V5129_WC_Vari Controller_AW2 17/2/10 15:34 Page 1

WILD COUNTRY The following will cause a further reduction Option 2 gives the ‘slickness’ (i.e. Speed STORAGE Three digit code: Wild Country Ltd. reserves the right VARIABLE CONTROLLER in strength: of rope feed) of modern deepslotted belay After any necessary cleaning store batch/date code ‘ABC’. to modify without notice the designs tools when used narrow end to the active unpacked in a cool, dark, dry, ventilated & specifications of products described GENERAL INFORMATION a) high impact load/fall arrest rope (Fig. 2). To use, pass the rope or place away from sharp edges, pressure, ‘A’ First letter indicates year in these instructions. All weights, of manufacture e.g. A =Year 2000, dimensions & sizing specifications These instructions must be read and b) corrosion ropes through the Variable Controller as corrosives or any possible causes of B = Year 2001 etc. where quoted are nominal. understood before this equipment is c) internal/external abrasion of textile shown and clip the harness (Fig. 3) before damage. Wet equipment should first be components caused by grit penetration ‘B’ Second letter indicates manufacturer used, please retain this information loading the device, assess the situation allowed to dry as detailed above. Wild Country Ltd., Wild Country internal reference. for future reference. and rock abrasion. and decide which of the two options Meverill Road, Tideswell, Derbyshire, d) cuts in textile components you will need to use. OBSOLESCENCE ‘C’ Third letter indicates month SK17 8PY England Adhere strictly to the following advice e) prolonged of textile This product will deteriorate over time of manufacture e.g. A = January, and recommendations, if in doubt B = February etc. components to ultra violet radiation Holding a Fall: in the course of normal use and because Tel: +44 (0) 1298 871010 please contact Wild Country Ltd. Fax: +44 (0) 1298 872077 f) placement and/or loading over tight radii All brake plates require the rope or ropes of this we are required to give an g) sharp edges of rock or equipment to pass through a ‘Z’ shape to generate SPECIFICATIONS obsolescence date. It is difficult to be E-mail: The information in these instructions enough friction to hold a fall (Figs. 1 & 2). Maximum Load: [email protected] precise but a conservative estimate for Web Site: www.wildcountry.co.uk is not exhaustive and cannot be See maintenance and obsolescence for 2000Kg this product is that it has a lifespan of substituted for comprehensive more details. The device creates a ‘U’ shape and the 10 years from date of first use for metal instruction by trained and belayer’s hand on the inactive rope Weight: components, however, please note that competent persons. Be aware that this equipment can be creates the second half of the ‘Z’. It is 63g damaged in a fall and consequently should very important for a climber bringing up the following factors will further reduce This product should only be used by always be examined for defects before a second from the top of a to the safe working life: Working Range: trained and competent persons or the reuse. remember this fact. The Variable Controller 8.5 (x2) to 11.5 mm Metal Components: normal use, exposure user should be under the supervision forms a highly effective friction device in kernmantle rope to chemical reagents, heat contamination, of a trained and competent person. If this equipment exhibits signs of wear conjunction with a belay karabiner. When high impact load or failure to maintain or defect or if there is any doubt about its applied at the constant angle (i.e. The ‘Z’ Climbing and are (clean/lubricate) as recommended. See serviceability, replace it. It is recommended shape), hand pressure will be magnified hazardous. Even correct selection, above (use) In addition to the normal that any equipment involved in a serious to create enough friction to hold a fall. maintenance and use of correct fall should be replaced. Where practical inspection required before use this product equipment cannot eliminate the potential a history of use and inspection record Paying Out Rope: should be thoroughly examined at least for danger, serious injury or death. should be kept. Try pulling the active rope quickly (as once every three months by a competent when feeding rope to a leader clipping person. If any defects are found as It is the users responsibility at all times Wearing a climbing helmet will help protect protection). You will find that the ease of detailed above or are suspected this to ensure that he or she understands your head from injury if you fall. use varies according to the way round the product should be withdrawn from the correct and safe use of any device is used. Practice using the VC to use immediately. When using belay techniques we equipment supplied by Wild Country familiarise yourself with its characteristics. Ltd., uses it only for the purposes for recommend the use of appropriate gloves. WARNING which it is designed and practices all Rapelling: The safe working life of this product Foresee and take appropriate action in proper safety procedures. The Use the broader end towards the active may be as little as one use in extreme situations where rescue may be required. FO94/QA/6/FEB10/V5129 manufacturer or supplier will not rope (Fig. 1) when using thin ropes or circumstances. accept any responsibility for damage, when rapelling vertical walls or overhangs. IN USE injury or death resulting from misuse. On easy angled rock or with thicker ropes, TRANSPORTATION The safe use of the is totally use with the narrow end towards the Care should be taken to protect this dependant on the skill of the user. The user USE active rope (Fig. 2). On long pitched product against risks such as those should have the experience to assess the This product is designed for climbing or on multi-pitch rapels, care must be detailed under obsolescence. It is following: and mountaineering purposes, for use taken to avoid excessive build up of heat. recommended that a rucksack or in normal climatic conditions and in The suitability of the Belay Device for To avoid this danger, ensure that rapel other suitable bag or container is temperatures not exceeding 50°C. This the proposed fall arrest situation and speed is controlled. used during transport. product should be used as instructed. its compatibility with the rope type It may be used in conjunction with any Lowering a Climber (or when rapelling): MARKINGS and diameter. MAINTENANCE In addition to the general information appropriate item of CE approved PPE Control the rope by varying the grip and This product is not user maintainable with accompanying this product the following (where relevant) of suitable specification HOW TO USE angle at which the rope is held. Practice the exception of cleaning and lubrication information is marked on it: (conforming to the requirements of Variable Controller is designed to act as will show the amount of pressure or (where relevant). European Directive 89/686/EEC) with a friction brake plate whether used with angle required in different situations. Wild Country: due consideration to the limitations double 8.5-9.5 mm ropes or with a single CLEANING SEA WATER name of manufacturer/supplier. of each individual piece of equipment 10-11 mm climbing rope. The VC should First rinse the product in clean cold water of and of the belay system as a whole. It is essential that this equipment is domestic supply quality. If still soiled rinse in be used in conjunction with a locking Country of origin: No alterations or markings should be cleaned as soon as is practical after warm water (maximum temperature 40°C) round bar stock HMS-style karabiner. Taiwan made to it. exposure to sea water or any saline with pure soap. Thoroughly rinse and dry Important: The variable action of this environment (e.g. when used on sea cliffs). naturally in a warm ventilated room away The safety that this product provides device gives two options: from direct heat. depends upon its strength, the quality CHEMICALS AND CORROSIVE of the rock anchorage used and the Option 1 gives characteristics which are REAGENTS integrity of the belay point. The strength relatively ‘forgiving’ (i.e. Greater braking Avoid all contact with chemical reagents will be reduced through age and general protection) when used with the broad as they will affect the performance of this wear and tear dependant upon the end to the active rope (Fig. 1). product (e.g. vehicle battery acid, bleach amount of use to which it is put. etc.). Discard this product immediately if contact has or is suspected to have occurred (the product may be permanently weakened without showing any signs). Variable Controller Belay Device Controller Variable Controller d'assurage Variable Appareil V5129_WC_Vari Controller_AW2 17/2/10 15:34 Page 2