Saddle and Rope Safety & Instruction Manual

HANG FREE™ SAFETY AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Safety Manual & Instructions MUST READ BEFORE USING HANG FREE™ PRODUCTS

SAFETY INFORMATION

Before using or attempting to use any Hang Free™ product, please read and familiarize yourself with the following information. With any questions or concerns about the following information, you may email us your questions at hangfreellc@hangfree.co and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

WARNING:

• ELEVATED HUNTING IS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS, AND THE FAILURE TO PRACTICE SAFETY MEASURES AND TO FOLLOW GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS AND DECISIONS.

• NEVER attempt any climb without first understanding how to climb safely and without understanding the risks involved.

• The MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT for all Hang Free™ saddles is 300 lbs. Exceeding this weight limit is done so at the risk of serious injury or death. If weight limit is exceeded, the acting party is doing so entirely at their own risk.

• The guidelines herein do not replace the need for climbing instruction by a skilled professional.

• Every user is responsible for their own safety while climbing. Failure to ensure one’s own safety creates a higher degree of risk of serious

injury or death.

• Hang Free™ strongly urges the use of our products by anyone over the age of 18 and not under the age of 18.

• Hang Free™ strongly urges and advises that if anyone under the age of 18 uses Hang Free™ products, that they do so ONLY with full

supervision by a trained, responsible, and alert adult.

• If you become seriously injured and/or lose consciousness, this saddle harness WILL NOT keep you in an upright position unless used in conjunction with a chest harness.

• Users must stay aware of the age (date of first use) and the wearing out of their equipment, inspecting all equipment thoroughly before and after each use. Hang Free™ strongly discourages anyone from using any previously owned equipment that they are not familiar with the service life of said equipment. If previously owned products are purchased the

user will have no way of knowing whether the equipment has experienced any safety critical stress during its service life before it came into their possession.

• Users should immediately retire and discontinue use of any equipment that has sustained any critical stress such as from a fall, fall arrest, or from any critical impact even if the equipment appears unharmed since it may be difficult to ascertain whether the safety of said equipment has been compromised as a result of stress exposure.

• NEVER use any Hang Free™ product without reading and fully understanding all safety warnings, guidelines, instructions, and relevant best practices as it pertains to the safe operation and use of the equipment.

• Always make sure that you have familiarized yourself with how to use the equipment, and always make sure that you have spent adequate time practicing with the equipment at ground level before you

attempt to use it at elevation. Before attempting a climb, always ensure that you are fully confident in the safety of the equipment and that you are fully confident in your ability to safely climb. This means ensuring and making sure that you have spent adequate time practicing in low light conditions so that you are prepared for a real-world scenario.

• Users are advised to always be equipped with a hands-free light source such as a headlamp for use in low-light conditions, primarily early morning and evening.

• Never use any product that is not climbing rated when climbing. The use of ropes, carabiners, and other safety-critical equipment that are not rated

for climbing could result in serious bodily injury or death.

• Never ascend or descend a tree without being connected securely to the

  tree at all times and without using the appropriate safety equipment in

  accordance with its intended use.

• Never rely on any platforms, climbing methods, or other equipment

to safely support your weight without being securely connected to the tree with both your tether and lineman ropes.

• Never use or attempt to use a Hang Free™ saddle without first securely fastening the waist belt and leg straps tightly and securely while making sure both the waist belt and leg straps are correctly attached.

• Never remove your lineman rope for any reason while climbing until you have safely reached your desired hunting height. You may only take the lineman’s belt off when you are securely and safely connected to the tree with your tether rope and at appropriate hunting height.

• Never allow slack in your tether or lineman ropes. Allowing slack in

your ropes greatly increases your risk of serious injury and death.

• Make sure your lineman’s belt is never below your hips as you ascend or descend. Always have the lineman’s belt above hips as not doing so may result in the lineman’s belt slipping off the tree. Failing to follow this rule may result in serious injury or death.

• NEVER climb above your tree tether. This allows for slack in your tether, and slack in your tether is very dangerous and could result in serious injury or death. Never allow slack in your tether. Mistakes can happen. If you were to experience a fall with slack in your tether, the chance of serious injury or death is substantially increased.

• Never use any tree tether, lineman rope, or adjustable bridge without a stopper knot being securely tied in the free end of any rope or rope assembly. Any rope whereon a friction hitch or other form of secondary rope or device is attached must have a stopper knot securely fashioned in it to prevent said hitches and devices from slipping off of the main

tether, lineman, bridge, or other ropes.

Always inspect each and every required stopper knot before and after each use to ensure that each device is safe to use. Never rely on any equipment that you have not inspected before using it.
Never exceed the gross weight limit of any Hang Free™ product. The gross weight includes your body weight, the combined weight of all equipment, and the weight of any items that you may bring with you on your climb. If you exceed the weight limit of any device, your risk of serious injury or death is significantly and dangerously increased. It is VERY unsafe and risky to exceed any weight

limits. Exceeding the weight of any Hang Free™ product is done so

at the users own risk.

• The molle webbing (raised or flat webbing) on every Hang Free™ saddle is made specifically to allow the user to hang or attach accessories or smaller sized gear to their saddle. Never use molle webbing to

support your body weight in any conceivable way. Never clip your tether rope or lineman rope to the molle webbing. The molle webbing WILL NOT support your body weight safely.

• Never use any Hang Free™ product for anything other than the intended purpose of said product.

• Each Hang Free™ product should never be used by more than one person at a time.

• No Hang Free™ product should ever be used as a toy or treated as a toy. Never use a Hang Free™ saddle as a swing or with any swinging motion other than the stated correct use of the saddle.

• Never use any ropes or rope assemblies for any purpose other than their

intended purpose.

Never use your tether rope, lineman rope, or bridge ropes as a tow rope. Using your ropes to tow or pull things outside of their intended use places unknown amounts of stress on your ropes and will greatly increase of said rope experience failures that may cause serious injury or death. If you have used any of your ropes or devices for purposes other than their intended use, you should immediately retire and discontinue use of said ropes or devices.
You should only use Hang Free™ products if you are in good overall health. Persons using Hang Free™ products should in no way fear of heights where such fear may impair their ability to operate safely. If you are prone to fainting, passing out from heights, and/or you have symptoms or indications of fainting, and/or if you have difficulty staying conscious at all times, then you should NOT use Hang Free™ products.

Persons who may experience seizures, vertigo, or who may

experience any health-related events that inhibit their ability to safely use any Hang Free™ product should refrain from using Hang Free™ products. Hang Free™ does not make any claim or offer any medical advice concerning the use of its products. You are encouraged to consult with your primary care physician before attempting to use any Hang Free™ product to ensure that you are healthy enough to use said products safely.

• Never use a saddle or any other Hang Free™ equipment if you are not feeling well, if you are dizzy or nauseous, or if you suffer from a prior medical condition such as a heart condition, joints that seize, or if you

are not well-rested, etc.
• Users of any Hang Free™ product are STRONGLY advised to

thoroughly and completely inspect all products and equipment before each and every use. Retire and discontinue using any product wherein you find cuts, abrasions, cracks, fraying, tears, stretching,

decomposition, holes, burns, rips, runs, bulges, dry-rot, chemical or corrosive damage, or where this is any indication that the product has experienced any stress or degradation.

• Do not attempt to repair any products that have become damaged. If you attempt to repair any items on your own, you accept full responsibility for the safety of said items. Hang Free™ officially endorses fully replacing worn or damaged items.

• To ensure safety, users of Hang Free™ products are STRONGLY advised to get in the habit of inspecting each and every component of their system completely before each and every use. This includes but is not limited to the inspection of the saddle, buckles, belts, ropes,

carabiners, knots, splices, and any accessories or tools used. If you find any damage whatsoever, you should immediately retire the affected product and discontinue using it.

• Any products that have been involved in a fall or that have been shock- loaded in any way should be retired immediately, you should discontinue using said products, and you should assume that they are no longer safe or suitable for use.

• Ultraviolet light radiation (usually from sunlight) can degrade materials over time. If your product becomes faded or discolored, retire the product immediately and discontinue use of the product.

• Ozone, a highly reactive and oxidative form of oxygen gas, can damage and/or degrade materials. Never allow any Hang Free™ product to be exposed to any elevated concentrations of ozone. There are products/devices that exist that generate ozone within an enclosed space that facilitate the removal of odors. However, you should never use these

ozone producing products on any Hang Free™ product or on any safety- critical piece of equipment. If any of your Hang Free™ products have been exposed to ozone gas, you should immediately discontinue use of said products.

• Never allow any ropes, harnesses, or other devices to be placed around your neck.

• Never attempt to secure yourself or your equipment to a dead or dying tree or tree branch. Always make sure that whatever part of a tree you secure yourself to is fully capable of supporting your weight. If you see any signs of rotting, decay, dead or dying branches, leaves, or any signs

of degradation, do not attempt to secure yourself to said compromised tree. Always visually inspect every tree that you attempt to climb and make sure that you have mentally planned and/or mapped out your ascent before you begin climbing and that you are aware of and avoid any potential risks or safety hazards that may be involved with any climb

or ascent. It is fully your responsibility to determine whether or not a tree is safe to climb.

• Never attempt to use Hang Free™ equipment on dead or dying, leaning, or diseased trees or on trees with loose bark.

• Never rely on a tree branch to support your weight.

• Never jump up and down on a platform to seat it to the tree.

• Never use Hang Free™ products under the influence of alcohol, drugs,

  prescription medication, or any substance which may impair your ability to exercise good judgement and to remain safe, alert, and attentive. If you are under the influence of any substance that impairs

your abilities in any way, then it is not safe for you to attempt to climb.

• Never attach any Hang Free™ product in any way to a vehicle,

  especially while it is being used by someone.

• Never secure or use a Hang Free™ product in any way that places stress

  or that causes discomfort to your back, neck, or any other part of your body. If you feel pain or discomfort of any kind, you should immediately discontinue use of said products.

• ALWAYS STAY SECURELY CONNECTED TO THE TREE AT ALL TIMES. NEVER LET GO OF THE TREE UNTIL YOUR CONNECTIONS ARE SAFE AND SECURE. DO NOT TAKE ANY UNNECESSARY RISKS.

• By using Hang Free™ products, you accept all responsibilities, risks, and liabilities associated with the use of said products. By virtue of using or placing your Hang Free™ product(s) into service, you agree to take full responsibility for the safety and efficacy of said products and/or

equipment. You also agree that you will inspect the products, and if you find that you cannot safely place the said products into service, you agree that you will not use the products.

• Never attempt to hunt at elevation during an electrical storm or when lightning may strike in your location or nearby. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.

• Always Avoid climbing during inclement weather and during wet and/or icy conditions. Attempting to climb during inclement weather increases the risk of serious injury and death.

• Pull up your bow, backpack, firearms, or other equipment only after you

are secure in your saddle and connected safely to the tree with your tether. Firearms must be pulled up unloaded with the chamber open and with the muzzle down for safety.

• Never attempt to climb a utility pole or metal poles with CRÜZR products.

• It is important to wear the correct size saddle and to use the correct equipment. Before hunting at elevation, try your saddle out at ground

level or in a safe place to make sure that the fit is correct and

comfortable.
• DATE OF EXPIRY: ALL HANG FREE™ SADDLES HAVE AN

EXPIRATION DATE! EVERY Hang Free™ saddle comes with a “Date of First Use” line included on the hang card attached to your saddle when it arrives. After using a Hang Free™ saddle for the first time, write the date on the provided line to know when it should has expired (five years). Save the card with your saddle to always be aware of the first use

date written on said card. NEVER USE A HANG FREE™ SADDLE THAT IS MORE THAN 5 YEARS OLD.

• Certain factors such as frequent use, UV radiation, temperature extremes, heat exposure, chemical exposure, etc. may shorten the service life of your Hang Free™ products. It is important to always inspect your equipment to ensure that it is safe to use before each and every use. If you determine that your equipment can no longer be used safely, please discontinue use immediately.

• THE IMPROPER USE OF ROPE, OR THE USE OF THE WRONG TYPE OF ROPE MAY BE DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

• NEVER overload rope

• Avoid shock loading rope whenever possible

• NEVER use rope in applications that exceed the heat rating of the rope.

• Always use the correct size of rope

• NEVER allow your ropes to come into contact with chemicals that may

  degrade the integrity of the rope or shorten the rope’s service life.

• It is the responsibility of the user to use rope in a safe manner.

• ALL ROPES AND CARABINERS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR

  MORE THAN 2 YEARS. NEVER USE ROPES OR CARABINERS

  THAT ARE MORE THAN 2 YEARS OLD.

• Due to the wide range of rope uses, rope conditions, a variety of factors

affecting rope behavior, and the degree to life and property involved, it is not realistic to make specific recommendations concerning the exact loads any given rope can handle.

• It is the user’s responsibility to fully understand the safe use and operation of the rope being used for any specific or general purpose.

• The user needs to be aware of all factors including but not limited to

  environmental, load, and a host of other variable factors that may present themselves as they affect the safe use of rope. Failure to do so may result in severe injury or death.

• The user of rope assumes all risks.

• Any safety training or skill training required for the safe use of rope is

the sole responsibility of the user of any rope. All users are encouraged to educate themselves on the safe use of rope.

• All ropes have a rating referred to as a tensile strength rating or average

breaking strength. This number is the amount of weight that the rope should be able to hold in IDEAL CONDITIONS. This number is referring to NEW ROPE, with no knots or splices, at ROOM TEMPERA TURE.

• These break strength ratings are based on actual destructive testing by

the manufacturer and/or a certified third-party testing facility over many cycles through which the average break strength is recorded.

• As a broad generalization, most working loads are anywhere from 10% to 25% of the average break strength of a rope.

• Any rope used in life support or personal fall protection applications MUST use the 1/10th ratio.

• When in doubt, use a working load factor that affords you a greater margin of safety, or move up to a larger diameter rope.

• Operating safely at height for hunting requires specific training.

• NEVER attempt this activity without training and guidance by an

  experienced professional in the industry.

• You must know and understand the effects of static and dynamic loading

on the main safety line as well as all ropes and cords being used.

• Always be sure to properly tie and set all knots and connections to your

  fall arrest and safety gear.

• FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR

  DEA TH

• All users are encouraged to get adequate practice time in with your equipment at ground level and in a safe and controlled environment. It is

recommended that users practice a minimum of 5 times during the day and at least 2 times in low-light conditions before using the equipment on an actual hunt. Never use any Hang Free™ product without first practicing in a safe and controlled environment.

• Keep in mind that if your hunting location is unknown to others and communication methods are unavailable to you in the field, you especially must have a plan for recovery and escape. You must also have a safety plan in place if others are aware of your hunting location and whereabouts.

• If you are trapped it is important to keep for your legs moving to prevent blood pooling in your legs. In this scenario, you may push against the tree with your legs and do other forms of leg exercises.

• Depending on your fitness level, different plans and methods of recovery and escape may be necessary.

• Have a personal plan and practice it with another responsible person before leaving the ground.

• Only you can determine the best recovery and escape plan for your situation and you must have a plan for recovery and escape before you leave the ground.

• If you do not have recovery and escape plans or ability, or if you do not have all of the necessary equipment, then you are advised to hunt from ground level.

• If an unforeseen circumstance occurs always remember to stay calm and to not panic. Stay calm and implement your recovery plan.

• Always make sure that someone knows where you are, how long you will be there, when to expect you back, and how to get to you if need be.

• Signal devices such as mobile phones, radios, whistles, flares, and/or

locator devices must be in your possession at all times and ready to be

used if the need arises.

• Never store your saddle or other equipment outdoors when not in use.

  Animals, weather, and a variety of other factors could damage your

  equipment.

• Never modify your Hang Free™ equipment in any way, including

  making repairs, without explicit authorization in writing from Hang

  Free™. Unauthorized alterations may result in serious injury or death.

• Be sure to review all instructional materials at least once per year. If you

  obtain or borrow equipment from any other person, it is their

responsibility and your responsibility to obtain all necessary instructional

and safe use documentation and information from them.

• Always use a haul line to raise and lower your hunting gear. Never climb

  with anything on your back.

• Never swing or bounce in your saddle as this action may put slack in

your ropes and increase your risk of falling.
• Always make sure that the screw gates on your carabiners are closed and

secured safely to prevent accidental carabiner release. Keep in mind that

the full rating of your carabiner only applies when the gate is fully

closed and secured.

• Climbing aids should always be positioned to extend above your

  platform in a way that enables you to step down onto your platform.

  Never step up to your platform from a climbing aid.

• In the event of unconsciousness, the saddle and platform may not keep

  you in an upright position unless you are wearing a chest harness.

• The use of second-hand equipment is strongly discouraged due to you

may not know or be familiar with the full history of the equipment’s

use.

• Always inspect the ground below and around any tree from which you

  will be hunting to ensure that the ground is free of any debris, rocks, or other objects that could increase your risk of severe injury in the event of a fall.

• Always select a tree to hunt from that is large enough to support your weight. If you can rock the tree with your own body, then you may not be able to safely climb that tree. Keep in mind that trees get thinner the higher you climb, and a tree that looks safe from the ground may not be safe above a certain height. A tree trunk that is about the diameter of a basketball is the ideal minimum diameter for any tree that you may climb. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not a tree is safe to climb.

• Hand-wash your saddle with a damp cloth and hang dry. Never use harsh chemicals, solvents, or detergents to clean your saddle.

• Never store a wet or damp saddle. Allow it to hang dry before placing it in storage.

• Never allow your saddle to be stored in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or in temperatures below -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Do not sew, resew, or burn or singe loose threads.

• Do not drill, saw, file, modify, or change your equipment in any way.

• Keep your saddle and equipment away from animals, pets, rodents, etc.

  that may gnaw or chew on your equipment.