Petzl PIRANA - Manual (Page 6)

6 D05 PIRANA réf. : D05500-02
(GB) ENGLISH
Nomenclature of parts :
(1) Second cleat, (2) carabiner guide, (3)
attachment point (4) fi rst cleat
Inspection, points to verify:
Before each use, check the frame of the descender,
and the carabiner guide. If there is any doubt about
the condition of the device, return it to PETZL for
inspection.
Instructions for Use
Diagram 1: Installation
-Choose a locking HMS carabiner with a diameter
of about 12mm (for example a WILLIAM or an
ATTACHE)
-Installation of the carabiner on the descender: for
a left-handed person (fi gure a), or for a right-
handed person (fi g b).
Be careful: The explanations in this notice are given
for a right-handed person.
-Installation of the descender on the harness: place
the carabiner locking mechanism towards you.
-Installation of the rope: the free end of the rope
should run out on the right hand side.
It is possible to install a sling between the
descender and the harness attachment point (for
example an ANNEAU C40-24 attached by a lark’s
head knot).
Diagram 2: Descent
A. Braking positions: the PIRANA descender
is equipped with 3 different braking positions:
minimum, intermediate, maximum.
Choose a suitable braking position before
utilization based upon your weight, the type and
diameter of the rope, and the steepness of the
terrain.
B. Additional braking positions:
The fi rst and second cleats allow the braking to be
adjusted during descent.
C. Precautions:
-Be careful, the PIRANA alone does not ensure
adequate braking. Your hand must always grip
the free end of the rope. A partner on the ground
can provide additional security by belaying your
descent.
-The PIRANA is designed to be used in the
positions illustrated in Diagram 2. Using the device
in any other manner damages the carabiner guide
and creates the risk of a lark’s head knot forming
and jamming the device.
-Used correctly, the PIRANA prevents the
formation of a lark’s head knot, but it does not
prevent a knot from forming which could halt the
descent.
Diagram 3: Locking
A. The rapid locking position requires you to
keep your hand on the free end of the rope. This
position is useful at the start of the rappel, or for
freeing tangled rope during the descent.
B. The security locking position without support
from the wall.
C. The security locking position with support from
the wall.
Diagram 4: Installing a rappel for descent on
a single rope
A. Locked rappel: Be careful, descending on the
wrong end of the rope may result in death.
B. Rappel with quick-release: Pass the end to be
descended through the rappel ring. Lower enough
rope for the end to hang just above the water. Clip
an HMS carabiner into the upper anchor. Make a
munter hitch in this carabiner and lock it with a
mule knot.
This technique allows the lowering of a partner
who is stuck under a waterfall.
Diagram 5: Rappeling on a Double Rope
Depending upon the rope’s diameter, it may not be
possible to use all of the device’s functions. It may
occasionally be useful to provide backup protection
for the descent with a Shunt (B03) or a prussik.
Diagram 6: Lowering a person
Attach the PIRANA to the anchor (with the
carabiner’s locking mechanism towards you). Use
the fi rst cleat for effective braking.
Diagram 7: Belaying the leader
The PIRANA can be used as a belay device;
however, care must be taken to ensure the
belayer’s safety. It is imperative for the belayer
to have backup protection to prevent any risk of
a fall. With the PIRANA correctly threaded and
attached to your harness, hold the free end of the
rope with one hand, and the leader’s end with the
other. To lock, pull the free end of the rope fi rmly
downwards.