Petzl VERTEX BEST - Manual (Page 3)

3 A16_VERTEX_BEST_A165060D (110211)
(EN) ENGLISH
Helmet for work at height and rescue
Field of application
This helmet is designed only for work at height and rescue.
The VERTEX BEST meets all requirements of the EN 397 standard, except for the
chin strap. The chinstrap has a strength of 50 daN (requirement of the EN 12492
standard) to help keep the helmet on the head in case of a fall.
The VERTEX BEST meets optional requirements of EN 397: Protection against
impacts down to -30 °C, resistance to lateral deformation, protection against
accidental contact with live conductors up to 440 V AC and protection against
molten metal splash.
Electrical standards:
- EN 397: this helmet protects against accidental contact with live conductors up
to 440 V AC.
- ANSI Z89.1-2009 class E: The helmet was tested at a voltage of 20000 V, but
this does not in any way guarantee protection against electric shocks at this
voltage. The standard guarantees protection against electric shocks resulting from
accidental contact between the helmet and a live electric device.
Do not use this helmet in activities for which it is not designed.
Activities at height present a risk of serious head injury. Wearing a helmet can
significantly reduce this risk, but cannot entirely eliminate it.
In a major impact, the helmet deforms to absorb the maximum amount of energy
possible, sometimes to the point of destroying the helmet.
WARNING
Activities involving the use of this equipment are inherently dangerous.
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.
Nomenclature of parts
(1) Shell, (2) Headband, (3) Headband adjustment wheels, (4) Chin strap
positioning buckles, (5) Chin strap fastening and adjustment buckle, (6) Side slots
for mounting hearing protection, (7) Headlamp clips, (8) Front headlamp mounting
slot, (9) Face shield mounting hole.
Principal materials: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shell, polyester straps.
Inspection, points to verify
Before each use, check the condition of the shell and the headband attachment
system (verify there are no cracks or deformation on the outside or the inside...).
Check the condition of the webbing and stitching. Verify that the headband
adjustment system and chinstrap buckle are functioning properly.
WARNING, a major impact to the helmet can significantly reduce its protective
properties without leaving visible signs of damage. Retire your helmet after a major
impact.
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.
Instructions for use
1. Preparation
Use only the smooth areas for stickers and other markings. PETZL stickers are
approved. Do not apply paint, solvents, adhesives or self-adhesive labels, except
those recommended by PETZL instructions. (Paint is prohibited on CSA Z94.1-05
type 1 class E helmets.)
2. Adjustments
2a. Adjust the headband to maximum size using the adjustment wheels and place
the helmet on your head.
2b. Position the adjusters under the ears. To adjust the chinstrap backwards or
forwards, slide the webbing through the chinstrap positioning buckles.
2c. Use the adjustment wheels to increase or decrease the size of the headband.
You can adjust the height of the headband on your forehead (two adjustment holes
for the vertical position of the headband).
2d. Fasten the chinstrap using the buckle. You must hear the buckle “click” to
ensure proper fastening. Tighten the chinstrap to fit comfortably. A correctly
adjusted chinstrap reduces the risk of the helmet coming off accidentally.
You must pull on the chinstrap to verify that the buckle is properly
fastened.
To open the buckle, press the button on the chinstrap fastening buckle.
2e. Adjust the vertical position of the headband adjustment system on your nape by
sliding it up or down along the webbing.
ATTENTION, be sure there is no slack in the webbing between the headband
adjustment system and the shell of the helmet.
3. Test
Verify that the helmet is well seated and centered on the head. A well-adjusted
helmet (minimal movement front to back or side to side), provides better
protection.
Accessories
- Use the side slots to attach hearing protection. Use a screwdriver to remove
them.
- Mounting the face shield: use the face shield mounting hole, or the side slots.
- Mounting the headlamp: use the headlamp clips, or the front slot on the helmet.
Precautions for use
- Your helmet can be damaged from improper care. Do not sit on it, pack it too
tightly, drop it, allow it to contact sharp or pointed objects, etc.
Do not expose your helmet to high temperatures, for example by leaving it inside a
vehicle in direct sunlight.
- Certain chemical products, especially solvents, can damage your helmet. Protect
your helmet from exposure to chemicals.
- This helmet has been tested for use at temperatures between -30 °C and +50 °C.
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.com/ppe
Storage, transport
Decrease the size of the headband and tuck it into the helmet.
Do not pack your helmet too tightly.
Store the product in a dry place away from exposure to UV, chemicals, extreme
temperatures, etc.
Cleaning
Clean the shell with soap and lukewarm water, then rinse with water.
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.