Unfortunately the SALA R500 has now been discontinued and superseded by the SALA R550 Auto Descender.

Unique solution for emergency rescue and evacuation from a wide range of elevated work areas.

Descender Features

• Versatile system is ideal for self rescue, multiple evacuations or even assisted rescues - rated for two person rescue.
• Compact and lightweight design with fully automatic controlled descent at 0.9m per/second enables fast and safe rescue.
• Unique bi-directional design allows one end of the lifeline to descend while the other ascends ready for another rescue.
• Optional lifting wheel helps facilitate safe assisted rescue from a distance.
• Fast installation and easy operation enables efficient and effective rescue.
• Device is designed from high-quality and corrosion resistant materials for maximum performance and durability.
• Meets or exceeds global standards including CE EN341 Class A, CE EN1496 Class B, OSHA 1926, Subpart M, Appendix C ANSI Z359.4-2007, CSA Z259.2.3-99.

Specifications

• Maximum Working Load: 2 People, 250kg
• Minimum Breaking Strength: 15kN
• Maximum Rescue Height: 300m
• Weight:
  
  • 3330010 = 5kg
  • 3331010 = 3kg
  • 3332010 = 2.2kg
  • 3343010 = 11.8kg
  • 3344010 = 13.8kg
• Descent Speed: 0.9m/s
• Housings: Aluminum Alloy
• Rope Sheave: Aluminum Alloy
• Anchorage Handle: 304 SS
• Gears and Shafts: Plated alloy steel
• Fasteners: Stainless Steel
• Bearings: Bronze
• Gears: Plated Steel
• Brake Shoe: Plated Steel
• Brake Pad: PM Automotive
• Cam Cleat: Aluminum
• Ladder Bracket: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Ladder Bracket Spring: 302 SS
• Ladder Bracket Adjustment Knob: SS and Plastic
• Lifting Wheel: Polypropylene based Technopolymer
• Rope Guide: 304 SS
• Rope: 9.5mm kernmantle
• Snap Hooks: Plated Steel
• Humidity Resistant Case: 37.5cm x 62.5cm x 47.5cm case fits up to a 150m complete system.
• Standards:
  
  • CE EN341 Class A,
  • EN 1496 Class B,
  • OSHA 1926, Subpart M, Appendix C
  • ANSI Z359.4-2007
  • CSA Z259.2.3-99

Descender Types

3330040: Rollgliss® R500
Descender, 40m length with
rescue hub and ladder bracket.

3331040: Rollgliss® R500
Descender, 40m length
with rescue hub.

3332040: Rollgliss® R500
Descender, 40m length
(no rescue hub or bracket).

Optional Accessories

Complete Kits

3340xxx	3341xxx	3342xxx	3343xxx	3344xxx

Note 1: Other lengths available in 10m increments. The length in meter is given by the 3 last digits.
Example : 3331010 for 10m, 3340070 for 70m, 3332100 for 100m, 3341150 for 150m

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the areas of application for this descender?
They are highly diverse:

• Wind Turbine Construction and Maintenance
• Land-Based and Offshore Oil Drilling Rigs
• Evacuation Services
• Utility Poles
• Construction

2. How many people is the R500 intended for?
Designed for evacuation or rescue, the R500 is intended for:

• 2 users at a time (250 kg) for a length of up to 100 m
• 1 single user at a time (141 kg) for a length of over 100 m

However, the R500 is capable of evacuating multiple users, one after another, within the limits indicated by the EN 341 Ciass A Standard.

3. Are there different R500 models and what are their special features?
The R500 Descender comes in three different designs.
The designs:

• Basic model without the rescue winch for simple evacuation
• Model with the rescue winch allowing for the person to be lifted (in order to release them from their PPE or even to lift them up completely) during the evacuation or rescue operations.
• Model with rescue winch and iadder bracket which secures the apparatus to the rungs of a ladder for ease of rescue.

Different packaging options:

• Easy to carry and store rucksack
• Rucksack packed inside a humidity resistant case in order to fully protect the equipment from damp environments.

The first 4 reference numbers for the R500 indicate the type of design as shown in the table below:

(*) : Packaging is available separately.

In order to facilitate the installation of the system in all its configurations, the models 334xxxx include 3 textile anchoring slings, a pulley, an edge protection, 4 automatic snap hooks and a rope
fall arrest device.

Each model is available with a specific rope length. The last three digits of the part numbers indicate the length of descent in meter.

4. What are the available length?
Here are the available models as well as their corresponding lengths in metres:

5. Can the R500 be used for alternative evacuations like the Bimatic or Rescuematic?
Yes, in fact every R500 model is equipped with a snap hook at each end of the line that enables alternative evacuation, without loss of time, as do the Bimatic and the Rescuematic.

6. What is the descent speed of the R500?
The R500 is a self-regulated descender. Therefore users do not have to regulate their descent speed manually and will be automatically evacuated at a rate ranging between 0.6 m/s and 0.9 m/s, according to weight. The R500 models equipped with the rescue winch have a 'pigtail' brake enabling users to slow down the descent speed manually, if they wish. Finally, these models also have cam cleats, which are essential for rescue operations because they enable lifting with safety locking in case the winch loosens.

7. What are the competitive advantages of the R500 when compared to other similar products on the market?
Each of the snap hooks on the ends of the line is compatible with the DBI SALA First - Man- Up system (Reference 2104528), which allows for the snap hook to be connected remotely to the harness D-ring anchor of the fallen person, using a 4.8 m long telescopic pole. This avoids the rescuer having to come up to the level of the person being rescued, exactly as the Rollgliss® Rescue Kit does.

The rescue winch is rounded, which avoids it getting wedged in any obstructions during the rescue. It has a removable handle that, slackened, retracts automatically into the winch, thereby averting any injury should one lose control over the handle.

The ladder bracket is equipped with retraction springs allowing for ease of installation: the upper part is attached to a rung and the spacing of the lower part is automatically adjusted to secure it to the lower rung.

8. What standards does the R500 meet?
It complies with the following EC standards:

• EN 341 Class A for all models (standard for descenders)
• EN 1496 Class B for models equipped with the rescue winch (standard for rescue)
• The entire R500 range also complies with the US Standards OSHA 1926, Subpart M, AppendiX C, ANSI Z359.4-2007, and Canadian CSA Z259.2.3-99.

9. Is there something special about the storage case?
Yes, in fact it is not an ordinary storage case, but is specifically designed to protect the equipment against humidity, UV rays, impact, etc. Made out of reinforced polyethylene, it is equipped with a seal that makes it completely moisture tight. The case meets the most stringent US military requirements for watertightness, impact resistance, resistance to vibration, etc. Its performance is guaranteed between -54°C and +74°C.

Protection of the R500 is essential in damp environments and this is provided by the special case, which also ensures the equipment is kept together and lengthens its Iifespan. The case capacity permits a maximum length of 150 metres.

Inspection

To ensure safe, efficient operation, the Rollgliss R500 Rescue & Escape Device should be inspected at intervals.

Inspection Steps

1. If the Rollgliss R500 Rescue & Escape Device is stored in a Humidity Resistant Case, inspect the Humidity Indicator on the outside of the  case. If the Humidity Indicator displays a orange or brown spot (spot-type indicator), or reading of 60 or greater (pie sector indicator):  Open the case and inspect the R500 Descender per the remaining steps.
2. Inspect device for loose fasteners and bent or damaged parts.
3. Inspect device housing for distortion, cracks, or other damage. Ensure the anchorage handle is not damaged or distorted.
4. The lifeline must pull through the device. Inspect the entire rope for cuts, burns, severely abraded areas, and excessive wear.
5. Device labels must be present and fully legible.
6. Inspect for corrosion on the device.
7. Inspect carabiners for damage, corrosion, and working condition.
8. Inspect all system components and subsystems according to manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Record the inspection results in the Periodic Examination and Repair History in the ”General Instructions for Use and Maintenance” (5902392) , or on the i-Safe web portal.

Maintenance

Rollgliss R500 Descender: Periodically clean the exterior of the Rollgliss R500 Rescue & Escape Device with water and mild detergent. Position the device so excess water will drain out. Clean labels as required. Clean lifeline with water and mild detergent. Rinse and thoroughly air dry. Do not force dry with heat. A buildup of dirt, paint, etc., may prevent the lifeline from pulling through the device. Ensure no knots are present.

Humidity Resistant Case: If inspection of the Humidity Indicator indicates the Humidity Resistant Case has experienced high humidity, perform the following maintenance:

If the Humidity Indicator on the exterior of the Humidity Resistant Case has a Spot-Type Indicator Disc, it should be replaced with a Pie Sector Indicator Disc.

1. Grasp the Humidity Indicator housing by the Hex Flange on the outside of the case.
2. Insert a 1/2” hex wrench (Allen Wrench) into the Externally Threaded Collar and turn the Collar counter-clockwise to loosen.
3. Remove the Externally Threaded Collar.
4. Remove the Teflon Washer.
5. Remove the Spot-Type Humidity Indicator Disc.
6. Install the Pie Sector Indicator Disc (P/N 9505223).
7. Install the Teflon Washer.
8. Install the Externally Threaded Collar.
9. Hold the Humidity Indicator housing by the Hex Flange and Torque the Externally Threaded Collar to 5-6Nm (45-55 inch-lbs).

Just prior to resealing the Humidity Resistant Case, replace all Moisture Absorber Packets in the case with new packets (P/N 9505148). Each new Moisture Absorber Packet is wrapped in a foil bag. Remove the foil bag before placing the the new packet in the case.

Service

Maintenance and service must be completed by an authorized service center. Do not attempt to disassemble the device. The R500 Descender requires service by an authorized service center when necessitated by inspection, or when the Maximum Cumulative Descent Distance has been reached. Descent Distances should be logged and totaled in the Descent Log (Section 8). Service shall include an intensive inspection and cleaning of all components and replacement of Friction Pads as required. Failure to provide required service may shorten the product life and compromise safety and performance.

Storage

Store the Rollgliss R500 Rescue & Escape Device in a cool, dry, clean environment, out of direct sunlight. Avoid areas where chemical or organic vapors are present. Thoroughly inspect the R500 Descender after extended storage.