ensa-ape-escape-tech-doc

TECHNICAL DOCUMENT
Bag can be worn below waist or
can hang vertically at your side.
Port Authorities
Grain/Brewing
Telecommunications
Utility Towers
Hydro/Dams
The ENSA APE escAPE Assisted-rescue & Personal Evacuation System effectively provides an
Land-Wind Turbines
all-in-one rapid response rescue solution; it’s lightweight and economical enough for each
worker to wear on his or her harness.
Swing Stages
Positioned on the back, at or below the waistline, the ENSA APE EscAPE System is designed to
Service Lifts
integrate well with the majority of fall arrest harnesses currently on the market.
Self Rescue – provides the user the ability to effect an immediate-response, self-rescue strategy:
• Post fall suspended by a lanyard
• Immediate evacuation from building or structure
Assisted Rescue – Provides the user with the ability to to effect
Tower Cranes
Suspended Platforms
Scaffolds
an immediate and efficient rescue of a co-worker:
• Over the edge rescues - Victim is out of reach
• Victim Reachable - high or low point lift and lower
• Vertical Confined Space Extraction
• Horizontal Confined Space Extraction
• Suspended pick-off rescue
Bridges/Tunnels
Grain Elevators
Cooling Towers
TECHNICAL DOCUMENT
Training
Requirements
Assisted-rescue & Personal
Evacuation Systems
Model : ENSA APE-escAPE
Authorized users
are expected to
pass a written exam
and demonstrate
proficiency of
requisite skills in
order to receive
ENSA APE
certification
Delivery:
Advanced Micro Descender Weighs 5.7 oz.
• U.L. Certified: NFPA 1983
Class E Life Safety Equipment
• Autolocking Descender
• Allows easy inspection
Choice of Rope:
Poly/Nylon Rope
• Excellent control handling heavier loads
• Lightweight 8.0mm Kernmantle Rope
• 100 ft (4 lbs), 280 ft (7.5 lbs), 340 ft (9 lbs)
FR Rope
• U.L. Certified: NFPA 1983 Class E
rated to 936°F
• Excellent control handling heavier loads
• Lightweight 7.5mm Kernmantle Rope
Micro Pulley - Weighs 2.8 oz.
• CE and UIAA Certificates of conformity
• Certified EN12278
• 5,000 lb breaking strength
Dyneema Hitch Strap - 1.5 oz.
• Meets OSHA anchor requirement
• Linear - 5,000 lb MBS
• Versatile accessory for endless rigging options
Ultra Micro Rope Grab - Weighs 2.4 oz.
• Certified EN 567:97
• Only device applicable to flat and round
webbing; rope
• One-hand operation
Carabiner/connector - Weighs 3.3 oz.
• ANSI Z359.12-09
• CSA Z259.11-12
• Aluminum SAE 7075
• Autolocking/High-Strength 3,600 lb. Gate
Flexible Anchor Strap - 18 oz.
New Concept Sling Technology
• Exceeds OSHA anchor requirement
• Ultra high-strength sewn closure
• Linear - 9,000 lbs. MBS
• Choker - 10,000 lbs. MBS
• Basket - 15,000 lbs. MBS
ENSA S.T.O.P. Tether
• Secure Tethering Ongoing Prevention
• 42" self-retracting tether
• Carabiners at both ends
• Dyneema webbing
ENSA Authorized
Instructors
Program
Conformity:
• ANSI Z490.1
Criteria for
Accepted Practice
in Health, Safety
and Environmental
Training
• BS 8454 Code of
Practice for
Delivery of Height
Safety and Rescue
Training
TECHNICAL DOCUMENT
General Use and
Warnings
Descender Anatomy
Articulating Linkage
Lot Number
Certificate of Conformity
Rope Guide
Lever Axle
Cam Axle
Read Before Using
Body (Cheeks)
Control Handle
Connection Eye
The APE escAPE Kit is designed for a single
user and maximum weight of 140 kg
(310 lbs) including all equipment, clothing
and tools. All APE Escape Kit components
when used in accordance with this technical
notice exceed the minimum breaking
strength of 13.3 kN (3000 lbs) as required by
ANSI Z359.4-2007.
The Technora® rope in the APE escAPE Kits
is heat resistant to 480°C (900°F), but not
“fire-proof.” Steel, aluminum and aramid
fibers will eventually burn or melt under
the extreme heat generated by a fire.
The heat resistance of the kit components
gives the user more time to escape from
a fire.
Work at height and rescue operations are
physically demanding. Personnel must be
prescreened for known medical conditions
which may preclude their ability to work
safely at height. Fall protection and rescue
equipment shall only be used by those
suitably fit, both mentally and physically.
Components of a rescue or life-safety system
must be compatible and used only as
specified by the manufacturer. Do not alter
or adapt the equipment in any way.
Training
The APE personal escape and rescue
kit is intended for issue to a single
authorized technician trained by an
ENSA-qualified trainer. The APE shall
not be used by or transferred into the
care of unauthorized users.
The user must successfully demonstrate
the proper use and inspection of the APE
Escape and pass a written test during an
ENSA-authorized training program.
The APE escAPE Descender is designed for
the repeated use present in a training
environment.
Once used, rope will show black or gray
oxidation from the aluminum APE escAPE
Descender. APE kits that have been used
for training or emergency use shall be
inspected by an ENSA-authorized Trainer or
ENSA-authorized Service Provider.
All training shall be conducted under
the direct and immediate supervision of
an ENSA-qualified trainer.
All descent or lowering activities which put
training candidates “on rope” must be
carried out with an independent safety
backup system.
A documented course safety and emergency
plan must be in place.
Ropes used by training candidates should be
rigged to allow the trainer to lower the
candidates in the event of an emergency
without getting “on rope.”
The APE Kit is designed
for rescue and
evacuation purposes
only. It is not a fall arrest
or work positioning
system. Shock-loading of
the system must be
avoided. It shall not be
used for routine work or
maintenance activities.
This technical notice
must be read in its
entirety by all
authorized users. It does
not replace training by
an ENSA-qualified
trainer. Failure to follow
all instructions in this
manual can result in
injury or death.
This technical notice
shall be available to all
users. Additional copies
are available by
contacting ENSA or by
download at
www.ENSA.com.
The APE Descender
meets the requirements
of ANSI Z359.4-2007.
The user and employer
must be aware of and
adhere to all relevant
state, provincial or
federal regulations.
The APE is designed for
one (1) emergency
evacuation or rescue
descent of up to 150
meters (500 feet). The
kit may be returned to
service after use by a
qualified trainer or
competent person only
after passing a thorough
inspection. APE Trainer
Kits designed for
multiple-use are
available to
ENSA-qualified trainers.
TECHNICAL DOCUMENT
Anchors
Emergency Raising
The APE escAPE kit must be connected to a suitable
anchorage point capable of sustaining a minimum
load of 13.3 kN (3000 lbs) in the direction of
anticipated force.
The APE escAPE can be used to raise an injured
worker safely and efficiently. Applications include
disconnecting casualty from a cable grab or fall
arrest lanyards. The APE escAPE system can be used
to build a theoretical 3:1 or 4:1 mechanical
advantage.
The APE is outfitted with a Nylon Edge Protected
Anchorage (3 ft x 1 in). The breaking strength of
the endless loop webbing slings is 9,000 lbs end-toend and 15,000 lbs in a basket configuration.
Suitable anchor points for escape and rescue
operations should be identified prior to beginning
work and noted in the rescue plan.
Emergency Escape
The APE is designed to facilitate rapid escape from
a wind turbine, telecom tower, or work platform at
height. A primary and secondary escape plan and
appropriate anchors should be predetermined for
the specific work environment.
Escape from work-at-height can be accomplished
by different methods depending on the work
environment. 100% fall protection is required
whenever on top of the nacelle or within 6 feet of
an unprotected open hatch.
Note: Rescue training should always be carried out
with a secondary backup safety system. If training,
connect to backup safety system before beginning
the following steps:
o Select suitable anchor point (min 3000 lbs)
o Attach APE sewn rope termination directly to
anchor with carabiner or add web loop sling
in basket configuration
o Connect APE Descender to front sternal or
waist D-ring suitable for suspension. Carabiner
gate should be up and descender handle
should be on the left. Attach APE bag to
right hip
o 4-point check (Ropes/Rigging, Hardware
Connections, Harness, Helmet)
o Pay out just enough slack rope through the
APE descender to reach edge
o Firmly grasp control rope with right hand,
but DO NOT engage the handle while
settling your weight onto the system.
Remain on your knees
o Do not engage the handle without firmly
grasping the control rope!
o Descend steadily to ground. Releasing
the handle will stop descent. There is no
secondary panic brake on the APE escAPE
Descender. Full depression of the handle will
cause a rapid descent.
o Pay attention to obstacles, especially when
descending (e.g. doors, light boxes, antennas,
boom arms, platforms, or other obstructions)
o Having someone hold firmly the bottom of
the safety line can help direct the path of the
descent and keep the user from swinging
during training
Event
Every 6 months
At 5 years
At 7, 9 years
Used for Rescue
Sustained shock loading
APE Kit Care and Inspection
Store kit in a cool and dry location out of direct
sunlight when not in use. The APE Kit bag is
designed to keep the kit components dry, however
it is not waterproof. Do not submerge kit bag in
water and minimize exposure to rain to prevent
any potential leaking. If the rope and kit
components get moist or wet, hang-dry in a
shaded and dry location and restack in bag.
Avoid chemical contaminants, especially strong
acids and bases. If chemical exposure is suspected,
send APE kit to an ENSA-authorized service center
for inspection and replacement of rope and other
components as needed.
Though the APE Technora® rope is more
abrasion-resistant than nylon, always protect rope
from sharp or abrasive edges. The APE has been
specifically designed to function properly with the
7.5mm Technora® hybrid rope supplied by ENSA.
The APE may not be compatible with other ropes
of similar diameter. In addition, other ropes may
not meet the system strength requirements.
The APE is assembled, inventoried and inspected by
ENSA prior to being shipped. The kit must also be
inspected by the Authorized User or Competent
Technician prior to putting the kit into service.
Each Authorized User shall be trained in how to
use and inspect his or her kit. A documented
periodic inspection and inventory of the APE kit is
recommended each day prior to climbing, and is
required every six months. Inspection may be
carried out by the Authorized User or Independent
Competent person.
The APE Kit is designed for a single use in the
event of an emergency. If properly cared for, the
rope and kit components should not need
replacement for at least five years from the date of
manufacture. The kit shall be inspected by an
ENSA-authorized Service Provider at five years from
the date of manufacture and then once every two
years thereafter.
All life safety equipment including any component
of the APE kit subjected to shock-loading shall be
removed from service immediately and destroyed
or returned to service only if inspected by an
ENSA-authorized Service Provider.
Only ENSA-authorized Service Providers may
disassemble the APE Kit and replace components.
Only original APE components shall be used for
replacement. ENSA accepts no responsibility for
modifications made to the APE by unauthorized
individuals or service providers.
Inspection
Authorized User Inspection
Service Center Inspection
Service Center Inspection
Service Center Inspection
Retire
Learn About ENSA APE and Work-At-Height Safety Rescue Training Only at
ENSA-NorthAmerica.com | [email protected]
Harness
Compatibility
The user must have
a compatible
full-body harness
with a dorsal D-ring
and at least one
sternal or central
waist D-ring
designated by the
manufacturer for
fall arrest or work
positioning.