Precautions when using the ZIGZAG - Petzl Norway
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Precautions when using the ZIGZAG

Warnings

  • Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
  • Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
  • We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.

Note: in this document the name ZIGZAG means either the ZIGZAG or ZIGZAG PLUS models.

Release lever

Any accidental pressure on the ZIGZAG's release lever can cause a fall.

ZIGZAG, release lever
ZIGZAG, release lever

Verification during use

Beware of foreign bodies or system elements which can impede the operation of the friction chain or press on the release lever: branches, retrieval balls, rope terminations...

ZIGZAG, verification during use.
ZIGZAG, verification during use.
ZIGZAG, verification during use.

Rope

The ZIGZAG is for use with EN 1891 rope, 11.5 -13 mm in diameter. Storage: Depending on the techniques used, the ZIGZAG can be left in place on the rope to save time on the next use.

ZIGZAG, rope type.
ZIGZAG, rope type.

Connector between ZIGZAG and CHICANE

The shape of the CHICANE’s attachment hole is optimized for OK and Am’D. This shape prevents the connector from rotating, which could create a risk of dangerous interplay between the CHICANE and the ZIGZAG’s release lever.

ZIGZAG, connector between ZIGZAG and CHICANE
ZIGZAG, connector between ZIGZAG and CHICANE

Rope glide and rope length in double mode use

When the rope slides through the ZIGZAG (ascent or descent), the rope also slides around the anchor.

If rope glide is slowed by friction in the anchor, or on branches, movement will be less fluid.

Using doubled rope makes it difficult to evaluate rope length in relation to tree height.

ZIGZAG, rope glide and rope length.