KINETIC RECOVERY ROPE
GUIDELINES FOR SAFE USE
Warning âš
INCORRECT USE MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH!
- Vehicle OCCUPANTS and BYSTANDERS have been KILLED by flying projectiles (such as tow balls) when recovery straps or ropes have been attached incorrectly.
- NEVER attach recovery straps or ropes to vehicle fittings such as tow balls, tow bars, tie-down points or tow hooks.
- ONLY attach recovery straps or ropes to an APPROVED recovery point/device that is suitably rated for use with the strap or rope.
- BEFORE attempting a vehicle recovery all passengers must exit the vehicles and stand as far away as possible.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Recovery ropes use the kinetic energy generated during use to help in removing a stranded vehicle. The combination of the recovery vehicle pull and the tension in the rope creates a ‘snatching’effect that can pull a vehicle free from being stuck or unable to move itself. When used in accordance with these guidelines, vehicles may be recovered with minimal risk of injury to people, or damage to vehicles or equipment.
KEY INFORMATION AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Check rope and packaging for Minimum Breaking Strength of this rope.
- It is recommended that the Minimum Breaking Strength of the rope should be between two to three times the vehicle's Gross Vehicle (GVM).
- The rope must be suited to the GVM rating of the lighter of the two vehicles used in the recovery process.
- The motor vehicle recovery rope must not be used for lifting or standard towing.
- Ensure the rope is not damaged and is in usable condition. Â The rope's strength and stretch are reduced when the rope is saturated with water.
- Something like a recovery damper, heavy bag or blanket must be draped over the rope during use to reduce any unintentional rebound of the rope.
- While the rope is being used, any people outside the vehicles involved in the recovery process must keep a safe distance [recommended distance is at least 1,5 times the length of the un-stretched rope] from the point of recovery and NEVER in the line of recovery.
IMPORTANT!
- Never attempt to recover a vehicle without all the necessary equipment.
- Only use equipment that is properly rated for the particular situation. If in doubt, don't use it.
- Never exceed the Minimum Breaking Strength of the rope or Working Load Limit (WLL) of shackles.
selecting the right recovery rope
SELECTION TIPS
It is very important to use the correct recovery rope. A rope with a ‘too light” breaking strength may break under load. A rope with a ‘too heavy’ breaking strength may not be stretched properly and more stress will be placed on the recovery points, possibly causing damage or injury. The minimum breaking strength of the rope should be between two and three times the GVM of the ‘lighter’ of the two vehicles used in the recovery process. Please note that the recovery rope will be under greater load if the vehicle is bogged in mud, sand or heavily loaded. If the GVM is not stated on the identification plate of a vehicle or its registration certificate, it could be available from the owner’s handbook or from the vehicle manufacturer.
KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE
Only the drivers of the stranded and recovery vehicle should be on those vehicles. Nobody else should be in or on those vehicles. Ensure bystanders stand at least 1,5 times the un-stretched rope length away, to the side of the line of recovery. NEVER stand between or in front of vehicles connected by a recovery rope when recovery is in process,
CONNECTING THE RECOVERY ROPE
Carefully inspect the recovery rope to determine that it is in good condition. If the rope is wet, dirty, cut or abraded it will not perform properly. A wet rope maybe 20% under strength. A damaged rope may break. Do not allow the rope to contact hot surfaces or sharp edges.
Roll the rope out between the vehicles, ensuring there are no twists or kinks and making sure to leave two to three metres slack between the vehicles. Joining ropes together for greater length should be avoided wherever possible, NEVER USE A METAL OBJECT TO JOIN ROPES — if the rope breaks it can become a missile and cause damage or injury.
Check your vehicle handbook for recovery point locations, or use correctly rated and fitted aftermarket recovery points. DO NOT CONNECT TO A TOW BALL OR TIE DOWN POINT. Connect the rope to a suitable recovery point. For any recovery point requiring the use of a shackle, use only load rated shackles. Load ratings are marked on shackles as WLL (Working Load Limit). Bow shackles are suitable for this purpose and should be rated to at least 3.25 tonnes.
To correctly tighten shackle pins, screw the pin until it seats and then back it off 1/2 a turn. Over tightening may lead to seized pins, due to the force exerted during recovery operations. Soft Shackles could also be considered as a safer, lighter solution. To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and personal injury, hang a suitable recovery damper blanket over the recovery rope approximately
midway along its length to restrict the whipping action of a rope if it should break.
Finally, check all connections and clear bystanders to a safe distance of at least 1.5 times the un-stretched length of the rope, making sure they are to the side of the recovery operation and NEVER in the line of recovery.
RECOVERY INSTRUCTIONS
Before the recovery operation, drivers must agree on the point to which the stranded vehicle is to be recovered and the signal [radio, hand or horn blast) when that point is reached.
With communications maintained between both vehicles, and the recovery rope secure, the recovery vehicle should gently accelerate, taking up the slack and proceeding at no faster than 10- 12kph. For the best results the stranded vehicle should be in first gear [or second low], and the driver should assist the recovery by trying to drive out approximately three seconds from when the recovery vehicle moves off.
If the stranded vehicle is not recovered on the first attempt, check under the stranded vehicle for obstacles, rest the slack in the recovery rope and try a little more speed by the recovery vehicle. NOTE: Excessive speed or continual jerking action whilst using a recovery rope may result in damage to the recovery point, chassis and/or driveline of both vehicles.
When the stranded vehicle has reached the agreed point the driver should advise and the recovery vehicle should stop first, followed by the stranded vehicle.
When proper use of a recovery rope is unsuccessful, use an appropriate rated recovery winch.Do not attempt to remove the rope until both vehicles are stationary and secured.
NOTE: recovery ropes require rest periods between use to return to their original length and capacity. Excessive recovery attempts over a short period of time can cause heat build-up and possible failure.
GENERAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE
It is recommended that the minimum breaking strength of the rope should be between 2 and 3 times the gross vehicle mass (GVM) of any vehicle it is used with. This recovery rope must be suited to the lighter of the 2 vehicles used in the recovery process.
- Never allow your rope to rub against sharp or hot surfaces.
- Clean your rope with warm water and a mild detergent, Allow a thorough drying before storage, Foreign material such as sand and grit can permanently damage the rope fibres.
- Check full length of rope for nicks and cuts before use. If damaged, replace it.
- Never use the rope as a lifting sling.
- Inspect shackles for damage before use. If the pin is hard to turn, the shackle has been overstressed and should be replaced.
