PETZL ANNEAU Polyester Open Sling (60cm) Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The PETZL ANNEAU is a lightweight and durable polyester open sling designed for various applications in climbing, mountaineering, and rescue. This 60cm version is made from tubular polyester webbing, offering excellent flexibility and abrasion resistance. It is rated for a breaking strength of 22 kN and has a width of 19 mm.

Image: PETZL ANNEAU Polyester Open Sling in black, 60cm length, laid flat.

The ANNEAU sling is a versatile component for creating anchors, extending anchor points, or establishing secure connections in a system. This specific model is black and 60cm in length, weighing approximately 58 grams.

2. Safety Information and Warnings

These products are for mountaineering, rock-climbing, industrial work, and/or rescue use only. Mountaineering, rock climbing, industrial work, and rescue are inherently dangerous activities. Any person involved in these activities must obtain qualified instruction on the proper use of these products prior to using them. Any person using these products is responsible for their own actions and decisions. FAILURE TO FOLLOW WARNINGS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

• Always inspect the sling for any signs of wear, cuts, abrasion, or damage before each use.
• Never use a damaged sling. Retire it immediately.
• Ensure proper training and understanding of anchor systems and load distribution.
• Avoid exposing the sling to sharp edges, chemicals, or excessive heat.
• Understand the limitations of the equipment and never exceed its rated breaking strength.

3. Intended Use

The PETZL ANNEAU Polyester Open Sling is intended for use in:

• Anchor Construction: Creating secure anchor points in climbing and rescue systems.
• Anchor Extension: Extending the reach of an anchor point to optimize rope angles or reduce drag.
• Personal Anchoring: As part of a personal anchor system (PAS) for self-belay at a stance.
• Equalization: Distributing loads evenly across multiple anchor points.
• Temporary Connections: Establishing temporary connections between equipment or to a fixed point.

This sling is not designed for dynamic loading or as a primary fall arrest component without appropriate energy absorption systems.

4. Setup and Operating Instructions

4.1 Pre-Use Inspection

Before each use, perform a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the entire sling. Check for:

• Cuts, nicks, or abrasions on the webbing.
• Discoloration or stiffness due to UV exposure or chemical contamination.
• Melted or glazed areas from friction.
• Damaged stitching.
• Any other signs of degradation or unusual wear.

If any damage is found, retire the sling immediately.

4.2 Attachment Methods

The ANNEAU sling can be attached using various methods, always ensuring proper technique and security:

• Girth Hitch: A common method for attaching the sling to a harness or another piece of equipment. Ensure the hitch is snug and correctly formed.
• Basket Hitch: Used to create a strong, redundant anchor point around a stable object. Both ends of the sling are clipped into a carabiner.
• Direct Connection: Clipping both ends of the sling into a single carabiner to form a loop, or using one end to connect to a carabiner and the other to an anchor point.

Always ensure carabiners are properly oriented, locked (if locking type), and not cross-loaded. Consult qualified instruction for specific applications.

5. Maintenance and Care

5.1 Cleaning

Clean the sling with lukewarm water (below 30°C / 86°F) and a mild, pH-neutral soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Do not use harsh detergents, solvents, or bleach.

5.2 Drying

Allow the sling to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or open flames. Do not tumble dry or force dry.

5.3 Inspection and Retirement

Regularly inspect the sling as described in Section 4.1. The lifespan of textile products depends heavily on usage, storage, and environmental factors. Retire the sling immediately if:

• It has sustained a significant fall or shock load.
• Any damage (cuts, severe abrasion, melted fibers, damaged stitching) is visible.
• It has come into contact with corrosive chemicals.
• There is significant discoloration or stiffness.
• Its history is unknown or questionable.
• It has reached its maximum lifespan as recommended by the manufacturer (typically 10 years from manufacturing date, even if unused, or sooner with heavy use).

6. Storage

Store the ANNEAU sling in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated place. Keep it away from:

• Direct sunlight and UV radiation.
• Extreme temperatures.
• Chemicals, solvents, and corrosive substances.
• Sharp objects or abrasive surfaces.

7. Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting for a simple textile sling primarily involves inspection and proper use:

• Issue: Sling appears damaged.
  Solution: Immediately retire the sling. Do not attempt to repair it.
• Issue: Sling feels stiff or discolored.
  Solution: This may indicate UV degradation or chemical exposure. Retire the sling.
• Issue: Unsure about sling's integrity.
  Solution: When in doubt, retire the sling. Consult a qualified professional for assessment if necessary.

The most critical troubleshooting step is diligent pre-use and periodic inspection. Prevention of damage through proper handling and storage is key.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty

The PETZL ANNEAU Polyester Open Sling comes with a 3-year warranty against any defects in materials or manufacturing. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, modifications, improper storage, poor maintenance, damage due to accidents or negligence, or uses for which the product is not specifically designed.

For warranty claims, please contact your authorized PETZL dealer or PETZL customer service with proof of purchase.

10. Support and Contact Information

For further information, detailed technical specifications, or to contact customer support, please visit the official PETZL website:

www.petzl.com

Always refer to the latest technical notices and safety information provided by the manufacturer.