Key risks

• Overload and breakage with snap-back that may strike people or objects.
• Wear from abrasion, cuts or broken fibres that reduce strength, not always obvious.
• Slippage or failure of poorly made knots and anchors, with sudden release of the load.
• Damage from sharp edges, rough surfaces, heat, sparks or chemicals.
• Dropping or toppling of the load due to uneven distribution on ropes or nets that are insufficiently secured.
• Hand and finger entrapment, and friction burns when tensioning or releasing quickly.
• Entanglement and tripping hazards from leaving loose ropes in walkways.
• Risk of suffocation or strangulation for children and pets.

Safe use

• Select the appropriate type of rope or net for the task and check compatibility with hooks, karabiners and secure anchor points.
• Inspect before each use: look for cuts, excessive fuzzing, discolouration, abnormal stiffness, loose fibres, or damaged seams in nets.
• Position and tension gradually; stay out of the line of fire to avoid possible snap-back if the system fails.
• Use knots appropriate to the application and verify the hold with a controlled pull before loading.
• Protect contact areas at edges or corners using edge protectors, sleeves or padding; avoid dragging the rope along the ground.
• Keep the rope or net clean and, where possible, dry; avoid contact with oils, fuels, solvents and corrosive products.
• Wear protective gloves and, for tensioned operations, eye protection.
• Distribute the weight evenly in cargo nets and use all attachment points provided by the manufacturer.
• Do not stand on or step over tensioned ropes, and clearly mark the work area when loads are secured.

Storage and maintenance

• Clean with water and neutral soap; rinse and dry in the shade. Do not use bleach, solvents or direct heat sources for drying.
• Store in a dry, ventilated place, protected from direct sunlight, heat and chemical agents.
• Coil without knots or twists and store hanging or in a bag, avoiding forced folds and weight on top.
• Separate and label by use (for example, indoor/outdoor) to avoid mix-ups and premature wear.
• Inspect periodically and withdraw from service any rope or net with visible damage, stiffness, mould, bad odour, severe discolouration, or after an obvious overload.

Restrictions of use

• Do not use for climbing, belaying people, lifting people or as a lifeline.
• Do not work or remain under suspended loads; do not leave suspended loads unattended.
• Do not exceed reasonable tension or use makeshift levers to over-tension.
• Do not use over sharp edges or hot surfaces without adequate protection.
• Do not use near flames, sparks or in extreme temperatures.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets; in environments with a risk of entanglement, use under supervision.
• Do not splice damaged ropes or substitute accessories with improvised knots; replace the faulty component.
• Do not use when wet, frozen or with ice build-up in tasks where slippage could cause accidents.
• Do not use around moving machinery or for vehicle recovery without appropriate accessories and specific safety measures.