Although this may seem the least interesting part of this website it is vital that you should read and understand this section as your rope, can often be the most vital link of the safety chain and subject to the most wear and tear and in ways which may not be apparent immediately. So please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the attributes / failings of ropes and you will always be in a better and safer position on the crag. A general guide is at the minimum to check your ropes frequently. If there are any signs of fatigue or wear, replace the rope immediately. Things to look for: excessive fraying of sheath, exposed core bundles, glossy marks or hard glazed areas, lack of uniformity in diameter size, discoloration, inconsistency in texture, excessive stiffness or softness. Ropes displaying any of the above should be replaced immediately. Ropes used extensively should be changed after three months. If you are uncomfortable using your rope or question the integrity of the rope for any reason, retire it. It is not as valuable as your life. The following guidelines may be used as a rough indication, but not sole indication of the service life of your rope product. The following time periods reflect use and retirement criteria: • 3 months-one year: when used frequently and intensively.
• about two years: when used regularly on weekends.
• about 2-4 years: when used occasionally. General Information These instructions must be read and understood before this equipment is used, please retain this information for future reference. Under European Union regulations (Directive 89/686/EEC) Climbing and Mountaineering Equipment are classed as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and as such we are required to supply the following instructions. Adhere strictly to the following advice and recommendations. The information in these instructions is not exhaustive and cannot be substituted for comprehensive instruction by trained and competent persons. This product should only be used by trained and competent persons or the user should be under the supervision of a trained and competent person. Climbing and mountaineering are hazardous. Even correct selection, maintenance and use of correct equipment cannot eliminate the potential for danger, serious injury or death. It is the users responsibility at all times to ensure that he or she understands the correct and safe use of any equipment supplied by Infinity ropes, uses it only for the purposes for which it is designed and practices all proper safety procedures. The manufacturer or supplier will not accept any responsibility for damage, injury or death resulting from misuse. Use This product complies with EN 892 and is designed as a dynamic rope for climbing and mountaineering purposes for use in normal climatic conditions and in temperatures not exceeding 50 C. This product should be used as instructed. It may be used in conjunction with any appropriate item of PPE covered by the aforementioned directive of suitable specification with due consideration to the limitations of each individual piece of equipment and of the belay system as a whole. No alterations or markings should be made to it. The safety that this product provides depends upon its strength, the quality of the rock anchorage used and the integrity of the belay point. The strength will be reduced through age and general wear and tear dependant upon the amount of use to which it is put. The following will cause a further reduction in strength:
A) high impact load/fall arrest
B) corrosion
C) internal/external abrasion of textile components caused by grit penetration and rock abrasion.
D) cuts in textile components.
E) prolonged exposure of textile components to ultra violet radiation
F) loading over tight radii
G) sharp edges of rock or equipment The security provided by this product is totally dependant on the skill off the user. The user should have the experience to assess the following: A)The suitability of this product for its intended use.
B) The reliability of the rock anchor or belay point.
C) The expecteddirection of loading.
D) That there are no edges or projections that could damage the product when under load. Be aware that this equipment can be damaged in a fall and consequently should always be examined for defects before reuse. If this equipment exhibits signs of wear or defect or if there is any doubt about its serviceability, replace it. It is recommended that any equipment involved in a serious fall should be replaced. Where practical a history of use and inspection record should be kept. Wearing a climbing helmet will help protect your head from injury if you fall. When using belay techniques we recommend the use of appropriate gloves. Foresee and take appropriate action in situations where rescue may be required. Temperature
Always keep products made wholly or partially from textile elements below 50 C as the performance of the nylon from which they are made may be affected at temperatures above this. Tests down to -40 C show no permanent change in the performance of this material although nylon may stiffen while at temperatures below 0 C. Sea Water
It is essential that this equipment is cleaned as soon as is practical after exposure to sea water or any saline environment (e.g. when used on sea cliffs). Chemicals and Corrosive Reagents
Avoid all contact with chemical reagents as they will affect the performance of this product (e.g. vehicle battery acid, bleach etc.). Discard this product immediately if contact has or is suspected to have occurred (the product may be permanently weakened without showing any signs). Maintenance
This product is not user maintainable with the exception of cleaning. Cleaning
First rinse the product in clean cold water of domestic supply quality. If still soiled rinse in warm water (max temperature 40C) with pure soap. Thoroughly rinse and dry naturally in a warm ventilated room away from direct heat. Disinfection
A suitable disinfectant is one which contains quaternary ammonium compounds reinforced with chlorohexidine in sufficient quantities to be effective. Soak the product for one hour at dilutions recommended for general use using water of domestic supply quality not exceeding 20 C, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Dry naturally in a warm ventilated room away from direct heat. Storage
After any necessary cleaning store unpacked in a cool, dark, dry, ventilated place away from sharp edges, pressure, corrosives or any possible causes of damage. Wet equipment should first be allowed to dry as detailed above. Obsolescence
This product will deteriorate over time in the course of normal use and because of this we are required by directive 89/686/EEC to give an obsolescence date. It is difficult to be precise but a conservative estimate for this product is that it has a lifespan of 5 years from date of first use or 10 years from date of first storage for textile components, however, please note that the following factors will further reduce the safe working life: Textile Components: most textile materials used in safety equipment are known to degrade gradually with time even when stored in ideal conditions. Additionally normal use, rope burn, exposure to chemical reagents, exposure to elevated temperatures, high impact load, prolonged exposure to UV light, including sunlight, abrasion, cuts or failure to maintain (clean) as recommended will cause further reductions in strength. See above (use). In addition to the normal inspection required before use this product should be thoroughly examined at least once every three months by a competent person. If any defects are found as detailed above or are suspected this product should be withdrawn from use immediately. Warning
The safe working life of this product may be as little as one use in extreme circumstances. Transportation
Care should be taken to protect this product against risks such as those detailed under obsolescence. It is recommended that a rucksack or other suitable bag or container is used during transport. Markings
The CE mark must be affixed to all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used for climbing and mountaineering in accordance with European Union Directive 89/686/EEC. | 
