The PowerQuick 500 incorporates a Manual Brake release, which can be used
for finite positioning or for emergency release in the case of loss of power.
1.

Depress the brake release lever by pinching the lever
with the thumb. Press the lever inward towards the
body of the ascender. CAUTION THE HOUSING
MAY BECOME HOT DURING USE.

Do not allow the load to build up considerable speed.
It is best to start and stop the load often -- for
example, every foot or so of drop.
3.

To begin descent, press the lever on the end of the ascender as shown
in the photo at right. Use only brief depressions. When your thumb is
removed from the lever the PowerQuick automatically stops on the rope
4.

Use caution when becoming accustomed to this
feature as the rate of descent is more rapid than a
normal powered descent.
Figure14: Manual Brake Release
5. The brake will heat up during a long descent. It
should be allowed to cool periodically, particularly if
the load is near the maximum rated load. We recommend a 1- to 2-second rest every 10 feet (3m)and a 15-to 30second rest every 200 feet (61m) regardless of load. Maximum periods of descent using the manual brake shall not
exceed 200 feet (61m) without stopping the unit for at least 2 minutes.
With the exception of an emergency egress where life or physical safety is at risk, do not descend at a rate faster than
1.3 ft/sec. (.4m/sec)

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8.10 Attaching the Load and Checking Lift Capacity
The unique PowerQuick load limiter feature prevents accidental overloading of the unit, increasing user safety. It will disengage
the rope handler if the load is excessive. As shown in figure 3, it is integral to the load attachment point. The load limiter function
is to clamp the rope to the capstan, until the limit load is reached. While the PQ 500 is rated for use with 500 lbs, (226 kg) the
limit load is set at about 900 pounds (408 kg) as a safety factor. The load limiter will release the tension on the rope in dynamic
loading conditions. For example if there is slack in the rope above the load that releases when the load is lifted, the load limiter
will keep the shock loads to less than 2,500 pounds (1134 kg) in the event the load is subject to a .6 meter drop.
1.

Whether using the ascender with people or equipment, the load is always attached to the load limiter loop. Note: Do not
attach the load to any other part of the ascender, or if inverted, the
structure.

For proper function of the ascender, DO NOT USE AT MORE THAN THE
RATED LOAD. Estimate the load prior to attaching to the ascender. The
load test in section 10.8.1 should be conducted; however, it
does not relieve the operator of responsibility of ensuring
proper loading of this equipment. (Note: While the PQ-500
is rated for 500 pounds (226 kg), in order to insure proper
performance with the rated load, the unit will actually lift
more than that weight. Therefore, it is imperative that you
keep the load within the recommended range.)

The ascender has overload protection. Check the load before lifting greater
than 3 feet above floor level using the load test described in the next
section.
i.

Clutch—A centrifugal friction clutch limits the torque from the
motor. (Normal clutch operation is based on a proper loading of
the ascender and charge of the battery.) If the load is excessive
and the battery voltage is low, the clutches may slip. If this
slippage continues for 2-3 seconds, they will overheat.

ii.

When the temperature is at freezing we recommend the
ascender be run up and down the rope a short distance five or
six times to warm the parts before using with a load.

8.10.1
Load test—(Note: this test is performed with a
fully-charged battery. A low charge on the battery will
result in stalling of the ascender clutch.)
1.

3.
4.
5.

Figure 15: attaching to the load
limiter

The loaded ascender should be lifted approximately 2 feet off the floor or
ground level as appropriate. If the ascender does not lift the load cleanly, it
is either too heavy of the battery charge is low.
Bounce the load on the line. For example, release the manual brake and
let the load descend for about 1 foot, then engage the brake. This action
should induce a slight oscillation or bouncing of the loaded ascender.
(Note: This bouncing on the rope will introduce dynamic loads that will
cause the load limiter to trip if the load is greater than 700 pounds.) If the
brake fails to stop the load, the ascender may be faulty and should be
returned to the manufacture’s qualified service center.
Command the ascender to climb. If there is a hesitation or inability to
climb, the load is too heavy and should be reduced by about 200 pounds.
The ascender is now ready to transport the load to the desired position.
Tying a weight of 5 to 10 pounds to the bottom of the climbing rope will
provide adequate down-rope tension to prevent bunching of the rope while
in use.

8.11 Thermal Protection
1.

The PQ 500 has a thermally protected motor. A thermal switch rated at
85°C (70°C for the AX version) is located near the motor.

Operation—The PQ 500 will lift the rated load 200 feet or about 60 meters of
continuous climb without extensive heating if the initial temperature is 70°F or 20°C. Colder ambient temperatures will
result in longer climbs, while higher ambient temperatures reduce the climb distance. It is recommended that for long
climbs, the operator rest the PQ 500 for about 10 minutes every 200 feet to allow the unit to remain cool.

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CAUTION: This is a high-power unit. External surfaces
near the motor and gearing tends to get hot during
extended operation. The temperature will not burn the
skin; however can become uncomfortable to the touch.
In close quarters or indoors you may consider using the
optional heat guard.
3.

If the sensor detects an over temperature condition, it will open
and stop the operation of the ascender. The unit will shut down.
Normal operation will return when the unit cools (about 5
minutes). This will be signified by a solid green light.
Maximum periods of powered ascent or descent shall not exceed
61m (200 feet) without stopping the unit for at least 10 minutes.

8.12 Horizontal applications
The PowerQuick can be used effectively for horizontal as well as vertical
access related to work positioning and egress.
Rigging requires the use of three ropes, one of which carries the primary
weight, a second, which is attached to the ascender, and a third which is
used for the fall arrest.
The three ropes must be rigged using approved techniques (see section
12) From one side to the other as shown in figures 16-18.
1. The weight-rope (shown in blue in figure 19) must be pulled tight
from point A to point B. A pulley is attached to that rope.
2. The fall arrest rope should be attached in the same process and
pulled tightly.
3. The work rope which is the rope used for the ascender, (shown
as orange in figure 19) should be attached snugly to the
upermost height and allowed to hang loose or be attached
loosely to the other side.
4. PowerQuick is loaded on the work rope in the normal manner
with the up rope guide pointed in the direction of the climb.
5. Using a caribeener, attach the loop on the pulley to the loop on
the PowerQuick.
6. Using a separate caribeener, attach the PowerQuick to the loop
on your climbing harness.

Figures 16, 17, 18: Fire Department
personnel practice horizontal rigging. In
this case the lines were anchored to the
top of the training tower and back of the
emergency response vehicle.
7.
8.

Attach the fall arrest to the third rope.
Pull the trigger on the ascender to move
along the length of the rope.
More detailed instructions are available from your
trainer on on our website at www.powerquick.com.

Figure 19: Attaching the PowerQuick for horizontal
operations.

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8.13 Extended work at heights and extremely long climbs
When working in situations where considerable time is spent at height, or when it is
important that nothing impede forward reach, the ascender can be rigged using an
overhead configurations. This entails using a spreader bar and a bosons’ chair rigged as
shown in figure 20.
For extremely long climbs or when it is inconvenient to
change batteries during the work cycle, the ascender can be
used with a special battery connector shown in figure 21. Up
to three batteries can attached at one time and attached to
the spreader bar.
This configuration can only be used with a remote version of
the PQ 500 Series. A lanyard is attached to the manual
release lever and threaded through the spreader bar for
Figure 21: Multiple Battery
easy access to the climber.
attachment.
The remote version can also be used to position loads as
shown in figure 22 or in tandem applications for moving larger items. Tandem use is not allowed in
some countries for the lifting of personnel. Check with the regulatory agencies in your country.

Figure 23: Dual
ascender configuration

Figure 22: Material lifting
configuration

Figure 20: Manual Brake
Release

PowerQuick Powered Ascender System Maintenance
9.1

General Maintenance

All parts of the PowerQuick Powered Personal Ascender and other equipment affecting safe operation shall be
maintained in proper working order so that they may perform the functions for which they were intended. Check for
misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may effect the operation. If
damaged, have the ascender serviced before using. The equipment shall be taken out of service when any part is not in
proper working order.

Employer shall demonstrate that all equipment is used, inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions. Provisions shall be made for the retirement of equipment as necessary.

Employer shall establish and monitor a procedure to ensure all items of equipment are inspected before each use.

4.
5.

Employer shall ensure that equipment is protected from damage during the course of its use.
If a defect is found during inspection the ascender should be “Red Tagged” to prevent its use until it has been serviced
by an Authorized Service Facility.
There are no user-serviceable parts in this ascender. The unit should be sent to PowerQuick, Inc. or an Authorized
Service Facility for maintenance and repairs. Unless otherwise instructed in writing by an authorized maintenance
facility, opening sealed parts of the PowerQuick voids all warranties.

9.2

Cleaning

Controls and contacts shall be kept clean.

Maintenance specifically consists of cleaning all exterior parts with a rag. Water or cleansers may be used to remove dirt
and grease, however do not immerse the PowerQuick unit in liquid.

The capstan and all other parts shall be kept clean if their proper functioning would be affected by the presence of dirt or
other contaminants.

Inoperative Safety Devices. No person shall render a required safety device or electrical protective device
inoperative.

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Safe Deployment of the PowerQuick Ascender
Safety elements and climbing information are provided as general guidelines for
informational purposes ONLY and DO NOT supersede Federal, State, or other
requirements or the guidelines of Professional Associations which may have
jurisdiction for your specific industry or in your particular region. Compliance with all
federal, state or local laws or regulations is the responsibility of the user. See Section
18.

10 Operation Requirements
The PowerQuick is not a fall arrest device and is required to always be
used with a secondary fall arrest system consisting of a safety line and
lanyard connected to the operator’s approved harness for fall arrest
protection.

10.1 Required Items
The PowerQuick Powered Ascender access method relies upon the use of the
following:
1.

An access rope, which allows the operator to safely access the
required area.

A mandatory safety or backup rope/system, which acts as a fall
protection system in the event of failure of the primary access
system. This rope and associated hardware must be used in such
a way as to minimize fall distance to less than 1 foot and to ensure
a maximum load to the user or anchorage of 12kN in the event of a
fall.

Two points of connection must be maintained at all times. There
must always be a physical connection to the backup or safety rope,
and may also be a connection to the work rope, the structure etc.
Rope access is used as either permanent systems, such as
permanent façade access systems or temporarily in “one off”
locations such as carrying out an inspection on a bridge or tower.

10.2 Required Practices
This section addresses some of the most critical requirements for use of the PowerQuick Powered Ascender for safe industrial
roped-access. Industrial rope-access is a specialized form of work positioning used to gain access to a workplace by ascending or
descending twin ropes fixed to secured anchorages. The PowerQuick Powered Ascender is used in conjunction with approved
climbing equipment to provide for safe controlled ascent and descent of a person, and tools or equipment.
1.

The selection, rigging and checking of all rope access components and assemblies shall comply with OSHA, State
or another applicable International Safety Standards.

The employer shall prepare an access permit before beginning rope access work. The access permit shall include,
but not be limited to the following safety objectives:

•

List the rope access methods to be used for the proposed work.

•

List the members of the work team by name and identify their duties. (Note: the Rope Access Supervisor shall
assess the individual team member’s suitability for the work to be performed.)

•

List the rope access equipment to be used for the work to be performed.

•

List the hazards associated with the work to be performed.

•

List appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used.

•

List provisions for providing security to the anchor.

•

List public safety provisions.

•

List the rescue service and the means to summon the rescue service.

Persons carrying out this work need to be physically fit and, to ensure safety. They must have a high standard of
training and experienced supervision. Personnel setting up and using such equipment shall be able to demonstrate

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their level of expertise and experience. Personnel with training, but without significant experience, should have
experienced close supervision.
An operational emergency system and plan, including any necessary (and compatible) rescue recovery equipment, shall be
immediately available on site and the required persons shall be trained in its use. A minimum of two trained industrial ropedaccess operatives shall be present on site at all times while the PowerQuick system is being used. The second person needs to
be present in order to trigger or provide backup and emergency assistance as detailed in the emergency plan. To be effective, the
workers must be in reasonably constant visual contact with one another.
4.

Work shall not start where high winds and environmental factors could result in a serious hazard.

All tools and other items shall be attached to the employee or the PowerQuick Powered Ascender, unless another
effective method is used to prevent a falling hazard. Any item over 25 pounds or of a shape that is difficult to handle
shall be lowered and supported on a separate line. Care must be taken to ensure that no item can become
dislodged or fall and create a hazard for those below.

Safety, Secondary, Belay or Backup line(s) or other appropriate fall arrest devices shall be used in addition to the
main line unless the employer can demonstrate that the second line or other fall arrest devices would create a
greater hazard or otherwise would not be feasible.

Where a safety line is used in conjunction with the main line, each line should have its own separate anchor and
should be separately fixed to the worker’s harness. This does not preclude both lines being attached to a single
harness attachment point.

All suspension equipment must be individually identified and should be checked on a daily basis by a competent
person. Careful inspection and service records must be kept for the PowerQuick Powered Ascender.

Before adopting rope access techniques for a particular job, the property owners, the main contractors and others
responsible for commissioning the work shall do a risk assessment, which would include consideration of the
various rope access alternatives available and their respective access advantages and hazards. In particular,
attention shall be given to the following aspects:
•

Ability of the suspended person to safely use materials, equipment or tools necessary for the work and
whether the reaction from any tool may place the person at risk.

•

Whether the work may loosen material, which could become a hazard to the worker or others.

•

Whether the time required for the work at any one location will be such that there may be unacceptable
levels of risk.

•

Whether it would be possible to quickly rescue workers that are using rope access techniques from any
position they could be expected to enter.

10. The employer shall designate a Rope Access Program Coordinator to be the main contact point for matters relating
to the safety, training and regulatory aspects of rope access. The designated person should be suitably
knowledgeable, experienced and qualified in rope access techniques.

11. Provision for prompt rescue or self-rescue and for emergency services shall be the responsibility of the Host
Employer.

11 Equipment and Application of PowerQuick Systems
This section details important aspects of:
•

Design requirements for equipment and installation of PowerQuick industrial rope access systems.

•

Points to note relative to safe use of the PowerQuick Powered Ascender for industrial rope access.

Applicable State and OSHA industry-specific requirements should be read in conjunction with this section.

11.1 Fall Protection Basics and Job Site Safety
The improper use of safety equipment can create hazards that may result in serious injury or death. Follow all instructions closely
and observe warnings.
Systems using components supplied by more than one manufacturer may not be interchangeable and could also create
unforeseen hazards.
Employers & users of safety equipment are required by law to provide a comprehensive training program that complies with CFR
29-1926: 503.
Each employer or user must first read, understand, and receive training from the manufacturer’s “Specification/Instruction” Manual
for each type of component, before ever using the equipment for fall protection.
Training must be carried out by a “Qualified or Competent” person and the training must be documented in writing.

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The employer should hold regular safety meetings and provide ongoing instruction for all employees using safety equipment.
OSHA standards should be regarded as a minimum requirement.
This manual should be carefully studied by all persons that will be using this equipment or giving training and instruction.
It is advised that employers have a written “Fall Protection Plan” that can be modified for “Job Specific” circumstances which
addresses the hazards of each project.

Standards may vary depending on individual state Fall Protection regulations.

11.2 Equipment
The typical equipment used by all climbers has the overwhelming advantages of being light, portable, versatile and tough. For
climbing with the PowerQuick Powered Ascender the basic inventory of equipment for each climber consists of:

•

Two kernmantle ropes, one static (no stretch or “give”) and one dynamic (stretches about 10%).

•

A full body lightweight climbing harness

•

An approved fall arrest system

•

A large assortment of locking carabineers

•

An approved climbing helmet

•

A large assortment of nylon webbing and anchor straps. This webbing is used extensively for anchors, positioning and fall
protection, and is the feature that strongly contributes to the effectiveness of the techniques as it is strong, light and provides
good versatility for attaching to various anchorage elements.

This equipment is assigned to a climber to use and maintain, and is easily carried in a standard backpack. While each individual
is responsible for gear maintenance, master logs are kept of critical items to track usage and wear.

12 Use Requirements
12.1 Structure and Anchorage Points - Existing Structure
Where the suspension ropes or safety ropes are attached to an existing structure which is part of the building, structure or a
temporarily erected structure, the anchorage points and the building structure must be capable of withstanding an ultimate load
equal to that required for the climber and equipment.
1.

Fed. Std. RR-S-001301 Climbing Equipment requires that the equipment shall be strong enough to support a
minimum static load of 1000 pounds and a safety factor of 3 for dynamic loading. It should be strong enough to
absorb an impact load of a solid object weighing at least 500 pounds in a free fall to 12 inches.

Any equipment chosen to support a person at height should be such that it cannot be accidentally removed,
dislodged or become unfastened from the rope while a person is suspended from it.

The building or structure and anchorage points should be assessed by a registered structural engineer, unless it is
clear to a competent person that the anchorage system is structurally adequate. In either case, the person making
the assessment shall document this. An example of where an engineer may not be required is where an anchorage
sling of the correct capacity is secured around a solid, permanent structure such as a plant room, major structural
members, suitable bracing members in bridges/towers etc. However, if any doubt as to the structural adequacy of
the anchorage exists, an engineer should be involved. The engineer shall certify in writing that the proposed
structure and anchorage points could safely contain all combinations of loads in a worst-case situation.

All relevant documentation shall be provided to the building manager or representative and the user of the system.
The location of anchorage points, method of attachment, and the system of anchorage slings, which connect the
work rope and the safety rope to their respective anchors, should be clearly shown in the documentation. This
documentation may also include such documents as Work Method Statements, risk assessments, site checklists,
insurance details, contact numbers for emergency services etc.

A copy of the documentation shall be kept on site while the system is being used.

Prior to first use and annually, a competent person shall inspect and certify in writing that the structure and
anchorage points correspond with the drawings provided and that the effects of corrosion or any other factors have
not rendered the structure or anchorage points unsafe for use with the industrial rope access equipment.

Where anchors are to be exposed to weather and/or are used for extended periods, the manufacturer should state
that the anchors are suitable for such applications. Holes should be suitably sealed to prevent ingress of moisture.

Friction or chemical anchors should not be used without being inspected and proof loaded.

Permanent anchorages specifically installed for industrial rope access (or fall arrest) work shall be clearly labeled as
such and marked with their ultimate (failure) load. Annual inspection and proof loading will be required.

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10. Needles, brackets and parapet hooks shall comply with the same standards as for scaffolding, and must not be
subject to any shock loads.
11. The attachment to the anchorage should at least equal the strength of the system attached to it. Re-direction of
ropes from an anchor should not exceed 120 degrees unless the side loads produced at the redirection point are
considered. Similarly, where the included angle at the attachment is high and produces a ‘multiplier’ effect, the extra
forces produced should be considered.

12.2 Structure and Anchorage Points - Purpose Built Suspension Rigs
Where the suspension ropes or safety ropes are attached to a purpose built suspension rig specifically designed for industrial
rope access systems, the following applies:

3. The purpose built suspension rig should be clearly and permanently marked with its brand name, model
number, and serial number so as to ensure traceability. The purpose built suspension rig should also be
clearly and permanently marked with its capacity and intended use (for example "Capacity - one person
plus 50 lbs of equipment using industrial rope access method"). Any movable or removable
counterweights should be clearly marked with their mass in kilograms.
4. Erection and operating instructions should accompany every purpose built suspension rig and should be
easily understood. Where any additional equipment is specified, there should be clear instructions for
the use of such equipment on the purpose built suspension rig. Where counterweights are of the
removable type, instructions should clearly state the total weight of the counterweights required, and
where such counterweights are to be positioned for a given application.
5. An registered structural engineer should verify the purpose built suspension rig design. The design
should take into account the most adverse combination of loads but should in any case be designed for
not less than 12 kN ultimate strength.
6. Prior to use it should be ensured that the building or structure supporting the purpose built suspension
rig is adequate for the most adverse combination of loads transmitted from the industrial rope access
system.

13 Field Operations Requirements
The following points should be noted regarding the use of The PowerQuick Powered Ascender for industrial rope access.
1.

Suspension Point Height

Effective lateral restraints should be used to provide stability where appropriate, particularly on tall buildings. (A “rule of thumb” for
consideration of restraints is 165 ft.; however they may be required well before this height on some buildings).
2. Windy conditions
The PowerQuick Powered Ascender should not be used in high winds - this is a factor to be considered, particularly on taller
structures, when carrying out the Hazard Id and Risk Assessment. On many sites, a change in location from one face to another
may allow works to proceed, even in periods of high or gusty winds.
3. Rescue
The PowerQuick Powered Ascender system should not be used in any location where it is not possible to provide prompt
assistance or rescue if required. Prior to setting up of the system a rescue plan should be developed. Such a plan should consider
the following factors:
•
Guidance from rescue agencies.
•
Type and availability of rescue equipment.
•
Foreseeable types of injuries and ailments.
•
First aid experience of personnel on site.
•
Emergency services and associated plant (e.g. travel towers) available.
•
Possible need for a dedicated pre-set up rescue system to be in place.

13.1 Surface Area and Weight
The PowerQuick Powered Ascender should not be used for work that requires the operator to handle objects and materials of
excessive size or weight or that may be difficult to handle due to wind loading. Where the largest side of an object has an area
greater than 144 inches square and/or the object is heavier than 20 pounds, methods to eliminate unacceptable risk should form
part of the hazard identification and risk assessment and such methods should be utilized.
Not withstanding the above, all objects and materials should be secured by lanyard to the PowerQuick Ascender, the operator, or
swing seat, or to a separate rope to effectively prevent them from falling.

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13.2 Electrical Hazards & Lockout/Tagout
The PowerQuick Powered Ascender should not be used where the user can receive electric shock from exposed live electrical
conductors. In the absence of specialized measures developed specifically for the purpose, the system is not considered suitable
for carrying out work on live electrical equipment due to the difficulty in providing immediate first aid and rescue in the event of
electric shock. Lockout/tagout procedures will be required whenever maintenance or servicing is initiated on the Ascender to
ensure that the machine/equipment is stopped, isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources, and locked out before any
service or maintenance where the unexpected energization or start-up could cause injury.

13.3 Corrosive Environments
The PowerQuick Powered Ascender should not be used in any environment, or with any substance that will cause the equipment
to suffer undue or excessive corrosion, or damage the integrity of the equipment.

13.4 Ropes and Rigging
The PowerQuick Powered Ascender system is based on a twin rope concept with independent primary (working) ropes and
secondary (safety, backup) ropes.
1.

Each rope (working and safety) shall be attached to two independent anchorages, via two independent sets of
attachment hardware. If an anchorage is unquestionably adequate, or engineer designed and tested for such
purpose, both sets of attachment hardware might be connected to the one anchorage.

The safety rope shall be attached to separate anchorages to the main rope, unless the anchorages are
unquestionably adequate or engineer designed and tested for such purpose. Separate attachment hardware shall
be used for both ropes.

Static or Low Stretch kermantle Ropes shall normally be used for ascending and descending with the PowerQuick
Powered Ascender. Static or Low Stretch Ropes shall be of a kernmantle construction compliant with Cordage
Institute 1801 Low Stretch and Static Kernmantle Life Safety Rope, and have a minimum breaking strength sufficient
to supply the users’ desired calculated system safety factor. In no case shall the safety factor for a rope access
system be less than 5:1. An example of calculating system safety factors is as follows: a 68 kg (150-pound) worker,
to achieve a 5:1 safety factor, must work on a system where the weakest link of the system is calculated to be
capable of sustaining at least 340 kg (750 pounds).

Ropes made from nylon or polyester will normally be the most suitable for rope access work. Ropes of other manmade materials might, however, be required for specific situations. In such cases, great caution should be exercised
in verifying their suitability for the work. Ropes made from high modulus polyethylene, high tenacity polypropylene
and “Kevlar” are types of ropes, which may be considered in exceptional circumstances such as where there is
severe chemical pollution or where the self-weight of the ropes could be a problem. However, H.M. polyethylene
and H.T. polypropylene have much lower melting temperatures than nylon or polyester and may be affected by
frictional heat from capstan. Dangerous softening of polypropylene occurs at temperatures as low as 27 degrees C
(80 degrees F). Kevlar has a very high melting point but poor resistance to abrasion, UV light (including sunlight)
and repeated bending. PowerQuick, Inc. will not warrant use of the PowerQuick Powered Ascender with
these ropes.

All ropes and equipment should be individually identified and checked on a daily basis by a competent person.

All ropes shall be protected from fraying or wear. When they come into contact with sharp edges or rough surfaces,
sleeves, radius protection or other means of protection should be used.

Ropes shall not show any significant signs of abrasion or other damage.

The kern must never show through the outside mantel or sheath.

Slings and seat boards shall meet appropriate standards and shall have minimum ultimate breaking strengths of
22kN. Note: Inadequate rigging can create unacceptable and dangerous loadings in PowerQuick Powered Ascender
equipment. Correct training and experience is essential.

13.5 Harnesses and Lanyards
The harnesses used with the PowerQuick Powered Ascender shall be a one-piece full-body harness or a sit harness used in
conjunction with a chest harness that is firmly attached to the sit harness.
All body harnesses and lanyards manufactured on or before January 1, 1998, shall be designed and built to conform to ANSI
A10.14 requirements, Requirements for Safety Belts, Harnesses, Lanyards, Lifelines and Drop Lines for Construction and
Industrial Use, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

13.6 Fall Protection
The PowerQuick Powered Ascender must always be used with approved fall arrest equipment.

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All personal fall arrest, personal fall restraint and positioning device systems manufactured after January 1,
1998, shall be designed and built to conform to either ANSI A10.14-1991 American National Standard for
Construction and Demolition Use, or ANSI Z359.1-1992 American National Standard Safety Requirements
for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components, which are hereby incorporated by
reference.

13.7 Public Protection
When the PowerQuick Powered Ascender system is for technical rope access over an area open to traffic, either vehicle or
pedestrian, at least one of the following should be provided:
1.

Barricades around the area to prevent access. The barricades should have warning signs indicating that a
person is working overhead and should generally be continuous and adequate, having regard to the
location and pedestrian and vehicle traffic needs.

For short duration work in low traffic areas only where the above are not practicable, an observer or sentry
may be situated at street level to control public movement, with appropriate signs provided.

13.8 Tools
All tools and equipment must be suitable for the work intended and compatible with PowerQuick Powered Ascender rope access
work. In particular, they should not present a danger to the safe operation or integrity of the rope access system.
Where the workers carry tools and equipment, appropriate steps shall be taken to prevent them being dropped or falling onto
people below.
All electrical equipment, plugs, sockets, couplers, leads, etc. should be suitable for the environment in which they will be used.
Power tools weighing more than 10 pounds should be fitted with a separate suspension system secured to an independent
anchorage. Anchorages and suspension ropes used for equipment should be clearly identified to avoid confusion with those used
to support persons.
Moving parts of tools should be kept clear of the operator, power leads and the suspension equipment.
Appropriate grounding shall be provided for as necessary.
Any power tools that could cause injury to the users or access equipment should be fitted with an automatic shut off switch that
will cut off the power in the event of a mistake, accident, or emergency.

13.9 Access Zone
An Access Zone shall be established.
1.

Anchorages should normally be established outside the Access Zone so that the workers can don their
harnesses and helmets and attach themselves to the working line(s) before entering into the Access zone.

No one may enter the Access Zone for any purpose unless they are wearing a harness and are attached to
an anchored safety rope.

13.10 Hazard Zone
Hazard Zone shall be established and marked, blockaded or identified to warn rope access personnel and passers-by of hazards
associated with the work being performed. No one may enter the Hazard Zone unless they are wearing appropriate Personal
Protective Equipment.

13.11 Communications System
An effective communications system shall be established prior to beginning work and should remain effective for all the time that
work is actively taking place.

1. Radio systems or hard-line communications equipment should be used for communication purposes unless
the area of work is such that all those involved are always visible to each other and within audible range.

14 Employee Selection and Capabilities
1.

Employers should verify prior rope access training and/or experience.

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Employer shall determine that personnel are sufficiently physically capable and free from any impairment that may
prevent them from working safely.

Employees should have a medical examination before employment in rope access work and at regular intervals.

The employer shall use a trained Rope Access Technician for system setup, system safety check.

The employer shall use trained Rope Access Workers and/or Technicians to conduct all work on line.

The employer shall adhere to the overall safety requirements as outlined in the this proposal.

14.1 Duties of Level 1 Rope Access Workers
1.

Equipment inspection and care

Inspect and insure anchor points are safe

Use equipment properly

Recognize hazard and access zones

Communicate any warnings

Perform self-rescue

Utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

14.2 Duties of Level 2 Rope Access Technician
1.

Inspect equipment.

Inspect and insure anchor points are safe and construct safe anchor systems.

Use equipment properly.

Construct, Inspect and analyze safe rope systems

Recognize and mitigate any hazards created by the work being done.

Identify and mark Access and Hazard Zone(s).

Communicate any warnings.

Perform self-rescue.

Utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

10. Supervise Rope Access Worker or Workers were appropriate

14.3 Duties of Rope Access Attendant (May be Level 1, 2, or 3)
1.

Monitor the Rope Access Technician / Worker

Communicate with the Rope Access Technician / Worker

Monitor Access and Hazard zones as appropriate

Initiate, perform or assist in retrieval if applicable

Alert the rescue service as soon as the Rope Access Attendant recognizes there may be a problem endangering the
Rope Access Technician / Worker

Utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Perform other duties as assigned as long as they do not interfere with the above duties of the Rope Access
Attendant.

14.4 Duties of Level 3 Rope Access Supervisor
1.

Designate Access, Hazard and Safe Zones.

Ensure only qualified personnel are assigned on-line work

Ensure the work is properly supervised and regularly monitored to verify that work continues in a safe manner

Document employee work experience

Prepare or approve the access permit

Determine that conditions are safe for on-line work

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Ensure that all employees on site are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

8. Determine that the rescue service is available and the means to summon them are operable.

15 Training
The information below sets out the Core Competencies for operators carrying out rope access work using the PowerQuick
Powered Ascender. They are also the competencies that will be assessed when an operator applies for Rope Access Training
Certificate. The assessment tests the candidate against these competencies in both a practical and a written/oral examination.

15.1 Level 1 Worker
All operators should be competent to complete the following:
•

Load and operate the PowerQuick Powered Ascender in both the ascent and descent mode.

•

Inspect and comment on rope access rigging, anchors, knots and equipment.

•

Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for working on roofs.

•

Demonstrate an understanding of the OSHA safety codes.

•

Ability to demonstrate tying basic knots.

•

Identify and comment on potential hazards encountered when rope access used on a worksite.

•

Perform self-rescue.

•

Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for public protection when working at height.

15.2 Level 2 Technician
In addition to being competent in all aspects of the Level 1 requirements candidates should also be competent to:
•

Prepare and implement a risk assessment and Safe Work Method statement

•

Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of worksite organization.

•

Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of equipment usage and maintenance.

Complete the following safely, maintaining a minimum of two points of contact at all times:
•

Demonstrate rigging ropes using a selection of anchors and equipment.

•

Demonstrate hauling and lowering systems.

•

Demonstrate retrieval of unconscious or injured workmate from ascending gear.

•

Demonstrate long rope transfer using 2 back up devices.

•

Demonstrate horizontal traversing.

15.3 Level 3 Supervisor
Pre-requisites for Level 3:
•

Experienced Level 2 in a wide variety of worksites.

•

Senior first aid certificate.

•

Demonstrate all above L1/L2 requirements safely with finesse.

Minimum L3 competency:
•

Complete written paper detailing complete project and regulatory requirements in industry worksite/task of their choice
e.g. urban, confined space, electrical etc.

•

Demonstrate good management, supervision and communication skills. Complete the following safely, maintaining a
minimum of two points of contact at all times:

•

Demonstrate advanced rigging techniques using a selection of anchors and equipment in various work situations.

•

Demonstrate haul/cross haul/lowering of a load (could include workmate).

•

Demonstrate retrieval of unconscious or injured workmate from awkward access/lead climbing in various work situations.

•

Demonstrate horizontal and vertical lead climbing.

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16 3.0 Industrial Rope Access Site Checklist (Sample)
Location: ___________________________ Date: __________

YES

N/A

Is an appropriate Hazard ID and Risk Assessment document present for the tasks being
performed?
Are instructions available for any proprietary anchor systems being used?
Have all access personnel been briefed on their tasks and responsibilities?
Do all personnel have sufficient safety and protective equipment for their tasks. E.g. masks,
goggles, gloves, hearing protection?
Have all areas of public or trades access to the base and anchorage locations of the work
site been suitably signed and barricaded. (Also check for balconies)?
Is an RCD (earth leakage device) being used with any 240V power tools?

Access Rigging
Are two independently anchored ropes being used for each person?
Will the primary anchors sustain a force of 12 kN?
Does the proprietary anchor system have sufficient counterweights to sustain a load of 12
kN? (This information should be available in the contractor’s site documentation).
Do the ropes reach the ground or a suitable landing site and are they fitted with stopper knots
or similar?
Is sufficient padding of edges used to eliminate the chance of rope damage?
Are any deviation anchors of adequate strength?
Do any weather conditions (eg. wind) create a need for lateral restraint, or other precautions?
Has fall protection/prevention been arranged in the case of anchors being less than 2mtrs
from a dangerous edge?

Personal specific
Are all personnel qualified and correctly supervised?
Are the access workers all wearing full body harnesses?
Are the workers attaching themselves to both ropes before they suspend themselves?
Do the descender devices have a 'dead man' hands off function?
Are all workers wearing suitable helmets?
Are suspended workers able to communicate with another person at all times?
Does all equipment being used appear to be in good condition?

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Are all tools secured to prevent dropping?
Are all tools over 8kg weight independently suspended?
Is a steel lanyard making the connection to the safety rope in the case of cutting or grinding
works?
Other, job specific

Rope Access Team Leader:
_______________________Signature:____________________
If any of the above boxes are marked NO, work should be halted until sufficient explanation can be provided.
It is the legal responsibility of the building manager or site foreman to ensure this work is carried out in an
appropriate manner.
Please use this area to address any issues raised on the front page of this document.

Issue raised

Explanation of actions

Changes to work method
where required

Issues resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.
Manager/Foreman:
Name____________________Signature________________Date____

Rope Access Team Leader:
Name____________________Signature________________Date____

17 Detailed Inspection Requirements for Equipment
17.1 Absorbers
17.1.1

Condition of the Rope/Condition of the Webbing

Carry out a visual check of the sheath, looking for cuts, a furry appearance, or burns. Then carry out a tactile check, to find soft or
hard points. If you find one of these, alter the geometry; the curve should be regular.

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17.1.2

Condition of the Stitching

Check that the stitching is not worn, cut or deformed. Move any protective sleeving or other devices in order to check the hidden
sections.

17.1.3

Condition of the Body

Check that the body is free from cracks, marks, deformities or traces of corrosion.

17.1.4

Condition of the Connectors

See the “connectors” sequence.

17.1.5

Condition of the Stitching Protector

Check that the protector gives effective protection to the stitching and allows the connector, or carabineer to remain in the correct
position.

17.1.6

Condition of the Fixing System of the Braking Rope

Check that the hoods and the plastic attachment are not broken or missing.

17.1.7

Compatibility of the Textile Part with the Metal Part and the Connector

Check the textile part has not been replaced. Check that the connectors meet ANSI or other safety requirements.. .

17.1.8

Check of the Energy Absorption Function

For sliding energy absorbers such as the ZYPER and ZYPER Y, slide the rope through the metallic component and check for the
absence of any deposits on the rope. Warning, a deposit on the sheath (paint, sprayed concrete, . . . ) prevents the absorption of
energy. For ‘tear-apart’ energy absorbing systems, pull back the Lycra protection and check that the webbing is not torn.

17.2 Anchors
17.2.1

Condition of the Webbing

Check along the entire length of the anchor that there are not cuts, traces of wear or burns. Do not forget to check at the level of
the anchor buckles and under the adjustment buckle.

17.2.2

Condition of the Stitching

Check that no threads are cut, torn, stretched, burnt or worn.

17.2.3

Condition of the Anchor Buckles and Adjustment Buckles

Look for any marks: look for the cause; sharp tools, impacts. This analysis will provide information on the history of the product.
Beware there is no trace of wear or corrosion without forgetting the hidden parts.

17.2.4

Operation of the Adjustment

Check that the webbing runs correctly in the buckle and test the jamming. If it does not run properly, clean the webbing and carry
out the test again.

17.3 Ascenders (mechanical devices used for self-rescue.)
17.3.1

Condition of the Body and the Anti-Return Stop

Check that the body is free from cracks, deformities. They are the sign of a fall or factor higher than one(1). Beware there are no
trace of wear or corrosion. Pay particular attention to the area where the rope runs, level with the holes. Check also for any
deformities that may be present on the upper part of the body. Check for any deformities that may be present on the upper part of
the body. Check for deformities of the anti-return stop (sign of a fall factor higher than one).

17.3.2

Condition of the Cam

Check that all the teeth are present and their state of wear. If the teeth are worn, test the operation of the rope clamp/grab on a
muddy rope. Beware there is no trace of carrion. Inspect the condition of the rivet.

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17.3.3

Condition of the Security Catch

Check that the catch is not broken. Check its pin.

17.3.4

Check on the Rope if Sliding upwards and Jamming when Pulled Downwards

For this check, use the different diameters of rope as advised (at least the diameters of rope that you use). Check that the rope
clamp/grab slides up the rope easily and that it jams when it is pulled downwards.

17.3.5

Effectiveness of the Spring of the Cam

Clean with a brush and soapy water and, if necessary, oil with silicone. Oil the pins and the spring. Warning, wipe the friction
components with a rag.

17.3.6

Effectiveness of the Spring of the Security Catch

Clean with a brush and soapy water, if necessary, oil with silicone. Oil the pins and the spring. Warning, wipe the friction
components with a rag.

17.3.7

Opening of the Security Catch

Check that the safety catch opens completely on the body of the rope clam[/grab.

17.4 Hardware Connectors
Visual Check of the Body, of the Hook or Nose of the Connector, of the Closing Gate, of the Rivet and of the
Sleeve. On the connector, look for any cracks, marks: look for the cause; sharp tools, impacts. This analysis will
provide information on the history of the product. Check that the connector is free from deformation, wear. For a
connector, a wear mark more than 1 mm deep is serious. Beware there is no trace of corrosion which may be
present on the body. Pay particular attention to the angles, to the hood and to the gate. Check that the rivet and the
sleeve are present and check their condition.

17.4.1

Check of the Correct Alignment of the gate with the Hook

Operate the gate and check the correct alignment of the gate with the hook.

17.4.2

Check of the Effectiveness of the Return Spring and of the Articulation of the Gate

Check that the spring fulfills its function and that the articulation of the gate works correctly. Clean with a brush and soapy water
and if necessary oil with silicone, oil the pins and the spring. Warning, wipe the friction components with a rag.

17.4.3

Operation of the Locking System

Finally, ensure that the locking system works properly. Clean with a brush and soapy water and if necessary oil with silicone oil.

17.4.4

Operational Test on the Rope

Finally, always carry out a test on the rope: test the braking on a new rope, test the work positioning function on a
new rope and test the anti-panic function. The aim of these tests is to check the behavior of all the functions of the
device on a new rope (the most unfavorable situation because of its lower coefficient of friction). For your safety, be
sure to carry out this test with back-up protection from a lanyard or a mobile fall arrest device.

17.4.5

Fall Arrest

OSHA REGULATIONS REQUIRE that any worker exposed to a fall hazard is required to have fall protection. Refer
to CFR29-1926; 500-503 Sub-part (M) Fall Protection. Three key components of the Personal Fall Arrest System
must be in place and properly used to provide maximum worker protection.

17.4.6

Connecting Device

The Connecting Device is the critical link which joins the body wear to the anchorage/anchorage connector.
Individually these components will not provide protection from a fall. Used properly in conjunction with each other,
however, they form a Personal Fall Arrest System that becomes vitally important to safety on the jobsite.

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17.5 Harness
17.5.1

Body Harness Attachment Instructions

Before using any fall protection equipment first ready the information contained in the instructions provided with the
equipment you are using. Warning: Improper use of safety equipment can cause serious injury or death.

Hold the harness by the Nylon Ring or D-Ring depending on the style of the harness you have. Shake out the harness to
make sure that there are not tangles or twists in the straps.

With shoulder strap buckles facing forward, put on the harness as you would a jacket. The D-Ring or Nylon Ring should
be properly located on your back. Adjustments are
easier if you get help when first setting up the equipment.

Adjust both right and left side shoulder straps so they are in the position shown, with adjustment buckles facing forward.

Attach chest strap to keep should straps parallel and held in position so the harness cannot slip off in a fall.

Attach leg strap buckles for a snug fit. Make sure that all straps are free of twists, tangles, or knots. The harness should
fit comfortably.

The area on the harness where the Nylon Ring or D-Ring is attached is called the Chafe Pad. It should be located just
below your shoulders in the center of your upper back area.

Attach the carabineer through the fabric web loop at the end of the shock absorber or connecting lanyard. Then attach
the Rope Grab Knot to the carabineer through the plastic Robe Thimble. BE SURE THE CARABINER IS LOCKED.

With Rope Grab Knot attached to the shock absorber or connecting lanyard, the grab know should be located below your
waist and above your knee.

17.5.2

Warning

Do not attach a rope grab device or lifeline directly to the D-Ring or Nylon Ring on the chafe pad. A connecting lanyard is
required. Never attach a snap hook to the plastic eye thimble of the rope grab know or lifeline.

17.5.3

Inspection Procedures

Safety equipment must be inspected by the users prior to each use, and employers should schedule regular examinations by a
“competent” person to ensure that defective equipment is not in service.
Remove from service if any of the following defects are found:
1.

Nylon webbing has any tears, rips, cuts, burns or chemical contamination.

Stitching is loose, frayed, cut or has two pieces of webbing are pulled apart.

Shoulder and leg strap buckles or D-Rings are bent, cut, or deformed.

Velcro chest strap will not stick to itself.

Warning and serial number labels are missing.

Shock absorber is deployed or plastic cover is damaged or missing.

Chafe pad is damaged, elastic fabric keepers are missing.
NOTE: If the equipment is subjected to an “in service” fall, it must be removed immediately and inspected
before returning to service.

17.5.4

Condition of the Webbing

The webbing straps are subject to damage; check that they are free from cuts. Any cut means the systematic rejection of the
harness. Beware there is no trace of wear (fluffiness, stiffness). Traces of wear give information on the use of the harness,
general wear for normal ageing, local wear following a fall, an incorrect adjustment, contamination, . . . The stiffness can come
from repeated contact with a chemical product, concrete spray, sand, . . This analysis allows the condition of the harness to be
assessed. Beware there is no burn or trace of chemicals which damage visually the webbing.
Start with the belt. Check the condition of the webbing in front/behind, level with the adjustment buckles and where webbing
straps cross.
Check the condition of webbing in the tie-in loops (in front, behind, on the sides, on the inside); the tie-in loop is a critical area.
On the shoulder straps webbing, pay very close attention to the position of the connector, the buckles and where the webbing
crosses. Do not forget parts which are hidden by the buckles, the rear piece and the spreader.
On the webbing which joins the belt to the leg loops, check in the front, behind and in particular the points where the webbing
crosses. The crossing points of webbing are critical areas where the first signs of wear appear.

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17.5.5

Condition of the Load-Bearing Stitching

Check the load-bearing stitching carefully. These are generally heavy-duty stitching of different color to the webbing. Warning,
some stitching is hidden by webbing straps. Do you notice any threads which are cut, stretched or worn? When stitching is
stretched, check there is not cut thread.

17.5.6

Condition of the Attachment Buckles

Check on the attachment buckles at the front, sides, chest and rear positions that there are no marks: look for the cause; sharp
tools, impacts . . . This analysis will provide information on the history of the product. Beware there is not deformation, crack or
trace of corrosion.

17.5.7

Condition of the Fastening Buckles

Check that all the fastening buckles are free from marks, deformities, cracks or traces of corrosion: look for the cause; sharp
tools, impacts . . . this analysis will provide information on the history of the product. Beware there is no deformation, crack or
trace of corrosion. Warning, a mark can cause rapid wear of webbing. For the “FAST” type buckles, check that the metal parts
are free from traces of corrosion. Also check that the polycarbonate parts are free from cracks.

17.5.8

Compatibility and Condition of the Connector

Check that the connector is original or of equivalent strength and in good condition. To do this, refer to the “connector” sequence.

17.5.9

Condition of the Protectors

Certain types of harness are fitted with protectors (tubular sheath/PVC coating). Check that they still provide effective protection
to the load bearing webbing.

17.5.10

Condition of the Comfort Components

Check the non load-bearing stitching. Do you notice any threads which are cut, stretched or worn? It is sometimes difficult to
differentiate between load-bearing and non load-bearing stitching. If you are in doubt as the advice of a specialist or check it as if
it were load-bearing stitching

17.5.11

Functional Check

For the rapid-action FAST buckles, check particularly the correct operation of the return spring. Check that the webbing is
correctly routed through the “DOUBLE BACK” fastening buckles. Operate the fastening buckles. Adjustment must always be
possible. Clean the webbing. For your comfort and safety, your harness must always be perfectly adjusted.

17.6 Helmets
17.6.1

Condition of the Outside of the Shell

The inspection of the helmet starts with the check of the condition of the outside of the shell. On the upper part, look for evidence
of impact, cracks, or burns, as well as any signs of damaged caused by chemicals. Do the same around the base of the shell.

17.6.2

Condition of the Inside of the Shell

Check the condition of the inside, paying more attention to the base, particularly the reinforcement. Check that none of the ridges
are broken or deformed. Then make sure that there are no cracks, marks or deformities on the sides.

17.6.3

Condition of the Cradle

Check the headband by feeling to ensure that the stiffness has not been lost and there are no broken zones. Inspect all the
webbing straps for any trace of wear, cuts or burning. Do not hesitate to move the retaining loops and the plastic buckles to look
at all parts of the webbing straps. Then check that the stitching of the straps is not cut or distorted. Finally check the main
fastening buckle, the sliders and the plastic components.

17.6.4

Condition of the Cradle Fixings

Ensure that the adjustment wheels do not slip. Check the headband fixings level with the two clips and two rivets. Then check
the four fixing-points of the cradle.

17.6.5

Condition of the Padding of the Headband

If the padding is torn or very dirty, you can replace it.

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17.6.6

Condition of the Headlamp Clips

Check that the headlamp fixing clips are present and in good condition.

17.6.7

Operation of the Headband Adjustment

Use the adjustment wheel to tighten the headband as far as possible, and then pull the headband to check that it does not loosen.
If the adjustment does not work, the product must be rejected. Warning, do not pull the headband too hard, the purpose of this
test is not to check the strength of the adjustment.

17.6.8

Operation of the Nape of the Neck Adjustment

Operate the adjustment wheel to check that the rack mechanism works, then pull on the webbing and check that it does not
loosen. Warning, do not pull the webbing too hard, the purpose of this test is not to check the strength of the rack mechanism.

Operation of the Fastening and Unfastening of the Chin Strap and its Adjustment
Open and then close the buckle. Check that it is well fastened. This is not a test of the strength of the buckle. According to the
helmet model, the chin strap buckle may release between 15 and 25 kg (EN 397 industrial helmets) or it may release between 50
kg (mountaineering and other helmets). These values correspond to the requirements of the standard, or to specific technical
requirements. Check the adjustment. If the strap cannot be adjusted, clean the webbing. For your safety and comfort, the
helmet must always be perfectly adjusted.

17.7 Lanyards
17.7.1

Type of Lanyard

Two types of lanyard exist; lanyards constructed entirely from textile materials and textile lanyards with metallic devices.

17.7.2

Condition of the Rope/Condition of the Webbing

Carry out a visual inspection of the sheath to detect cuts, a fluffy appearance, or burns. Then carry out an inspection by touch to
find hard or soft points. If you find one of these points, alter the position of the rope, the curve must be regular. Move rope
protectors and other devices in order to check hidden parts. Carry out the same inspection with webbing components.

17.7.3

Condition of Stitching

Inspect the load-bearing stitching in order to find cut or distorted stitching, or traces of wear.

17.7.4

Condition of Sidepieces, Friction Components and Locking

Check that the sidepieces are free from marks: look for the cause; sharp tools, impacts. . . This analysis will provide information
on the history of the product. Beware there is no crack and trace of wear or corrosion. Check the passage of the connector.
Then check the condition of the friction components and finally the condition of the rivets and the locking screw.

17.7.5

Check of the Freedom of the Moving Parts to Rotate

The moving part is free of its axis. Clean with a brush and soapy water and, if necessary, oil the pin with silicone oil. Warning,
wipe the friction components with a rag.

17.7.6

Condition of the Protective Components

Check the condition of the strings and the stitching and rope protectors.

17.7.7
Compatibility of the Lanyard with the Metal Part and with the Connector/Condition of
the Connector
Ensure that the textile part corresponds to the metal part and that the connectors are suitable. To check the condition of the
connectors, refer to the “connector” sequence.

17.7.8

Check of the Adjustment of the Lanyard

Check the proper operation of the adjustment of the lanyard.

17.7.9

Check of the Operation of the Connector

Finally check the proper operation of the lanyard’s connectors.

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17.8 Pulleys
17.8.1
Condition of the Safety Elements: Body/Moving Side-Pieces/Sheave Grooves/Rivet
Axles
It is important to thoroughly check the sidepieces for any cracks or marks (seek out their cause: sharp tools, impacts . . . this
analysis will give information on the history of the product). Check for deformation, traces of wear and of corrosion on the inside
as well as the outside. Then check the sheaves for wear (sharp edges or deeply-cut grooves are dangerous) and the condition of
the axles. For models with an anti-return cam (PROTRAXION and MINITRAXION) check the presence and the condition of all
teeth.

17.8.2 Operation Check of the Pulley, the Connection and the Opening of the Side-Pieces
Ensure that the sheave turns correctly, that the connection is in good condition and that the moving sidepiece operates freely.
For models PROTRAXION and MINTRAXION, check that the moving sidepiece locks correctly. Clean with soapy water and a
brush and lubricate the axles and moving parts if necessary, using a silicone lubricant, then wipe the friction zones with a rag.
This maintenance is recommended after each time the device is used in the rain or in an aquatic environment. Ball-bearing
mounted pulleys do not require lubrication. On the models PROTRAXION and MINITRAXION, check the correct operation of the
return springs of the cam and of the red catches.

17.9 Ropes
17.9.1

Condition of the Sheath

The first check is visual: check the condition of the sheath over the full length of the rope. Look particularly for any evidence of
cuts, of wear, or of burning, fuzzy sections or traces of chemicals. Check also for the presence of slippage of the sheath over the
core.

17.9.2

Tactile Check of the Core

Carry out this check by applying a curve of constant radius all the way along the rope, by hand. Vary the curvature between the
fingers: are you able to detect stiff sections, soft sections or marked angles? Any angle will allow you to identify a zone where
the core is broken or deteriorated, or will show the presence of a bulge caused by a “hernia” in the core.

17.9.3

Condition of the Protective Parts

Check the condition of protective parts covering stitching or knots.

17.9.4

Condition of Stitching

At the stitched terminations, check that no threads are cut, torn, distorted or worn. If there is a protective cover, pull it back to look
at the safety stitching.

17.9.5

Condition of Knots

Check your rope at the point of the various knots, by untying them to check their condition (wear and shape).

17.9.6

Check the Length

To easily check the length of a rope, double it, double it again, and then measure it and multiply the result by four.

18 Referenced Publications
The PowerQuick and designated accessories are designed to comply with the following documents. Operators are required to
review and adhere to these and other requirements that may pertain to your particular industry or operations. This list is not
inclusive. It is the user’s responsibility to be aware of these additional requirements.

18.1 Laws, Regulations, Codes
The equipment sold hereunder is designed and manufactured to comply with provisions of:
!

EN 292-1:1991 Safety of Machinery - Basic Concepts, General Principles for Design - Part 1: Basic Terminology,
Methodology-Superseded by EN ISO 12100-1:2003

EN 292-2:1992 Safety of machinery Basic concepts, general principles for design Part 2: Technical principlesSupersedes BS EN 292-2:1991

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EN 418:1002 Safety of Machinery. Emergency Stop Equipment, Functional Aspects - Principles for Design (F)
[Superseded by: BSI BS EN ISO 13850]

EN 953:1997 Safety of Machinery - Guards - General Requirements for the Design and Construction of Fixed and
Movable Guards

EN 1050:1996 Safety of Machinery - Principles for Risk Assessment [Superseded by: BSI BS EN ISO 14121-1]

BS EN 14861: 2004 Forest machinery. Self propelled machinery. Safety requirements

EN 50260-1: 2002 Safety of Hand-Held Battery-Powered Motor-Operated Tools and Battery Packs - Part 1: General
Requirements

ED 418:1992 Safety of Machinery. Emergency Stop Equipment, Functional Aspects - Principles for Design (F)
[Superseded by: BSI BS EN ISO 13850]

prEN 1005-1:1996 Safety of Machinery - Human Physical Performance - Part 1: Terms and Definitions

prEN 1005-2:1996 Safety of machinery Human physical performance Part 2: Manual handling of machinery and
component parts of machinery

prEN 1808:1998 Safety Requirements on Suspended Access Equipment - Design Calculations, Stability Criteria,
Construction – Tests

EN 1927-1-8:2005 Safety requirements for cableways installation designed to carry persons. Ropes. Long splicing of 6
strand hauling, carrying hauling

US Federal Spec RR-S-001301 Safety Equipment, Climbing: 22 June 1967

MIL-S-87966 Safety Equipment

B.C. Reg. 585/77 8.100 Canada Health & Safety Code

AS/NZS 4488.1:1997 Industrial rope access systems – Specifications

AS/NZS 1891:2007 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices Part 1: Harnesses and ancillary equipment

CSA Z 259.2.3:1999 Descent Control Devices

ASTM F 887 Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment

Use instructions were prepared using the following Guidelines:
!
BS 7985: 2002 British Standard Code of Practice The use of rope access methods for industrial purposes.
!
Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) 2000 Guidelines on the use of rope access for industrial purposes
!
AS/NZS 4488.1,2 Australian/New Zealand Standard & AS/NZS 1891
!
Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians “Safe Practices for Roped Access Work”
!
Canadian Safety Agency “”Industrial Health & Safety Regulation”
!
US 29 CFR Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(d) – 126, Subpart M APP C
!
US 29 CFR 1910.268 Special Industries
The following additional documents were reviewed and evaluated for application to the PowerQuick technology and adopted
where they apply.
!
B. C Reg. 101/2004 Safety Standards Act: Elevating devices safety Regulation
!
B. C Reg. 585/77 Workers Compensation Act: Industrial Health and Safety Regulation, Section 8.100- 8.1178
`
!
ASTM F 887-97 Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment
!
California Occupational Health &Safety Agency, Subchapter 7, 3720-1 Use of rope access Equipment
!
California Department of Transportation: Climbing Techniques for Bridge Inspection
!
Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors – CAGC Best Practices 2003
Safety elements and general climbing instructions in the Operations Manual are provided as general guidelines ONLY and DO
NOT supersede Federal, State, or other requirements or the guidelines of Professional Associations which may have jurisdiction
for your specific industry or in your particular area. Compliance with all federal, state or local laws or regulations is the
responsibility of the user.

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Service Contract & Maintenance Options
1

Product Support

This contract is to provide periodic preventive maintenance and certification of the PowerQuick Ascender to ensure its continued
safe, reliable operation. PowerQuick, Inc. and our approved maintenance facilities provide an exceptional level of pre- and postsales support for all products. Highlights of this service include:
!
Customer Service personnel available by phone to provide answers to all your operational and technical questions.
!
Training provided though our Certified Trainers Program.
!
Two service contract options that provide different levels of coverage depending on your individual needs.
!
A loaner program to make sure you are never down while your ascender is being maintained and certified.
!
A cost-effective upgrade program to make sure you always have the latest, most efficient powered ascender on the
market.

Contract Specifications

PowerQuick, Inc. (Company) warrants to the Purchaser that the products being sold hereunder have the capacities and rating set
forth in the product specifications and are free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year or 3.4 miles/6K
(20,000 rotations as measured by the odometer on the unit) of use, whichever comes first. The Ascender must then undergo
inspection and recertification by a PowerQuick, Inc. qualified maintenance facility under one of the Maintenance Options
described in Section 5. Once recertified, the warranty is extended to the next certification period. Maintenance (other than
preventive maintenance described in the PowerQuick Operations Manual for each model) performed by any other person or
company voids all warranties. This contract goes into effect upon close of sale and is transferable. If the Ascender changes
ownership, the new Purchaser should contact the nearest authorized service center immediately.

2.1

Limits of Liability

This coverage includes all internal parts or components as supplied by the manufacturer and does not include any liability for
special, indirect or consequential damages. The Purchaser's sole remedy for performance or non-performance under these plans
is limited to the replacement of parts and associated labor as would be required under the service agreement. There are no
warranties of merchantability or otherwise which extend beyond the description enclosed in this contract and those expressly
stated in these conditions.

2.2

Exclusions

PowerQuick, Inc and/or our authorized distributors shall not be liable or responsible for any claims or charges associated with any
loss of, or failure of the covered equipment that is directly or indirectly caused by or resulting from any of the following:
!
Law or ordinance
!
War, military or police action; insurrection, rebellion or revolution
!
Fire, smoke or explosion
!
Rust, corrosion and/or sediment damage
!
Damage from immersion in water or other corrosive element
!
Failure to abide by manufacturer's recall
!
Misuse and/or tampering of the equipment for any purpose other than intended by the manufacturer.
!
Failure to perform normal, routine or seasonal maintenance, adjustments and/or service as may be outlined in the
installation and servicing instructions or owner's manual.
!
Normal wear and tear to accessories used with the ascender
Ancillary equipment not covered under this Service Contract:
!
Batteries
!
Chargers
!
Accessories
PowerQuick, Inc does not warrant equipment manufactured by others, but will submit to buyer upon request the manufacturer’s
warranty, if any, and will assist buyer in securing the benefit of such warranty if inspection proves such parts defective.
In no event, whether as a result of breach of warranty or otherwise, shall PowerQuick, Inc, or our authorized distributors be liable
for special or consequential damages. No warranty is included against any expense for consequential damages arising from use
of the PowerQuick ascender or any defect. Owing to the widely varying conditions under which our products are used
PowerQuick, Inc cannot be and are not bound, and no person is authorized to bind PowerQuick, Inc. to any further warranty
whatsoever, express or implied.

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Term of Contract

This contract goes into effect upon close of sale and is effective for the life of your PowerQuick Ascender, as long as the unit is
maintained under a service contract as defined in Section 5 “Contract Options”. Rates may be updated on a year-to-year basis.
You will be notified of any rate changes in advance. This contract is transferable. If the Ascender changes ownership, the new
Purchaser must contact the nearest authorized service center immediately.

Record keeping/Maintenance Reports

Each PowerQuick Ascender has a unique serial number that is maintained in a central database used by all maintenance facilities
worldwide. This database is a permanent record of all information related to your ascender including owner information,
maintenance record, etc. and is maintained for the life of your PowerQuick Ascender. When an ascender is returned to the
authorized maintenance facility it undergoes a complete diagnostics on PowerQuick, Inc’s proprietary test equipment. This
equipment measures every detail of the PowerQuick Ascender performance and safety and provides the maintenance technician
with a detailed report. Once maintenance is completed, the unit is again subjected to diagnostic testing as part of the Quality
Assurance program. The customer is provided with a printout of the pre and post maintenance test report. This report will include
the date, pre-maintenance odometer reading, and the odometer reading and/or date for the next scheduled maintenance. These
reports, as well as a record of all maintenance procedures or upgrades performed, are maintained in the permanent database.
Owners may request a copy of the record on their ascender at any time from an authorized service center.
A “certification” tag will be placed on the ascender that indicates the maintenance date and provides the odometer reading
indicating when the next required maintenance is due.

Service Contract Options

As with all mechanical equipment the PowerQuick Ascender is subject to wear under normal use. Depending on use conditions
and environments, individual components and parts may wear at different rates. For this reason, we have developed a flexible
multi-phase maintenance program that is tailored to individual user needs. Rates and service schedules are provided in the table
following the description of the options.

5.1

Comprehensive 24-Hour On-Site Service

All approved PowerQuick maintenance facilities provide the option for 24-hour on-site field replacement. This option was
designed for frequent users who purchase the Comprehensive warranty Service Contract and includes a “loaner” Ascender for
use while the Owner’s unit is being maintained or repaired. This Option also provides for diagnostics and replacement of normal
wear items associated with general maintenance such as capstan, bearings, seals, brake pads, etc. every 3.4 miles of use.
Defective parts will be replaced solely at the discretion of the company. This Option also provides for a rebuild of the Ascender in
th
the 11 maintenance cycle. All services are at a discounted price.

5.1.1

Loaner Ascender

An Ascender for use while the Owner’s unit is being maintained or repaired is included at no additional charge with
Comprehensive Option. The unit must be returned to PowerQuick, Inc. within three days from receipt of repaired ascender or will
be accessed a rental fee of $200 per week. Shipping box will include a postage paid label for return.

5.1.2

Field Response

In most cases field response is a last resort activity that most companies will use only when time is of the essence and there is no
other way to provide on-site delivery or service.
1.

Labor rates will be billed to the project on the basis of the hourly rates of the personnel assigned to the project:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PST, Monday through Friday. During these hours the
STANDARD labor rate will be in effect as set forth in the enclosed Schedule of Rates.
Work performed before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m., PST, Monday through Friday, will be charged at
O/T-1 labor rate (1.5 time STANDARD labor rate) as set forth in the enclosed Schedule of Rates.
Work performed on Saturdays and Sundays will be charged at O/T-1 labor rate (1.5 times STANDARD
labor rate) as set forth in the enclosed Schedule of Rates.
Work performed on holidays will be charged at O/T-2 labor rate (2.0 times STANDARD labor rate) as
set forth in the enclosed Schedule of Rates.
Travel time for will be charged at the STANDARD labor rate for travel on Monday through Friday, O/T1 for travel on Saturday and Sunday, and O/T-2 for travel on U.S. holidays.

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2. Expenses:
a.
b.
c.

5.2

Travel, living, and operating expenses incurred by Company personnel as a consequence of work
performed for a client will be charged at actual costs.
Air travel will be on Company’s choice of airlines utilizing the most expeditious flights available.
Travel to a client’s job site in personal vehicles will be charged on a per-mile basis according to
following Schedule of Rates.

Standard Preventive Maintenance and Certification

This service is performed at a PowerQuick Certified Maintenance Facility. PowerQuick owners may either take their ascender to
the facility in person or ship the ascender to the facility. Field service is available with this option, but at a higher rate than the
Comprehensive option.
This Option provides for, diagnostics and replacement of normal wear items associated with general maintenance such as
capstan, bearings, seals, brake pads, etc. every 3.4 miles of use. Defective parts will be replaced solely at the discretion of the
th
company. This Option also includes a rebuild of the Ascender in the 11 maintenance cycle.
Standard Maintenance time is 5 working days.
This service is best suited for users who do not use the unit on a daily basis.

5.3

Reestablished Service

This Option is for purchaser’s who have allowed their maintenance contract to lapse or who opted not to purchase a maintenance
plan.

5.4

Replacement/Product Upgrades.

In the event that the technician determines that the PowerQuick ascender is not reparable (or is not cost effective to
repair) as a result of normal wear and tear or user-induced damage, owners will receive a discount on a replacement
unit.
From time to time PowerQuick, Inc. will develop upgraded parts or components for the PowerQuick Ascender. These
components may be replaced automatically for owners with a Service Contract, at no additional cost to the owner, during the
regular maintenance cycle.
PowerQuick, Inc. will also introduce upgraded versions of the ascender. Owners who wish to upgrade to the new version during
the regular maintenance cycle will be offered a trade-in discount prorated to the life of their current ascender.

Service Contract Options And Prices
Program Feature

Annual Fee

Basic Service

Comprehensive Service

Reestablished Service

PQS 0001

PQS 0002

PQS 0003

$500

$2500 per contract. $500 per
additional ascender. Limited
to 5 ascenders per contract.

No Annual Fee

Preventive Maintenance
Every 3.4 miles/use
Inspection/replacement of capstan, bearings, Inspect capstan, bearings,
seals.
seals. Replace as needed

Replace general Maintenance
Items

Recertification

$200

$150

On 11th Service
Inspection/replacement of capstan, bearings,
seals. Inspection/replacement of major
components as needed.

Inspection/replacement of
capstan, bearings, seals.
Inspection/replacement of
major components

Inspection/replacement of
capstan, bearings, seals.
Inspection/replacement of major
components

Recertification

$300

$150

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Time and Materials

PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

Loaner Ascender

$500*

Included in Service Fee*

Initial Phone Response

24-hour

On-site Response

Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm

$25/hr 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
PST, Monday through Friday
$37.5/hr Before 8:00 a.m. and
after 5:00 p.m., PST, Monday
through Friday

Certification to Reestablish Expired
Warranty

N/A

Inspection/replacement of
capstan, bearings, seals.
Inspection/replacement of
major components
$800 plus Time & Materials

Replacement/Upgrade
When damaged beyond safe repair or when $Actual material and manupgrading to a new version
hours costs

$Actual material and man-hours Full Retail Cost
costs not to exceed $3,000

* Loaner for time of repair. To be returned within 3 days of receipt of repaired ascender or subject to rental charges
of $500 per week.

Invoicing

Upon credit approval, PowerQuick, Inc. will invoice the client for the services performed and materials supplied, and the expenses
incurred by PowerQuick, Inc. personnel on assignment to the client to the extent described in this contract and the Schedule of
Rates, published and enclosed as part of this Service Contract. All invoices are net and payable in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S.
bank within thirty (30) days of the date of the invoice. At its discretion PowerQuick, Inc. reserves the right to require full or partial
payment in advance. Invoices not paid in accordance with the terms set forth above are subject to interest charges at the rate of 1
1/2 percent per month, unless prohibited by law, in which case invoices will be subject to interest at the maximum legal contract
rate.

How to Request Service

For the standard maintenance option, package your ascender and ship it with a Request for Service to your authorized service
center. A maintenance request form is located at the end of this contract. It is also available for download from our web site at
www.powerquickinc.com.
In the case of field service, a written purchase order on company stationery, or its equivalent, indicating the location and scope of
the work to be performed is required before Company personnel can be dispatched to a client’s job site, whether an operating
plant, shipyard, marina, or a waterborne vessel underway or at dockside.
The purchase order, for either field service or plant service, must be executed by those authorized to enter into such contracts in
the name of the client. In emergency situations, verbal requests may be honored; however, a written purchase order marked
CONFIRMING must be provided as soon as possible thereafter. A purchase order from a client will constitute acceptance of all
terms and conditions in this contract. Any oral or written purchase order submitted to and accepted by PowerQuick, Inc. or an
authorized maintenance facility will be subject to and be deemed to incorporate by reference the terms and conditions set forth in
this service contract. No additional or different terms will apply unless expressly agreed to by the maintenance facility in writing.
Acceptance of or payment for any services constitutes Buyer’s agreement to the terms and conditions contained in this service
contract.

Safety Devices, Legal Requirements

Seller shall not be required to furnish any safety devices required by law or otherwise, except those specified herein, seller does
not warrant or guarantee that the equipment sold hereunder will comply with local, state or federal laws or regulations or
electrical, building or other codes or requirements.

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Indemnification

Buyer shall comply and require its employees to comply with all instructions given by PowerQuick, Inc. regarding installation, use
and maintenance of the equipment described herein and shall require its employees to use reasonable care and utilize all safety
devices in the operation and maintenance of said equipment. Buyer shall not remove or permit removal or modification of any
safety devices or warning signs or labels, Buyer shall immediately give PowerQuick, Inc. written notice (within 24 hours of
occurrence) of any personal injury or property damage arising out of the use of the equipment and cooperate with PowerQuick,
Inc. in investigating any such accident or malfunction. Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold PowerQuick, Inc. and its suppliers and
distributors harmless from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, causes of action, suits, costs and expenses of any kind and
nature (including attorney’s fees) for personal injury and/or property damage arising from or in any way connected with the
operations activities or use of the equipment described herein.
Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold PowerQuick, Inc. and its suppliers and distributors harmless from any and all claims,
demands, liabilities, causes of action, suits, costs and expenses of any kind or nature (including attorney’s fees) for loss or
damage to persons or property, arising out of use of the ascender and accessories.

10 Cancellation
Buyer may cancel this maintenance contract upon notification in writing to PowerQuick, Inc or an authorized distributor or
maintenance facility. Cancellation will, however, void all future warranties for the PowerQuick ascender.

11 Contract Acceptance
Purchaser elects the following maintenance Option:

Standard Preventive Maintenance and Certification

Comprehensive 24-Hour On-Site Service

We Decline a Maintenance Contract at this Time

The undersigned hereby agree to the terms and conditions of this contract.

Purchaser

Sales Representative

Title

Date

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PQ500Series 25-Apr-08

Request for Service Form (available for download at www.powerquickinc.com)
Company Name

Product Information
Ascender Model

Contact:
Address:

Serial Number
Odometer Reading

Phone Number:

Date Shipped:

E-Mail:
Service Requested

Standard Preventive Maintenance & Recertification

Repair

Other

Have you experienced any specific problems with your PowerQuick Ascender? (describe)

Payment Method
Credit Card:

Master Card

Visa

American Express

Wire Transfer: (Call for account Information)
Name On Card:

Purchase Order

Bank Draft

Expiration Date: ____/____/20___

Purchase Order #: (with approved Credit or CC #)
Billing Information

Shipping Information ( if different from billing)

Address:

For Office Use Only

Received By:

Received Date:

Work Order #

Assigned To:

QA/QC Inspector:

Ship Date

NOTES

PowerQuick PQ-500-1 User’s Maintenance Log
Serial Number

Date

Date Sold

Odometer
Reading

Maintenance Performed

Odometer Reading

Signature

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