Latchways Personal Rescue Device (PRD)

The Latchways is set to revolutionise the rescue process with the introduction of the PRD which utilises innovative design technology.

The lightweight, unobtrusive PRD is an integrated harness system for self rescue. In the event of a fall the device lowers the faller gently to the ground in a controlled descent.

The whole rescue process only takes a few seconds due to the Latchways engineering in the ‘back pack’ which contains:

• a parachute type ‘rip cord’ that releases the descending system
• a brake mechanism and spool with a 20 m (65 ft)* cord gently lowers the faller to the ground
• a standard harness that can be easily released allowing quick evacuation from the fall zone

PRD Brochure:
PRD Manual:
   

The range

RH2—Two point harness (dorsal and chest attachments)
RH3—Three point harness (dorsal, chest and work positioning waist belt attachments)

The PRD is built into a standard harness which is supplied by Latchways or can be retrofitted into an existing harness (retrofitting the harness should not be done without first contacting Latchways).

Mechanical integrity

The innovative design uses quality componentry and a limited number of moving parts ensuring 100% mechanical integrity which is defined by the design standards the device meets and exceeds.

Ease of use

The patented Latchways componentry has been designed to fit neatly into the ‘back pack’ to ensure the worker can safely go about their daily work. The ‘back pack’ fits onto a harness so that it becomes part of everyday work wear for those who work at height. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive but also robust ensuring it can withstand the rigours of the harshest working environments.

Minimal training and fast rescue

Unlike all other rescue devices no specialist training is required as the device is worn as part of a standard harness and activation is achieved by simply pulling the ‘rip cord’. Once the ‘rip cord’ is pulled the spool and its integral braking mechanism lower the faller to the ground in a controlled descent.

Creating your risk assessment using the Latchways PRD

Latchways recognise the complexity of creating risk assessments and the myriad of procedures that often need to be detailed to cover the rescue element of the assessment. The Latchways Personal Rescue Device offers the opportunity to simplify these processes and, to cover all the eventualities that could arise, can be activated using the Latchways Rescue Pole through the built-in secondary descent release mechanism.

Standards

The Latchways PRD consists of a full body harness and integral descender device that conforms to all the required standards:

The harness conforms to

• EN361: 2002
• ANSI Z359.1.2007
• AS/NZ 1891.1: 2007

The descender device conforms to:

• EN 341: 2011 Type 1, Class D
• ANSI Z359.4:2007

The ‘back pack’ and harness:

• Conform to BS EN 13463-1:2001 equipment group 11 category 2
• Have been successfully assessed against EN 13463-1:2009 and EN 13463-5:2003 under ATEX category Ex II 2 G c IIC T3.

(Text and images courtesy of Latchways.com)