Irudek ABE 373-BH/180 Energy Absorber User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of the Irudek ABE 373-BH/180 Energy Absorber. This device is designed to protect users from falls from a height by absorbing the energy generated during a fall, thereby reducing the impact force to less than 6 kN. It features a forked rope and 110 mm aluminum hooks, and is equipped with an Irucheck NFC chip for efficient equipment management and inspection.

The Irudek ABE 373-BH/180 complies with EN 355 and EN 362 standards.

2. Safety Instructions

WARNING: Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.

• Only trained and competent personnel should use this equipment.
• Always inspect the energy absorber and all connecting components before each use. Do not use if any damage, wear, or defects are observed.
• Ensure the anchorage point is structurally sound and capable of supporting the anticipated load.
• Maintain adequate fall clearance below the work area to prevent striking an obstruction or the ground.
• Do not modify the equipment in any way.
• Protect the equipment from sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, and chemical exposure.
• After a fall, the energy absorber must be immediately removed from service and destroyed. It is designed for single-use fall arrest.
• Refer to local regulations and standards for fall protection.

3. Components

The Irudek ABE 373-BH/180 Energy Absorber consists of the following main components:

• Energy Absorber Pack: Contains the webbing designed to tear and absorb fall energy.
• Forked Rope Lanyard: Two branches of rope extending from the energy absorber, allowing for continuous connection while moving.
• Aluminum Carabiner (Threaded Closure): Connects the energy absorber to the harness.
• Two Aluminum Hooks (110 mm opening): Connect the forked rope ends to anchorage points.
• Irucheck NFC Chip: Embedded for digital equipment management and inspection records.

Figure 1: Overview of the Irudek ABE 373-BH/180 Energy Absorber, showing the energy absorber pack, forked lanyard, and two aluminum hooks. The main carabiner for harness connection is also visible.

4. Setup and Connection

1. Harness Connection: Connect the aluminum carabiner (threaded closure) of the energy absorber to the dorsal (back) or sternal (front) attachment point of your full-body harness, as specified by your harness manufacturer. Ensure the carabiner gate is fully closed and locked.
2. Anchorage Connection: Connect one or both of the 110 mm aluminum hooks to suitable anchorage points. Ensure the hooks are fully closed and locked. Anchorage points must be capable of withstanding a minimum load of 12 kN (or as per local regulations).
3. Fall Clearance: Calculate the required fall clearance. This includes the length of the lanyard (180 cm), the maximum elongation of the energy absorber during a fall (refer to product labeling, typically up to 1.75 meters), the height of the user, and a safety margin.

5. Operating Instructions

The Irudek ABE 373-BH/180 is designed for fall arrest applications. Always ensure you are connected to an appropriate anchorage point while working at height.

• Continuous Connection: Utilize the forked lanyard to maintain 100% tie-off. When moving between anchorage points, always ensure one hook is securely attached before detaching the other.
• Positioning: Position yourself to minimize the potential for a swing fall. The anchorage point should ideally be directly above the work area.
• Avoid Slack: Keep the lanyard as taut as possible to minimize free fall distance.
• Post-Fall Procedure: In the event of a fall, immediately initiate rescue procedures. The fallen worker should be rescued as quickly as possible to prevent suspension trauma. After a fall, the energy absorber must be taken out of service.

6. Maintenance and Inspection

Regular inspection and proper maintenance are crucial for the longevity and safety of your Irudek ABE 373-BH/180.

6.1. Pre-Use Inspection

Before each use, perform a visual inspection of all components:

• Check webbing/rope for cuts, fraying, excessive wear, discoloration, or chemical damage.
• Inspect stitching for loose or broken threads.
• Examine metal components (carabiners, hooks) for deformation, cracks, corrosion, or proper functioning of gates and locking mechanisms.
• Ensure the energy absorber pack is intact and shows no signs of deployment.
• Verify the legibility of product labels.

6.2. Periodic Inspection

A thorough inspection by a competent person must be carried out at least every 12 months, or more frequently depending on usage and environmental conditions. The Irucheck NFC chip can be used to record and manage inspection data.

6.3. Cleaning and Storage

• Clean with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place, free from chemical fumes, sharp objects, and extreme temperatures.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues that may arise with the Irudek ABE 373-BH/180.

If you encounter any issues not listed here, or if you are unsure about the safety of the equipment, contact Irudek customer support or a qualified professional.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Information regarding warranty terms and conditions for the Irudek ABE 373-BH/180 Energy Absorber is typically provided at the point of purchase or on the official Irudek website. Please refer to the documentation supplied with your product or visit www.irudek.com for the most up-to-date warranty information and customer support contacts.

For technical assistance, spare parts, or further inquiries, please contact your authorized Irudek distributor or Irudek customer service.