The "Raptor" fall arresters from SKYLOTEC are the only devices to date that have two fall indicators. These indicate whether they can still be used. This protects users from mistakenly using a device that is not intact and increases their safety. Most recently, the German manufacturer of fall protection devices has further developed its series - and added additional versions. In addition to variants with a textile strap and steel rope, there is now another version with a stainless steel rope and the "Raptor Hub," which is equipped with a rescue lifting unit. In addition, the "Raptor" with steel rope is suitable for horizontal and vertical applications thanks to an interchangeable marking.
"An additional fall indicator on the device housing allows a clear indication of the status of the brake - and thus increases user safety."
Fall arresters serve as a lanyard between a safety harness and an anchor point; they are used as part of personal protective equipment against falls from a height (PPE). If a person falls during work at height, a brake is activated by a centrifugal mechanism - and the fall is reliably arrested. With its "Raptor" fall arresters, the German manufacturer SKYLOTEC offers solutions that significantly increase safety for users. This is because the devices have two fall indicators - one in the karabiner and one in the housing that is visible from the outside. These indicators show with clear color symbols whether the fall arrester can still be used or needs to be checked. By visual inspection, users can determine whether the fall arrester is still functional before each use based on the color of the indicators. This simple function check from the outside protects the user from accidentally using a device that is no longer intact.
"The 'Raptor' fall arrester from SKYLOTEC is available in various versions. Two fall indicators provide reliable information about the condition of the brake."
Anchor point is clearly designed
When it comes to user safety, the "Raptor" devices score with another well thought-out detail. The fall arrester can be operated intuitively, for example, because the anchor point is clearly designed in the shape of a handle, allowing only one clear attachment option. In addition, an energy-absorbing plastic shock absorber prevents the karabiner from hitting the device housing without braking when the rope is pulled in. This protects the device not only against continuously occurring impacts, but also against hand injuries and crushing when pulling in the rope.
Most recently, SKYLOTEC has further developed its "Raptor" fall arresters and added further versions to the series. The "Raptor" is now also available with a 10 m or 20 m stainless steel rope. The EN 360-certified device is ideal for applications near the coast or for workplaces in the chemical industry, whose environments place high requirements on the durability and robustness of the material. In addition, the "Raptor Hub" is now available. This can be used as a fall arrester, but is also certified as a rescue lifting devices according to EN 1496-A:2017. This has the advantage that a person can be hoisted from a lower to a higher location by a rescuer. A tripod or davit arm system can be used as the anchor device for the "Raptor Hub". It is suitable for applications in industry, for example, in canal and manhole work and on tanks and silos, for example in the agricultural industry.
"The 'Raptor Hub' fall arrester has a rescue hoist unit that allows a rescuer to pull a person up from a lower location to a higher location."
The "Raptor" with steel cable has also received an upgrade: Thanks to an interchangeable marking, the device is suitable for both vertical application (maximum user weight: 140 kg) and horizontal application with a maximum user weight of 100 kg. This creates flexible application options and at the same time reduces acquisition costs because the device can be used flexibly. Another plus is that the "Raptor" fall arresters are comparatively light, with weights starting at 3.5 kg, and the "Raptor Hub" weighs 10 kg. This means that the devices can be transported easily and with little effort.
Quick visual inspection before and after use
The fall arresters also offer advantages when it comes to inspection, which is mandatory on an annual basis. This is because with solutions previously available on the market, self-inspection of the devices by the user was only possible on the karabiner, but not on the device and the brake itself. The additional fall indicator on the device housing now allows a clear statement to be made on the condition of the brake. To assess this, an ordinary fall arrester must be opened and inspected by an expert. With "Raptor", the inspection can be carried out with little effort: it is sufficient to simply check the two indicators and the rope. If everything is in order, the device can, in the best case, remain at the place of use and does not have to be sent to an authorized agency for revision.
The fall arrester only needs to be checked if a red signal color is visible on the karabiner or housing. This warns against further use because the brake has already been released. A device can be repaired by an expert replacing individual elements of the device. This is made uncomplicated by the modular design of the "Raptor" fall arresters. The various units are clearly separated from one another in their design and can therefore be replaced individually. This saves time and also costs during revision.
Space-saving storage and optimum handling thanks to special housing design
"The special, angular device design makes it very easy to stack the fall arresters, even in different sizes, or even store them side by side."
Another advantage of all fall arresters is their special, angular design. This allows the devices to be stored sideways and stacked very easily. This even works with different housing sizes, which is particularly space-saving and gentle on the equipment at the same time. The innovative infeed damper protects the steel cable, stainless steel or textile strap when it is pulled in through a housing. This protects both the housing and the rope itself from wear. As a result, the units have a service life of 20 years.
Further information at: https://www.skylotec.com/eu_en/raptor/