DBI SALA ROLLGLISS R550 User Instruction Manual
Rollgliss
®
R550 Rescue & Escape Device
Model Numbers: (See back pages.)
The Ultimate in Fall Protection
USER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
ROLLGLISS® R550 RESCUE & ESCAPE DEVICE
This manual is intended to meet the Manufacturer’s Instructions as required by ANSI/ASSE Z359.4 and
CSA Z259.2.3. It should be used as part of an employee training program as required by OSHA.
WARNING: This product is part of an emergency rescue system. The user must follow manufacturer’s instructions for each
part of the system. These instructions must be provided to the user of this equipment. The user must read and understand
these instructions before using this equipment. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed for proper use and maintenance
of this equipment. Alterations or misuse of this equipment, or failure to follow instructions, may result in serious injury or
death.
IMPORTANT: If you have questions on the use, care, or suitability of this equipment for your application, contact Capital
Safety.
IMPORTANT: Record the product identication information from the ID label in the inspection and maintenance log in
Section 9 of this manual.
DESCRIPTION:
The R550 Rescue & Escape Device (Figure 1) is available in Descent with Rescue Lifting or Descent Only models.
A Humidity Resistant Case combination to protect the R550 Descender against environmental conditions is
available on some models. An integral bracket is available as an accessory that will attach the R550 to a ladder.
Rollgliss R550
Models: 3325XXX
Figure 1 - R550 Rescue & Escape Devices
Rollgliss R550 with Rescue Lifting
Models: 3327XXX
Humidity Resistant Case
Models: 3326XXX
Available descent lengths range from 50 ft. (15 m) to 1,640 ft. (500 m) in 25 ft. (8 m) increments. The last three digits of the Model Number (signied
by ‘XXX’) indicate the maximum descent length in feet.
Form: 5903520 Rev: C
© Copyright 2013, DB Industries, Inc.
1.0 APPLICATION
1.1 PURPOSE: The R550 Rescue & Escape Device is intended to lower one or two people simultaneously from
an elevated height to a lower level in a rescue situation. Multiple people may descend one after another
using the device. The descent speed is automatically limited during descent. Models incorporating a hand
wheel allow for raising persons a short distance to facilitate rescue.
WARNING: The R550 Rescue & Escape Device is for Rescue purposes only. It must not be used as a fall arrest device.
1.2 LIMITATIONS: The following application limitations must be recognized and considered before using this product:
A. CAPACITY: Required capacities and descent distances for the Rollgliss R550 are as follows:
Users
2 Persons 130 lbs (59 kg) - 620 lbs (282 kg) 574 ft. (175 m) 2
1 Person 130 lbs (59 kg) - 310 lbs (141 kg) 1,640 ft. (500 m) 11
1 Person 130 lbs (59 kg) - 220 lbs (100 kg) 1,640 ft. (500 m) 16
1 Person 130 lbs (59 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg) 1,640 ft. (500 m) 22
Total Weight
(including tools, clothing, etc.)
Max. Descent Distance
Number of Descents of
Max. Descent Distance
B. MAXIMUM DESCENT DISTANCE AND MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DESCENTS: See Section 10.0
Descent Log for instructions to calculate the allowed Maximum Cumulative Descent Distance.
C. DESCENT SPEED: The speed at which the user(s) will be lowered when using the Rollgliss R550 Rescue
& Escape Device increases with the combined weight of the user(s). The approximate descent speed for
one person is 2-3 ft/s (0.6 - 0.9 m/s). The approximate descent speed for two persons is 2 ft/s - 4 ft/s
(0.6 m/s - 1.2 m/s).
D. HAZARDOUS AREAS: Use of this equipment in hazardous areas may require additional precautions to
reduce the possibility of injury to the user or damage to the equipment. Hazards may include, but are
not limited to: high heat, caustic chemicals, corrosive environments, high voltage power lines, explosive
or toxic gases, moving machinery, and sharp edges.
E. TRAINING: This equipment is intended to be installed and used by persons trained in its correct
application and use.
1.3 APPLICABLE STANDARDS: Refer to ANSI/ASSE Z359.1, Z359.4, CSA Z259.2.3 and other applicable local,
state, and federal (OSHA) standards for requirements governing the use of this equipment.
2.0 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
2.1 COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS: DBI-SALA equipment is designed for use with DBI-SALA approved
components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems
may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may effect the safety and reliability of the complete system.
2.2 COMPATIBILITY OF CONNECTORS: Connectors (hooks, carabiners, D-rings) used to suspend the
R550 Rescue & Escape Devices must be capable of supporting at least 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg). Connectors
must be compatible in size, shape, and strength. Non compatible connectors may unintentionally disengage
(roll-out). Roll-out occurs when interference between the connector and anchorage connector causes the
hook or carabiner gate to unintentionally open and release. Self locking snap hooks and carabiners must be
used with this system to reduce the possibility of roll-out. Do not use connectors that will not completely
close over the attachment element.
2.3 ANCHORAGE STRENGTH - R550 RESCUE & ESCAPE DEVICE: Anchorages used to suspend the
R550 Rescue & Escape Device must sustain static loads, applied along the axis of the device, of at least
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg). When more than one R550 Descender is attached to an anchorage the strengths
stated above must be multiplied by the number of descent devices attached to the anchorage.
3.0 INSTALLATION AND USE
3.1 BEFORE EACH USE: Carefully inspect the R550 Rescue & Escape Device in accordance with Section 5 of
this instruction.
3.2 PLANNING: Plan your emergency escape system and how it will be used before starting your work.
Consider all factors that will affect your safety before, during, and after an escape. Consider the following
when planning your system:
A. ANCHORAGE: Select a rigid anchorage point that is capable of supporting the load as specified by
Section 2.3 in this instruction.
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B. DESCENT PATH AND LANDING AREA CLEARANCE: The planned descent path must be unobstructed.
The landing area must be clear of obstructions to permit safe landing of the user. Failure to provide an
unobstructed descent path and landing area may result in serious injury. Maintain a minimum distance of 1
foot (31 cm) from any vertical surface to ensure safe descent. A separate pulley is available for use with the
R550 Rescue & Escape Device that can be used to re-direct the lifeline away from obstructions.
C. TESTING THE SYSTEM: DBI-SALA recommends performing a test descent using a 120 lb (55 kg)
test weight. The descent speed should be uniform, and allow the user to reach the landing area safely.
Record all descents in the Descent Log (Section 10).
D. SHARP EDGES: Avoid using this equipment where system components will be in contact with, or abrade
against, unprotected sharp edges. An Edge Protector (Figure 2) or protective padding must be used
when descending over sharp edges.
3.3 INSTALLATION: The R550 Rescue & Escape Device is available in several congurations and therefore its
installation will vary.
WARNING: When connecting the R550 Descender to an Anchorage, conrm that the connection arrangement will not
block or restrict a descent.
CONNECTING THE R550 DESCENDER TO ANCHORAGE: Figure 3 illustrates attachment of the
Emergency Descent Device to an anchorage. See Section 2 for compatibility and anchorage strength
requirements.
• Connecting the R550 Descender to a Fixed Ladder: The R550 can be attached to the rungs of a
xed ladder with a DBI-SALA ladder bracket accessory (see Figure 4). The R550 Descender mounts on
the Ladder Bracket by tting the lower eye of the R550 over the pin on the ladder bracket and inserting
the Ball Lock Pin through mounting holes in the R550 anchor loop and ladder bracket. R550 Descenders
mounted with the ladder bracket still require that the unit be secured by the anchorage handle to an
anchorage of sufcient strength (see Section 2.3).
• Preparing the Lifeline: Lower one end of the lifeline to the ground or landing below. Ensure the lifeline
is free of knots or kinks.
3.4 USE - SINGLE PERSON UNASSISTED ESCAPE: Procedures for performing and unassisted descent with
the R550 Rescue & Escape Device are as follows:
WARNING: The users of this equipment must be in good physical condition. The user must have the ability to absorb the landing.
Figure 2 - Edge Protector Figure 3 - Connecting the R550 Descender to Anchorage
Anchorage
Anchorage
Connector
Carabiner
Anchorage
Connector
Web
Lanyard
Anchorage
Anchorage
Anchorage
Connector
(Web Sling)
Carabiner
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Figure 4 - Connecting the R550 Descender
to a Ladder
Anchorage
Anchorage Connector
(Web Sling)
Figure 5 - Connecting to a Full Body
Harness
Back
D-Ring
Ladder Bracket
Carabiner
Ball Lock Pin
Fixed Ladder
Ladder Rungs
Front
D-Ring
Step 1. Connect to a Full Body Harness
or other Body Support: A full body
harness or other means of supporting
the user must be used with the
R550 Descender. Do not use a body
belt with this device. When using a
full body harness, connect the Snap
Hook on the lifeline to the front or
back D-ring (Figure 5). Ensure the
D-ring is positioned to hold the user
upright. See the full body harness
manufacturer’s instructions for more
information.
WARNING: Do not use a body belt with this equipment. Body belts do not support your entire body,
which may result in serious injury.
Step 2. Prepare the Lifeline for Descent: Prior to descent, the section of lifeline between the user and
the R550 Descender must be tightened to remove any slack. Tighten the lifeline by pulling on
the free end of the rope until slack between the user and R550 Descender is removed. Once the
lifeline is taut, hold the free end of the lifeline tightly until descent is initiated.
Step 3. Descend to Safety: Release the free end of the lifeline to initiate descent. Descent speed will be
automatically controlled to a rate described in Section 1.2 C by the R550 Descender’s centrifugal
brake. Descent may be interrupted by rmly grasping the free end of the lifeline (see Figure 6).
Bend your knees to prepare for landing. After landing, disconnect the lifeline from the body
support.
NOTE: Always wear gloves when handling the lifeline to control descent speed.
CAUTION: The R550 Rescue & Escape Device may become hot during use which could injure the user if
parts other than those used to control the descent are touched. Use beyond the specied load and descent
length limits may generate excessive heat which could damage the descent line.
Step 4. Prepare for the Next Descent: After use of the R550 Rescue & Escape Device, the lifeline must
be pulled through the device as needed to position a lifeline end and Snap Hook adjacent to the
next person to descend.
3.5 USE - ASSISTED RESCUE: The R550 Rescue & Escape Device is equipped with a Rescue Hub which can be used in
remote assisted rescues to raise the fall victim to permit removal of their fall arrest subsystem (lanyard, etc.) prior to
descent to safety (see Figure 7). Procedures are as follows:
Step 1. Lower or Raise One End of the Lifeline to the Victim: Pull the lifeline through the
R550 Descender as needed until the Snap Hook on one end of the rope is adjacent to the desired
connection point on the victim’s body support.
NOTE: In the event the connection point on the victim’s body support is not within reach, the Rope Grab accessory
can be attached upside down (ò) on the victim’s lanyard and locked in place (see Figure 7). The Snap Hook on the
R550 lifeline can be attached to the Eye on the Rope Grab and the Rescue Hub used to raise the victim to safety, or a
point where their initial fall protection system can be released to allow lowering the victim to safety.
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Figure 6 - Descent Control Figure 7 - Rescue Applications
For additional
descent control:
Lifting Handle
Pigtail
Simultaneous
Rescue/Escape
To slow or
interrupt
descent:
Free
End
Free
End
To suspend descent
and hold the victim
during rescue:
Pigtail
Cam
Cleats
NOTE: Descent may be interrupted by rmly grasping
the free end of the rope. For additional leverage, the
free end of the rope can be passed through the Pigtail
and then grasped. To suspend descent for longer
durations and free both hands for rescue, the free end of
the rope should be passed through the Pigtail and then
secured in the Cam Cleats.
Free
End
Rescue
Hub
Remote Assisted Rescue
Rollgliss
Rescue
Hub
Harness
D-Ring
R550
Rescue End
Snap Hook
Rollgliss
R550
Rescue End
Snap Hook
Harness D-Ring
Harness
D-Ring
Rescue Lanyard
Step 2. Connect to the Victim’s Full Body
Harness or other Body Support:
Connect the Snap Hook on the Rescue
End of the lifeline to the front or back
D-ring (Figure 5). Ensure the D-ring is
positioned to hold the user upright.
Victim’s
Lanyard
R550
Lifeline
WARNING: Do not use a body belt
with this equipment. Body belts do not
support the entire body, which may
result in serious injury.
Rope
Grab
Eye
Step 3. Raise the Victim to Disconnect the Fall Arrest Subsystem: Rotate the Rescue Hub to raise
the victim’s weight from the fall arrest subsystem and onto the R550 Rescue & Escape Device.
Secure the Free End of the lifeline with the R550 Descender’s Pigtail and Cam Cleats to prevent
unintentional descent (see Figure 6). Disconnect the Victim’s fall arrest subsystem (Lanyard,
etc.).
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