Instructions for use of
RIDGEGEAR Retractable Type
Fall Arresters (RTFAs) RGA4/
EDGE and rescue lifting device

RGA4 EDGE and Rescue Lifting Device

Read and understand before use complying with the requirements of EN 360:2002 & EN 1496:2017. Issue C Aug 2023
IMPORTANT: Please read and understand these instructions before use
This product must only be used by suitably trained personnel who are competent in its safe use. Recommended for personal issue.
RGA4 must only be used for its intended purpose, which is to provide fall arrest (EN 360) and to provide rescue (EN 1496) for a single user only. Do not use for any other purpose. During use the safety line will follow the user during assent or descent, and in the event of a fall the mechanism will automatically lock, assisted by energy absorbing properties. Thereafter the user will require rescue.

USER INSTRUCTIONS

Before every use, the user must be suitably trained and qualified to carry out a pre-use check to ensure the RTFA is free from defects, and is in a safe condition for use.
Carefully pull out the cable and check for damage or abrasion. (Fig 1).
Where fitted, check fall indicator hook and if red is showing, do not use (Fig 2). The pre-use check MUST include the locking mechanism. Slowly check cable extends and retracts correctly (Fig 3). Do not allow to retract at speed.
Pull cable sharply with a gloved hand to ensure the cable locks correctly (Fig 4). NEVER use the product if this does not happen.Ensure that the connector hooks open and close properly.
The housing end should be attached to a suitable anchor point with a minimum strength of 12kN (18kN for textile) and ideally approved to EN 795 with a EN 362 approved compatible connector (Fig 5). Use an anchor sling as necessary.
The connector at the lanyard end shall be attached to the harness attachment point marked with letter A (Fig 6).The maximum user weight is 140kg.
Always try to ensure that anchor points are vertically above the user to reduce pendulum effect and the added risk of striking an obstacle. Avoid using where the angle to the vertical is greater than 30 degrees (Fig 7). The block will function in inclined and horizontal position but be aware of pendulum effect & that edge contact in the event of a fall is possible.
The RGA4 has also passed the edge tests in accordance with VG11.060 (Fig 8). The testing is a series of dynamic drop tests using 140kg over a sharp smooth steel edge with a radius of 0.5mm, therefore this device may be used over similar edges with a radius no less than 0.5mm. A thorough risk assessment is necessary to ensure the edge is free from rust, burrs, nicks, etc. Consider edge protection if this is identified or unsure.
Operatives must be aware that if they were to take a fall over an edge, the fall arrest block will arrest the fall of the user, but may cause them to swing back into the structure, causing personal injury. Considerations must be taken to any objects below where they are working that they could potentially hit and cause harm (fig 9).Ensure that there is suficient free space below the feet of the user in the event of a fall. This should be at least 2.5 metres below foot level, or up to 3 metres if used at 30 degree angle (Fig 10).
Add a further 3m if using horizontally or attached at foot level. Always ensure that the RTFA lanyard is taught without slack as a slack cable is potentially dangerous.

RESCUE FUNCTION

1. During rescue, ensure that the rescuer has direct or indirect visual contact or other means of communication with the rescuee at all times.
2. Never use for lifting or lowering loads and only use for rescue purposes.
3. Mount vertically from a suitable anchor point or inclined fixed to a RIDGEGEAR tripod. Method of tripod fixing is contained in the tripod user instructions.
4. Activation of the rescue function is shown on the product marking.
5. RAISING  Only perform if an unhindered lifting process is possible, and DO NOT use if an obstacle presents a hazard.
   If a rescue operation is necessary following a fall over the edge, it may not be possible to raise the casualty to a place of safety. Therefore, lowering in this situation is recommended.
   LOWERING (including over the edge) – Ensure there is safe clearance below the casualty, and they can be quickly lowered to a place of safety.

GENERAL GUIDE

1. Before use, a detailed risk assessment must be carried out by the employer, to establish that this is the correct product suitable for the type of work to be carried out in the event of a fall, taking into account anchor points, potential fall distance (including pendulum), obstructions, rescue system, etc.
2. Ensure before use there is a suitable rescue plan in place to deal with any emergencies that could arise during the work and enabling the retrieval of the user to a place of safety in the event of a fall.
3. The anchor device or anchor point should always be positioned and the work carried out in such a way as to minimise the potential for falls and fall distance.
4. The larger RTFA devices can be very heavy so handle with care and do not drop. Do not use two RTFAs together.
5. RIDGEGEAR textile lanyard extension straps (e.g. RGL4’s) may be used to form a link from the harness to the RTFA connector. These are recommended when using wire versions as they assist in rescue by trained personnel.
6. Contact with edges of small radius (<0.5mm) must be avoided and edge protection must be considered. Using a block horizontally may damage the wire and/or collar if the wire rubs against the edge of the collar.
7. Not recommended for use with mobile horizontal lifelines.
8. Ensure that only a full body harness is used in a fall arrest system, and suitably CE approved (e.g. EN 361/EN 1497) and the lanyard connectors are compatible with the harness attachment points. Be aware of any possible dangers, which may arise through use of combinations of items of equipment, in which the safe function of any one item is affected by or interferes with the safe function of another.
9. When using for the first time, ensure that the first part of the product record card is completed and the date of first use is recorded.
10. Users are warned that certain medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, vertigo, epilepsy, drug or alcohol dependence, could affect the safety of the user in normal and emergency use.
11. It is essential to ensure the product is removed from service immediately if the equipment shows excessive wear or damage to any part, or has been involved in a fall. If in doubt, do not use and seek expert advice. The equipment must then only be used if confirmed in writing by a competent person that it is safe to do so contact and strong chemicals, which may damage the components.
12. Never expose the equipment to extremes of temperature outside the range of –25°C to +50°C. Avoid electrical contact and strong chemicals, which may damage the components.
13. IMPORTANT: Never allow the cable to retract at speed as this could dislodge the locking mechanism. Feed back into unit slowly and use an extension strop if necessary.
14. The use of alternative replacement parts is forbidden.
15. Never attempt to modify, repair or service this product without our written consent. Never attempt to open the casing. Also be warned that the outer screws form part of the internal braking mechanism and should never be tampered with. The consequences could be fatal.

MATERIALS

The wire is either galvanised or stainless steel wire. The outer casing is either carbon steel, aluminium alloy or nylon.
STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION & CLEANING

1. Ensure that when the RTFA is not in use or during transportation, it is securely and suitably stored in a clean, dry area and away from direct source of heat or sunlight, or any potentially sharp or abrasive objects such as knives or  tools.
2. If the RTFA gets wet in use allow it to dry naturally. If necessary, fully extract the cable and allow to dry. It is not recommended to wash this product.
3. Wipe of any build-up of dirt and grit and wipe the cover only as necessary.

PERIODIC EXAMINATIONS AND SERVICE
Before every use, the user shall inspect the equipment following the inspection guidelines below.
The safety of the user depends upon the continued effciency and durability of the equipment, therefore an additional thorough periodic inspection is required by an independent competent person familiar with inspecting this type of equipment. The frequency of independent examination and inspection must take into account legislation, equipment type, frequency of use and environmental conditions (particularly if used offshore).
The RTFA must be serviced at least annually by RIDGEGEAR or RIDGEGEAR approved service agents, or more frequently dependent upon environmental conditions and frequency of use. Never attempt to tamper with or service the product by any other means. There is no lifespan obsolescence, as worn components are replaced as necessary during service.
INSPECTION
Wire Rope – With a gloved hand fully retract and check cable for broken fibres and kinks. Ensure the spliced ferrule and eyelet show no sign of damage. Ensure a red indicator is not visible on the wire at full extraction.
Metal – check the housing and bush guides for cracks, corrosion, distortion, irregular wear and ensure all moving mechanisms operate correctly. Also check the connectors, and where fitted, be sure that any hook load indicators have not deployed.
Check the function of the rescue device.
Textile Energy Absorber – check for cuts, tears, abrasion, scorch marks, burns, chemical attack or severely discoloured patches. Local abrasion, distinct from general wear is often cause by passage of the energy absorber over sharp and/or
abrasive edges, and may cause serious loss of strength. Slight damage to outer fibres may be considered safe, however serious reduction or expansion in width or thickness or serious distortion to the weave pattern should lead to immediate rejection.
Product marking – check that the product markings including the serial number are legible. Ensure the date of the last service is shown and has not expired.
Reject the RTFA immediately if any of the above defects are found or if in any doubt. Clearly identify as DO NOT USE.
REPAIR
This RTFA must not be modified or repaired unless advised by us in writing. Only competent persons authorised by us may carry out any repairs. If in doubt contact RIDGEGEAR for further advice.
RECORDS

1. When using for the first time, ensure that the first part of the product record card is completed and the date of first use is recorded.
2. Ensure that the product is inspected at regular intervals dependent upon frequency of use. Details of all inspections must be recorded in the spaces provided on the record card.
3. It is essential for the safety of the user that if the product is resold outside the original Country of destination that the reseller shall provide instructions for use, for maintenance, for periodic examination and for repair in the language of the Country in which the product is to be used.

LIFESPAN
(See periodic examinations and service). Avoiding abrasion, contamination and correct storage will ensure optimum service life.
NOTIFIED/APPROVED BODIES

1. CE – Module B of PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. SATRA Technology Europe Ltd, Bracetown Business Park, Clonee, D15 YN2P, Ireland. ID Number 2777. UKCA – Module B of PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. SATRA Technology Ltd, Telford Way, Kettering, NN16 8SD, UK. ID number 0321.
2. CE – Module D of PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. British Standards Institution, John M Keynesplein 9, 1066 EP Amsterdam, Netherlands. ID number 2797.
   UKCA – Module D of PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. British Standards Institution, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PP, UK. ID number 0086.

EXPLANATION OF PRODUCT MARKING

RIDGEGEAR	Manufacturer (or customer)
Model	Product code
Length (where shown)	Cable/webbing length (m)
Serial No.	Unique traceability number
2797	Notified body number
86	Approved body number
EN 360:2002	EN standard and year
Pictogram symbol	Warning to read the user instructions
Load indicator symbol	Warning to check no activation
Printed date	Date of manufacture
Date of last service	Date last service was carried out
Max kg symbol	Maximum user weight
User pictogram	Additional user instructions

RIDGEGEAR Ltd., Nelson Street, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 6BB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1538 384108
Fax: +44 (0)1538 387350
Email: sales@ridgegear.com
www.ridgegear.com
©2023 RIDGEGEAR Limited.
All information and imagery contained within this leaflet is subject to copyright.

Documents / Resources

RIDGEGEAR RGA4 EDGE and Rescue Lifting Device [pdf] User Guide RGA4 EDGE and Rescue Lifting Device, RGA4, EDGE and Rescue Lifting Device, Rescue Lifting Device, Lifting Device, Device

References

• User Manual