Petzl GRIGRI 2 - Manual (Page 5)

5 D14 2 GRIGRI 2 D145010C (151010)
(EN) ENGLISH
These instructions for use are inseparable from the drawings
(sheet).
Only the techniques shown in the diagrams that are not crossed out and/or do
not display a skull and crossbones symbol are authorized. Check our Web site
www.petzl.com regularly to find the latest versions of these documents and/or
supplementary information.
Contact PETZL if you have any doubt or difficulty understanding these
documents.
1. Field of application
The GRIGRI 2 is a belay device for 8.9 - 11 mm CE EN 892 and/or UIAA
certified dynamic single ropes (core + sheath), optimized for 9.4 to 10.2 mm
ropes.
For rock climbing, it can be used to belay and lower a leader or a second.
You must know how to belay before using the GRIGRI 2.
The GRIGRI 2’s assisted braking capability does not relieve
you of the need to adhere to basic belaying principles: be
attentive to the climber’s progress and always hold the
braking side of the rope.
WARNING
Climbing is a dangerous sport.
You are responsible for your own actions and decisions.
Before using this product, you must:
- Read and understand all instructions for use.
- Get specific training in its proper use.
- Become acquainted with its capabilities and limitations.
- Understand and accept the risks involved.
Failure to heed any of these warnings may result in severe
injury or death.
Responsibility
WARNING, specific training in the activities defined in the field of application is
essential before use.
This product must only be used by competent and responsible persons, or
those placed under the direct and visual control of a competent and responsible
person.
Gaining an adequate apprenticeship in appropriate techniques and methods of
protection is your own responsibility.
You personally assume all risks and responsibilities for all damage, injury or
death which may occur during or following incorrect use of our products in
any manner whatsoever. If you are not able, or not in a position to assume this
responsibility or to take this risk, do not use this equipment.
2. Nomenclature of parts
(1) Moving side plate, (2) Cam, (3) Cam axle, (4) Friction plate, (5) Handle,
(6) Fixed side plate, (7) Attachment holes.
Principal materials: aluminum, stainless steel, nylon.
3. Inspection, points to verify
Before each use
Verify that the product has no cracks, deformation, marks, corrosion, etc.
Check the state of wear.
Verify that the cam and release handle move freely and that the springs are
working properly.
Check the condition of the cam and the friction plate.
Verify there are no foreign objects (sand, etc.) in the mechanism and no
lubricant on the rope path.
Consult the details of the inspection procedure to be carried out for each item
of PPE on the Web at www.petzl.com/ppe
Contact PETZL if there is any doubt about the condition of this product.
During each use
It is important to regularly monitor the condition of the product and its
connections to the other equipment in the system. Make sure that all pieces of
equipment in the system are correctly positioned with respect to each other.
Verify that the carabiner is always loaded on its major axis. Verify that it is
locked.
WARNING: Be careful of foreign bodies which can impede the operation of
the cam.
4. Compatibility
Verify that this product is compatible with the other elements of the system in
your application (compatible = good functional interaction).
Ropes
Compatible with 8.9 to 11 mm CE EN 892 and/or UIAA certified dynamic single
ropes (core + sheath).
WARNING: the braking effectiveness of the GRIGRI 2 may be reduced when
used with a new rope.
In general, braking effectiveness and ease of giving slack can vary depending
on the diameter, condition, state of wear, and surface treatment of your rope.
Be vigilant and familiarize yourself with the belaying and lowering performance
of your GRIGRI 2 each time you use a rope other than the one you normally
use.
Our recommendations regarding rope diameters are as follows:
9.4≤∅≤10.3 mm:   
The device functions optimally with these rope diameters.
10.3<∅≤11 mm:  
For well-used or large diameter ropes, you may need to use the technique
presented in 9B more frequently to facilitate giving slack.
8.9≤∅<9.4 mm:  
Thin ropes require special precautions in use due to the fact that they are
more difficult for the hand to grip. They can be more difficult to control during
descending or in case of a fall. Using thin ropes with the GRIGRI 2 requires
greater vigilance and a high level of experience with belay/rappel techniques.
WARNING: certain ropes can be slippery and reduce the braking effectiveness
of the GRIGRI 2 (ropes that are new, icy, wet, muddy, etc.).
Attachment carabiner
You must use a locking carabiner that meets current standards.
5. Working principle
When a climber falls, the GRIGRI 2 pivots on the carabiner, the rope becomes
taut and the cam pinches the rope, applying a braking force to it. The brake
hand (holding the braking side of the rope) helps engage the cam, so you
must always hold the braking side of the rope. The GRIGRI 2 must be able
to function freely at all times. The GRIGRI 2 and its cam must be allowed to
rotate freely.
WARNING: any blockage or constraint of the device, or of the
cam, negates the braking action on the rope: DANGER OF
DEATH.
6. Setting up and installation of the
GRIGRI 2
Insert the rope as indicated by the drawings engraved on the side plate and
on the cam.
Close the GRIGRI 2’s moving side plate and clip a locking carabiner through the
two attachment holes. Attach the carabiner to the belay loop of your harness,
following the instructions for use of the harness. Lock the carabiner.
7. Partner check (safety check
between partners)
Before climbing, get into the habit of checking each other, especially:
- the attachment to the belay system,
- your partner’s tie-in,
- correct installation of the rope in the GRIGRI 2,
- rope length is suitable for the route,
- a knot is tied at the free end of the rope...
8. Function test
A test must always be done before each use to ensure correct rope installation
and to verify that the GRIGRI 2 is functioning properly.
Give a sharp tug on the climber’s side of the rope while holding the braking side
of the rope. The rope must jam in the GRIGRI 2.
WARNING, if the rope does not jam, there is a danger of
death for the climber.
Verify that the rope is correctly installed.
9. Belaying techniques
When you belay with the GRIGRI 2, keep in mind some
important principles:
- Always hold the braking side of the rope.
- Never grip the device with your entire hand.
- Anticipate moments when the climber is clipping by being
attentive to her/his progress.
Belay techniques require appropriate training. These
instructions are not intended to teach these techniques.
9A. Giving slack
Get into the habit of keeping your hands on the rope in this «principal» belaying
position (see drawing).
The belayer holds the braking side of the rope with one hand, and holds the
climber’s side of the rope with the other hand.
To facilitate feeding the rope, focus more on pushing the rope into the device
rather than pulling it out (rotational movement).
This position allows you to:
- Give or take in slack.
- Arrest a fall (see chapter 9D).
Your hands should always stay in this position, except if you need to give slack
quickly when the climber is clipping.
Always hold the braking side of the rope.
9B. Giving slack quickly when the climber is
clipping.
At certain times, when the climber needs slack quickly for clipping, the belayer
can have difficulty giving slack quickly to the climber.
One technique is to simply move toward the cliff.
The other technique is as follows: brace the index finger of your brake hand
(still holding the braking side of the rope) against the lip on the moving
sideplate and press your thumb on the cam.
The other hand feeds rope to the climber.
Your hands must immediately return to the principal belaying position.
WARNING, this procedure must not be used on a regular
basis and must be executed very quickly.
In case of a fall, you risk clenching the GRIGRI 2’s cam, which would negate
the braking action on the rope.
Always hold the braking side of the rope.
Do not keep the thumb continuously pressed on the cam.
9C. Taking up slack
Once the climber has clipped, you must return immediately to the «principal»
belaying position to take up slack.
Take up slack until the climber reaches the quickdraw. Then begin giving slack
again.
Always hold the braking side of the rope.
9D. Arresting a fall
To effectively arrest a fall, firmly grip the braking side of the rope while pulling
downward on it.
Tip for a dynamic belay: do a small jump, or step forward, to reduce the impact
force on the climber.
Always hold the braking side of the rope.
10. Top roping
Regularly take up slack in the rope. Use both hands to slide the rope through
the GRIGRI 2. Never let go of the braking side of the rope. To arrest a fall, see
chapter 9D.
Always hold the braking side of the rope.
11. Lowering a climber in a toprope
situation
The belayer takes up all slack in the rope and then puts his body weight on the
rope. The belayer firmly grips the braking side of the rope.
The climber, hanging on the rope, is ready to descend.
The belayer gradually pulls on the release handle without letting go of the
braking side of the rope. The handle can assist in braking, but the rate of
descent is controlled by the hand gripping the braking side of the rope.
Do not forget to tie a knot in the bottom end of the rope. Always hold the
braking side of the rope.
For better control of the descent, you can add friction with a braking carabiner
such as the Petzl FREINO.
12. Petzl general information
Lifetime / When to retire your equipment
For Petzl’s plastic and textile products, the maximum lifetime is 10 years from
the date of manufacture. It is indefinite for metallic products.
ATTENTION: an exceptional event can lead you to retire a product after only
one use, depending on the type and intensity of usage and the environment
of usage (harsh environments, marine environment, sharp edges, extreme
temperatures, chemical products, etc.).
A product must be retired when:
- It is over 10 years old and made of plastic or textiles.
- It has been subjected to a major fall (or load).
- It fails to pass inspection. You have any doubt as to its reliability.
- You do not know its full usage history.
- When it becomes obsolete due to changes in legislation, standards, technique
or incompatibility with other equipment, etc.
Destroy retired equipment to prevent further use.
Product inspection
In addition to the inspection before each use, an in-depth inspection must be
carried out by a competent inspector. The frequency of the in-depth inspection
must be governed by applicable legislation, and the type and the intensity of
use. Petzl recommends an inspection at least once every 12 months.
To help maintain product traceability, do not remove any markings or labels.
Inspection results should be recorded on a form with the following details: type
of equipment, model, manufacturer contact information, serial number or
individual number, date of manufacture, date of purchase, date of first use, date
of next periodic inspection, problems, comments, the name and signature of
the inspector.
See an example at www.petzl.fr/ppe
Storage, transport
Store the product in a dry place away from exposure to UV, chemicals, extreme
temperatures, etc. Clean and dry the product if necessary.
Modifications, repairs
Modifications and repairs outside of Petzl facilities are prohibited (except
replacement parts).
3-year guarantee
Against all material or manufacturing defect. Exclusions: normal wear and tear,
oxidation, modifications or alterations, incorrect storage, poor maintenance,
negligence, uses for which this product is not designed.
Responsibility
Petzl is not responsible for the consequences, direct, indirect or accidental, or
any other type of damage befalling or resulting from the use of its products.
The information presented in this document is non-exhaustive.
For more information, including a GRIGRI video, visit www.petzl.com
Traceability and markings
a. Body controlling the manufacture of this PPE
b. Notified body that carried out the CE type inspection
c. Traceability: datamatrix = product reference + individual number
d. Diameter
e. Individual number
f. Year of manufacture
g. Day of manufacture
h. Control or name of inspector
i. Incrementation